With something for everyone, the second annual Whistler Village Beer Festival was a smashing success. Having increased events and attendance from last year, this festival is only going to keep getting bigger and better.
For an event in only its second year, it’s already set itself apart as one of the key beer festivals in BC. “[The Festival] was a collaborative concept between Tourism Whistler, Gibbons Group & Watermark”, says Liam Peyton, Festival and Events Manager. “Initially, there had been talks about introducing a beer festival to the resort and to either introduce it as part of Cornucopia Wine & Food Festival or make it stand alone. The consensus was to create a new weekend in the slower season.”
Four days of craft beer events filled Whistler Village last week. 
The earlier events included seminars by some of BC’s craft beer royalty. Guests were treated to the History of Beer and Beer 101 with Ken Beattie of Eureka Beer Guide & Prud’homme Beer Certification. Author Joe Wiebe took attendees through the Craft Beer Revolution, a look at the craft beer scene in BC over the last 30 years.
For the foodie fans, there were many beer and food pairing events. Some of the top-billed events included Barley and The Beast, a 5 course meal put together by the executive chefs at The Westin’s Grill & Vine Restaurant. And a Chef’s Beer Dinner, a multi-course meal paired with craft beers from Deschutes Brewery created by Chef Michael Guy. Not to forget other events such as “Butcher and the Brewmaster” and “Beer and BBQ”. Lots to do for those wanting their cake (or beef) and beer with it too!
For those wanting to experience what the breweries had to offer, there were tap takeovers, cask showdowns, and brewery parties at locations all over the village, every day. Then, of course, there was the main event. Nearly 4000 people packed the Olympic Plaza on a gorgeous sunny day and enjoyed beers from over 62 different breweries. Attendance was up from last year’s event, which meant increased business for local hotels and busy restaurants and bars. Liam also shared with us that there were “no operational or other hindrances to the event, which was a relief!” Nothing beats a beer festival that’s smooth sailing.
One of the brewing representatives at the event was Cris Ohama, Co-Founder and Sales Director of Untapped Craft Imports. “We found the event to be great. It was a lot of fun, great weather, and really liked the fresh, new approach that the WVBF committee did.”, said Ohama. “I like how it was more than just a big tasting event. It had many components over the few days. Also, it really brought together new people into the craft beer scene.” CAMRA Vancouver was fortunate enough to sign up lots of new members while we were there. We even surpassed member 1600! Congratulations and welcome!
The benefit for the breweries in attendance was a chance to win 
a year long draught contract with the Longhorn and Dubh Linn Gate, as well as a bottle contract with the Garibaldi Lift Co. Attendees to the festival were encouraged to vote using their smart phones to give one brewery some world class exposure. The winner this year was Vancouver’s own Parallel 49! Enjoy your local craft options up at Whistler this ski season.
With the festival over for the year, one has to wonder what Liam and the festival committee have planned for next year. They’re keeping the cards close to their chest for now, but Liam did tell us that the festival will be September 17-20, 2015 and to “stay tuned and stay thirsty!”
Shawna Perry – @shawzepe
CAMRA BC – Vancouver Branch Communications Support
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