Welcome the Spring season this March with a bounty of outstanding beverage choices—all sure to add refreshment and enjoyment to your next occasion, and all available at your favourite Mid Island Liquor locations! Whether you’re planning some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, revisiting some classics, or looking to usher in 2025 with something new, these drinks have you covered.

Hoyne Brewing Company – Hello Darkness Mix Pack

Victoria-based, family-owned Hoyne Brewing Co. continues to show the depth of their love for beer and the good times paired with it by bundling up four finely executed beers in one box with their Hello Darkness Mix Pack. This case of beer packs a seasonally appropriate lineup of sip-friendly stand-outs sure to satisfy all month long with options balanced perfectly to fit all occasions (especially St. Patrick’s Day).

Featuring their award-winning, Island-favourite beer, Dark Matter defies conventional categorization with its unique lightness and creamy texture. This brew is best enjoyed with grilled meats and smoked cheeses, as its hints of dark chocolate and roasted malt confidently complement robust meals fueled by fierce fires (or barbeques).

For those looking for a locally brewed Irish Stout, Finnegan’s Irish Stout serves creamy chocolate notes balanced by coffee and roasted barley flavours culminating in a dry finish. Bold and savoury foods (especially the ones found in a pub like Bangers and Mash) see Finnegan’s Irish Stout as the ideal beverage companion!

Speaking of pubs, Appleton’s Finest British Ale acts as both a BC-brewed representation of the aged British Ale beer style as well as a heartfelt nod to Frank Appleton (Hoyne Brewing Co.’s owner’s inspiring mentor and BC craft beer industry legend). This richly copper-coloured ale boasts deep malty bread notes punctuated by a soft, hop-driven bitterness lending to a refreshing dry finish. Pair with lighter pub fare like Fish and Chips!

The amber-hued Svec Czech Half Dark Lager rounds out the variety pack by presenting an elegant balance of toasted bread and toffee notes with subtly spicy and fruity aromas from Czech Saaz and Sladek hops creating one striking brew that pairs with rich braised or roasted meats and more.

Jameson Irish Whiskey 

An Irish Whiskey enjoyed by generations of convivial cheers-sayers across the globe, Jameson’s classic bottle denotes both an intense dedication to historically celebrated consistency as well as a clean flavour profile. Try pairing a pour of Jameson with one of the excellent BC brews above for a cheeky Boilermaker, or try Jameson as the base spirit for the next whiskey sour or mule you intend to mix and see for yourself how its balance of floral and fruity notes underscored by hints of vanilla cream, gentle spice, and light honey can lend a new twist to some classic cocktails!

Try a Jameson Whiskey Sour: 

For 1 Serving:

• 1 Egg White (for the froth effect and opaque drink appearance; remove if not desired)
• 2 oz (about 60 mL) Jameson Irish Whiskey
• ¾ - 1 oz (22-30 mL) Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
• ¾ oz (about 22 mL) Simple Syrup

Optional: For a minty accent or some green colour, try adding about ½ oz (15mL) of Crème de Menthe. Colour will vary depending on the crème de menthe used.

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain and pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with your choice of fruit (an orange wheel or maraschino cherry, for example).

Sláinte!

Written by our Expert, Mikhail —  Beer Enthusiast & Mid Island Liquor Category Manager