October is BC Craft Beer Month

Originally published in The Province on October 5th, 2011
By Jan Zeschky

October 2011 marks the inaugural B.C. Craft Beer Month – and if you’re thinking, “Oh yeah, says who?” just ask a certain Queen Liz, who gave the idea her official stamp of approval.

A range of events – including tastings, beer dinners and Oktoberfest parties (for it is that time of year, too, of course) – have been organized across the province, from the Gulf Islands to the Okanagan and as far north as Smithers.

A majority of events seem centred on Victoria, which is really no surprise if you consider that B.C.’s capital is probably the nation’s best beer city (on a quality-per-person ratio, at least — and remember it’s now the home of Canada’s best beer).

Much like Vancouver Craft Beer Week, the events seem designed to accommodate both those with just a passing interest in beer and hard-core hopheads.

Some of the more intriguing events include a tour of Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria (2 p.m., Oct. 8, free, 90 minutes) led by beer historian Greg Evans, who will guide the group around the graves of B.C.’s pioneer brewers and give insights into the province’s brewing past; a guide to pairing craft beer with chocolate at Cocoa Nymph in Kitsilano (7 p.m., Oct. 12, $35); a joint Oktoberfest and Harvestfest organized by CAMRA Vancouver (noon, Oct. 15); and a Vancouver Island Brewing brewmaster’s dinner at Oak Bay’s Penny Farthing pub (6 p.m., Oct. 23, $50).

All month long, there will be modified cask nights from the usual suspects, such as the Railway Club, St. Augustines, The Whip and London Pub in Vancouver and Spinnakers and The Beagle in Victoria.

Moreover, many breweries will be showcasing their seasonal releases at the many tasting events across B.C. I wonder if Queen Liz likes pumpkin beer?

For a full catalogue of events and ways you can support B.C. craft beer and B.C. businesses, visit the official website at craftbeermonth.ca. Happy drinking.

jzeschky@theprovince.com
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