Yeah, I really ought to make the effort to get out to the coast next year. Work shouldn't be as busy (and maybe I'll have some holidays banked!).
Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 5:39 pm
by Derek
A nice video clip by the Express about Hoppapalooza at the Alibi (from 4 to 7 minutes):
Posted: Fri May 13, 2011 5:04 pm
by Jon Walker
Off to today's event;
The first ever Brewery Creek Beer Festival will showcase some of the top Craft Breweries in the US and their delectable brews – some of which have never before been seen (or tasted) in BC. Our crafty cousins to the south are bringing with them an amazing selection of their best craft beer!
Anderson Valley Brewing Co
Buckbean Brewing Co
Deschutes Brewing Co
Eel River Brewing Co
Elysian Brewing Co
FX Matt Brewing Co
Green Flash Brewing
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Lagunitas Brewing Co
Lexington Brewing Co
Moylan’s Brewery
North Coast Brewing Co
Rogue Ales Brewery
Shipyard Brewing Co
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
Ska Brewing Co
Southern Tier Brewing Co
Stone Brewing Co
Uncommon Brewers
With up to 4 beers per brewery, DJ K-Tel’s soulful spinning and the swamp stylings of the Kingrails, local food carts (Re Up and Beer Brats), this ground breaking festival is craft beer history in the making – don’t miss out, these tickets are going quick!
As with most awards, there was an interesting mix. If they can maintain that number of submissions, they should probably add a few more categories.
A Pilsner actually took the Best in Show, and it was indeed an excellent example of the style. I'll have to swing by Steamworks in the summer for a few more pints!
I think the most memorable brew I had was Russell Brewing's Nectar of the Gods Wheat Wine. Unique & awesome. It doesn't need barrel-aging, but that should also be interesting!
"Chester Carey, the organizer of today’s event, is urging the judges to reward outstanding beers, no matter if they perfectly represent all qualities of the specific style the brewmaster was aiming for."
Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 5:47 pm
by Jon Walker
I know most of the guys who judged this year. I can't imagine there's another event in Canada that has such a qualified panel (all certified, not one but THREE cicerones amongst them). However it is a fairly logical debate to have. Do you award a beer due to faithfulness to style or due to innovation? I suppose it depends whether the innovation is WITHIN style or takes it into a different style. Sometimes the lines are blurry and a consensus is hard to arrive at.
Regardless, there were some very worthy winners this year and the whole VCBW went tremendously well. Hats off to all the dedicated and passionate beer folk out here that made it happen and supported it through ticket sales and volunteering.
Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 8:34 pm
by Derek
Yeah, I like Chester's philosophy. At times it might be hard to remain objective, but it's good to consider the artistic merit... or simply just acknowledge a kick-ass brew.
Overall I think the outcome was good, but I thought the awards might have sparked some more discussion like the CBA's & OBA's often do (not just here).
Yeah, there was still an army of enthusiastic volunteers at the final event, which is seriously impressive given the full week of activities.