Written By Jeannette Montgomery Beer & Cider / Libations / Okanagan Apr 18, 2013 Recap: Okanagan Fest of Ale 2013 SHARE VIA: Facebook Twitter PinterestPenticton might be in the heart of Okanagan wine country, but for 18 years it’s been home to the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale. Registered as a non-profit society since 1996, the Festival brings an eclectic array of microbrewers to thousands of thirsty attendees in search of their next favourite lager, stout, IPA – or other unusual brew creation.Over two days (April 5 and 6), 29 brewers poured 95 beers and ciders. Think of it as the ultimate indoor beer garden with smaller pours and more brew options, but one that helps raise money for local organizations like the Penticton Boys and Girls Club.This year, EAT was invited along to experience what’s affectionately known as The Fest. The afternoon was colourful, pleasantly crowded, and offered plenty of cheer. While (humanly) unable to sample all 95 products, I managed to sip a few brews worth seeking out.Fernie Brewing Company What the Huck (Huckleberry Wheat Ale): fresh and aromatic; plenty of subtleties for beer aficionados, and a delightful sipper for newbies.Alpine Brewing Company (Oroville, WA) HefeWeizen: Bavarian-style with full body and fruit notes; smooth malts make for a very easy landing.Paddock Wood Brewing Co (Saskatoon, SK) Loki Double IPA: classic IPA brightness, taken that extra step; for serious hop-heads looking for a well-balanced brew.Crannog Ales (Sorrento, BC) Insurrection IPA: hoppy from aroma to finish; it’s a big one – approach with caution, but it’s worth the risk.Hoyne Brewing Co (Victoria, BC) Dark Matter: part stout, part brown ale, part porter; an experience unto itself for those who like dark places.Firehall Brewery (Oliver, BC) Holy Smoke Stout: fire-smoked barley and chocolate malt; smells like campfire, looks like midnight, tastes like happy. Best in Class – StoutSummerland Heritage Cider Tuesday’s Original Cider: made with traditional European cider apples; fresh take on a classic (and dry) English cider that says “hello, summer”. Best in Class – CidersMount Begbie Brewing Co (Revelstoke, BC) Attila the Honey: rich and clean amber ale with local BC honey; always one of my favourites, and a good match for warm weather backyard hijinks.Cannery Brewing Company (Penticton, BC) Paddles Up Pale Ale: a tame IPA to salute the Raymond James Dragon Boat Festival; restrained hops make for smooth sailing – best enjoyed in the sunshine. People’s Choice – Best BeerFor more information on this year’s Fest winners, visit the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Society.Beer & CiderOkanagan SHARE VIA: Facebook Twitter Pinterest Written By: Jeannette Montgomery Jeannette is EAT's Okanagan writer.\r\n\r\nWith her rural Canadian roots and love of grand experiences, Jeannette is equal \r\n\r\nmeasures country and city. Since moving from Vancouver to the Okanagan in 2007, \r\n\r\nshe quit ... Read More You may also like Beer / Beer & Cider / Drink / Events March 2, 2020 Victoria Beer Week March 6 – 14 Victoria Beer Week returns March 6-14 with 19 different events held in venues around Victoria. This 7th annual festival of craft beer offers ... Read More Beer & Cider / Events / Food Events / Places / Victoria November 17, 2019 Canoe Brewpub’s Eighth Annual Winterbrau Festival 2019 Beer brewers from across the island and the lower mainland gathered in the lofty wooden halls of Canoe Brewpub over November 9 and 10 for the eighth ... Read More Beer & Cider / Beer Dinners / Events / Food Events / Wineries & Breweries August 30, 2019 A Categorically Great Meal Saanich Brewery Category 12’s ‘Brewmaster’s Dinner’ Marries Wildcraft With Craft-Beer It was somewhere at the beginning of the ... Read More Beer / Beer & Cider / Drink / First Look / Places / Press Release / Wineries & Breweries July 25, 2019 There’s a New Buoy in Town Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, a locally owned craft brewery and taproom, is now open in Historic Market Square, Victoria. Whistle Buoy Brewing ... Read More Beer / Beer & Cider / Events / Press Release July 24, 2019 Great Canadian Beer Festival The line-up is set and the tickets are on sale. The Great Canadian Beer Festival will return to Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, BC, on Friday, ... Read More Beer / Beer & Cider / Drink / Events / Victoria March 24, 2019 A New Beer Society in Town Victoria Beer Week launched its sixth annual festival earlier this month, which ran from March 1-9. In addition to the festival returning for another ... Read More Comments are closed.
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