Also available in Monday Magazine, originally posted on July 30th, 2020.
After last month’s look at what to do if you’re sticking around town this summer (Patios!), the weather has improved even more and Phase 3 is in full swing so people are taking advantage and traveling to locations not too far from their own backyard. This means a lot more camping, staying within that small group of friends, and filling up a cooler with a great local selection of beers to take somewhere on the road.
If you’re looking for something a little different while enjoying the Island, there are some great options to try while outside of cell reception. Ile Sauvage’s Papillon – French for butterfly – is a fun, enjoyable beer for those hot summer evenings, and takes advantage of the butterfly pea flower to delight the visual senses in addition to the usual taste and smell. This saison, which also has lavender, pours a stunning bluish-purple and is ridiculously eye-catching while being a perfect summer thirst-quenching option. This limited release usually disappears quickly, so if you do see it on the shelves and you’re looking for something unique to enjoy, I highly recommend picking it up and giving it a try.
For those who are looking for something a little more traditional, Vancouver Island Brewing has released the latest in their limited-run Tidal Series, and instead of going wild, they’ve gone back to the roots of Craft Beer on the West Coast. Their West Coast IPA takes things back to a time when not every new IPA had to be hazy and juicy and brings back a crisp, clear, and hoppy brew that due to its intensity, pairs amazingly well with strong flavours like barbecue and alongside a classic order of fish and chips. One thing to remember though, hops amplify spice in foods so if you’re going for something spicy, IPAs will turn things up to 11 in a hurry and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
If you’re not up for a road trip and plan on sticking around town, a few more patios have popped up in addition to those mentioned last month. Phillips Brewing, Vancouver Island Brewing, and Moon Under Water Brewpub have all opened up their newly built patios, and if you’re up on the Peninsula, Category 12 Brewing and Howl Brewing have both added outdoor seating so soak up some sunshine, enjoy a beer (or two), and continue supporting these local breweries by doing something pretty easy: Drinking good beer.
Matter of Beer 