Now, we all know that these sweet summer moments are made better with a British Columbian-made craft beer in hand, and that’s exactly what I’m here for. My name is Josh Duncan, and I’m a self-proclaimed craft beer lover living in beautiful Kelowna, an area that’s home to around 20 fantastic and diverse craft breweries. I love patio pints on a hot Okanagan summer day. I love browsing local liquor stores for new craft selections. And I love visiting breweries while on vacation because they’re often the heartbeat of small BC communities.

I’ve been able to showcase that love through a weekly beer column that has featured hundreds of beers and dozens of breweries over the past three years. Now I get the privilege of highlighting all of the exciting BC Ale Trail craft beer options that will go perfectly with your summer plans. I’m talking lagers that beg for a fresh slice of lime, sours that showcase the best fruit that BC has to offer, hazies that channel the tropical vibes you seek and everything else in between.

Simply put, these are the beers that need to be on your radar the next time you visit your local taproom or stop by your favourite liquor store ahead of a summer adventure. I’ll even help you out with featured picks from each BC Ale Trail region, because I understand the overwhelming feeling of standing in a liquor store with dozens of enticing options staring back at you from the fridge.

Jump to a region near you:

Cariboo Chilcotin (100 Mile House, Lillooet and Quesnel)

Kootenay Rockies (Nakusp and Nelson)

Thompson Okanagan (Kelowna, Lake Country, Penticton and Summerland)

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Powell River, Vancouver and Whistler)

Vancouver Island (Victoria and Port Alberni)

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

If you’re someone with a simpler palette for beer but wants to support BC’s craft breweries, Barkerville Brewing Co. has the perfect option for you.

The Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner is light and refreshing, with an ABV of 5.4%. You may know lemon and ginger as a classic wellness combination that’s celebrated for soothing upset stomachs, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. It turns out to be an incredible beer combination as well, which the Quesnel brewery has showcased brilliantly with this seasonal beer that will snap you to attention before warming your soul.

Just under 400 kilometres south of Barkerville Brewing Co. is Lillooet Brewing, proud creators of the Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit. Mountain Bluebird is decorated, winning Best in Class at the 2023 Okanagan Fest of Ale and returning in 2024 to win Best Wheat Ale as well. Named in honour of conservation efforts in the Lillooet area to protect the Mountain Bluebird, this wheat beer is citrus- and coriander-forward with a crisp, sweet finish.

Three seasonal releases from Barkerville Brewing Co.

Two Sisters Spruce Tip Ale (4.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
Made using spruce tips that were harvested from the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest by our own brew crew.

Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner (2.4% ABV | 21 IBU)
A taste of adventure awaits you with each sip of this new spin on our classic pilsner. Let the splash of zippy citrus awaken your venturesome spirit as the peppery bite of ginger warms your resolve for the long journey ahead.

Claim Jumper Peachy Keen Kettle Sour (4.07% ABV)
Bursting with ripe BC peaches, this kettle sour opens with a lively tartness and finishes with a lush stone fruit character and a gentle natural sweetness. The result is a refreshing, thirst-quenching beer that’s perfect for warm days and easy drinking.

Find Barkerville Brewing Co. on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Cask and Cleaver Brewing

Strawberry Cheesecake Sour (4% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright sour crafted with real strawberry and lactose for a creamy, dessert-inspired pour. Juicy berry character, soft sweetness and lively tartness come together in a smooth, vibrant finish that feels both playful and polished.

Peaches & Cream Ale (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A golden ale crafted with ripe peach, vanilla and soft malt sweetness. Juicy fruit and a smooth, cream-like character carry through to a bright, easy finish. It’s decadent yet refreshing, with just a hint of forged summer indulgence.

Blueberry Limeade Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright and refreshing sour crafted with real juicy blueberries and crisp lime. These ingredients shine through in a tart, vibrant pour with a clean finish – lively, refined and forged for summer. 

Find Cask and Cleaver Brewing on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Grizzly Bear Vienna Lager (5.3% ABV | 19 IBU)
An unfiltered European-style lager with a deep-copper colour and malt-forward flavour. Expect hints of biscuit and caramel with subtle herbal and floral notes.

Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit (5.9% ABV | 15 IBU)
Our award-winning Belgian wit is infused with bitter orange peel and coriander. You’ll get interesting notes of bubble gum, clove and pepper on the nose.

Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour (5% ABV | 4 IBU)
The Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour blends tangy blackberries with lively citrus for a refreshingly complex profile, with subtle malt flavour that adds balance to every sip.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Kootenay Rockies

Did you hear? British Columbia’s newest brewery, Nakusp Brewing Co., just opened its doors in June on the eastern shores of Upper Arrow Lake, and I can’t wait to visit their new space.

One of their inaugural beers is the Thorn to Be Wild Blackberry Blonde Ale, which begs to be consumed on a patio this summer. They use local blackberries to juice up this light beer that goes down smooth with a refreshing finish.

Nakusp Brewing Co. also has a couple of IPAs, a pale ale, a kolsch and even a nitro stout on tap for their first summer. Be sure to check this new brewery out on your next West Kootenays road trip!

Thorn to be Wild Blackberry Blonde (6% ABV | 16 IBU) from Nakusp Brewing

A smooth, light-bodied blonde ale brewed with the flavour of local blackberries. Juicy blackberry aromas lead into subtle berry sweetness and a delicate malt profile, finishing clean and refreshing with every sip.

Find Nakusp Brewing in Nakusp, BC

Cerveza De Limon Mexican Lime Lager (4.7% ABV) from Backroads Brewing Company

A Mexican-style corn lager with fresh-zested lemon and lime for a citrusy punch.

Find Backroads Brewing Company on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Penticton’s Cannery Brewing says their Dry Hopped Imperial Red is “a true passion project,” so I’d be remiss not to feature it for this region.

In beer terminology, imperial means a stronger, bolder and more intense version of a base beer style – essentially a beer that is considered strong when compared to what you’d usually expect from that style. In this case, the Dry Hopped Imperial Red is 7.5% ABV, a much higher alcohol content than most amber or red ales you’d find, and therefore it receives the imperial title. This one has a rich, malt-forward profile, which complements the Simcoe, Mosaic, Centennial and Chinook hops as they deliver layers of citrus and pine.

Around 15-20 minutes up the road in Summerland is Giant’s Head Brewing, where a beloved summer favourite is back on tap and in liquor stores for another year. It’s the Apple Lite Lager, a summer seasonal that offers up a fruity twist on the brewery’s year-round 3716 Lite Lager. It’s made by mixing the 3716 Lite Lager with apple juice made from McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples from Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit Farm in Oliver. A six-pack of the easy-drinking, the 4.5% ABV Apple Lite Lager is perfect for a hot summer day.

Gluten Schmuten Gluten Free Fruited Sour (4.9% ABV | 15 IBU) from Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.

Light, refreshing and endlessly crushable, this tart sour features a clean, fruity finish with apricot and subtle blueberry notes. Made with BC-grown fruit juice, it offers just a hint of sweetness for balance. It’s an easy-drinking, gluten-free twist on a classic style. Gluten levels are always less than 20 ppm.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. on the Penticton Ale Trail 

Extra Pale Ale (3.2% ABV | 30 IBU) from BNA Brewing Co.

BNA Brewing Co. is re-releasing this fan favourite at a lower ABV, but not compromising any of the bright tropical citrus notes, clean bitterness or dry finish

Find BNA Brewing Co. on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail or Southern Interior Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Cannery Brewing

Dry Hopped Imperial Red (7.5% ABV | 60 IBU)
This limited-release Dry Hopped Imperial Red is a malt-forward lager with a bright, aromatic hop profile. Dry-hopped with Simcoe, Mosaic, Centennial and Chinook, it delivers layers of citrus and pine that beautifully complement its rich malt backbone. This beer is a true passion project from our brewing team, exploring the balance between rich malt character and vibrant hop expression.

Wildfire Dark Lager (5.5% ABV | 15 IBU)
This dark lager pays tribute to the firefighters who bravely fight our nation’s wildfires. It will be available for a limited time as of late July and through the summer. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer will go to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Okanagan Adventure Pack
Cannery Brewing’s Okanagan Adventure Pack contains a collection of three cans each of four of our most popular beers – Lakeboat Lager, Muse Pale Ale, Trellis West Coast IPA and Naramata Nut Brown Ale. The beer options included in this pack are designed to go along with all of your summer adventures. Enjoy them after a hike or a bike ride, after doing some yard work or while relaxing with friends on the patio.

Find Cannery Brewing on the Penticton Ale Trail 

Six seasonal releases from Cutwater Brewing and Lounge

Peachy Keen Fruited Gose (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A refreshing wheat ale that’s bursting with juicy peach and bright tangerine notes.

Lazy Daze NEIPA (5.5% ABV | 57 IBU)
Big, smooth and seriously hoppy. This one is packed with Azacca and Galaxy hops, and bursting with tropical and stone fruit flavour and aroma. 

The Pale Rider Canadian Pale Ale (5% ABV | 33 IBU)
Brewed with high-quality two-row Canadian Prairie barley, this beer has a light biscuity malt backbone with hints of orange citrus and light pine. A very drinkable pale ale with a frothy white head and a crisp, clean finish.

Berry Potter & The Strawberry Wand of Destiny (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A strawberry gose that’s tart and sweet with a hint of sea salt, and fermented with loads of fresh strawberries.

The Highlander Red IPA (5% ABV | 59 IBU)
A clean and smooth beer with light chocolate notes, driven by premium Château Cara caramel malt.

EL HEFE! Hefeweizen (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A true traditional German wheat hefeweizen with subtle notes of clove, banana, orange and coriander, roasted in-house by our very own Chef Logan!

Find Cutwater Brewing and Lounge on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Apple Lite Lager (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU) from Giants Head Brewing

The 3716 Lite Lager blended with locally-grown McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples that come together to create a crisp, clean lager.

Find Giants Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

Rascally Radler – Grapefruit Radler (3.5% ABV | 20 IBU) from Grey Fox Brewing

Tangy and juicy citrus flavour with a gentle malt sweetness. Gluten-free, of course!

Find Grey Fox Brewing on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

Did you know that over 90% of Canada’s highbush blueberries are produced right here in BC? Did you know that the vast majority of those are grown in the Fraser Valley? 

If not, that’s a fun fact for you, and fortunately, something that the fine folks over at Camp Beer Co. were well aware of.

The Langley brewery has taken some of those fresh blueberries to create the unique Shadow Ridge Blueberry Tea Sour, which won a gold medal at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup. While the vibrant blueberry flavours do the heavy lifting in this beer, you can’t undersell the role of the honeybush tea that is native to South Africa. The combination produces a rich, juicy, tart and refreshing beer that is unlike anything you’ll taste this summer. And while it’s perfect for beating the heat and will go down easy, don’t let this beer fool you; it’s an imperial at 7% ABV, which means you’ll want to pace yourself before you get too lost in its delicious flavour.

Oh man, is this second feature for Vancouver, Coast & Mountains ever a fun one. It’s two beers that you can mix to create a third. It’s essentially a three-for-one. Lucky you!

Let me explain. Main Street Brewing has collaborated with Vancouver social media icon Seabus Memes to create the Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner and Basement Suite Spaghett Sour. The former is a 5% ABV pilsner that comes in 473 ml cans. It’s crisp. It’s bright. It’s full of citrus flavours. Honestly, it will satisfy you on its own. The latter is a little rowdier at 7% ABV and has notes of grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile and tangerine, all packed together in a 250 ml can.

If you mix these two creations into your favourite large pint glass, you’ll create what the brewery calls a “poor man’s Aperol Spritz.” This adventurous DIY pint is perfect for summer sipping while you scroll through the latest Seabus meme drop on a Friday afternoon.

Three seasonal releases from Bomber Brewing

Rosefinch Raspberry Sour (4.5% ABV)
Bursting with bold, ripe raspberries, this refreshing brew offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours to harken the coming of warmer days ahead.

Limoncito Loco Salted Lime Lager (4.5% ABV)
Limoncito Loco – our “crazy little lime” – is a crisp, salt-kissed lager inspired by the classic chelada. Brewed with sea salt, organic dried lime and fresh lime zest, it’s bright, zippy and dangerously crushable. Basically summer in a can – no beach required.

Hefe Metal Hefeweizen (4.7% ABV)
This refreshing, golden, medium-bodied wheat ale roars with a dynamic but harmonious chorus of amped-up fruit and spice notes.

Find Bomber Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Bridge Brewing Company

PrimeTime Limelite (4% ABV)
A crisp, ultra-refreshing light lager with a bright twist of lime. It’s easy-drinking at 4% ABV, it’s clean, it’s zesty, and it’s made for long patio sessions.

Nimbus (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
A smooth and juicy sipper loaded with tropical fruit character – think mango, pineapple and a splash of peach. Bright citrus up front gives way to a soft, creamy finish, with just enough hop bite to keep things crisp.

Find the Bridge Brewing on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Camp Beer Co.

Shadow Ridge Blueberry Tea Sour (7% ABV | 22 IBU)
This unique beer is brewed with generous additions of blueberry purée and honeybush tea. Vibrant berry flavours lead the way, supported by the tea’s natural honey-like sweetness and delicate floral notes. Rich, juicy and refreshxingly tart, it finishes smooth with layers of fruit and herbal complexity. Shadow Ridge was a gold medal winner at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup.

Hidden Horizons Oat Cream IPA (6.7% ABV | 25 IBU)
A juicy hazy IPA bursting with pineapple, peach, passionfruit and strawberry candy. Superdelic, Nectaron and Rakau deliver saturated New Zealand hop character, while lactose paired with a ton of oats gives this beer a soft, smooth finish.

Liquid Light Witbier collab with Dageraad Brewing (5.1% ABV | 18 IBU)
A collaborative witbier from Camp Beer Co. and Dageraad Brewing, this one is brewed with Belgian malts, osmanthus tea and orange zest. It offers a refreshing mix of floral, citrus and subtle sweetness, while a late addition of pear juice adds a smooth, fruity finish. Light, crisp and complex, it’s perfect for a refreshing summer drink!

Find Camp Beer Co. on the Langley Ale Trail

Four seasonal releases from Dead Frog Brewery

Cream Soda Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A juicy, sweet, bright pink sour bursting with refreshing flavours of fresh fruit, a hint of vanilla and a blast of summers gone by. 

P.O.G Tropical Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A refreshing tropical sour ale bursting with a juicy combo of passionfruit, orange and guava. This one will have you feeling like you’re on a beach in Hawaii.

Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A refreshing sour golden ale with a fresh splash of peach, a hint of lemon and a crisp finish. 

Lemon Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV | 12 IBU)
A lemon packed sour exploding with flavours of fresh squeezed lemon, a splash of sweet lemon zest and a juicy blast of lemon on the finish. This powerful brew gloriously balances refreshing lemon flavour with so, so, so very much sour.

Find Dead Frog Brewery on the Langley Ale Trail

POG Sour (8.3% ABV) from Five Roads Brewing

This POG sour bursts with the tropical flavours of passionfruit, orange and guava! Its extra-strong sour flavours balance sweet citrus notes with a tangy and tropical complexity. Light-bodied and crisp, it finishes clean with a mouthwatering tartness that invites another sip, making it a perfect choice for this summer’s sour selection!

Find Five Roads Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Canadian Wheat Lager with Pineapple (5% ABV | 24 IBU) from Foamers’ Folly

Bright and tropical with juicy pineapple leading into citrus, mango and subtle berry notes from Mosaic hops, all layered over a soft wheat backbone. Light-bodied and slightly hazy, it has a smooth, creamy texture with a lively carbonation and a clean lager profile. This beer finishes crisp and refreshing, with lingering tropical fruit and balanced, gentle bitterness.

Find Foamers’ Folly Brewing on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Locality Brewing

Maple Lager (4.5% ABV)
Light, crisp and refreshing, Maple Lager is a smooth German-style lager brewed with real maple syrup. It’s a brilliant golden colour with a clean, dry finish. This easy-drinking lager showcases subtle bready malt character and a delicate maple sweetness that lingers just enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

Mango IPA (7.5% ABV)
Juicy, hazy and packed with tropical character, this 7.5% IPA combines real mango purée with Elani and El Dorado hops for vibrant notes of ripe mango, pineapple and citrus. It won’t be released until the end of July to celebrate our birthday, but this smooth, fruity and dangerously easy-drinking beer is worth the wait!

Blonde Ale (5% ABV)
The Keeping it Simple S.M.A.S.H Blonde Ale is a light and easy-drinking American ale. This beer has a base of pale malt with a light touch of hop, and it’s fermented with a clean ale yeast. This beer is as straightforward as it gets!

Find Locality Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Luppolo Brewing Company

Tart Wild Ale w/ Local Raspberries (5.4% ABV)
After being fermented with our house culture of Brett and Lacto, this one is refermented on hundreds of pounds of fresh raspberries from the Fraser Valley. It’s a refreshing, medium-bodied beer that pours a bold, bright red with a mousse-like head. Aromas of raspberry and lemon lead to flavours of fresh-picked raspberries and a subtle Brett funk. The finish is a lovely balance of jammy sweetness and bright acidity.

Luce Dry Japanese Style Rice Lager (4.8% ABV)
Luce (Italian for light), is our interpretation of a crisp, dry, Japanese-inspired rice lager. This beer truly is sunshine in a glass! This beer underwent a cereal mash in the kettle with high-quality Haiga rice. The addition of the rice lightens the body and adds a unique grain character, making this beer incredibly crisp, refreshing and the perfect companion to these long summer days. Lagered long and cold, and naturally carbonated, Luce boasts aromas of petrichor, honey and a restrained herbal tea hop character. High-quality local pilsner malts were used to enhance the flavour and drinkability for a smooth, yet crisp finish. Let Luce awaken your palate and further brighten your spirit! 

Find Luppolo Brewing Company on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Main St. Brewing

Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner (5% ABV | 35 IBU) and Basement Suite Spaghett Sour (7% ABV | 10 IBU)

This limited-edition collaboration with @seabusmemes brings together two very special brews that can either be enjoyed on their own or combined to make something entirely new and wonderful. Blend the 473 ml Vancouver Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner with the 250 ml Basement Suite Spaghett Sour for a one-of-a-kind local flavour that’s a take on a Spaghett Cocktail (aka the poor man’s Aperol Spritz). It blends Special Sauce’s crisp, bright and citrus flavours with Basement Suite’s adjuncts of grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile and tangerine to make a three-in-one beer experience that’s perfect for summer sipping. Whether you’re top shelf or in the basement suite, this is one combo that screams for the memes.

Find Main St. Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford

Golden Hour Raspberry Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
Lush raspberry unfolds into a juicy, ruby-red tartness in this sour. Bright fruit flavour is balanced by a light, crisp body and a clean, mouth-watering finish. It’s perfect alongside lighter bites or something sweeter. 

Lake Days GolHazy Pale (5.5% ABV | 25 IBU)
Bursting with bold tangerine and zesty citrus, this hazy pale ale layers bright tropical and stonefruit notes over a smooth, juicy body. Aromatic with a soft, balanced finish, it’s endlessly drinkable and perfect alongside your favourite pizza.

Salty Lime Mexican Lager (5% ABV | 18 IBU)
A refreshingly unique and modern twist on a traditional Mexican lager. We used flaked corn to create a light-bodied and easy-drinking beer with just a touch of sweetness to perfectly compliment the salt and lime flavours. This Mexican lager is the finest balance of sweet, salty and tangy, which makes it a must-try.

Find Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Sidekick Brewing

Clever Kit Pale Ale (5% ABV | 35 IBU)
Built on a clean base, this smooth pale ale delivers bright tropical and stone fruit hop character with a splash of citrus and just the right kick. It’s the kind of dependable companion that shows up, sharpens the moment and keeps things humming.

Lifeguard Spike Pineapple Whip Sour (5% ABV | 12 IBU)
Inspired by the sunny nostalgia of a pineapple whip, Spike layers juicy pineapple with soft vanilla and lactose for a creamy, whipped texture. It’s bright and tropical up front, with a zippy sour finish that keeps the sweetness in check. 

Rhinestone Renata Black Lime Lager (4.5% ABV | 10 IBU)
Rhinestone Renata struts in with a whole lot of sparkle. Brewed with black limes, kaffir lime leaves and a smooth blend of corn and pilsner malt, this crisp lager shines gold in the glass and leaves a playful twang on the tongue. Easy-drinking with just enough earthy funk to keep things interesting, it’s made for disco nights, dusty boots and second rounds.

(Rhinestone Renata is a collaboration with Home By Midnight, the dance party for early risers. Proceeds from the sale of this beer will go towards helping support queer joy on and beyond the dance floor.)

Find Sidekick Brewing on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Steel & Oak Brewing

Sunglow Hefeweizen (4.8% ABV)
A classic German Hefeweizen brewed with a double decoction process for rich banana bread character and a soft, pillowy finish.

Juniper Dry Gin Saison (4.5% ABV)
A dry saison brewed to taste like a gin rickey. The idea came out of a brainstorm at Four Winds Beach House, and our head brewer, Aaron, turned it into something special. He preserved lemon and lime in-house by soaking them in salt and alcohol, then added juniper berries foraged from Vancouver Island to bring that botanical gin character.

Subtropic Hazy IPA with Nectaron (6.2% ABV)
One of our most popular beers, Subtropic is a hazy IPA that’s been on our roster since 2018. This version features a generous dry hop of Nectaron, a New Zealand hop that’s become one of the most sought-after in craft brewing right now for its intense tropical aromatics.

Find Steel & Oak Brewing on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Storm Brewing

Pina Colada Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 20 IBU)
A juicy IPA with strong notes of Coconut and Pineapple.

Strawberry Shortcake Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)
A malty amber ale infused with strawberries and vanilla.

Find Storm Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Townsite Brewing

Suprazunga Blonde Ale with Passionfruit, Orange and Guava (5.2% ABV | 25 IBU)
This dry-hopped blonde ale gains its superpowers from the delicious passionfruit, orange and guava additions. It’s safe to say this beer is ready to save the day with its crisp reflexes and fruit-forward finishing moves.

Berms & Bridges Hazy Pale Ale with Lemon and Sea Salt (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
Conditioned with fresh lemon juice and pink Himalayan salt, Berms & Bridges is bright and bursting with citrusy goodness.

Blackberry Peach Sour (5.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
In late summer, the endless vines of ripe, juicy blackberries can be found all over the Sunshine Coast. This beer pays homage to those hot sunny days picking berries (and eating a few along the way). This balanced tart wheat ale pours a bright pink hue, packing in everything this delicious berry has to offer. This year’s version includes the addition of peach puree for an added stone fruit punch! 

Find Townsite Brewing on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Trading Post Brewing

Raspberry Wheat Ale (7.5% ABV)
Everyone’s favourite backyard beer is back! Big, bold and juicy, the Raspberry Wheat Ale is slightly sweet and dangerously crushable. 

Rosie Rhubarb Crumble Ale (5.8% ABV)
Rosie was born from a family recipe — the rhubarb cake that our operations manager Quinn’s mom made famous, now brewed into a beer. A generous oat bill brings that warm dessert softness, while local raw wildflower honey from Honey Bee Centre and fresh Fraser Valley rhubarb from Obella Farms push and pull between sweet and tart.

Borealis Haskap Sour (4.5% ABV)
Borealis is a fruit sour brewed with haskap berries. The name comes from the boreal forest, the northern Canadian ecosystem where haskaps grow wild and are among the very first berries to ripen each spring. We wanted a name that felt rooted in where the ingredient actually comes from.

Find Trading Post Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Whistler Brewing Co.

Lime Creamsicle Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and soak up the sun. When thirst strikes, cool down with a pint of Whistler’s new Lime Creamsicle Sour! A refreshing lime-flavoured beer with a smooth, ice cream twist and a touch of tart citrus at the end. The ultimate treat for warm, sunny days!

Creamsicle Sour Mixer Pack (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A new and unique series of craft sour beers, the Creamsicle Sour Mixer Pack features four exciting flavours – lime, orange, raspberry and blueberry. All of these blend the tangy, sour undertones of lime, orange, raspberry, and blueberry, only to be complemented by a smooth, creamy finish. Perfect for the summer months!

90 Light Lager (4% ABV | 15 IBU)
A light lager of superior quality and taste, this easy-drinking beer has a touch of malt and is crisp and refreshing. With only 90 calories and four grams of carbs, it’s time to try a Canadian light beer!

Find Whistler Brewing Co. on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Play Date Apricot & Guava White Sour (5.7% ABV | 7 IBU) from Yellow Dog Brewing

The Play Date series is back for its sixth release, bringing the throwback vibes with a fresh new flavour combo. Play Date Apricot Guava Sour is bright, juicy, and just the right amount of trouble, blending smooth apricot sweetness with tropical guava and a crisp tart finish. So grab a few, head to the dog park, and ensure to plan your next Play Date! 

Find Yellow Dog Brewing on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Vancouver Island

We end our tour on Vancouver Island with a few selections from the always-impressive Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

First up is a new Dinosour from Phillips Brewing Co. that will have you yearning for the days of your youth. The Dinosour Power Rocket Pop is inspired by the iconic tri-colour popsicle and delivers those nostalgic flavours of cherry, blue raspberry and lemon-lime. And not to sound like your parents when you went for multiple Rocket Pops as a kid, but don’t have too many of these Dinosours because they’ll sneak up on you at 7% ABV.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter that you can really sink your teeth into, how about the 4% ABV Lemon Lime Fizz from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.? It’s the ultimate summer sipper that’s brewed with 100% local grain from Field 5 Farms in nearby Saanichton. This light, crisp and refreshing creation is sweet, not sour, despite being defined by its bright, lemon-lime zest character.

Three seasonal releases from Dog Mountain Brewing

Tamatea India Pale Lager (5.5% ABV | 45 IBU)
Crisp with clean, light bitterness, this IPL is incredibly refreshing. Brewed with only Waimea hops, grown in the Nelson region of New Zealand, which give notes of tangerine, grapefruit, pineapple and pine. This is a hoppy, clean lager.

Rodeo Double NEIPA (7% ABV | 11 IBU)
We brewed this beer with the IPAs of the years gone by in mind. Very little hop bitterness, but piles of hop flavour and aroma.

I “Heart” PA Hazy IPA collab with Twin City Brewing (8% ABV)
We ‘Heart’ PA; Port Alberni is our city. We also ‘heart’ IPAs. There are loads of late-stage hops in this beer.

Find Dog Mountain Brewing on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Phillips Brewing & Malting

Solaris Citrus Wheat Ale (4% ABV | 4 IBU)
An easy-drinking summer sipper with bright lemon zest, fresh lime and a soft wheat finish. Smooth, crisp, seriously refreshing and only 4% ABV, perfect for sunny afternoons when one never quite feels like enough.

PUFF Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 35 IBU)
A vibrant, modern hazy loaded with hop character from Krush, Strata, Galaxy, Citra and Luminosa, bringing waves of citrus, tropical fruit and ripe stone fruit. Soft, pillowy, juicy and highly aromatic, it’s got just enough bitterness to stay balanced and effortlessly drinkable.

Dinosour Power Rocket Pop Sour Ale (7% ABV | 1 IBU)
First sip and you’re right back with that classic tri-colour ice pop. You know the one. A warm summer day, the ice cream truck song drifting down the street, kids sprinting with coins in hand, sticky fingers and the only plan being “stay outside until the streetlights come on.” Cherry. Blue raspberry. Lemon-lime. In that order. Exactly like you remember – except it’s 7% and you’re an adult now. 

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Vancouver Island Brewing

Thrashin’ Caddy Juicy IPA (8% ABV | 40 IBU)
For centuries, cadborosaurus was just thrashin’ waves and keepin’ it cryptid, but this beer is too dang juicy to hoard. So Caddy came crashin’ ashore, shades on, tarps off, ready to party.

This beer provides a juicy hop punch with ripe orange and peach aroma. It is dangerously smooth!

Beach Shack Blackberry Blonde (5.2% ABV | 20 IBU)
The cooler’s full, the music’s on and the sprawling blackberry vines are full of plump, ripe fruit waiting to be popped in your mouth. This is summer at the beach shack. This fresh addition to our beach shack lineup delivers a burst of sun-ripened sweetness with a smooth, easy finish. It’s the flavours of the Island summer, one sun-kissed sip at a time. 

Find Vancouver Island Brewing in Victoria, BC

Lemon Lime Fizz (4% ABV | 11 IBU) from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.

Brewed with 100% local grain from Field 5 Farm – barley, wheat and einkorn. Light, crisp and ultra refreshing with a dry finish and bright lemon-lime zest character. Fizz is an easy-drinking option made for sunny days.

Find Whistle Buoy Brewing Co. on the Great Victoria Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Summer Beer Roundup: Sip Into Summer with BC Craft Beer appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Whether you’re a die-hard hop head or just love a good excuse to experience a new corner of the province, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. From intimate community celebrations to sprawling multi-brewery showcases, BC’s craft beer festivals bring together the best local breweries, cideries, and distilleries under one roof — paired with great food, inventive non-alc options, live music, and the kind of good vibes that only come from a crowd of fellow beer lovers.

Why not make a proper getaway out of it? BC’s festival circuit spans the entire province, giving you the perfect reason to explore a new town, support local businesses, and discover what makes each region’s beer scene one-of-a-kind.

Here are the spring and summer beer festivals worth marking on your calendar right now — because the best fests have a way of selling out fast.

Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival • Fort Langley

June 13

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Parksville Beer Festival • Parksville

July 4

Indulge in your love for craft beer, connect with like-minded individuals, and support local businesses, all within a festival atmosphere curated for enjoyment and discovery. At the Parksville Beer Festival, it’s not just about exceptional beers – it’s also a haven for foodies! Get ready to complement your craft beer experience with a fantastic selection from the specially curated food trucks.

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Phillips Backyard Music Festival • Victoria

July 10 – 12

Phillips’ multi-day music festival is back again, blending craft beer culture with live music in a fun, inclusive, community-centred atmosphere. This year’s lineup includes big names like Chance the Rapper and Father John Misty, among many others. Weekend passes are sold out, but single-day tickets are still available — get yours before they sell out!

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Battle of the Brews • Surrey

August 15

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and 93.7 JR Country are hosting the 8th Annual Battle of the Brews.  This fun charity event will offer attendees a great afternoon of craft beer tasting and food trucks.  Attendees will get the chance to help choose their favourite beers, and all proceeds from the event will help fund Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society youth initiatives.

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Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival • Chemainus

August 15

The Cowichan Craft Beer & Food Festival is a community-rooted, non-profit event bringing together 30+ BC breweries pouring 100+ craft beverages alongside ciders, non-alcoholic options, and 15+ food trucks and local eats — all set to live music. With shuttle service available for a safe ride home, it’s a great reason to explore the Cowichan Valley and support local.

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Squamish Beer Festival • Squamish

August 29

Located at the Loggers Sports Ground, the Squamish festival brings together more than 55 breweries and cideries for craft beer lovers to celebrate great beer and mountain culture with food, games, axe throwing, DJs, an artisan marketplace, live music, and more.

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Barnside Harvest Festival • Ladner

September 11-13

More than just a beer festival, Barnside Harvest Festival is a celebration of local food, craft beverages, music, and community. Held at Paterson Park in Ladner, this three-day event features an impressive lineup of live music alongside a curated selection of BC craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and food vendors. It’s the perfect way to savour the final days of summer.

Shuswap Brewers Fest • Salmon Arm

September 13

Hosted at Northyards Cider Co., the Shuswap Brewers Fest brings together craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, food vendors, and live entertainment for a relaxed afternoon celebrating the region’s thriving beverage scene. As an added bonus, the event supports the Salmon Arm Rescue Society, making every sip a chance to give back to the local community.

Whistler Village Beer Festival • Whistler

September 16-20

Set against the stunning backdrop of Whistler’s mountains, the Whistler Village Beer Festival combines craft beer, cider, seltzers, live music, and mountain-town energy into one unforgettable weekend. The festival features a series of events throughout the village, culminating in the Main Event at Whistler Olympic Plaza, where dozens of beverage makers come together for an afternoon of sampling, food trucks, games, and good times.

The post Cheers! 2026 Summer Beer Festivals appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

This blog was originally published January 8, 2025, and has been updated to reflect current brewery offerings as of January 2026.

Skip right to the brewery and beverage listings

Gone are the days when “non-alcoholic beer” meant relegating yourself to a dusty bottle of O’Douls hiding at the back of a grocery store shelf. The craft brewing landscape is undergoing another transformation, driven by a growing wave of consumers embracing alcohol-free alternatives not out of necessity, but by choice. Whether motivated by health consciousness, lifestyle changes, or simply curiosity, more and more craft beer enthusiasts are discovering that cutting back on alcohol doesn’t mean compromising on beverage quality or craft brewing excellence.

BC’s craft breweries have risen to meet this growing demand, creating complex, flavourful beers that contain 0.5% ABV or less. Beyond traditional beer styles, you’ll also find a growing number of creative alternatives like hop waters, offering craft beverage experiences that maintain the artisanal spirit of craft brewing while eliminating alcohol content. Choosing not to drink no longer means missing out on the craft experience.

So why doesn’t everyone brew non-alcoholic beers?

Unlike making a mocktail, where one ingredient is easily left out, the traditional processes of brewing beer are what lead to alcohol being created during fermentation. What’s a brewer to do?

Without going into too much technical detail – because let’s face it: brewing is both an art form and a highly developed skill set that depends on chemistry, math, and biology, takes years to learn, and would take even longer to type into a single blog – there are two basic ways to create a non-alcoholic brew.

One is to brew a beer as normal, and then remove the alcohol. The second is to use specific ingredients and/or techniques that limit the production of alcohol during fermentation.

Sounds easy enough, right? So… what’s the catch? Well, the actual production of an NA beer might not be too complicated for a talented brewer given enough time to create a recipe, but both methods require specialized equipment that isn’t exactly available at your local homebrew supply shop and certainly does not come cheap. Add in the requirement for additional physical space in the brewery for said equipment, and more often than not, you run into a wall (literally, and figuratively). As the prevalence of NA beers increases, equipment suppliers are working to design equipment suitable for smaller breweries, while brewers are working to create more efficient recipes and find workable solutions to preservation methods such as small-scale water bath pasteurisation.

If you want to learn more about the process of brewing NA beers, I would highly recommend checking out this video produced by KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations. They definitely know their stuff: in 2024, a group of first-year KPU students took home a silver medal for their non-alcoholic Stout at the US Open College Beer Championships. 

What it all boils down to is this: brewing a tasty non-alcoholic beer is just as complex, if not more so, than crafting the next seasonal (alcoholic) beer release. It takes time, care, dedication, and significant investment. And, as we know, all BC craft beer is nothing if not exceptionally crafted. Keep reading to discover some of the incredible non-alcoholic beers, hop waters, and other non-alc beverages produced at breweries around the province.

(note: beers and beer alternatives are listed alphabetically by brewery)

Non-Alcoholic Beers

4 Mile Brewing Co. in Victoria, BC

4 Mile currently has three different offerings in their Point Four (0.4% ABV) lineup of low/non-alc beers. These tasty brews are only available on tap at the 4 Mile Brew Pub.

• Point Four: A blonde/golden ale
• Mandarin Point Four:  Made with real fruit puree
• Dark Point Four: A new, small batch Nitro Stout

Hero .5 from Buffalo Rouge Brewing Co. in Kelowna, BC

Lively and dynamic, with peach and tropical fruit flavours up front. This hazy non-alc brew is only available on tap in the tasting room. 

Dry Goods from Good Life Brand Collective

Originally crafted by the folks at Powell Brewery, the Dry Goods brand of NA beers is now under the umbrella of the team at Good Life Brand Collective. Their current lineup includes:

• West Coast IPA: Bright, hoppy, and unapologetically West Coast. With notes of citrus peel, pine and resin on the nose, it has a bold hop flavour with grapefruit and orange over a dry, golden malt base.
• Grapefruit IPA: Vibrant and punchy; a fruit-driven IPA that still drinks like a craft beer. Fresh grapefruit zest and tropical hops on the nose are backed with juicy citrus upfront, light sweetness, and a dry, pithy finish.

LOGO from Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC

Launched in June 2023, LOGO by Fernie Brewing Co. sets the standard for mountain-brewed, adventure-inspired, non-alcoholic craft beer. There are currently three brews available:

• LOGO Pilsner: Light and clean, with slight malt flavour. This non-alc Pils is a classic, go-to for the adventure lifestyle enthusiast.
• LOGO IPA: All the hop, none of the alcohol, this non-alc IPA is fruity and delicious. An accessible, hop-forward option that ensures no one gets left behind.
• LOGO Citrus: A bright, crisp brew bursting with lemon and lime. Big on refreshment, without the alcohol, this non-alc beer is made for adventure.

Field House Brewing Co. in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, BC

Field House is introducing non-alcoholic versions of two of its core beers:

• Salted Lime Mexican Lager: This non-alc beer is light, crisp and endlessly crushable, crafted for when you want the taste without the compromise. The style is elevated with real lime and a touch of sea salt, adding a bright, citrusy kick and just the right savoury edge.
• Salted Black Porter: Brewed with traditional ‘dutch droppies’ (salted black licorice candies), the Salted Black Porter offers flavours of coffee, licorice, chocolate, and caramel, for a balanced malt profile and residual sweetness.

iOTA from Phillips Brewing & Malting in Victoria, BC

Launched in late 2021 by Phillips Brewing, iOTA beers are brewed for craft beer fans who are “experimental, flavour-focused, confident, and self-aware.” 

The name iOTA comes from the Greek letter iota, meaning an extremely small amount. For the folks at Phillips, this was a reflection of their belief that craft beer is not defined by its alcohol content, but rather the community it builds. Even though there’s only a minute amount of alcohol (less than 0.5% ABV), iOTA is still authentically craft-brewed. The line-up includes: 

• Peach Wheat Ale – Brewed with equal parts wheat and malted barley, this delightful non-alcoholic summer seasonal is infused with the alluring sweetness of peaches, resulting in an easy-drinking and refreshing non-alcoholic beer drinking experience that is ripe for patio sessions and good times.
• Cerveza – iOTA Cerveza is the epitome of a thirst-quenching beer. A vacation in every sip, this light-bodied lager delivers big on refreshment with a crisp, clean finish.
• Pale Ale – iOTA Pale Ale is light gold in colour, crafted for smooth and highly balanced malt and hop profiles. This delicious brew brings rounded honey and cereal notes, a straightforward mouthfeel, and deliciously floral hops. This ale strikes a harmony between drinkability and flavour.
• Pilsner – iOTA Pilsner pours pale straw in colour, with an easy and effervescent mouthfeel. The body is light and malt-driven. On the finish, smooth German hop notes complement this even-keeled and delicious lager.
• Hazy IPA – iOTA Hazy IPA is low on bitterness & full of citrus and juicy fruit notes. Our house malted barley lends a hand in creating a smooth sip and helps carry that tropical hazy hop profile.

Steamworks Brewing Co in Burnaby, Mount Pleasant, North Shore and Vancouver, BC

The folks at Steamworks have developed a biological approach to crafting their non-alcoholic brews that respects the brewing process from start to finish. Using specially selected yeast strains and a carefully controlled brewing method, they create beer that naturally contains only trace amounts of alcohol: no harsh removal processes, no compromised flavour. They work with biology, not against it, allowing the natural fermentation process to deliver the full-bodied taste and aroma you expect from craft beer.

Steamworks crafts non-alc beers inspired by beloved styles, using quality ingredients to create brews that satisfy your expectations while standing proudly on their own merit. The result is a clean, authentic beer experience that maintains all the character and complexity of traditional brewing, because it never had that character taken away. Two current releases include:

• Lions Gate Lager (0.3% ABV) – Our Gold Medal winner at the 2025 BC Beer Awards in the non-alcoholic category. A crisp, refreshing lager that proves you don’t need the alcohol for authentic craft beer flavour.
• Hazy IPA (0.3% ABV) – All the juicy, hop-forward character you expect from a hazy IPA, just without the buzz.

Nevertheless from Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, BC

It took the brewers at Strange Fellows years to perfect the recipe for their first NA brew, Nevertheless Pale Ale. Soon after having perfected it, a hazy IPA version followed, and then a Pilsner. Full-bodied, aromatic and flavourful, these brews are nevertheless non-alcoholic.

In 2023, Nevertheless Pale Ale made history by taking home a 3rd place medal in the Specialty Beer category at the BC Beer Awards. It was the first non-alcoholic brew to go head-to-head with alcoholic beers – and win!

Non-Alcoholic IPA from Superflux Beer Co. in Vancouver, BC

Bright and aromatic hop expression. Flavours of orange creamsicle and lemon rind, rounded out with a soft, lingering sweetness that carries everything through cleanly. 

Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton, BC

Tin Whistle Brewing’s iconic Peach Cream Ale has gone 0.5%. The same beer you know and love, at only 0.5% alcohol. A luscious peach aroma with a light peach taste make this beer a true taste of the Okanagan. Brewed and packaged in Penticton in BC’s only carbon-neutral brewery. Available on draught and to go in the Tin Whistle’s tasting room, and in liquor stores throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays (for now!).

Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in Victoria, BC

Whistle Buoy’s non-alc line-up includes two ‘core’ NA brews: the NA Pale Ale and NA Hazy IPA. They’ve also released two seasonal NA options: the  NA Fuzzy Peach Sour and NA Shaft Coffee Stout. No matter what style of beer you’re craving, Whistle Buoy has an NA option to match.

Co-owner Isaiah Archer says, “Our NA beers are made the same way as our full-strength beers: in small batches with high-quality local ingredients, but with a non-alcohol-producing yeast strain, and they are pasteurized for shelf stability.”

• NA Hazy IPA – This bestseller features Citra and Mosaic hops, providing a fruity aroma and flavour profile with a gentle bitterness that satisfies without overwhelming the senses.
• NA Pale Ale – Inspired by Whistle Buoy’s forever favourite child, Coastality, this beer strikes the perfect balance of all things beer – malty, fruity and hoppy. It’s the right fit for a balanced lifestyle.
• NA Shaft Stout – Created from a luxurious blend of dark malts layered together with chocolate, coffee, and coconutty hops. This classic combo kicks things up a notch to get the tastebuds buzzing.
• NA Fuzzy Peach Sour – This gose-style sour beer has big peach energy and a tangy citrus zip from a dry hop of HBC 1019. We get notes of fuzzy peaches, honeydew melon, and coconut. We’ve also added Vancouver Island sea salt for a slight saltiness that rounds out this light, fruity, and refreshing sour beer.

Other Non-Alc Options

Road Pop from Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC

Try January is about trying something new – not giving anything up. Road Pop Sparkling Hop Water offers a crisp, refreshing experience with zero alcohol and all the flavour you’d expect from a BC craft brewery. Now available in four flavours – Original, Cranberry Orange, Lemon Lime, and Ruby Red Grapefruit. Road Pop is 100% alcohol-free, with zero calories, zero sugar, zero carbs, and zero gluten. Easy to enjoy anytime, it’s a refreshing alternative for brewery visits, trail stops, and everything in between.

Road Pop reflects Barnside’s farm-based roots, using farm-grown Cascade and Triple Pearl hops to bring subtle citrus and grapefruit notes to every flavour and showcasing the local terroir.

Take the Alternate Route and find Road Pop at Barnside’s tasting room, as well as at a wide range of liquor stores and specialty grocers throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Hopped Up! from Category 12 Brewing in Victoria, BC

All fizz. No fuzz. Just pure, aromatic refreshment. The folks at C12 have taken their love of hops beyond beer. Hopped Up! is their line of zero-alcohol, zero-sugar, zero-carb, sparkling waters infused with the same hops used in their craft beers.

They have captured the delicate aromatics of citrus, tropical fruit, and berries without any bitterness. The result: a scientifically precise, guilt-free refreshment for any time of day.

Choose from three flavours: Juicy, Citrusy and Berry.

Island Soda from Hornby Island Brewing Company on Hornby Island, BC

In addition to award-winning beers, Hornby Island Brewing also craft a line-up of bright, refreshing sodas perfect to take along on any Island adventure:

• Island Bliss Sparkling Tea: Contains Hornby Island Tea (organic black tea, citrus peel & lavender), delightfully combined with Westview Farm blackberry lavender simple syrup. Lightly carbonated.
• Delight Sparkling Tea: Contains Hornby Island Tea (Assam green tea, lemongrass, orange peel, horsetail, lavender, calendula and spearmint). With an added touch of local Hornby Island honey to provide a subtle sweetness with carbonation.
• Mango: Tropical beach vibes in a can.The perfect companion to sun-soaked days on Big Trib’s white sand, after an adventure through the trails of Mt. Geoffrey. Lightly sweetened with reduced sugar—never too sweet—so you can sip and savour your perfect Hornby Island moment.
• Ginger Lime Fizz: Contains fresh ginger and lime with zero sweetener, lightly carbonated with a delicious and refreshing kick.
• Sparkling Blackberry Soda: Simply delicious and never too sweet. A sip brings you back to late summer on Hornby Island—the scent of sun-warmed blackberries in the air.
  

  

Hydra Hop Soda Water from Jackknife Brewing in Kelowna, BC

Hydra hop soda water blasts you with refreshing notes of citrus from fresh New Zealand Motueka, Cascade and Mosaic hops. This bright, sparkling infusion is fuelled by a sacrificial offering of crimson hibiscus or juniper and butterfly pea blossom. Quench your soul with a can of Hydra on your next adventure! Zero sugar, Zero Calories, Zero Alcohol and only available in the dungeon…(aka: Jackknife’s taproom for the uninitiated)

Hop Soda from Longwood Brewery on Boxwood Road in Nanaimo, BC

The crisp, clean taste of soda water is complemented by the subtle floral notes of hops, providing perfect hydration for those looking to expand their palate and try something new. Enjoy it on its own, or mix it with your favourite spirits for a truly refreshing cocktail experience. Crafted with West Coast Hops: Amarillo and Cascade. Alcohol free, sugar-free and gluten-free.

Two non-alc, house-made options from Persephone Brewing Company in Gibsons, BC

Farm Fresh Lemonade: Bright, bubbly and bold – this farm fresh, sparkling lemonade is a refreshing take on a timeless classic.

Craft Brewed Iced Tea: A lightly sweetened, fresh-steeped iced tea, kissed with lemon and a balanced level of tannins.

Take your Try January experience to the next level with our photo contest.

January isn’t about skipping the fun, it’s about discovering something new. From now until January 31, 2026 head to your local brewery, try something a little different, snap a photo, and upload it to the BC Ale Trail mobile app for your chance to 𝗪𝗜𝗡

Because BC breweries are about so much more than just beer:

• Non-alcoholic beers, hop water, and craft sodas
• Seasonal menus and seriously good food
• Cozy merch you’ll want to live in
• Trivia nights, games, and reasons to linger a little longer

Every eligible photo submission scores you 25 bonus points and enters you to win one of two BC Ale Trail shirts or a swag pack. Head to the app now, or, if you don’t have the app, you can submit your entry here.

January is for curiosity, connection, and trying something new.
Let’s TRY it.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Craft Without the Kick: The Evolution of Non-Alcoholic Beer in BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Winter beers have a special magic about them. Often darker and more robust, these carefully crafted ales and stouts are perfectly designed for the colder months. But it’s not just about the comforting warmth of a dark beer: this year’s lineup balances rich, hearty styles with lighter, more refreshing options—many incorporating seasonal fruits and spices in surprising and delightful ways–plus a hefty dose of hoppy brews.

We asked breweries on the BC Ale Trail to share what they’ve been brewing up, and they delivered: we’re spotlighting over 100 exceptional beers this year, showcasing the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of our local breweries.

These seasonal brews are more than just beverages: they’re perfect for gifting, elevating gatherings with friends and family, and sharing your local pride when hosting visitors. Whether you’re searching for the ideal companion to a cozy evening by the fire or a standout beverage to bring to a holiday gathering, ’tis the season to show off the flavours and sense of place that make your corner of BC special, one thoughtfully crafted beer at a time.

Jump to a region near you:

• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
• Kootenay Rockies
• Northern BC
• Thompson Okanagan
• Vancouver Coast and Mountains (includes the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast)
• Vancouver Island

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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

• London Fog Ale (5% ABV) by Cask and Cleaver Brewing

Inspired by the classic London Fog, this ale is smooth, cozy, and lightly sweet. Vanilla and lactose add a soft, creamy body, while subtle Earl Grey–style bergamot and black tea notes bring a gentle, familiar warmth.

Find Cask and Cleaver Brewing in 100 Mile House, BC

• Ullr’s Coconut Porter (6.3% ABV | 38 IBU) by Fox Mountain Brewing

Brewed in honour of Ullr, the God of Snow and Patron Saint of Skiers. This is a robust porter that is mellowed with copious additions of toasted coconut and a hint of vanilla from fresh vanilla beans. Decadent.

Find Fox Mountain Brewing in Williams Lake on the Northeast BC Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Wolverine – Belgian Amber Ale (5.3% ABV |36 IBU)
A warm, copper-coloured Belgian amber with layers of caramel malt, stone-fruit esters, and gentle peppery spice. Lively carbonation lifts the rich flavours into a clean, dry finish, making this ale both deeply complex and effortlessly drinkable.

Spotted Bat Stout (5% ABV | 36 IBU)
A supernatural stout named after a supernatural BC bat, this dark and rich brew has notes of coffee and chocolate and is a year-round favourite for new and old stout aficionados.

Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat Stout (4.2% ABV | 36 IBU)
Brewed with fair trade espresso beans from Canada’s Level Ground Coffee Roasters and a touch of creaminess, this stout is velvety and rich with notes of coffee and chocolate.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company in Lillooet, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

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Kootenay Rockies

• Center Pole Pilsner (4.7% ABV) by Backroads Brewing Company

A light and refreshing German-style Pilsner, perfect for après, brewed in collaboration with Whitewater Ski Resort in honour of their 50th anniversary season.

Find Backroads Brewing Company in Nelson, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail, and in Osoyoos, BC

• First Chair White IPA (6% ABV | 25 IBU) by Fernie Brewing Co

Catch the first chair with this citrusy White IPA. Bright & smooth, just like your favourite run on a bluebird day. A medium-bodied brew with lingering notes of zesty citrus & lively carbonation, First Chair features a balanced hoppy bitterness & subtle fruity spice. Loaded with Centennial & Citra hops, this White IPA is worth an early start to snag the front of the lift line.

And watch for the Backdrop Chocolate White Stout, coming soon! 5.6% ABV and 20 IBU. Light & smooth with creamy notes of cocoa, this Chocolate White Stout is the perfect backdrop to a winter day. A medium-bodied brew, Backdrop is silky & slightly sweet, finishing with a gentle earthy bitterness. Rich and roasted, featuring real cocoa husks and nibs, this Chocolate White Stout holds its own in FBC’s limited release line-up.

Find Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

• Two new releases from Rumpus Beer Company

Bodacious – Super Mega Session Ale (2.6% ABV | 18 IBU)
Bodacious is the in-between beer you never knew you needed. In fact, if you’re not already excited about where this fits in your life, the folks at Rumpus are probably not talking to you. Brewed with oats, BC grown Triumph hops, and a kiss of Azacca Cryo, it goes down crisp, clean, and easy. Pairs well with a good conversation, and maybe a few more.

Chrysalis – Foeder Aged Saison (5.3% ABV | 35 IBU)
Chrysalis is the latest pull from the oak foeder at Rumpus Beer. A classic beer of contradiction, it manages to be wildly complex and very crushable at the same time. Brewed with raw spelt, raw emmer, and Czech Saaz hops, then fermented with a blend of Saison and Brett yeast strains in addition to the resident microbiome of the foeder. They’ve keg-conditioned most of the batch straight up, but will also have a few one-off side hits throughout the winter, which will be blended with other beers or dry-hopped with some rad hop extracts from New Zealand.

Find Rumpus Beer Company in Revelstoke, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

• Party Laps Hazy Session IPA (4.5% ABV | 25 IBU) from Tailout Brewing

When Tailout Brewing and RED Mountain Resort team up, you know it’s going to be a good time. Party Laps is an easy-drinking hazy session IPA brewed for those perfect après moments—swapping stories about the day’s best turns, secret stashes, and non-stop laps with your crew. Soft, juicy, and refreshingly crushable, it’s your go-to companion from first chair to last call. Let’s gooo!

Find Tailout Brewing in Trail, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

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Northern BC

• Phoenix Rising Ale (5.5% ABV) by CrossRoads Brewing & Distilling

Golden and bright, dry hopped with Citra and Cascade hops

Find CrossRoads Tap and Kitchen in Prince George, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

• Three new brews from Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse

Silent Night Belgian Ale (7.25% ABV | 25 IBU)
Illuminated with flavours of coriander, cloves, star anise, licorice, juniper, and vanilla, this is a winter warmer.

Hello Gourdgeous Porter (7.6% ABV | 25 IBU)
This porter is everything you need in a drink: pumpkin, spices, and coffee, with perfectly blended flavours to produce the ultimate seasonal beer.

Seven Sisters Stout (4.8% ABV | 25 IBU)
A dark ale with distinct roasted character & hints of dark chocolate & coffee.

Find Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

• Old Man Winter (7.8% ABV) by Smithers Brewing Co

This beer will launch in early January and is a local favourite! It won Silver at the Canadian Brewing Awards this year. It is a Scottish-style dark ale with bold caramelized sugar and toffee flavours, and a sweet finish. This beer is from the Skeena Seasonal Series, in partnership with Canadian artist Roy Henry Vickers. The partnership with Roy showcases the true essence of Northwest BC and the Skeena Valley. There are a total of four beers, one representing each season; Old Man Winter is the winter beer of this series.

Find Smithers Brewing Co in Smithers, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Two Peaks Brewing

Coffee Lager (5% ABV)
This beer is a classic style with a smooth and balanced taste that is sure to please beer drinkers and coffee enthusiasts alike. This small-batch lager is crafted in collaboration with Bugwood Coffee, located in Smithers, BC.

Smoked Ale (5.4% ABV)
This beer has a malty backbone with hints of caramel. The bitterness from the hops helps to balance the sweetness of the malt, creating a well-rounded flavour profile with smoky notes.
Find Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

• Two new brews from Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.

Harvest Moon Dark IPA (6% ABV | 40 IBU)
This dark IPA opens with a touch of hop bitterness before settling into a rich malt backbone that carries notes of toasted grain and cocoa. Finished with juice from the cherries that grow beside the brewery’s picnic tables, it ends with a gentle tartness that ties it all together.

Bellhop Porter (5.8% ABV | 60 IBU)
Bellhop is a multi-award-winning brew, including gold medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards and Canada Beer Cup for the past 3 years. This malty, medium-bodied porter has a smooth mouthfeel with notes of roasted coffee and cacao.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. in Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

• Nutty Owl Vanilla Chestnut Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU) by Barn Owl Brewing

A warm hug in a glass. This winter ale is lovingly made with roasted chestnuts and real vanilla. There’s a reason that people ask for this seasonal beer year-round.

Find Barn Owl Brewing in Kelowna, BC on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

• Back Hand of God Stout (5.2% ABV) by BNA Brewing Co (Crannóg Ales)

In cans for the first time in its 25-year history, Back Hand of God is ready for the masses! After BNA Brewing began brewing the storied recipes from Crannóg Ales in the spring, rumours began swirling that this iconic stout might be in line for packaging, and now that’s come to fruition. Still crafted with the same ingredients, including organic hops from Left Fields Farm, Back Hand of God balances its bold flavour with an effortlessly smooth body. Big notes of roasted barley bring forth aromas of coffee and cocoa, which carry through on the palate. It’s a beer that stays with you, sip after sip and beyond.

Find BNA Brewing in Kelowna, BC, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail;  Vernon, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail; and Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

• Three returning seasonal releases from Cannery Brewing

Kindling Imperial Stout (9% ABV | 60 IBU)
The 2025 batch of Kindling Imperial Stout is brewed with vanilla beans, coconut, oats and lactose. It was brewed with over three pounds of vanilla beans from Sumatra, Ecuador, and Madagascar — plus toasted coconut. Note: this beer contains lactose. Cannery is also pleased to release an updated label to reflect the new ingredients in this 2025 version. This year’s limited release Kindling is back as of Dec. 5th, just for the winter.

Kindling took home the Gold Medal in the 2022 Canadian Brewing Awards, and the Cannery team is thrilled that it is back, just in time for the festive holiday season. They can’t wait for you to try the new 2025 version.

Thornless Blackberry Porter (6% ABV | 40 IBU)
Blackberry flavour and roasted dark malts are combined to create a balanced sweetness in this robust porter. This seasonal beer is back for a limited time this winter.

Thornless won Gold at the 2022 BC Beer Awards. This beer pairs perfectly with steak, BBQ beef, and even with dessert. For a delicious treat, pair it with a rich chocolate brownie or make it into a float with vanilla ice cream.

Heist Maple Stout (5.5% ABV | 40 IBU)
Canadian Maple Syrup is sought after around the globe. This highly coveted commodity came into the spotlight when $18 million worth was stolen in the great Maple Syrup Heist. The addition of this liquid gold gives this Stout a truly Canadian twist.  Heist Maple Stout is back again now for the winter.

Find Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Empty Keg Brew House

Snow Bank Winter Ale (5.4% ABV | 30 IBU)
Dive into the season with Snow Bank, Empty Keg’s rich and warming Winter Ale. This deep amber brew is a perfect blend of caramel, toasted malt, and dark fruit, with a whisper of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and clove to evoke the spirit of winter. Full-bodied and smooth, it finishes with a gentle warmth, making it the ideal companion for chilly nights.

Double Trouble Chocolate Ale (8/2% ABV | 26 IBU)
Indulge your sweet side with this smooth, cocoa-kissed brew. Layers of rich chocolate and roasted malt melt together in every sip, making it taste like dessert in a glass—without being overly sweet. A cozy pint for when you’re craving comfort.

Find Empty Keg Brew House in Merritt, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail 

Oatmeal Stout (5.6% ABV | 25 IBU) by Giant’s Head Brewing

A classic oatmeal stout, with notes of dark chocolate & roasted coffee.

Find Giant’s Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

• Two new brews from Highway 97 Brewing

Fresh Tracks Winter Cream Ale (6% ABV | 20 IBU)
A true winter warmer with pleasant notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, ginger and vanilla. This beer was brewed with après in mind for those beautiful, relaxing winter days.

Triple Berry Cream Wheat Ale (6% ABV | 19 IBU)
This little number is creamy and refreshing, made in traditional wheat ale fashion. You will taste a berry explosion with a hint of vanilla to round out those creamy corners. The bright profile that will keep you coming back is made up of a wild mixture of Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries.

Find Highway 97 Brewing in Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

Fireside Winter Ale (6% ABV | 18 IBU) by Lakesider Brewing Co.

Embrace the cozy charm of winter with our Fireside Winter Ale, the perfect companion for chilly evenings by the fire. This rich, full-bodied brew features notes of dried fruit and brown sugar.

Find Lakesider Brewing Co in West Kelowna, BC on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

• Appa The Stout – A Salted Caramel Stout (5/4% ABV | 30 IBU) by Red Collar Brewing

Appa, the mischievous Corgi, joins the esteemed ranks of brewery dogs with their own namesake beer at Red Collar. And really, could there be a more fitting style for the shortest, stoutiest pup around? This salted caramel stout is brimming with notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and toffee. A rich, smooth blend of flavours, enhanced with salt, makes it an ideal brew for the winter season. Unfiltered and naturally carbonated.

Find Red Collar Brewing in Kamloops, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail 

• Two new brews from the Noble Pig Brewhouse

Hopkuna Matata Brown IPA (5.75% ABV |40 IBU)
Malty and Hoppy. The best of both worlds! Piney and Citrusy hop notes paired with some chocolate and roasted notes. This beer is meant to remind you of a walk in the woods with your favourite meerkat friend.

Mulled Swine Spiced Belgian Pepper Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)
A festive remix of the Stick House Belgian Pepper Ale. The Mulled Swine uses similar spices to those traditionally found in mulled wine. Having this tasty Christmas infusion might just make your heart grow three sizes that day.

Find the Noble Pig Brewhouse in Kamloops, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail 

• Sling It American Amber Ale – Winter Edition (4% ABV) from Silverstar Brewing

The folks at Silverstar have taken the classic toasted-malt character of the style and refined it with precise, warm, subtle roast notes that add depth without heaviness, keeping the beer smooth, crips and genuinely sessionable.

Sling It is brewed in collaboration with Mac Boucher.

Find Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail

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Vancouver Coast and Mountains

• Skull Lake Imperial Stout (9.6% ABV | 50 IBU) by A-FRAME Brewing

Blended on White Oak and bottle conditioned, this stout is dark, rich and intense. Delivering roasted depth and subtle sweetness, it’s layered with hints of cocoa and dark fruit. Smooth yet commanding, it gains complexity the longer it rests in the bottle.

Find A-FRAME Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

• Protect Our Winters Hazy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV | 28 IBU) by Backcountry Brewing

Protect Our Winters Pale Ale features Chili Thom’s iconic “Green Burst” artwork and is brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe, and Krush hops for a bright burst of tropical and citrus flavours.

“We believe our love of adventure in nature demands our participation in the fight to save and protect it. Partial proceeds from each beer sold will be contributed to Protect Our Winters Canada, a charitable organization united to advocate for policy solutions to fight climate change. Since launching this partnership in 2023, we’ve raised over $24,000 for POW, and we’re aiming even higher this year! ⁠$1 from each 4 pack and $50 from each keg will be donated, do your part and try the beer that fights climate change!” – Backcountry Brewing

Find Backcountry Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

• Spressy Tini Espresso Martini Stout (5.1% ABV | 35 IBU) by Beere Brewing

It’s ’tini time! This espresso martini-inspired stout was conditioned on chocolate, vanilla beans, and mountains of espresso beans roasted at Moja Coffee in North Vancouver.

Find Beere Brewing in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Albero Winter Saison (6.8% ABV) from Beva Brewing & Blending

An amber farmhouse ale to commemorate the cooler months. A blend of farmhouse ales aged in American oak and stainless steel using their house mixed culture and refermented with maple syrup.

Find Beva Brewing & Blending in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Two seasonal favourites from Bridge Brewing Company

The Grinch Winter Ale (6.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
This popular Winter Ale is a robust porter spiced delicately with cinnamon, vanilla and oak.

Santa’s Sac Belgian Golden Ale (10.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
A Belgian Golden Strong bursting with banana, clove and peppercorn— the perfect stocking stuffer!

Find Bridge Brewing Company in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Camp Beer Co.

Pecan Pie Imperial Brown Ale (7.1%ABV)
A decadent slice of dessert in a glass. This smooth imperial brown ale layers toasted pecans, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar over a rich caramel and biscuit malt base. The aroma recalls a fresh pecan pie cooling on the counter, while each sip delivers nutty richness, gentle spice, and a soft roasty finish.

The Extra Mile Mandarin Cranberry Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)
The big brother to the beloved Mile Marker Hazy Pale Ale, the team at Camp amped up one of their favourite brews. Not only is Extra Mile a bigger beer, but they also added mandarin and cranberry puree. Loaded with heaps of Sabro hops, bringing subtle coconut and layered complexity. Soft and pillowy like a cloud.

Find Camp Beer Co. in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

• Seawise Giant Imperial Stout (11.2% ABV | 22 IBU) by Container Brewing

Dark and indulgent with complex notes of dark chocolate, espresso and a hint of black licorice. Full-bodied with a warm, satisfying finish that is surprisingly smooth.

Find Container Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Field House Brewing

Orange Dark Chocolate Imperial Dessert Stout (10.5% ABV)
A nod to a classic chocolate dessert. Rich layers of sweet and flavourful chocolate blend with bright orange citrus characteristics, creating a dessert-like experience in this full-bodied imperial stout.

Fudge Brownie Vanilla Ice Cream Imperial Dessert Stout (10.5% ABV)
This imperial dessert stout was inspired by all the warm and delicious skillet brownies in the world. Rich chocolate fudge topped with smooth vanilla ice cream, drizzled with salted caramel.

Find Field House Brewing in Abbotsford, BC, and Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Four Winds Brewing Co.

Astraeus – Imperial Stout (9% ABV)
Astraeus, named for the Greek god of dusk and stars, is a bold yet balanced take on a timeless classic. This Russian Imperial Stout opens with rich aromas of chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramelized sugar, drawing you into its dark, velvety depths. On the palate, it’s smooth and creamy, decadent but not overindulgent, with a gentle hop bitterness that lifts the sweetness and keeps each sip remarkably drinkable.

Pomona – Stone-Fruit Sour (6.2% ABV)
One of the team’s favourite annual beers to brew, the 2025 Pomona is bright, lightly tart, and juicy as it’s ever been! Big bold stonefruit aromas and flavours are brought on by using loads of whole Okanagan apricots and nectarines. Fermented in steel with Lactobacillus and Sacc Trois, this sour ale was aged in an oak foeder for 18 months before being conditioned on carbonically macerated apricots and nectarines. You know what they say, good things take time!

Noctarous – Dark Sour Ale (5.9% ABV)
Noctarous is Nectarous’ sultry sibling: burgundy depths swirling with lush cassis, ripe blackberries, and a hint of spice. Unexpectedly bright, elegantly balanced, delicately tart. A compelling twist on the classic sour – where darkness meets flavour in a whole new way.

Find Fours Winds Brewing Co. in Delta, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Salted Caramel Ale (6.2% ABV | 16 IBU) from Fuggles Beer

Carefully balanced between indulgence and drinkability. This English-style amber ale is crafted with caramel-forward malts and enhanced with additions of caramelized sugar and hints of sea salt. Perfect for Fall, it’s gently warming and lightly sweet, while remaining exceptionally sessionable.

Find Fuggles Beer in Richmond, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Howe Sound Brewing

Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout (5.8% ABV)
Rich cocoa, cinnamon, and a gentle kick of chilli blend into a silky stout. Like a cozy fiesta in a glass — warm, smooth, and a little bit wild.

Howe Sound Mixer 8 Pack (5 – 6% ABV)
Mix it up with your Howe Sound favourites – easy to share, easier to enjoy. Featuring the Howe Sound Lager, Hazy Daze Hazy IPA, Squamish Valley Pale Ale and Rail Ale Nut Brown, this 8-pack brings a taste of Sea to Sky adventure to every occasion.

Howe Sound Lager 12 Pack (5.5% ABV)
Crisp, clean and brewed or easy drinking – and now available in a convenient 12-pack of 355ml cans, it’s the perfect choice for sharing with friends, stocking the fridge, or bringing along for any Sea to Sky adventure. Balanced, refreshing and proudly brewed in Squamish.

Find Howe Sound Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

• Christmas Brown Ale (6.3% ABV | 22 IBU) from the KPU Brew Lab| Kwantlen Polytechnic University

A festive twist on a classic English brown ale, this seasonal warmer brims with holiday cheer. Brewed with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and bright orange peel, this beer is a lively medley of holiday aromas. The warming spice blend lifts the beer’s smooth notes of toasted malt, coffee, and soft chocolate, making each sip feel like a cozy celebration of the season.

Find the KPU Brew Lab in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

• Churro de Leche Pastry Stout (5% ABV) from La Cerveceria Astilleros

Indulge in a dessert-inspired pastry stout that tastes just like a churro in a glass! This fan-favourite brew is loaded with rich cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and dulce de leche caramel. Every sip delivers a velvety smooth mouthfeel with sweet, indulgent flavours, perfectly balanced for a decadent treat.

Find La Cerveceria Astilleros in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Farm to Barn Apple Pie Saison (5.5% ABV | 10 IBU) by Locality Brewing and Barn Owl Brewing

A farmhouse ale inspired by a classic apple pie, this saison layers crisp apple character with warming pie spices. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel and baked apple rise from the glass, balanced by the yeast’s classic spicy esters and a dry, effervescent finish. The malt bill provides a touch of biscuit sweetness, evoking flaky crust, while the spritzy carbonation keeps it bright and refreshing. It’s apple pie in a glass—comforting, spiced, and delightfully drinkable. A Barn Owl Brewing and Locality Brewing Collaboration.

Find the Locality Brewing in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

• Dark Room V.2 – Blended Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by Luppolo Brewing Company

Welcome to the Dark Room: where spirit-aged stouts and bold barrel-aged strong ales are the focal point. With an impassioned dedication, this barrel program aims to produce unique blends that showcase the relationship between beer and barrel developed over time. These small-batch beers, much like film emerging from a dark room, are snapshots that blend the past and present. No two batches will be the same – here for now then gone forever…

This second release in the series is a blend of 1- and 2-year aged stouts that were brewed with a mix of barley, oats, wheat and rye to create a rich and full-bodied beer. Both vintages were aged in freshly emptied Bourbon Whiskey barrels to create robust aromas of coconut, vanilla and caramelized sugar with a complex undertone of Whiskey and toasted oak. Indulge in decadent flavours of dark chocolate, caramel and oak-aged Bourbon. Enjoy now or cellar for later.

Find Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Two new Imperial Stouts (8.9% ABV) from Main St. Brewing

Not one but two new Imperial Stouts in 250-mL cans now available just in time for Dark Beer Season at Main St. Brewing in Vancouver’s Brewery Creek: the Stroopwafel Imperial Stout and a Chocolate-Dipped Stroopwafel Imperial Stout!

Expect a rich, sweet and malty backbone with biscuity stroopwafel and caramel notes thanks to a specialty malt base, extended boil and addition of vanilla and cinnamon to the brew, and a chocolate-dipped delight with delicious cocoa notes to follow that up.

Find Main St. Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

• Winter Ale Spiced Beer (5.8% ABV) by Mariner Brewing

Mariner’s Winter Ale is a robust ale with a deep chestnut colour and a hint of vanilla and spice. A perfect winter warmer to complement crisp fall air, damp and dark evenings and the occasional bright and sunny snow day! Not only was this Mariner’s first award-winning beer ever, it also won Gold at the 2025 Canadian Beer Awards.

Find Mariner Brewing in Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Off the Rail Brewing Co

Twilight Bliss Dark Cream Ale (5% ABV)
A smooth and comforting Dark Cream Ale that bridges light and dark with effortless balance. Pouring a deep amber-brown with a soft, creamy head, it carries gentle notes of roasted malt, caramel, and a touch of chocolate, rounded out by a velvety mouthfeel. Subtle sweetness meets a crisp, clean finish, making it both approachable and intriguing. Twilight Bliss invites you to linger, unwind, and savour the moment between the day’s energy and the night’s calm.

Tiki Talk IPA (6% ABV)
A juicy, hop-forward hazy that’s bursting with notes of ripe pineapple and luscious mango. This IPA balances bright, fruity sweetness with a crisp, refreshing bitterness. Crack one open and drift away—this is your island escape in a can.

Hennes Kölsch (4.8% ABV)
Cologne is steeped in tradition from the city’s proud coat of arms to chants of the diehard FC Köln soccer fans and their legendary four-legged mascot, Hennes. He’s such an icon, Off The Rail named their Kölsch after him. Light, crisp and golden, this brew carries Cologne’s tradition. Named after a goat, brewed for the herd, this beer isn’t just good – it’s the G.O.A.T.

Find Off the Rail Brewing Co in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Parallel 49 Brewing

Craft Draft Stout (4.6% ABV | 28 IBU)
An Irish dry stout with rich coffee and chocolate notes. Beautiful cascade, fine thick head, and smooth velvety mouthfeel from nitrogenation. Light fruity undertone from English yeast. Light, dry, and easy drinking. Available exclusively at BC Liquor Stores.

Toques of Hazzard Double White IPA (9.2% ABV | 76 IBU)
Back for winter! An imperial IPA brewed with a large portion of wheat in the grain bill. A big hop punch with a hint of white grape, kiwi and lime from Nelson Sauvin and Citra. A little white haze adds mouthfeel. Light malt sweetness with wheat flavour. Surprisingly drinkable for its high ABV.

Toque Berries (8.6% ABV | 46 IBU)
P49 has twisted up their beloved Toques of Hazzard Double White IPA with blackberry and raspberry. The punchy hop aroma of white grape, kiwi, and lime character from Nelson Sauvin and Citra intertwines beautifully with blackberry and raspberry. A slight hint of tartness sharpens the overall impression. Generous amounts of wheat contribute to a pleasant haze, enhanced mouthfeel, and a distinctive wheaty undertone. This version is designed with slightly lower alcohol and lower bitterness than the original Toques of Hazzard to keep it approachable. Find it in this year’s Naughty & Nice pack.

Find Parallel 49 Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Auld Nick Winter Ale (7% ABV | 28 IBU) from R&B Brewing

First brewed in the winter of 1998, Auld Nick is a carefully handcrafted strong dark ale. This mellow and warming beer is the perfect antidote to the cold nights of winter.

Find R&B Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

• Hygge Pro Andreas Coppenhagen Spiced Lager (5.6% ABV | 22 IBU) from Sidekick Brewing

Embrace the warmth of comfort with this golden-dark Copenhagen Spiced Lager. Smooth caramel sweetness blends with notes of licorice, cinnamon, and vanilla, balanced by subtle bitterness. The result is a dry, satisfying brew that invites you to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures.

Find Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Smugglers Trail Caskworks

Illicit Cargo Imperial Stout (10% ABV | 42 IBU)
The fourth annual iteration of Illicit Cargo is a Double Chocolate Hedgehog Caramel Imperial Stout brewed with a copious amount of Dutch cocoa, Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean, roasted hazelnuts, caramel malt and aged on American oak. An extended five-hour boil reduces this impressive stout down to something truly extraordinary. Learn more

Black Gold Coffee Stout (5.6% ABV | 29 IBU)
Even the most charismatic smugglers have a dark side! Black Gold balances bold, smooth and roasty flavours with slight touches of spruce and the added kick of cold-brewed
and whole bean coffee. 

Find Smugglers Trail Caskworks in Langley, BC on the Langley Ale Trail

• Throw Blanket West Coast IPA (7.2% ABV) from Steel & Oak Brewing

A little bit old school, a little bit new school, S&O took a classic West Coast IPA and added some new hop varieties. Strata is the star here, delivering resin and passionfruit on the nose and a mouthful of fresh pine. Idaho 7 and Amarillo support the throw blanket like a nice accessory throw pillow, with notes of citrus and stone fruit. Classic American Ale yeast keeps things crispy and clean.

Find Steel & Oak Brewing in New Westminster, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Taylight Brewing

Eggnogg White Stout (5.6% ABV)
This dreamy white stout brings all the silky-smooth sweetness you love from a classic stout without the roasted chocolate or coffee notes. Instead, it’s loaded with the festive spice of real eggnog.

Mint Conditions Stout (5% ABV)
This smooth, velvety pour brings together cool mint and rich cocoa, making it the perfect companion for cozy nights, festive gatherings, and fireside sips.

Find Taylight Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Four new releases from The Patch Brewery

The Old Dewdney Dark Lager (4.8% ABV | 34 IBU)
The Old Dewdney is a barrel-aged, Czech Dark Lager. Clean but complex, nutty, toasty and smooth, with a dark chocolate dry finish

Hot Rocks: Nitro Orange Creamsicle Sour (4% ABV | 30 IBU)
Bright, citrusy kettle sour with orange juice forward hops, a hint of vanilla, and a silky nitro finish.

The Laity Lager (4.9% ABV) – Seasonal can design
The Patch Core Beer Laity Lager, all dressed up for Christmas. A Clean and crisp classic Lager.

Salted Brownie S’more Nitro Double Porter (7.4% ABV | 35 IBU)
Rich chocolate porter brewed with chocolate chips and cocoa nibs, layered with vanilla and topped with a marshmallow-like nitro foam.

Find The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge, BC, on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

• Four new releases from Tinhouse Brewing Co.

Roundhouse Imperial Porter (9.5% ABV | 50 IBU)
A big, bold Porter, perfect for those cool winter evenings. Hints of coffee, chocolate, and roasted marshmallows.

2023 Single Malt Barrel Aged Porter (7.5% ABV | 45 IBU)
The Swingbridge Porter aged for two years in Single Malt Whisky barrels. Available on tap in the tasting room and select hospitality accounts only. Growler Fills will be available.

2021 Barrel Aged Cherry Sour (7% ABV | 10 IBU)
The Hyde Kriek Cherry Sour aged four years in mixed-culture barrels from Dageraad Brewing, for a deliciously tart Belgian Lambic-like finish. Available in the tasting room and select hospitality accounts only. Growler fills we be available.

2023 Single Malt Barrel Aged Peach Sour (9% ABV | 10 IBU)
The Mortal Peach Sour aged for two years in Single Malt Whisky Barrels for a stone fruit whisky sour like beer, with a lot of dry oak on the finish. Available on tap in the tasting room and select hospitality accounts only. Growler fills are available.

Find Tinhouse Brewing Co in Port Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Beartooth Belgian Dubble (7.5% ABV | 28 IBU) from Townsite Brewing

Pouring out a deep brown with ruby highlights, Beartooth’s complex caramel flavours with hints of raisin and dark fruit (think cherries and plum) is the perfect dark sipper to warm you up from the inside out on a cold winter’s night.

Find Townsite Brewing in Powell River, BC, on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

• Easy Stout – Non Alcoholic Beer (.5% ABV) from Wildeye Brewing

Made in collaboration with Thomas Haas Chocolate, the Easy Stout pours deep espresso brown with a soft tan head and offers rich aromas of cocoa, roasted malt and a hint of vanilla. The flavour is silky and balanced, with layered dark chocolate, gentle coffee notes and a touch of toasted hazelnut that leads into a clean, lightly roasty finish. Smooth and velvety in body, it delivers a decadent yet refreshing stout experience that showcases the signature chocolate character of Thomas Haas while keeping the drinkability of the EASY lineup.

Find Wildeye Brewing in North Vancouver, BC, on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

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Vancouver Island

• Three new brews from Ace Brewing Co.

Pilot Project – Valley Vibes Session IPA (4.2% ABV | 40)
The team at Ace are excited to unveil the winner of Pilot Project #6: Valley Vibes Session IPA by Max McLean. A low ABV, full-flavour brew showcasing Citra and Simcoe hops, bursting with bright citrus and juicy stone fruit notes. Once a small-batch stand-out, it’s now ready for the big stage.

Stout (6.6% ABV | 43 IBU)
A rich, smooth and full-bodied stout with a complex malt recipe. A touch of rye gives this beer a spicy background with rich chocolate and coffee notes taking centre stage. A touch of Beechwood smoked malt leads to a subtle smokiness that is present but not overpowering. A generous percentage of oats gives the beer a silky smooth mouthfeel and body. As cold weather approaches, this stout will help ease the burdens of winter.

Rocket Fuel West Coast Double IPA (9% ABV | 90 IBU)
Every holiday season, when the planets align just right, the team at Ace aims for the stars and boosts up their Jet Fuel IPA with an astronomical amount of hops! Buckle in ’cause the countdown is on and this stellar double IPA is ready to launch you into orbit!

Find Ace Brewing Co. in Courtenay, BC, on the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Bayview Brewing Company

Christmas Sour (4.7% ABV | 5 IBU)
The Christmas Sour is a traditional kettle sour with Lactobacillus Plantarum. It’s Christmas in a pint glass! Bursting with vibrant Yellow Point cranberries and supported by a beautiful meld of orange, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Cherry Poppins Cherry French Toast Dessert Sour (4.5-5% ABV | 5 IBU)
Keep an eye out for this returning favourite coming soon! More than a few spoonfuls of dark sweet cherries, cinnamon, vanilla, lactose and maple syrup help this sour beer go down. Supercalifragalisticexpiala-delicious!

Find Bayview Brewing Company in Ladysmith, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Category 12 Brewing

Breakthru Dry Irish Stout (4.9% ABV)
A smooth, approachable stout built on roasted malt character with a touch of vanilla for balance. Light in body yet rich in flavour, it delivers a clean, easy finish that makes this stout refreshing and satisfying. Check out the C12 website for each batch’s third-party certified gluten results!

Black Forest Pastry Stout (11.5% ABV)
Indulge in the layered decadence of this rich, dark stout. Brewed with nine malts and an abundance of cocoa, sour cherry, and vanilla, it evokes the timeless dessert it’s named for – dark chocolate, tart fruit, and creamy sweetness in perfect harmony

Prism Feoder-aged Wild New Zealand Pilsner (5.9% ABV | 29 IBU)
Prism is a wild take on New Zealand Pilsner: the same NZ hop backbone, re-fermented with Brettanomyces in the oak foeder to reveal new facets. Expect citrus-lime and sauvignon-blanc notes with a hint of tropical lift, clean mineral bitterness, and a bone-dry, persistent finish. The foeder adds depth without weight; Brett provides a subtle, elegant complexity rather than overt funk. It’s Seismic Shift seen through another angle.

Find Category 12 Brewing in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Gratitude Winter Ale (9% ABV) from Hoyne Brewing

Gratitude is Hoyne’s most heartfelt beer, inspired by a 15th-century winter-warmer style and brewed with those closest to them in mind. Luscious, full-bodied, and gently warming, it offers rich malt character with notes of caramel, toasted grain, and subtle spice, thanks to Thomas Fawcett and Golden Promise malts and BC-grown Willamette hops. Best enjoyed slowly from a snifter by the fire, this seasonal ale is crafted in honour of the people who bring colour and meaning to our community.

Find Hoyne Brewing in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Noël Gose (5% ABV) from Île Sauvage Brewing Co

A salty sour beer with cherries, baking spices and tonka beans.

Find Île Sauvage Brewing Co in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Confluence Bière De Coupage (6.5% ABV) from Land & Sea Brewing

Confluence is a blend of two rustic Saisons, one aged for the Oak Foeders over six months, and the other, a bright and freshly brewed Farmhouse Ale. This harmonious, blended Saison is brewed in celebration of Land & Sea Brewing’s seventh anniversary.

Find Land & Sea Brewing in Comox, BC, on the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Longwood Brewery

Chocolate & Vanilla Swirl Stout (6.5% ABV | 8 IBU)
Chocolate & Vanilla Swirl Stout is a decadent winter delicacy with gobs of sweet chocolate, dollops on dollops of vanilla, and so much creamy lactose. South American cacao nibs and pure vanilla extract are added at two stages of this brew to enhance the rich flavours from the first sip to the long, rich finish. This dessert beer is chocolate and vanilla all night long.

Big Red Pacific Red Ale (5.8% ABV | 28 IBU)
Big Red is a bold Pacific Red Ale brewed with a balance of citrus-forward West Coast hops and a smooth backbone of Pilsner, Biscuit and Red malts. A full pint in every super tall can — big flavour, big character, Big Red. An Imperial pint in every super tall can.

Find Longwood brews at the Brewery on Boxwood Road, and at the Longwood Brew Pub, both in Nanaimo, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Fathoms Below Imperial Stout (8% ABV) from Mount Arrowsmith Brewing and Fern + Cedar Brewing

A collaboration between sister breweries – the teams at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing and Fern + Cedar Brewing came together to create this rich and decadent Stout for the holiday season.

Find Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville, BC, and Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, both on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Reinbeer Mixed Pack from Phillips Brewing & Malting

Featuring eight mystery brews inspired by Santa’s B-Team of mischievous reindeer. Each beer is crafted to showcase the creativity of Phillips’ expert brewing team, letting the personalities of these delightful troublemakers shine through. Expect a variety of unique, delicious beers that are perfect for celebrating the holiday season!

• Dozer – Brown Ale – ABV% 3.5
• Coco – Hot Chocolate Dark Lager – ABV% 4
• Glitzen – Aussie Sparkling Ale – ABV% 5.5
• Ryder – Rye Witbier – ABV% 5.7
• Crumby – Extra Special Bitter – ABV% 6
• Dipstick – Dip-Hopped IPA – ABV% 6.5
• Jitterz – Hazy Coffee IPA – ABV% 7
• Danky – Single Hop No Boil IPA – ABV% 7.5

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Red Arrow Brewing

Toasted Coconut Porter (5.1% ABV)
The taproom smells incredible when the team at Red Arrow toasts all the coconut needed for this beer in their kitchen! Enjoy comforting dark malt notes of coffee and chocolate with a delightful toasted coconut finish. Oats and rye malt provide a soft mouthfeel for a rounded balance.

Espresso Dark Lager (5.3% ABV)
Coffee Beer! This special collaboration beer features big flavour made smooth by lagering. Rich, velvety, and dark malt-forward with heavy espresso aromatics thanks to the addition of 110lbs of Compass Espresso from Cowichan Valley’s own Peak’s Coffee.

Find Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Contrary Evidence Nitro Cold Brew Porter (4.45% ABV | 24 IBU) from Serious Brewing Company

A smooth chocolate porter with the addition of Serious Coffee’s Three Amigos roast cold brew. Smooth, creamy, full-bodied bodied and easy drinking.

Find Serious Brewing Company in Chemainus, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Blink Milk Chocolate Coconut Porter (6% ABV) from Small Gods Brewing

The use of lactose sugar, along with fair-trade cocoa nibs, gives this porter a rich, creamy milk chocolate character that is then amplified by a bounty of shaved coconut.

Find Small Gods Brewing in Sidney, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Spinnakers Brewpub

Trans Atlantic Collaboration IPA (5.2% ABV | 40 IBU)
This old-world style IPA, features Fuller’s yeast, local malts, and a mix of old-world and Northwest hops. Its flavour profile includes notes of pine, grapefruit, and light malt. Read more about the history behind the beer.

Imperial Chocolate Stout (8.4% ABV | 5 IBU)
A robust American Stout that leads with subtle coffee flavours and opens to huge chocolate notes that are balanced out by a bite of sweetness.

Find Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Vanishing Act Sour (5.7% ABV | 10 IBU) from Twin City Brewing

Like taking a tropical vacation or the holidays, but without any of the family guilt. Vanishing Act is a pineapple coconut sour that starts as a golden base, gets acidified using a house culture of lactobacillus until sour, then gets hopped with pineapple-forward hops, fermented with Voss kveik, and finally conditioned on loads of pineapple and finished with a touch of coconut. A pina colada-reminiscent fan favourite that also happened to be a gold medal winner at the 2025 BC Beer Awards.

Find Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni, BC, on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

• Juleøl Winter Lager (5.6% ABV | 25 IBU) from Whistle Buoy Brewing Company

Pronounced Yule-ol. A winter lager inspired by the traditional holiday beers of Denmark and Norway. Malt forward and slightly sweet. Amber in colour with a hint of spice from star anise, cinnamon, and orange peel. Warming and seasonal, with balanced crushability.

Find Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Smoked Dobbelbock (8% ABV) from Wolf Brewing Company

Beech-smoked malt on the nose gives way to a rich malty lager with toasted bread, raisin and prune, followed by caramel and a hint of molasses. A medium to full-bodied beer with a clean, lager-style finish.

Find Wolf Brewing in Nanaimo, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

The post Winter Warmers and Holiday Hops: 2025 Winter Beer Round-up appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The air is cooler, leaves are changing colour, and the sun is setting a bit earlier each evening. Sweater weather features a distinct range of seasonal beers, including Oktoberfest-themed lagers, pumpkin-infused ales and fresh hop IPAs.

Here is a selection of fall-themed beers from B.C. craft breweries. Look for them from your favourite breweries or on local liquor store shelves.

Every Pint Tells a Story — Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

Fresh is Best!

September is fresh hop season, when many BC breweries create special beers using hops fresh from the harvest at local farms. Best known is likely the OG from Driftwood Brewery, Sartori Harvest IPA, but many other breweries also make fresh hop beers.

Storm Brewing embraces its location in the industrial heart of East Vancouver by utilizing hops grown in its own neighbourhood.

The resulting Fresh Hop IPA is only available for a short period of time — until it runs out.

Storm Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail. 

See below for other fresh hop beers, along with other fall seasonals from BC craft breweries.

Two fall releases from Cannery Brewery:

• Vees Edition Lakeboat Lager (5% ABV | 20 IBU) This is a special edition German-Style Lager to celebrate the Penticton Vees and their inaugural 2025-2026 season in the WHL.
• Cannery Zombie Swarm Double IPA (8.5% ABV | 80 IBU) This Double IPA is packed with a hoard of Cascade, Centennial, Columbus, Simcoe and Amarillo Hops.

Cannery Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail.

Fresh Coast Fresh Hop IPA – Container Brewing (6% ABV)

A citrusy grapefruit-like bitterness sets off a satisfying base of earthy pine and wood aromatics provided by the fresh Centennial hops. Lightly malty with a hint of honey like sweetness for balance.

Container Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Three fresh hop beers from Yellow Dog Brewing:

• Alpha Dog Fresh Hop Pale Ale (5.2% ABV | 60 IBU)
• New Tricks Fresh Hop Hazy IPA (6.8% ABV | 50 IBU)
• Little Dog Syndrome Fresh Hop Double IPA (8.2% ABV | 80 IBU)

Yellow Dog Brewing can be found on Brewers Row in the Port Moody Ale Trail and on the Penticton Ale Trail.

Three harvest-themed beers from Locality Brewing:

• Provenance Melon Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 50 IBU) Fresh cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon from A Rocha Farms paired with Vista and Huell Melon hops.
• Cranberry Cherry Haywire Cherry Sour(5% ABV | 10 IBU) Tart cranberry juice from the BOG riverside farm paired with cherries and a touch of lemon.
• “Not Sorry” Nanaimo Bar Brown Ale (5.7% ABV | 15 IBU) Smooth layers of milk chocolate and toasted coconut make each sip taste like a liquid Nanaimo bar.

Locality Brewing can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Three harvest beers from The Patch Brewery:

• New Traditions Fresh Hopped Pale Ale (5.5% ABV) A 100% Laity Farms beer using the farm’s own Laity Pilsner Malt and farm-grown Cascade Hops.
• Oktoberfest Lager (5.7% ABV | 28 IBU) A medium bodied malty amber lager with flavours of toasty biscuit malt.
• Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin Ale (5.8% ABV | 25 IBU)

The Patch Brewery can be found on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail.

Three fall beers from Howe Sound Brewing:

• Pothole Filler Imperial Stout (9% ABV) Bold and decadent, this Imperial Stout pours deep with flavours of roasted coffee and dark chocolate.
• Pumpkineater Pumpkin Ale (8% ABV) An imperial ale brewed with pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.
• Seasonal Confusion Strata IPA (6.8% ABV) Brewed with Strata hops, this IPA bursts with strawberry, passion fruit, grapefruit and melon.

Howe Sound Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail.

Three autumn beers from Mariner Brewing:

• German Export Lager (5%| 20 IBU ABV) A fest bier that captures the essence of Oktoberfest with its crisp and malty flavor profile, balanced by a hearty amount of noble hops.
• Lights at Lafarge Dark Lager (5.6% ABV) With notes of dark caramel and hints of rich chocolate, balanced by spicy noble hops and a flinty, dry finish. 
• Belgian Tripel (8% ABV) A beautiful Belgian-style tripel brewed with pear and honey.

Mariner Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Layer Up Apple Pie Brown Ale from Beacon Brewing (5.5% ABV)

A spiced brown ale with notes of cinnamon along with big apple flavour. Served on Nitro for an extra special treat/

Beacon Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Ghostrider Pumpkin Brown Ale by Fernie Brewing Co. (5% ABV | 13 IBU)

Named after a local Fernie legend, Ghostrider is brewed with pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and allspice.

Fernie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Two fall releases from Dead Frog Brewery:

• Pumpkin Spice Creamsicle (4.2% ABV) A smooth, creamy, and cozy seasonal brew packed with pumpkin and perfectly balanced with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Nutty Family Pack (6.1% ABV) This 4-pack includes 2 cans each of Nutty Uncle Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout and Nutty Auntie Chocolate Hazelnut Porter.

Dead Frog Brewery can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Two beers from Backcountry Brewing:

• Maple Bay IPA⁠ (6.5% ABV | 30 IBU) Brewed with fresh Cascade and Centennial hops from the Maple Bay Hop Farm. The gorgeous label was created by local Métis artist Jean Paul Langlois.
• It Was the Style at the Time⁠ (5% ABV | 20 IBU) Celebrate Oktoberfest with this delicious Bavarian-style Festbier.

Backcountry Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail.

Nitro Blackheart Oatmeal Stout – Nelson Brewing (5.7% ABV)

A classic full-bodied stout with notes of chocolate and coffee, elevated by a creamy-smooth Nitro finish.

Nelson Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail.

Buckwild Stout from Grey Fox Brewing (5% ABV | 23 IBU)

The gluten-free Buckwild Stout is a classic available year round but perfect for the fall season. 

Grey Fox Brewing can be found on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Celtic Ember Scottish Red Ale from Silverstar Brewing (5.5% ABV)

This Scottish Red Ale embraces rich malt character with a warming blend of butterscotch, caramel, and toffee, evoking the essence of a traditional Scottish brew.

Silverstar Brewing can be found on the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

Lederhoser Festbier from Encore Brewing (5.5% ABV)

Ditch your ball caps and grab your toques, ya hosers! The Lederhoser is a German-style festbier brewed exclusively with Canadian ingredients. Prost!

Encore Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Crooked Tooth Nitro Pumpkin Ale from Phillips Brewing (7% ABV | 24 IBU)

This seasonal classic is a full-bodied ale brewed with fresh pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Phillips Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Also, look for the Hop Selection Mixed Pack  currently available in the Phillips retail store and coming soon to private liquor stores across BC. It includes four hazy IPAs designed to showcase the unique character of three standout hop varieties:

• Luminosa Single Hop Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 30 IBU)
• Galaxy Single Hop Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 30 IBU)
• Strata Single Hop IPA (7% | 30 IBU)
• Luminosa, Galaxy, Strata Hazy IPA (7% | 30 IBU)

Twilight Bliss Dark Cream Ale from Off the Rail Brewing (5% ABV | 26 IBU)

This is a smooth and comforting Dark Cream Ale that boasts gentle notes of roasted malt, caramel and a touch of chocolate — rounded out by a velvety mouthfeel.

Off the Rail Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Cali Common by Field House Brewing (5.5% ABV)

Originating in San Francisco, and traditionally brewed for “the common man,” this lager is fermented at ale temperatures. Crisp and malty with a golden amber colour. 

Field House Brewing can be found in Abbotsford on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

Fresh Hop IPA from Category 12 Brewing (6% ABV)

Capturing the peak of the hop harvest, Centennial hops grown at Topp’s Hops in the Chilliwack Valley were picked at their prime and rushed to the brewery the very same day!

Category 12 Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Nebenstrasse Festbier – Backroads Brewing (5.7% ABV)

A clean, smooth and complex malty lager featuring bready notes and a slightly spicy hop profile from German noble hops.

Backroads Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail.

Three fall-themed beers from Patina Brewing:

• Marzen (6.5% ABV) Brewed and lagered in the traditional Munich style.
• Blueberry Wheat (5.6% ABV) Fermented with 500 lbs of local blueberries and finished with the oil of 838 cold-pressed lemons. 
• Horchata Cream Ale (5.5% ABV) Notes of vanilla and cinnamon will light up your tastebuds and then let them down easily with its smooth finish.

Patina Brewing can be found on Brewers Row in the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Pumpkin Pie Ale – Storm Brewing (5% ABV)

Pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, clover, black pepper, and vanilla in an ale that packs all the flavour you can expect from Storm. 

Storm Brewing can be found on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Three fall beers from PoCo Brothers Brewing:

• Dark Lager (4.5% ABV) An award-winning Schwarzbier with notes of toasted caramel, a hint of bitter chocolate, and a beautiful dark copper colour.
• Thiolized Wheat Ale (4.5% ABV) Brewed with 40% German malted wheat, this ale boasts a smooth texture and a crisp finish. Infused with coriander for a subtle spice and dried orange zest for a zesty kick.
• Easy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) A crisp, refreshing pale ale that highlights Canadian malt and classic West Coast hops in perfect harmony.

PoCo Brothers Brewing can be found on Brewers Row in the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

The post Autumnal Ales, Fresh Hop IPAs & Oktoberfest Lagers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The days are long and the weather is warm, and craft brewers are answering the calls of BC beer lovers with a wave of refreshingly drinkable releases perfect for patio season. This summer’s lineup showcases a shift toward session-friendly lower ABVs that won’t weigh you down during those endless daylight hours. From berry-kissed sours bursting with juiciness to wheat ales and crisp, refreshing lagers, brewers are embracing the season’s bounty with creative fruit additions that taste like liquid sunshine. Meanwhile, the IPA scene is getting a tropical makeover with super hazy, fresh releases that showcase unique hop varieties grown to bring fruit flavours to the forefront without any actual fruit additions.

Whether you’re planning a lakeside camping trip or just looking to beat the heat on your back deck, these seasonal releases are the perfect way to celebrate summer and support local.

Jump to a region near you:

Kootenay Rockies

Thompson Okanagan

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (including the Fraser Valley)

Vancouver Island

Kootenay Rockies

Dad Rock Rice Lager (4% ABV) from Encore Brewing Company

European pilsner malts and flaked rice sit tightly in the pocket with a gentle dose of Saaz hops, allowing this lager to stay crisp, bright and snappy enough to keep you grooving ALL NIGHT LONG!

Dad Rock has also won Best Beer Can Label (Platinum Division) at the 2025 Craft Beer Marketing Awards, which was judged by over 500 industry professionals and featured entries from around the globe. The design by Reflect Design Co. brought this can to life—garage vibes, backyard nostalgia, and enough dad energy to knock the sandals right off your socked feet.

Find Ecore Brewing Company in Cranbrook, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Joyride Juicy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) from Nelson Brewing Company

This pale ale combines bright peach and orange creamsicle flavours with vibrant hop notes from HBC 1019 hops. This beer tastes exactly as it smells, like you just went to the corner store and loaded up on a bag of fuzzy peach candies. Big flavour for a low ABV beer. It offers a smooth, fluffy mouthfeel and a light, refreshing finish. No destination required—just a thrilling ride of flavour in every sip.  No peaches were harmed in the production of this beer.

Find Nelson Brewign Company in Nelson, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Apple Light Lager (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU) from Giant’s Head Brewing

Giant’s Head’s classic 3716 Lite Lager meets locally sourced apple juice to become the Summer Apple Lite Lager! The apple juice is a blend of locally grown McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples from Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit Farm, creating a refreshing twist for a hot summer’s day.

Find Giant’s Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

Lively Lime Lager (5% ABV) from Grey Fox Brewing

Nothing hits quite like a cold Lively Lime on a hot day. Whether you’re catching waves or just soaking up the sun, this citrusy cerveza lager is light, crisp, and made for summer moments.

Wherever your summer adventure takes you — lake days, mountain trails, or backyard hangs — pack the flavour, not the gluten.

Find Grey Fox Brewing in Kelowna, BC, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (and the Fraser Valley)

Two new releases from Barnside Brewing

• Latitude NZ Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV) Barnside is kicking off something special this summer: the Farming Common Ground Series, where they connect with other farmers around the world who share their deep roots in the land and the love of craft. First up in this series is the Latitude NZ Hazy IPA. A juicy, hazy expression of Aotearoa-grown hops, brewed in collaboration with Barnside friend and fellow farmer, James Garston from Garston Hops. James recently visited Delta, Barnside’s brewery and fields, and shared stories from his hop farm in the South Island of New Zealand — one of the southernmost hop farms on Earth.
  This beer brings James’ harvest to your glass:
  • Motueka hops for bright lime and citrus
  • Nelson Sauvin hops for notes of gooseberry and white grape
  All layered over a soft, hazy body with a lush tropical finish. Latitude NZ is more than a beer — it’s a connection between two family farms, a world apart but united by flavour, values, and good dirt
• Westham Island Strawberry Sour (4.4% ABV) A collab beer with Emma Lea Farms on Westham Island. This beer was brewed with over 500kg of strawberries freshly harvested from their farms. Strong aroma and taste of ripe strawberries and orange result in a beer bursting with flavours of summer! 

Raspberry Lime Sour (ABV 5% | IBU 8) from Dead Frog Brewery

A super juicy, bright red brew with a refreshing splash of sour raspberry and a crisp hint of lime. Available on its own or in the latest Juice Box Sour Mixer alongside three other refreshing and tart brews.

Find Dead Frog Brewery in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Three new releases from Howe Sound Brewing

• Airplane Mode Mexican Lager (4.6% ABV) Crisp and refreshing, best enjoyed with amigos and sunsets. Coastal relaxation begins when you crack it, no passport required.
• Margarita Sour (4.8% ABV) Crack open a can for happy hour with friends. Just like a classic margarita, this sour is well-balanced- fruity, sweet, and sour all at once with that hint of salt that keeps you craving more.
• Tropical IPA – Collab with Yakima Chief Hops (6% ABV) This hazy IPA was brewed in collaboration with our good friends at Yakima Chief Hops. It highlights generous hop additions of Citra®, Cryo Pop® and El Dorado, resulting in this crushable mango, pineapple and stone fruit flavour medley.

Find Howe Sound Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail; the Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen in New Westminster, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail; and the Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen in East Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail. 

Two new releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

• White Sturgeon Lite Lager (3.5% ABV) This ultra-light North American Rice Lager is brewed for balance and drinkability. Built on a base of fine Pilsner malt and toasted rice, this lite lager is easy drinking and refreshing any time of year.
• Mountain Goat Apricot Sour (4.7% ABV) The Mountain Goat Apricot Sour combines light, crisp, tart and refreshing flavours with a delicate aroma of apricots.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company in Lillooet, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Two new releases from Locality Brewing

• Blue Lime Haywire Sour (5% ABV) Bursting with vibrant fruit character, this refreshing sour balances fresh blueberries and zesty lime in perfect harmony. Juicy and effervescent, it opens with a bright citrus pop followed by waves of ripe blueberry sweetness. A gentle sour tang rounds out the finish, making it crisp, clean, and endlessly drinkable. Summer in a glass—light, lively, and just the right amount of pucker.
• Hibiscus Margarita Sour (3.8% ABV) Introducing the Hibiscus Margarita Sour — tart, bright, and refreshingly pink. Brewed with hibiscus for floral tang and vivid colour, plus a burst of lemon for that zesty citrus kick. This low-ABV sour is light-bodied, crisp, and sour enough to make your taste buds perk up — in the best way. Perfect for dockside daydreaming, lazy lagoon hangs, and those “oh yeah, this is summer” moments.

Find Locality Brewing in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Birds of a Feather Tiny Hazy IPA (4% ABV) from Luppolo Brewing Company

This tiny IPA packs BHE (Big Hop Energy)! Dry hopped with Krush, Citra & Mosaic, Birds of a Feather boasts bold tropical flavours and a dank, resinous hop character. Heaps of wheat & oats were added for quaffability and a silky smooth mouthfeel. At only 4%, this is a flavour bomb that won’t clip your wings!

Find Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

Three new releases from Tinhouse Brewing

• SubLIMEinal Gose (4.5% ABV | 0 IBU) A very approachable, low ABV Gose-style warm fermented beer with zero hops. It features a big citrusy punch of lemon & lime, and a lightly salted finish, true to the style.
• Mortal Peach Sour (8.0% ABV | 10 IBU) Arriving in early August: a kettle-soured ale, made with a ton of peaches and a hint of vanilla, this will be a great way to enjoy summer.
• Highest Knoll Quad Hazy IPA (10.5% ABV | 85 IBU) The juiciest, fruitiest East Coast IPA that the folks at Tinhouse could conceive of making. It is an even more beefed-up version of their fan-favourite High Knoll Hazy IPA.

Find Tinhouse Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Vancouver Island

Four new releases from Phillips Brewing & Malting

• Dinosour Berry Lemonade Sour (4.2% ABV) Bursting with the refreshing flavour of ripe BC berries and zingy lemonade, this enticing sour ale has the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Dinosour Orange Dreamscicle Sour (4.2% ABV) Dinosour Orange Dreamscicle sour packs a delightfully tart bite. Soured with our house-cultured lacto strain, orange juice is added pre- and post-fermentaceous period, balancing the tart citrus bite with vanilla and juicy fruit sweetness.
• Solaris Summer Wheat Ale (4.3% ABV) Imbibing vibes of a lazy, hazy summer day, this refreshing wheat beer with subtle aromas and flavours of passion fruit, pineapple, citrus and mango. Very low bitterness with a soft and smooth finish, perfect for summer sipping.
• Solaris Raspberry Wheat Ale (4.3%) An easy-drinking, refreshing summertime delight, combining the tantalizing qualities of both ripe raspberries and the softness of wheat to produce a vibrant pinkish-red, cloudy, crisp and fruity beer.

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Peach Blonde Ale (3% ABV) from Red Arrow Brewing

Light, bright, perfectly peachy – this balanced, refreshing and subtly fruity blonde ale delivers sunshiney vibes with every sip. High attenuation allows this beer to finish desirably dry.

Find Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Weisse Welle Berliner Weisse (3.2%ABV) from Ucluelet Brewing Company

Coming soon: A cool wave of refreshment from Northern Germany to the Pacific Coast. Wiesse Welle is a traditional Berliner Weisse – crisp, clean, and gently tart, with subtle fruit notes and a softly refreshing finish. The light and lively sour will be the perfect companion to sea breeze, sunlight, and the rhythm of the coast.

Find Ucluelet Brewing Company in Uclulelet, BC, on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Summer Sessions: BC’s Freshest Craft Beer Releases appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

From coastal communities to mountain towns, BC’s craft brewers are celebrating the change of seasons with fresh, innovative beers perfect for those longer, warmer days ahead. Whether you’re planning patio sessions with friends or stocking up for weekend adventures, this season’s releases offer something for every beer lover.

Jump to a region near you:

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Kootenay Rockies

Thompson Okanagan

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (including the Fraser Valley)

Vancouver Island

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Two new releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Lillooet Honey Ale (5/2% ABV | 20 IBU)

Fresh and golden, the Honey Ale is made with honey from local Cariboo Apiaries and is a definite crowd pleaser. Dominant floral notes with a mild, delightful flavour.

Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour (5% ABV | 4 IBU)

The Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour blends tangy blackberries with lively citrus for a refreshingly complex profile with subtle malt flavour that adds balance to every sip.

 

Kootenay Rockies

Bliss Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Ale (4.2% ABV) from Encore Brewing Company

Pouring a stunning magenta-plum hue, this ode to spring is exactly what you’d expect—juicy and floral, bright yet soft on the palate, each sip demanding another. So ditch your winter digs, slip into a sunhat and flippy-floppies, and enjoy this beer wherever you can find a ray of sunlight. Yeah. It’s Bliss.

Encore Brewing Company is located in Cranbrook, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Three new releases from Cannery Brewing

Babe Brew Mango Milkshake IPA (8.5% ABV | 30 IBU)

This Mango Milkshake IPA is a fundraiser beer in support of the Beer Babes Family. Partial proceeds will go to support the work of the Beer Babes Family. Funds raised from the Beer Babe Brews are collected and awarded in the form of grants. Grants are awarded to women who work in the beer industry and are trying to improve their beer business.

This Mango Milkshake IPA was brewed with barley, oats, wheat, vanilla, and lactose (milk sugar). Mango puree from Pacific Coast Fruit Products was then added during secondary fermentation. It was hopped with Simcoe and Citra hops from Hops Connect Canada. Sponsors for the brew are: Hops Connect Canada, Yeast Canada Innovations, Pacific Coast Fruit Products, TricorBraun Canada (cans), and Altro Labels. Read more about the brew and the collaboration brew day in the blog by Hannah Irvine.

Sunblink Tropical Sour (5% ABV)

A tart, wheat-based kettle sour fermented with a blend of pink guava, pineapple & apricot.

Hop Chowdah Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)

This hazy ipa is juicy with relaxed bitterness and a soft mouthfeel. Hopped with Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka & Nectaron hops. The Hop Chowdah was awarded Best in Class in the Hazy IPA & NEIPA category in the Okanagan Fest of Ale judging competition. “We were honoured to win this award for this delicious beer.” – Cannery Brewing

Cannery Brewing is located in Penticton, on the Penticton Ale Trail

Riptide Raspberry Nitro Sour (5.2% ABV | 18 IBU) from Copper Brewing

The folks at Copper Brewing set out to brew a beer that would make anyone’s Instagram followers jealous—brilliantly blue and irresistibly photogenic. But then reality crashed the party. It turns out that mixing bright blue raspberry with golden beer doesn’t give you electric blue—it gives you teal. Who knew basic colour theory had such strong opinions about beer? Luckily, this unexpected detour led to Riptide Raspberry Nitro Sour: tart raspberry flavour, velvety nitro smoothness, and a colour that’s either very hip or deeply confused. Either way, it’s delicious. Come ride the teal wave—you can explain it to your followers later!

Copper Brewing is located in Kelowna, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (including the Fraser Valley)

Mexican Light Lager (4.7% ABV) from Barnside Brewing

Silver Medal Recipient at the 2024 Canada Beer Cup in the Mexican Light Lager Category.

Brewed with Field 5 Pilsner malt, German Vienna malt, Canadian Flaked Maize, and hopped with Barnside’s own Sterling hops. Inspired by their favourite Mexican lager (think stubby bottle and gold foil), this Mexican lager is gently malty and refreshing to the last drop.

Barnside Brewing is located in Delta, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

A mixed pack and sour from Dead Frog Brewery

Juice Box Sour Mixer

This limited edition mixed pack includes eight new tall cans of sour power! Featuring the Rocket Pop Sour (5% ABV), Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV),  Raspberry Lime Sour (4.5% ABV, and Blueberry Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV). 

Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV)

A refreshing sour golden ale with a fresh splash of peach, a hint of lemon, and a crisp finish. The winner of the Okanagan Fest of Ale 2025 Best in Class Sour and Fruit Sour.

Dead Frog Brewery is located in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail

Put Me In Kölsh (5% ABV | 25 IBU) from Farm Country Brewing

Just in time for the beer league ball season, the team at Farm Country Brewing has crafted a dinger of a brew for your club. This super sessionable beer will have you rounding the hot corner and heading for home! Light but flavourful with a snappy, crisp and refreshing finish, this German Kölsch is sure to be your new favourite. A brew like this will always be there to celebrate your victories or help ease the agony of defeat. Put me in Kölsch… I’m ready to play!

Farm Country Brewing is located in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail

Shiori Peach Sour (5.6% ABV) from Fuggles Beer Co

Bright, tart, and refreshingly juicy, Shiori is a beautifully crafted peach sour ale that balances luscious ripe peach flavour with a crisp, mouthwatering acidity. Perfect for those who crave something both fruit-forward and tart.

Fuggles Beer is located in Richmond, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Luminosa Brett Saison (4.5% ABV) from Luppolo Brewing Company

Luppolo’s new Quattro Stagioni Series, which means four seasons in Italian, is inspired by the ever-changing nature of mixed culture saisons. This first release is made with a blend of wheat, rye, and spelt and has gone through a lengthy secondary fermentation with Brettanomyces. Expect tropical Brett funk on the nose and classic saison esters of quince, tropical fruit and barnyard funk. Luminosa, or “bright” in Italian, is light and refreshing yet complex. Can conditioned for a spritzy natural carbonation, this beer perfectly encompasses the character of our house yeast and will continue to evolve in the can as the seasons turn.

Luppolo Brewing Company is located in Vancouver, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Vancouver Island

Summers Edge (5.4% ABV | 13 IBU) from Alberni Brewing Co

A blackberry sour with a touch of peach bringing a blend of tartness and sweetness. Tangy notes mingle with just the right amount of fruity freshness, making it refreshing and satisfying. (Contains lactose).

Alberni Brewing Co is located in Port Alberni, on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Three new releases from Bayview Brewing Company

Strawbarb – Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Dessert Sour  (4.2% ABV | 5 IBU)

Rich, creamy, and delightfully puckering, this kettle sour blends strawberry and rhubarb with cinnamon, vanilla, and oats to deliver a full-on dessert-in-a-glass experience. Contains lactose.

Jason Mimosa – Brut IPA with Orange (6.3% ABV | 22 IBU)

This Brut IPA is brewed with 100% Vancouver Island malted barley from Field 5 Farm. The team at Bayview zested and juiced 80 lbs of fresh oranges for a citrusy, brunch-worthy beverage.

Cuttin’ Grass – Lawnmower Lager (3.7% ABV | 10 IBU)

This ultra-refreshing lager is brewed with pilsner malt from Field 5 Farm. Hopped with Amarillo and Huell Melon hops and finished with a touch of lemon peel, this beer is light-bodied and easy to drink; perfect after yard work or for sipping by the river.

Bayview Brewing is located in Ladysmith on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

A mixed pack and local release from Lighthouse Brewing

Summer Voyage, the latest mix pack from Lighthouse, includes four easy-going brews that are perfect for warm summer days.

• Raspberry Lime Pilsner (5% ABV) Raspberry Lime Pilsner has all your favourite summer flavours: sweet and tart raspberries on the signature backbone of a pilsner and just a subtle hint of lime to balance it all. Pours a beautiful ruby red.
• Pineapple Hazy Pale Ale (5.5% ABV)  Bright, juicy, and tropical! Bursting with ripe pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, this hazy pale ale balances sweet and refreshing with a smooth creamy mouthfeel and vibrant aroma – a perfect escape to the tropics.
• Tropical Sour (6.7% ABV) Crafted with a blend of exotic fruit flavours and a tart sour brew, this beer is a refreshing oasis in a glass. A tropical and easy drinking sour to soak up the sun with.
• Salted Lime Mexican Lager (4.5% ABV) Crisp, refreshing, and citrusy! This easy-drinking lager delivers a burst of fresh lime , balanced by a touch of pink Himalayan salt for a tangy, smooth finish. Perfect for warm days, cool evenings, and everything in between.

Peninsula Pale (5%) ABV

Peninsula Pale is brewed with local malts from Field Five Farms on the Saanich Peninsula, a sixth-generation family farm about 45 minutes from the brewery. They grow their own barley and produce their own malt on-site, which gives the brewers at Lighthouse a direct farm-to-pint connection that’s both rare and meaningful. This vibrant brew features a blend of peach and floral hop notes with a complex malt character. When you pick up this beer, you’re not just getting something easy-drinking and crisp — you’re choosing a beer that supports real people, real farms, and real craft.

“Now more than ever, supporting Canadian agriculture and reducing reliance on long supply chains matters. Brewing with Field Five means we’re supporting BC farmers, reducing our footprint, and staying connected to the people and land around us. That matters to us — and we think it makes the beer taste even better.” – Lighthouse Brewing

Lighthouse Brewing is located in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story –

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Savour Spring: What’s Brewing Across BC Right Now appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

These seasonal brews are more than just beverages—they’re an invitation to gather with friends and loved ones, capturing the warmth, comfort, and jubilant spirit of the season. Winter beers have a special magic about them. Often darker and more robust, these carefully crafted ales and stouts are perfectly designed for the colder months. But it’s not just about the comforting warmth of a dark beer: among this year’s new releases and return favourites, you’ll find a balance of lighter styles, many incorporating seasonal fruits and spices in new and enticing ways.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect companion to a cozy evening by the fire, a standout beverage to bring to a holiday gathering, or a thoughtful gift for the craft beer enthusiast in your life, this year’s winter beer lineup offers something to delight every palate. We asked the breweries on the BC Ale Trail to share what they’ve been brewing up and have over 50 beers to spotlight this year, showcasing the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of our local breweries.

Jump to a region near you:

Kootenay Rockies

Thompson Okanagan

Northern BC

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (including Sea to Sky and Fraser Valley)

Vancouver Island

Kootenay Rockies

Neve Fresca Italian Pilsner (5.2% ABV | 20 IBU) by Backroads Brewing

Translated as Fresh Snow, this light, effervescent Italian-style pilsner is brewed each winter to celebrate the coming season and is perfect when enjoyed after a day playing in the mountains.

Backroads Brewing is located in Osoyoos, and in Nelson on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Yuleride Nordic Pale Ale (5% ABV) by Encore Brewing Company

Fermented with Voss Kveik, a Norwegian farmhouse yeast that likes it hot. With big juniper additions, and a Citra & Hallertau Blanc dryhop, it drinks like a gin mimosa with huge notes of zesty orange and gooseberry, along with a subtle pine and gin aromatic.

Encore Brewing is located in Cranbrook on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Powder Leopard White IPA (6.3% ABV) by Nelson Brewing Company

Love story: Untamed and unfiltered, this White IPA is a perfect ode to powder days. Brewed with Cryo, Cashmere, and Mosaic hops, it bursts with vibrant berry and citrus notes, balanced by a smooth, fluffy finish. Wild, refreshing, and always worth another round!
Brewers Notes: A white IPA is a beautiful thing. It pairs the esters and phenols from a Belgium Witbier yeast with modern North American hops. Belgian yeast flavours of bubble gum, banana, clove, and anise blend with notes of berry, citrus, and melon from the hops. Another subtle layer of citrus is present from the addition of sweet orange peel in the boil.

Nelson Brewing Company is located in Nelson, on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Three seasonal offerings from Cannery Brewing

Kindling Imperial Stout (9% ABV | 60 IBU)

The 2024 batch of Kindling Imperial Stout is here! This annual limited-release seasonal beer was brewed with coffee from Backyard Beans Coffee Roasters, chocolate, oats, coconut and lactose. Kindling took home the Gold Medal in the 2022 Canadian Brewing Awards, and we are thrilled that it is back, just in time for the festive holiday season.

Whiskey Barrel Aged Kindling Imperial Stout (10% ABV | 60 IBU)

Around this time last year, the folks at Cannery pulled out some of their 2023 batch of Kindling Imperial Stout and laid it to rest in some fabulous whisky barrels. The 2024 Whisky Barrel Aged Kindling is a classically styled imperial stout aged in Laird of Fintry Whisky barrels from Okanagan Spirits. It was brewed with barley, wheat, oats, coconut, lactose, cacao and cinnamon. Flavours of roasted malt, chocolate and caramel complement the oaked whisky, all set atop perfect full-bodied sweetness.

Thornless Blackberry Porter (6% ABV | 40 IBU)

Just in time for the festive holiday season, the Thornless Blackberry Porter is back. Blackberry flavour and roasted dark malts combine to create a balanced sweetness in this robust porter. This beer took 1st place in the Fruit Beer category of the 2022 BC Beer Awards.

Cannery Brewing is located in Penticton, on the Penticton Ale Trail

Fireside Winter Ale (6% ABV) by Lakesider Brewing Co.

Embrace the cozy charm of winter with Lakesider’s Fireside Winter Ale, the perfect companion for chilly evenings by the fire. This rich, full-bodied brew features notes of dark cherry, dried fruit, and a hint of brown sugar that dances on your palate. Crafted with the finest ingredients, this limited-release winter ale delivers a smooth finish that invites you to savour each sip.

Lakesider Brewing Co is located in Kelowna, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

A pair of seasonal beers from Noble Pig Brewhouse

Chocomint Peppermint-infused Mocha Porter (5.5% ABV | 22 IBU)

This seasonal offering is a refreshing “winterization” of the Stone House – Mocha Porter. Noticeable amounts of peppermint were infused into Noble Pig’s flagship Porter to hit your mouth with a good dose of holiday nostalgia.

Mulled Swine Belgian Pepper Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)

The Stick House – Belgian Pepper Ale is a crowd favourite all year round, but the folks at the Noble Pig thought they’d have some fun by infusing some holiday spirit into it. Using a similar mix of spices traditionally found in Mulled Wine, this festive bevy is ready to make your heart grow three sizes a day!

Noble Pig Brewhouse is located in Kamloops, on the Southern Interior Winter Ale Trail

Northern BC

Two new releases from CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery

Salted Caramel Amber Ale (6% ABV) – a collaboration with Rocky Mountain Chocolate

Brewed in collaboration with friends at Rocky Mountain Chocolate, whose chocolatiers cheerily supplied the caramel used to create this brew. The sweet and nutty malt base of the amber ale gives way to the decadent notes of locally created caramel, topped with hints of salt for the well-known and always delightful dessert pairing.

Sexy Beast Chocolate Raspberry Porter (5.5% ABV)

With rich chocolatey notes and a hint of raspberry sweetness, this one’s designed to be savoured—perfect for cozy nights and fall gatherings.

CrossRoads Brewing is located in Prince George, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

Cascadian Dark Ale (6.5% ABV | 50 IBU) from Deadfall Brewing

The CDA, also known as Black IPA, is a beautiful balance of rich roasty malts and dank, piney, citrusy hops. Chocolatey. Hoppy. Smooth.

Deadfall Brewing is located in Prince George, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

Smokehouse Porter (6/3% ABV) from Wheelhouse Brewing Company

Smokehouses have been used on the Coast for hundreds of years.  Wheelhouse has been brewing their Smokehouse Porter for over 10 years now and this beer is a 2X award winner at the Canadian Brewing Awards.  A robust, well-rounded porter that goes well with a hearty meal, a roaring fire and a good book during a winter storm.

Wheelhouse Brewing is located in Prince Rupert, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Three seasonal releases from Barnside Brewing Co.

Five for Fighting Hazy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) – a collaboration with SportsNet 650

SportsNet 650 and Barnside Brewing Co. have dropped the gloves on a new pale ale that’s perfect for the hockey season! Five for Fighting is a hazy pale ale that’s soft on the palate and loaded with citrus flavour. Brewed with Canadian pale malt & Barnside’s own Cascade hops, this beer is a great alternative to the classic game day lager or pilsner.

Czech Dark Lager (5% ABV)

In Czechia it’s called Tmavé Pivo, an uncommon dark lager. Barnside’s version is decoction mashed with 50% premium malts from Czechia, 50% Barnside Munich malt, and is hopped assertively with their own Sterling hops. Beautiful in the mug, rich on the palate, and so easy to drink.

Port Guichon Oat Porter (5.6% ABV)

Barnside’s take on the classic English Porter. Brewed with traditional brown and crystal malts, this porter is sweet and caramelly, yet light and effervescent. Hopped with Barnside’s own Cascade Hops.

Barnside Brewing is located in Delta, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Two new brews from Beva Brewing & Blending

Space Bar Dark Lager (4.5% ABV)

Dark, toasty, void

Full of Evil Feelings Double Chocolate Stout (9.3% ABV) – a collaboration with Beere Brewing

Chocolate, burly, rich

Beva Brewing & Blending is located in North Vancouver, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

Tripel Sanctity Belgian Ale (9.2% ABV | 26 IBU) from Central City Brewers & Distillers

The word ‘Tripel’ was used by Belgian monks to describe their strongest beer. This beer is big and malty, has a fruity nose, and finishes dry and clean on the palate. Aged for 3 months from Central City’s pilot system.

Central City Brewers & Distillers is located in Surrey, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Dead Frog Brewery

Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout (6.1% ABV | 24 IBU)

A creamy milk stout with flavours of dark chocolate, smooth hints of peanut butter, and a slightly sweet finish. Brewed with 8 choice malts, roasted cocoa beans, and real peanut butter.

Chocolate Mint Winter Beeracle (7.5% ABV | 24 IBU)

Every winter brings with it a new beeracle. A celebration of all the good things winter brings. Complex beers, warm fires, close family, and good friends. This year’s beeracle is a warm winter ale with rich chocolate malts, cocoa nibs, and a burst of mint.

Dead Frog Brewery is located in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail

Three new stouts from Field House Brewing

Cookie Dough Imperial Dessert Stout (10.5% ABV)

This nostalgic stout carries rich notes of dark chocolate, complemented by the familiar sweetness of vanilla and brown sugar. A decadent sipper and perfect for hitting your next sweet-tooth craving.

Nanaimo Bar Imperial Dessert Stout (10.5% ABV)

This imperial dessert stout is a take on a British Columbian classic: the Nanaimo bar. Similar to the delicious squares, this beer has big notes of coconut, custard, and a sweet chocolate finish.

Toasted Coconut Imperial Stout (11% ABV) – a collaboration with The Barley Merchant

This imperial stout is the ultimate treat for coconut lovers. To bring out a natural sweetness and depth of flavour in the beer, the brewers added a mountain of toasted coconut, creating a luscious, dessert-like experience in every sip. The thick, velvety mouthfeel and chocolate undertones make this the perfect nightcap beer.

Field House Brewing is located in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, both on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Four Winds Brewing Co.

Christmas Lights Light Lager (4% ABV)

This is the same Four Winds Light you know and love, with a festive-themed can that will only be available for a limited time! Crisp, clean, and easy drinking. Four Winds Light is brewed with Canadian Pilsner malt and plenty of rice for an ultra-light body and a super refreshing finish. Made simply, because, sometimes it’s best to keep things light.

Boreas 2024 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (11% ABV)

Boreas (2024) was aged in an eclectic variety of fresh Kentucky bourbon barrels. This 11% indulgence is a blend of 18-month and 6-month-old imperial stouts. Intoxicating aromas of coffee and dark chocolate guide you into the glass, giving way to a sweet, luscious mouthfeel, with just enough bourbon character to round it all out. The days may be getting colder, and the nights are surely getting longer, but you can always turn to Boreas to keep you warm.

Four Winds Brewing Co. is located in Delta, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Puffy Jacket Hazy Pale Ale (5.5% ABV) from Howe Sound Brewing

It’s the time of year again when you reach for your favourite puffy and a soft, hazy pale ale packed with hops.

Howe Sound Brewing is located in Squamish, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

You can also find their taphouses in New Westminster and East Vancouver.

Three seasonal releases from Locality Brewing

Cousin Eddie’s Festive IPA (7% ABV) – a collaboration with Barn Owl Brewing

Embrace the festive season with this limited-edition Cranberry Orange Spice IPA — a holiday beer that combines the refreshing citrus of Mandarina hops with warming festive spices. This brew pours a bright orange colour with a frothy, off-white head, releasing a tantalizing aroma of orange and clove, with a hint of cranberry. On the palate, bright citrus notes from the hops mingle seamlessly with juicy cranberry and a juicy orange sweetness, while the spices add a gentle warmth and complexity. The balanced bitterness provides a refreshing contrast to the fruit and spice, with a smooth finish that invites another sip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this IPA brings festive cheer with every pour.

Cran-Chantment Brut Ale (8% ABV)

This year, Locality decided to highlight local cranberries and cherries in their winter celebration brut beer. It’s a beautiful pink, bubbly, bright and refreshing holiday celebration beverage to elevate your dinner table. With cranberry juice from the BOG and cherry juice from Farming Karma, Locality is highlighting local farms in this effervescent drink. Perfect to enjoy with friends!

Happy Place Figgy Pudding Belgian Quad (8% ABV)

Figgy Pudding is a rich and spicy beer, perfect for warming the soul on a cold winter day. With notes of allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg, carried on a rich malty backbone of toffee, caramel and brown sugar, this beer captures the holiday spirit in a glass.

Locality Brewing is located in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail

Stroopwafel Imperial Stout (9.8% ABV) from Main St. Brewing in collaboration with Café Medina

Main St. Brewing has released a new Stroopwafel Imperial Stout collaboration with Michelin Guide-Recommended renowned downtown Vancouver brunch hotspot Café Medina.

The newest edition in Main St.’s Chef and Restaurant collaboration series, the Stroopwafel Imperial Stout is built on a base of English specialty malts and conditioned on vanilla and cinnamon and has notes of stroopwafel, caramel and a graham cracker-like character that conjures up the flavours of Café Medina’s beloved Liege Waffles.

Main St. Brewing is located in Vancouver, on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Mariner Brewing

Winter Ale (6.8% ABV | 21 IBU)

A robust ale with a deep chestnut colour and a hint of vanilla and spice. A perfect winter warmer to complement crisp fall air, damp and dark evenings and the occasional bright and sunny snow day.

Lights at Lafarge Dark Lager (5.6% ABV | 15 IBU)

Lights at Lafarge Dark Lager captures the magic of a winter stroll through Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake shimmering lights. With notes of dark caramel and hints of rich chocolate, balanced by spicy noble hops and a flinty, dry finish, this lager is a tribute to the season’s warmth and wonder.

Mariner Brewing is located in Coquitlam, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Holiday Mix Pack (all 6% ABV) from Moody Ales & Co

A jolly holiday pack with 4 seasonal sips:

Eggnog Cream Ale: Decadent holiday ale with lactose, vanilla & nutmeg

Gingerbread Ale: Festive amber ale with warm, sweet spice

Christmas Tree IPA: West Coast IPA with spruce tips and juniper berries

Holiday Party Punch Sour: Garnet fruit sour with cranberry, plum, and citrus

Moody Ales & Co is located in Port Moody, on the Port Moody Ale Trail

The Birds Barrel-Aged Maple & Coffee Stout (8.2% ABV | 10 IBU) from The Parkside Brewery

A silky smooth imperial stout aged in single malt whiskey barrels, showcasing notes of dark maple syrup with a kick of freshly-roasted espresso beans from our friends a Caffe Artigiano.

The Parkside Brewery is located in Port Moody, on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Little Red Truck Spruce Tip Ale (5.3% | 30 IBU) from Red Truck Beer Co

Made with hand-picked spruce tips, this pale ale features zesty, peppery flavours with hints of conifer, lemon and a bready aroma.

Red Truck Beer Co. is located in Vancouver, on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

Grayskull Barrel Aged Strong Ale (7.8% ABV) from Rewind Beer Co.

Master your universe with a sword in one hand and the power of rich bourbon-aged Grayskull Strong Ale in the other!

Rewind Beer Co. is located in Port Moody, on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Two new releases from Sidekick Brewing

Adreas – Copenhagen Spiced Lager (5.6% ABV)

Embrace the warmth of comfort with this golden-dark Copenhagen Spiced Lager. Smooth caramel sweetness blends with notes of liquorice, cinnamon, and vanilla, balanced by subtle bitterness. The result is a dry, satisfying brew that invites you to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures.

Naveen – Dark Cherry and Fig Strong Sour (9% ABV)

Sidekick’s dark cherry and fig sour is as bold as it is celestial. With layers of tart cherries and sweet figs, this 9% ABV brew pulls you in like the gravity of a distant star. Perfect for those seeking something as vast as the night sky.

Sidekick Brewing is located in Chilliwack, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Megalith Barley Wine (11.4% ABV) from Steel & Oak Brewing

This beer won 1st place at last year’s BC Beer Awards in the category of Strong Ale & Lager. Flavours open with fruitcake and cherry candy aromas; each taste brings rich notes of caramel and molasses cookie, with a smooth, full body. A touch of Noble hops provides balance, making it complex but approachable.

Steel & Oak Brewing is located in New Westminster, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Holiday Gift Pack from Storm Brewing

Gift packs include a Storm pint glass, as well as 473ml cans of:

Apple Pie Ale (5% ABV) – A malty amber ale infused with apples and cinnamon.

Eggnog Latte Stout (8% ABV) – An imperial oatmeal stout infused with coffee, vanilla and nutmeg.

Storm Brewing is located in Vancouver, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

A bevy of seasonal releases from Strange Fellows Brewing

Evermore West Coast IPA (6% ABV)
Bridging the gap between classic West Coast and modern New England styles, this unique IPA features Yakima hop varieties, offering a bright burst of tropical and stone fruit flavours, while subtle hints of West Coast pine and citrus linger in the background.

Krampus Abbey Double (8.5% ABV)
An annual favourite beer for sharing by the fire – a Belgian-style Abbey Double brewed with Belgian candy sugar and dark malts, it’s rich with the flavour of dried stone fruits, subtle toffee and spice, and has a long and warming effect on the constitution.

Lord Barleycorn Bourbon Barrel Lager (6.5% ABV)
A wonderfully warming pre-prohibition-style lager brewed with corn & barley then aged in Bourbon barrels (post-Boris) – it’s round and malty with a balanced bitterness and underlying notes of peat and bourbon.

Boris Russian Imperial Stout (10.3% ABV)
Aged one year in Basil Hayden Bourbon barrels and brewed with roast dark malts and peat-smoked barley, which yields an assertive backbone with suggestions of dark dried fruits and an aromatic scotch-like nose.

Nocturnum Dark IPA (6.5% ABV)
A.K.A. a Cascadian Dark Ale, this unique and intriguing style combines the rich roasted flavours of a stout with the bold hop character of an IPA. Roasted malt sweetness balances a pronounced hop bitterness that results in a beer that is both complex and quaffable.

Beest Triple EYE.P.A. (9% ABV)
Big, bold and packing a punch, this West Coast-style triple IPA has been heavily dry-hopped using Simcoe, Amarillo and Centennial, creating a dank, resinous and fruity aroma. Up front flavours of ripe stone fruit and a bitter finish are rounded out with a sweetness to balance its high alcohol and big hop character. Don’t let the drinkability fool you, this Beest is dangerous!

Coolship Barrel-aged Spontaneous Fermentation (6.2% ABV)
Strange Fellows is rightly proud of this very special beer which recently won “Best in Show” at the 2024 BC Brewing Awards. Brewed using the orthodox methods of traditional Belgian lambic breweries, this beer began with labour-intensive turbid mashing, followed by air cooling and inoculation in their open Koelschip vessel. Whatever wild yeasts and organisms that happened to be around the brewery that night inoculated a spontaneous fermentation in the cooling wort which was then racked into oak barrels to ferment and age. All of this, along with the addition of aged hops (2016 Tardif de Bourgogne, France) result in a beer with a uniquely delicious and complex character.

Vancouver Island

S-92 Imperial Stout (10.5% ABV | 48 IBU) from Hornby Island Brewing

This 2024 Canada Beer Cup Gold medal winner is the second release in Hornby Island’s Sikorsky series. Deliciously dark and complex with notes of espresso. It might have you feeling like you are moving at 280 km/h without leaving the ground.

Hornby Island Brewing is located on Hornby Island, on the Vancouver Island Ale Trail Part II

Depth Charge 2024 – Race Rocks Grand Cru with Cognac (10.1% ABV) from Lighthouse Brewing

As it was with ancient warships, conventional methods would only skim the surface. A bolder, more deliberate approach is necessary to confront the colossal creatures lurking beneath. Enter Depth Charge 2024. This year, the folks at Lighthouse decided to take inspiration from their beloved Race Rocks Amber Ale and make a beer that captures its bold malt flavours. By upsizing key malts like Munich and Crystal as well as adding other grains to double the ABV they created a rich and vibrant brew that was perfect for aging on Sugar Maple wood with a bold touch of Cognac.

Lighthouse Brewing is located in Victoria, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Reinbeer Holiday Mystery Pack from Phillips Brewing & Malting

This holiday season, Phillips Brewing is celebrating creativity with the Reinbeer Mystery Pack. Featuring eight unique beers inspired by Santa’s mischievous B-Team of reindeer, the pack showcases the ingenuity of the brewing and creative teams. Each beer style was carefully crafted to reflect the personality and “crimes” of these holiday misfits, offering a fun and flavorful way to embrace the festive season. A true collaboration of brewing expertise and imaginative storytelling, this limited release is a must-try for craft beer enthusiasts.

SPOILER ALERT: Want to know what’s in the pack ahead of time? Find a full list of brews in this recent Beer Column by Josh Duncan at Now Media.

Phillips Brewing & Malting is located in Victoria, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Holly Day Festive Ale (6% ABV | 10 IBU) from Rusted Rake Brewing

This full-bodied beer blends roasted malt and caramel with seasonal spices and orange peel, while oats and wheat create a silky-smooth finish and rich mahogany colour. This brew is perfect for celebrating holiday moments.

Rusted Rake Brewing is located in Nanoose Bay, on the Vancouver Island Ale Trail Part II

No matter how you celebrate the winter holidays, these craft beers (and so many more) offer a delightful way to mark the season’s special moments. Choose to always celebrate responsibly: have a designated driver, use ride-sharing services, or enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage option. Cheers to a joyous and deliciously crafted holiday season from all of us on the BC Ale Trail!

The post Seasonal Sips: A 2024 Winter Beer Round-up appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

It wasn’t so long ago that thirsty beer drinkers with a hankering for a high-test brew had very few options. Big beers were once brewed only to give drinkers more bang for their buck, and flavour was an afterthought for these “malt liquor” offerings.

The early days of the craft beer boom soon brought more options, but not many. If you were lucky enough, you might be able to find a barleywine or a barrel-aged imperial stout with a double-digit ABV—but even then, they were likely to be small-batch seasonal releases. Blink, and you’d miss them!

Today, however, there is a plethora of full-bodied, fully-loaded libations produced by B.C. breweries, in just about every style imaginable. And unlike the repulsive paper-bag brews of yore, these beers are unequivocally delicious, with bold and complex flavours that are complemented and heightened by their higher alcohol content.

It goes without saying, of course (but I’m saying it anyway): please enjoy these beers in moderation. Many are so deceptively smooth and so dang tasty that they can get you into trouble if you’re not careful.

So, with that in mind, I think it’s high time to set out on the BC Ale Trail and explore this new generation of high-test beers…

Weighty by Four Winds Brewing (Delta, South of the Fraser Ale Trail)
10.0% ABV | Triple IPA
This utterly opaque Hazy IPA has the appearance of a glass of orange juice with a dollop of meringue on top. The intoxicating aroma of mandarin orange and tropical fruit creates an expectation that this beer totally delivers on. Imagine a Creamsicle in beer form, with notes of citrus, tangerine, and vanilla. Big hop flavour and aroma, with almost no perceived bitterness and a complete absence of alcoholic heat. This beer is so smooth, it should probably come with a waiver to sign. Four Winds has done it again! Is anyone surprised? 

Entropy Series No. 31 Balaton 12° by Dageraad Brewing (Burnaby, North of the Fraser Ale Trail)
10.5% ABV | Mixed Culture Barrel-aged Quadrupel with Balaton Cherries
Dageraad has long been B.C.’s own gateway to big Belgian-style beers, and Balaton 12° is yet another in a long line of exceptional releases as part of Dageraad’s ongoing one-off Entropy series. This deep crimson-brown ale sports a sturdy, if not vigorous, off-white head (you might want to consider opening it over a sink). It’s delightfully tart and complex, with notes of cherry, dark fruit, spice, fruitcake, burnt sugar and balsamic vinegar. You’re going to want to pair this one with a lovely charcuterie plate or roasted pork loin.

Numbskull Rotator No. 13 by Lighthouse Brewing (Esquimalt, Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
9.1% ABV | Double IPA

After more than 10 years, it’s safe to say Esquimalt’s Lighthouse Brewing has their gargantuan DIPA rotator dialled in at this point. Lucky number 13 features French Barbe Rouge hops, a relatively new hop on the scene known for its aromatic red berry notes. This decidedly “West Coast” take on the DIPA pours a brilliant gold with a fluffy white head with notes of dank citrus, strawberry, Meyer lemon, kiwi, and pine, offering just enough hop bitterness to clean up the finish without puckering your lips. 

Double Dark Sour by Field House Brewing ABBY (Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Ale Trail)
11.5% ABV | Fruited Sour Ale

Field House’s Dark Sour has long reigned as one of the best fruited sour ales in the province. Despite clocking in at 10%, the absolute maniacs at Field House decided that wasn’t good enough. Introducing the Double Dark Sour, brewed to celebrate the brewery’s 8th anniversary, and boasting even more alcohol. Yet, just like the original, it still manages to keep that alcoholic warmth almost undetectable. Deep purple with a rapidly dissipating pink head, this beer features increased acidity as well as alcohol, offering tart, lively notes of cranberry juice and blueberry.

Tenth by Longwood Brewery (Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Ale Trail Part I)
9.0% ABV | Barrel-aged Golden Ale

What a way to celebrate a 10th anniversary! Longwood’s production brewery and tasting room in Nanaimo may have opened a decade ago, but this barrel-aged wild ale tastes like they’ve been brewing beer in a Belgian monastery for centuries. Likely one of the best Belgian-style beers I’ve tried all year, Tenth pours a brilliant crimson-brown with a thin, off-white head, offering notes of dark fruit, plum, cherry, vanilla, oak, balsamic vinegar, spice, leather, bourbon and funk. It’s as complex as it is impressive, and I regret not buying an entire case of it.

Eins by Abandoned Rail Brewing (Naramata, Penticton Ale Trail)
11.0% ABV | Barrel-aged Doppelbock
Naramata might be best known for its wine, but in just one short year, Abandoned Rail and its award-winning beer might be changing that perception. Eins is the brewery’s first anniversary release and it’s pretty spectacular, with bold malty flavours of dark fruit, burnt sugar, bourbon, vanilla, oak, raisin, toast, and fruitcake. The great thing about brewing in wine country is there’s no shortage of barrels at your disposal. 

Occultation by Temporal Artisan Ales (Brewed at Container Brewing, Vancouver, Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail)
11.0% ABV | Barrel-aged Stock Ale

First off: can we talk about how adorable this little itty bitty baby can is? I’m pretty sure this is the first 250 mL-format can the B.C. craft beer scene has ever seen. But despite the dainty packaging, the contents pack a punch. This beer pours so black, that Anish Kapoor is not allowed to drink it, with huge flavours of cocoa, coffee, toffee, caramel, vanilla, bourbon, and oak. It’s so sweet, smooth and rich, Occultation might as well be the Ryan Gosling of beers.

Infinite City by Small Gods Brewing (Sidney, Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
10.0% ABV | Fruited Sour Ale

Sidney’s Small Gods hasn’t been around for long, but they’ve certainly made a name for themselves in just a year and a half of existence. Infinite City is a great example as to why. This huge fruited sour ale is tart and delicious, with acidity restrained enough to not overpower the flavours of citrus, lemon, mandarin orange, strawberry, kiwi, and vanilla.   

Hermannator (2022) by Vancouver Island Brewing (Victoria, Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
9.5% ABV | Ice Bock

If you’ve been drinking B.C. craft beer for a hot minute, then you had to know the Hermannator was going to be on this list. VIB’s classic winter seasonal release has been around since the dawn of time and it still absolutely slaps. Malty, fruity goodness, with notes of chocolate, coffee, toffee and cereal grain. If there’s a Mount Rushmore of B.C. beer, Hermannator is on it.

The post Big, Bold Beers from British Columbia appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Here is a sampling of some autumnal beer styles to look for from your local brewery or to seek out on a fall getaway.

How Fresh Can You Get?

Each autumn, beer lovers await the arrival of a very special style of beer. Fresh hop (or wet hop) beers are highly anticipated because they can only be produced once a year during the hop harvest. Brewers work with nearby farms or hop distributors to get hops fresh from the harvest and into their brew kettles within 24 hours of picking them. The resulting fresh hop beers showcase bright, grassy flavours and a distinctly fresh quality that isn’t present in dried hops. However, the volatile flavour compounds in these beers break down quickly, so fresh hop beers should be refrigerated and consumed immediately.

The first fresh hop beer produced commercially in British Columbia was Driftwood Brewery’s Sartori Harvest IPA, which dates back to 2009. In fact, Driftwood brewed its first batch of Sartori before it ever brewed Fat Tug IPA, the beer it is now best known for. Driftwood always uses Centennial hops from the Sartori Cedar Ranch in Chilliwack.

While the Sartori Harvest IPA is undeniably the most sought-after fresh hop beer in BC each fall, many other breweries make fresh hop beers, too.

Here are some more fresh hop beers to look for in the coming weeks:

• Bright Eye Brewing (Kamloops) Fresh Prince Cold IPA brewed with BC Comet hops and fermented with clean lager yeast.
• Cannery Brewing (Penticton) Fresh Hop Extra Pale Ale brewed with Cascade hops from Northwest Hop Farms in Chilliwack, as well as frozen fresh cryo hops from Yakima Chief Hops, and Golden Promise malts.
• Dageraad Brewing (Burnaby) Wet-hopped Blonde Blonde Ale brewed with locally harvested Centennial hops from Sartori Hop Farms.
• Hoyne Brewing (Victoria) Wolf Vine Fresh Hop Pale Ale brewed with copious quantities of local, fresh, hand-picked Centennial and Cascade hops straight out of the field.
• Jackknife Brewing (Kelowna) Death Wish IPA showcasing a blend of kveik cultures selected to enhance the tropical notes of frozen fresh hops from Yakima Chief.
• Locality Brewing (Langley) Local Kicks Fresh Hop West Coast Hazy Pale Ale collaboration with Sidekick Brewing that is packed with local hop aroma.
• Longwood Brewery (Nanaimo) Wet Hop Smash IPA brewed with Island-grown hops from Maple Bay Hop Farm and Island craft-malted barley.
• Nelson Brewing (Nelson) Dank Trip North West IPA using fresh Cascade and Tahoma hops from a small new hop farm in Argenta, BC, dry hopped with some Rakau hops.
• Phillips Brewing (Victoria) Green Reaper Fresh Hop IPA.
• Spinnakers Brewpub (Victoria) Fresh Hop ESB features a blend of fresh hops grown at Spinnakers’ own hop farm in Sooke.

Many other breweries will also be releasing fresh hop beers at this time of year so ask for one at your local.

Oktoberfest!

The annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich is famously the world’s biggest beer event with more than six million people attending the event every year. Typically, it runs for nearly three weeks, beginning in mid-September until early October. It was first held in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, and has been an annual event ever since. For more than 200 years, it has only been cancelled because of wars, economic disruption in the 1920s, and now, sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic.

For now, we can only fantasize about being part of a crowd of happy people in one of the giant tents, hefting enormous one-litre steins of beer and singing along to the oompah band. However, many BC craft breweries produce German-style beers, including their own versions of the traditional Festbiers or Märzens served at Oktoberfest each autumn. These are delicious lagers that are brewed to be slightly stronger and darker (more amber than yellow) than the typical Helles (light) lagers that German breweries make year-round. 

Several BC breweries have produced Festbiers that you can sample as part of your very own Oktoberfest celebration at home.

Pros’t!

Vancouver’s Parallel 49 Brewing is throwing a massive Oktoberfest party from September 16 to October 8.

It features a 120-seat Biergarten with tasty German food, live entertainment, and, of course, some special beers brewed for the occasion. If you can’t make it to Vancouver you can also look for P49’s special Bierfest Mixer pack, which includes two cans each of these four special beers:

• German Pilsner – Refreshing and citrusy with a rich yet light malty finish.
• Hefeweizen – A hazy wheat ale that’s slightly bready and leaves you with a creamy mouthfeel.
• Schwarzbier – A dry, dark lager with dark chocolate notes and a delicate roasty flavour.
• Festbier – A slightly malt-forward pale lager with floral and spicy hop notes/

Moody Ales & Co in Port Moody has released a special Oktoberfest Pack that features four beers designed to celebrate the season:

• Oktoberfest (5.9% ABV) Brewed with German Pilsner and Dark Munich malts, along with Hallertau hops. Pairs perfectly with bratwursts and soft pretzels.
• German IPA (6.5% ABV) Showcasing a suite of German hop varieties, this bold IPA features complex notes of bitter pine, fresh raspberries, and crisp white grape.
• Schwarzbier (4.8% ABV) A dark lager with a light side, this brew features warm notes of roasted malt, coffee, and bittersweet dark chocolate.
• Helles Lager (4.7% ABV) This German-style lager is smooth with a crisp, clean finish.

For Glory Festbier – Container Brewing (5.8% ABV | 22 IBU)

An Oktoberfest lager brewed with a blend of Magnum and Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops, imparting a balanced bitterness and a delightful floral aroma. This beer and others from the Container line-up will be featured at Oktainerfest, two days of Oktoberfest beers and German food taking place at the Vancouver brewery on October 6th and 7th.

Look for more Oktoberfest-style beers at BC breweries.

Enjoy A Taste of the Harvest

Craft breweries also love to celebrate the arrival of autumn with special beers featuring the agricultural bounty of the harvest season, including fruits, grains, and even squash.

Spruce Tip Saison – 33 Acres Brewing in Vancouver (4.9% ABV)

Foraged Sitka Spruce tips contribute fragrant red fruit and bubblegum aromas nestled among a bed of fresh pine needles. Brewed with Field Five Farm barley and straw, then bottle-conditioned with Brettanomyces, this Saison is an expression of the Cascadian bioregion.

Schrute Farms Beet Farmhouse Ale – Bridge Brewing in North Vancouver (5.8% ABV | 22 IBU)
Beets. Beer. Battlestar Galactica. This Farmhouse Ale was brewed with 100lbs of beets, resulting in a beer with a vibrant pink colour, an earthy aroma, and a dry finish.

Look for more harvest-themed beers from BC breweries this fall.

Pumpkin Time?

Last but not least, many breweries make pumpkin beers, incorporating the popular fall flavours of pumpkin pie spice in a wide variety of beer styles. Here are a few to try:

Squash Gourdon – Red Collar Brewing (6.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
Squash Gourdon is a pumpkin beer made exclusively with sugar pumpkins grown at Thistle Farm in Kamloops and lightly spiced with allspice, nutmeg, and ginger.

Full Patch Pumpkin Saison – Longwood Brewery (9% ABV | 30 IBU)
A Belgian-style saison brewed with pumpkins and spices.

PumpkinEater Imperial Pumpkin Ale – Howe Sound Brewing (8.0% ABV)
Howe Sound has been brewing this deliciously dark and rich pumpkin beer for a long time, and this year it will be packaged in cans as well as the usual 1-litre bottles.

Can’t get enough Pumpkin??

Here are a few more BC pumpkin beers to look for:

• Fernie Brewing (Fernie) Ghostrider Pumpkin Brown Ale
• Parallel 49 Brewing (Vancouver) Lost Souls Chocolate Pumpkin Porter and Schadenfreude Pumpkin Oktoberfest Lager
• Phillips Brewing & Malting (Victoria) Crookeder Tooth Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Ale

What’s your favourite BC beer of the autumn? Post it on social media and tag #BCAleTrail to let us know!

The post Enjoy the Tastes of Autumn appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.