We regularly post tasting notes from our Friday Staff Tasting, providing you with our take on all the latest craft beer arrivals. Apparently brewers don’t take summer holidays, as the new brews continue to roll in from around BC and beyond. This week was a little slower, we’ll admit, but there still some pretty cool new releases. We’re excited to spread the craft beer love around the Victoria area and beyond!
Speaking of which, do you know about our Beer Mail program? Every two weeks we put together a new and different selection of 12 large-format beers (2 bottles each of 6 different beers), which we can send to any city in BC. So, if you’re reading this from someplace that doesn’t have good access to a killer selection of craft beer like we offer, think about ordering a case from us. Or maybe you live here in Victoria, but you want to send a gift or a beery care package. Ordering is easy, safe & secure and your beer arrives well-packed and in great shape. Just click here for details: BEER MAIL.
And without further ado, here’s what’s new!
Parallel 49 ¡Órale! Tequila Barrel Aged Gose 4.5% 650ml (Vancouver, BC)
This is a truly original brew bringing together German and Mexican drinking culture! It features notes of pickle juice, smoked wheat, jalapeno, tequila, peppered ham and grainy mustard on the nose. Equally savoury on the palate, you get pickle juice, margarita, jalapenos, and savoury/briny meat with a swack of acidity on the zippy finish.
Twin Sails Kottbusser 5.8% 650ml (Port Moody, BC)
Speaking of German beer, kottbusser is an obscure style that was outlawed in Germany when the Reinheitsgebot (Germany Beer Purity Act) was established. Since this brew includes “impure” items like oats, molasses and honey, it was banned. This modern version features notes of barnyard funk, earth, burnt spice and toasted malt on the nose. On the palate you get hints of sweet honey and milk chocolate with an earthy, dry finish.
Category 12 Barrel Holder Belgian Golden Strong Ale 10.6% 650ml (Saanich, BC)
This big brew was aged in red wine oak barrels for added frutiness. On the nose you get fresh pineapple juice, candied tropical fruit, barrel spice and vanilla bean aromas. There are rich caramel, tropical fruit, vanilla and pineapple notes on the palate. It’s boozy & sweet with a tannic finish.