When you hear “Vancouver Island Craft Beer”, what comes to your mind? As a liquor store manager, many producers begin to brew in my head. I’d like to talk about some beers that will tickle the taste buds of most consumers and pair well with the Vancouver Island summer sunshine.

At the south end of the island, in the city of Victoria, is one of the most noteworthy producers, Phillips Brewing. They craft beers ranging from Kölsch to sours, lagers and more with a generous number of rotating flavours all year long. With five different mixed packs to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a sip that you can savour all year long. My favourite is the Dinosour line-up that has a constant interchanging of refreshing flavours.

Phillips’ newest Dinosour flavour. Image courtesy of Phillips Brewing and Malting Facebook.

Also in Victoria is the longest-running craft beer producer on the island, the one and only Vancouver Island Brewing. Locally brewed on the island for over 40 years, VIB makes a range of classic brews that will satisfy your urge to sip (or slam). Any craft beer connoisseur would be happy picking up their Outpost Mix Pack that carries four staple beverages: Mystic Haze Pale Ale, Broken Islands Hazy IPA, Islander Lager and Break Point Pilsner. For a hot day on Vancouver Island, I’d recommend grabbing a cold Islander Lager.

VIB's flagship Islander Lager. Image courtesy of Vancouver Island Brewing Facebook.

Moving more north to the mid-island region is one of my personal favourites, Wolf Brewing. Based and brewed in Nanaimo, Wolf has a flagship lineup that will quench your craft beer thirst. Along with their staple sips, they have a healthy rotation of limited releases that are exciting and experimental. How often do you see an English Special Bitter around these parts? On a hot sunny day, I’d recommend picking up a pack of cold Golden Honey Ale to help cool you down. Fun fact – they also own up-and-coming vodka company West Coast Spirits, which is distilled and bottled in beautiful Parksville.

Wolf Brewing’s core beers. Image courtesy of Wolf Brewing Company Facebook.

Longwood Brewery is also located within Nanaimo and is a local favourite. If you’re a fan of darker beers, two of their core line-up brews, Stoutnik and Steam Punk, would be right up your alley. You can enjoy their brews fresh in the tap room located within the brewery (not too far from my store!) and, bonus, their outdoor patio is puppy-friendly. If you’re looking to run on island time, they have a beer specifically titled for the occasion. Island Time Lager and Island Time Pale Ale are the perfect lighter-flavoured beers to enjoy when you’re on the go or enjoying a relaxing day at the beach. But of course, I have to give an honourable mention to my favourite Longwood brew – the Berried Alive Raspberry Ale (or as we locals call it, the Framboise). Nothing beats grabbing a growler full of ‘Fram’ from the brewery to kick off your weekend.

Longwood Brewing’s Island Time Pale Ale. Image courtesy of Longwood Brewery Facebook.

When it comes to craft beer produced on Vancouver Island, there’s a lot to cover. We are blessed with a picture-perfect climate and a slew of amazing craft beer breweries. I hope that you try something new this summer and continue to support local where you can.

Gilakasla!
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Written by our Expert, Shanyaa – Lover of local and Mid Island Liquor Store Manager