We regularly post tasting notes from our Friday Staff Tasting, providing you with our take on all the latest craft beer arrivals. The limited edition holiday brews continue to roll in. We have some really lovely ones, such as Hoyne’s beautifully packaged Gratitude Strong Ale. It makes a wonderful gift for anyone you want to say “thank you” to this season.
And remember, if you pick up four of any craft beer bombers, you’ll get a free bomber carrier (pictured below). Bring it back and fill it up again, and you’ll get 5% off that purchase. Keep bringing it back and filling it up and keep saving.
Lastly, don’t forget to check the #BeerInTheBack chalk board if you come into the store can’t find something we’ve written about here. It’s probably still in the back, since we always seem to have more beer than we know what to do with. A staff member would be happy to get some for you!
St. Feuillien Cuvee de Noel 9% 750ml (Belgium) $12.9
Pours a clear, ruddy red-brown colour. Delicious notes of spiced dark fruits on the nose. Sweet notes of spiced Christmas plums and licorice on the palate with abundant carbonation.
Steamworks Blitzen Tripel 9% 650ml (Vancouver) $8.4
Pours a rich clear lemon yellow colour. Classic orchard fruit and citrus notes on the nose. Slightly sweet notes of pear and apple with Belgian yeast spice. Hint of bitterness on lingering finish.
Maui Doppel Shot Double Bock 8.2% 4pk cans (Maui, HI) $16.6
Pours an intense golden orange colour. Nutty notes of light-roast coffee, nuts and rich malt on the nose. Bold, nutty coffee notes on the nose with a big backbone of malt and slightly bitter finish. Rich and satisfying.
Prearis Quadrocinno 10% 330ml (Belgium) $5.9
Pours a hazy chocolate brown colour. Dark fruit, spice and hint of coffee on the nose. A very robust, but drinkable quadruppel with lots of dark fruit and spice and a finishing touch of dark roast coffee. Perfect after-meal sipper.
Rekorderlig Passionfruit Cider 4.5% 4pk cans (Sweden) $16.6
Almost clear with just a tinge of pear flesh colour. Huge floral passionfruit notes on the nose. Sweet, juicy passionfruit notes on the palate with notes of sweet, ripe pear and a hint of acidity. Off-dry.
Tofino Black Lager 4.5% 650ml (Tofino, BC) $8.9
Pours a cola brown-black colour. Light notes of cocoa, vanilla and chocolate on the nose. Pleasant dark malt notes of chocolate & coffee with a hint of tartness on the dry finish.
Lighthouse Black Sam Licorice Stout 7.2% 650ml (Victoria) $7.9
Pours a dense black-brown colour. Rich notes of dark chocolate and licorice spice on the nose. Chocolate and coffee stout notes dominate on the palate with a hint of licorice spice in the background.
Hoyne Gratitude Strong Ale 9% 650ml (Victoria) $12.9
Pours a light chestnut red-brown colour. Big floral and dried fruit notes on the nose. On the palate it’s a tasty mix of black cherries, root beer and spice. Very easy drinking and delicious for such a big beer.
Rogue Double Chocolate Stout 9% 650ml (Oregon) $16.9
Pours a deep, rich blackish brown. Very viscous and intense. Notes of hot cocoa, milk chocolate and toasted marshmallows on the nose. The flavours follow suit: this is a very intense blast of sweet chocolate bar, marshmallow and smoke with a dry, bitter finish. Serve this sipper instead of dessert.