February is the perfect time to come out of hibernation and enjoy what the new year really has to offer, so brush off the holiday cobwebs and leave those January blues behind.
| Monday beer columnist Mathieu Poirier |
Victoria Beer Week is just weeks away, happening March 6-14, and tickets are disappearing fast so don’t wait if you’ve got an event piquing your interest. What are some of the returning favourites and some of the new options to look out for? Well, look no further.
As is usually the case, there are a few not-to-be-missed events that happen every year. Lift Off starts the whole week off on March 6 and showcases a selection of brand new beers, launching all at one time. All About the Wood on March 7 brings out the big guns with a variety of barrel-aged wild beers and rich, warming beers as well. Saturday Night Casks is the big finale on March 14 and always offers up a stunning list of unique, one-off beers sure to see everyone find a new favourite.
If you would rather go for something new and different, seek out Lager than Life, happening on Friday, March 13. These aren’t your dad’s lagers: there’s a wide variety of malty, hoppy, dark and unique options to try. Finally, Street Eats Brewery Tours take place on both Saturdays and will have West Coast Brewery Tours take you around to three breweries for a quick tour. The tours include beer samples and food from some of Victoria’s great food trucks at each stop, with a beer dessert to finish.
Ticket details and more information are available at Victoriabeerweek.com, and discounts for select events are available for Victoria Beer Society members.
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If you don’t want to wait until March for your beer festival season to start, then the 11-years-strong Island Craft Beer and Spirits Festival at Distrikt in the Strathcona Hotel happens Feb 16. Featuring nearly 20 Vancouver Island breweries and cideries alongside a number of distilleries – there’s also a fantastic selection of food offerings – this event is a great reminder of how amazing local producers are and how a ferry ride isn’t necessary to have some of the best beers out there.
Tickets, are $25 and include tokens for four drinks and two food items. Find them at the hotel front desk and online at eventbrite.ca.
Also by Mathieu Poirier:
Looking back on the year in beer
Exciting changes in store for Great Canadian Beer Fest
New Island brewery tour book a great resource for beer fans
editor@mondaymag.com
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