Craft beer has now gotten so big that even politicians are cashing in on its popularity – hell, President Obama has a mini brewery at the White House. Recently Obama and Stephen Harper had a bet over the Olympic Hockey results, with the loser to choose a beer to give to the winning side. Harper chose Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company and Big Rock Brewery to represent Canadian beer. These large sized independent breweries operate out of Ontario and Alberta respectively. While this is a step up from what he gave Obama last Olympics (Molson Canadian) I think that the Right Honourable Mr. Harper should broaden his horizons and throw off his Albertan lager tendencies and try some of the craft beer that BC is becoming famous for.
Inspired by Yann Martel’s “What is Stephen Harper Reading?” project in 
which he sent our Prime Minister a book every two weeks for 4 years, I have created a curated list of five distinctly BC beers that I suggest Mr. Harper might like to try to widen his craft beer horizons. Just as Martel (author of the Life of Pi) wanted to use books to illuminate Harper on misguided policy decisions, I would like to make the case for the array of breweries that are springing up in BC.
Who knows, perhaps next time he makes a bet, something like a Fat Tug will make the list!
Driftwood Fat Tug IPA
If the PM wants to fit in with the common man in BC, it’s no longer Lucky Lager or Caribou that is the drink of choice. Hops are where it’s at, and this big citrus, grapefruit hop explosion is every craft beer drinker’s go-to. While his advisors may be telling him to partake of a pint of Keiths with the punters for photo pops, he should be wise to follow the @Keithsisnotanipa feed for further illumination on the subject.
Crannog Back Hand of God
Harper is a big fan of Guinness and even stopped in for a tour of the brewery when in Ireland. But if he wants to try the stout that BC is most famous for, he should drop by the organic Crannog brewery in BC’s interior. Who knows, it might even help him win the respect of god fearing voters.
Four Winds Wildflower Saison
This refreshing Farmhouse brew made with delicate chamomile and elderflowers will give the PM a taste for the Belgian-inspired styles that are becoming popular in the Pacific Northwest and is sure to be a hit with the ladies!
Brassneck Session CDA
Cascadian Dark Ale is a uniquely Pacific Northwest style that is dark like a Porter and hoppy like an IPA. The perfect Pacific Northwest lovechild that is bound to tantalise Harper’s tastebuds.
Yaletown’s Old Bruin
Even for the most experimental craft beer drinking politician, this sour brown beast is guaranteed to blow your socks off. Now he would really get some beer nerd points if he gave Obama some of this!
This article is written by Sammie Gough, CAMRA Vancouver’s Community Liaison.
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