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August 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Kelowna, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
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The Kelowna area is known for its many fine wineries, but for those who prefer their liquids to be of the barley, hops and malt variety, take note: Tree Brewing has a cold one (or six) waiting just for you.
A stop at Tree Brewing wasn’t part of our original Kelowna plan, but we spotted a sign so we hung a left and checked it out.
Their chilly beer cooler room was stocked with a fine selection and served as a welcome break from the sweltering Kelowna heat (I’m a coastal wimp and melt in anything above 25°C). Beer samples were available to help parched visitors make up their mind about what to purchase.
As nice as it was in the cooler room, my favorite part of the visit was actually on the outside of the building: huge hops vines scaled the white bricks, all the way to the roof. Hops, one of the crucial elements of a fine brew, are known for growing very tall – and very quickly.
The Tree Brewing staff told us that hops could grow about one foot per day, and the vines out front reached the roof of the building in just three weeks! Very cool to see beer ingredients in their raw form.
May 1, 2009 | Tips from Us > Sidney, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
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Just a short detour off the Lochside Bike Trail, which runs the length of the Saanich Peninsula between Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal, cyclists can find a sweet break from the pedals. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is located about 12km from the Swartz Bay, on the opposite side of the #17 (Pat Bay) Highway from the cycling route.
I stopped at the Ciderhouse last week on a weekend cycle for a sampling of their hard apple ciders, ranging from dry to dessert sweet. My favourite was the Kings & Spies, a light sparkling dry cider with a touch of sweet.
December 20, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Duncan, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
I'm from Duncan on Vancouver Island and when my husband I were out for a drive about two weeks ago we saw some signs for Merridale Ciderworks, so we said, "Why not?" and we checked it out.
This place is amazing! It's an estate cidery tucked away on Merridale Road (a side road on Cameron Taggart rd.) and they have the nicest views! As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted by the hostess and asked if it was our first time visiting. When we said it was, she offered us to go on their self-guided tour of the distillery to learn more about the process of cider-making, and once we finished that, we went back inside and had a tasting of several different types of their cider (our favourite was the Scrumpy! mmm!).
After the tasting, we had lunch in their bistro (I think it was called the Pommeraie Bistro) and the food was FANTASTIC! My husband had the chicken pot pie and I had the lamb burger and everything was locally grown and organic, and the waitresses were friendly and helpful. I can't believe we had never been to this place before, but now that we know it's there, we've been twice since that first day!
I definitely recommend Merridale Cidery for anyone who wants good food in a warm (literally, they have a fireplace!), friendly venue. And if you want a laugh, go to the tasting bar, Darcy is hilarious! :)
January 14, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Penticton, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
We recently visited the Tin Whistle Brewery in Penticton, BC, just before Christmas and tasted some of their fantastic beers. They have put out a new beer called Chocolate Cherry Porter - absolutely WONDERFUL. In my opinion, a smash hit but apparently it will only be available seasonally in the fall/winter. They have other varieties of beer such as Peaches 'N Cream, Coyote and Black Widow, all very good beers too. If people are visiting the South Okanagan, they should definitely stop in for a visit, a tour, and a tasting. It's located on Eckhardt Avenue, not too far from the Okanagan Lake beach.
January 30, 2006 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
I know that
Vancouver may not be Prague, and British Columbia may not be Ireland, but we do have plenty of great local beers, and places to drink them, just the same. I recently picked up a copy of the
Passport to Beer guide book which highlights all these great beers, and watering holes. It cost $20 and includes $500 worth of coupons for free beer tours (e.g., Vancouver Island Brewery, Gulf Islands Brewery), 2 for 1 admission (Granville Island Brewing Tours, False Creek Ferries), 2 for 1 appies at local restaurants and even a few merchandise and accommodation discounts.
Might be worthwhile if you are planning on hanging out for a while, or just plan to hit all the best brew spots during your stay. 2 for 1 tapas at Stella’s – let’s go!!
December 16, 2005 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
I'm not normally a creature of habit. But, for me, a trip to Victoria isn't complete without a visit to
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub. It's the oldest brewpub in Canada and their beer is so tasty (not to mention their food!). Their beer list changes from visit to visit but the last time I was there, I tried the Pumpkin Porter and the Holiday Saison. Thumbs up for both. One of the best things about Victoria is that it is really easy to get around on foot. (Which is especially fortunate after you've had a few beers.) If you're not ready to call it a night after Spinnakers, you can follow the self-guided Ale Trail and stop in at some of the city's other craft breweries.
Canoe Brewpub, Marina & Restaurant is housed inside a beautiful 19th century brick and timber building (it was once the municipal hydro plant). They have a daily "appy hour" if you have the munchies. Just a few short blocks away is
Swans Brewpub. It's located inside the Swans Hotel and is home to a stunning art collection (everything from original Pierre Trudeau paintings to First Nations' art). Again, they have very yummy craft ales and lagers. They also have a really good home-brewed non-alcoholic root beer on tap. From Swans, you can end the Ale Trail at
Hugo's Brewhouse which has the look-and-feel of a funky warehouse with high ceilings, brick walls and exposed pipes. You can cap off the evening with my fave drink there - the Super G beer (it has ginseng in it, so it must be good for you!)
October 11, 2005 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
It's Autumn! You can always tell - the air is crisper and cooler, leaves start turning colour, and
Steamworks Brewpub serves up their delicious Pumpkin Beer. Located in Vancouver's Gastown area - the most historic
neighbourhood in Vancouver - Steamworks brews this unique beer the beginning of every Autumn. Lightly spiced and ripe with pumpkin flavour, it's a great way to ring in cool season in the city. If you like beer, head down for a pint or two. But don't wait too long, they only serve the brew till Halloween.
October 1, 2005 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
I have a wee bit of a headache. Yep, that's right, I went to the
Autumn Brewmasters' Festival in
Vancouver last night. It was my first time and I don't think it will be my last. For $25 I received a four ounce plastic beer glass and three token chips to trade in for BC brew samples (I have one left I would now love to trade in for a Tylenol). I purchased more tokens at a price of 3 for $5. As the night went on, the crowd got busier, the music got louder and the beer needed to be lighter. I started out with a good hearty chocolate and coffee infused Stout, by half-time I was drinking Amber ales, and at the end of the night I was looking for golden Lagers. The other thing that progressed throughout the evening was the length of the line-up for the washroom. In total I tasted about 20 samples from Breweries all over BC; my top picks were from Crannog Ales, located in Sorrento, and Steamworks Brewing Company, located in
Gastown. The event sells-out each year, so if you are already planning on going next year purchase your tickets in advance.