By Brittany Tiplady
Patio season is in full-swing and sadly, will be over before we know it. Soak up the sun with a beer in-hand (is there any other way?) and take advantage of the funky, juicy, sweet and sour beers that are pouring a plenty across Metro Vancouver. From New Westminster to North Vancouver, we’ve researched some of the best beers and breweries to quench your thirst for the rest of the summer.
Framboise Noir at Strange Fellows
4.5%, located in East Vancouver, near VCC-Clark SkyTrain station
Not to be confused with its equally delicious cousin, the Roxanne, Strange Fellows’ Framboise Noir is beloved for it’s bold raspberry flavour, deep crimson colour, and additional black raspberry and humble raspberry flavour boosters. Enjoy this fruity delight on tap at the Strange Fellows tasting room. Bonus: the lower alcohol percentage of the Framboise Noir is perfect for afternoon brewery hopping, naturally.
Le Sabre at Parallel 49 Brewing
5.9%, located in East Vancouver
Parallel 49 has revived their beloved Le Sabre, rejoice! “Brewed with Sabro hops, this hazy IPA imparts strong pineapple and citrus characteristics, and subtle background hints of grassy mint and coconut.” It’s only around for a short time so don’t snooze on this velvet, smooth mouthfeel, kick-in-the-pants, brew. Best enjoyed in the Parallel 49 fun and funky tap room.
Beach at Strathcona Beer Company
4%, located in East Vancouver
Inspired by its namesake, Beach is perfect for just about any occasion..but especially the beach. Sip on this lemon mandarin radler by the sea, or grab a six-pack and bring it to your next BBQ–a guaranteed easy-sipping crowd pleaser.
Sakari Guava Sour at Fuggles & Warlock
5.3%, located in Richmond
Described by the folks at Fuggles & Warlock as “delicately tart, wheat kettle sour brewed with fresh guavas” this summery brew is as delightful as it sounds. It’s part of Fuggles’ limited series batch, so grab it on tap while you can!
Apricot Wheat Ale at Trading Post Brewing
5%, located in Langley
Trading Post’s Apricot Wheat Ale is the true embodiment of a summer patio vibe. Easy sipping, and packed with sweet and sour flavours, enjoy this one next time you find yourself thirsty and craving a good craft brew in Langley.
Beach Towel at Steel & Oak Brewing
5.6%, located in New Westminster, near New Westminster SkyTrain station
This refreshing IPA is supposed to be reminiscent of the perfect hot, sunny, and salty day at the beach. And, we’re here to say, Steel & Oak nailed it. Beach Towel is “brewed with Mango, Guava and Passionfruit. Balanced bitterness carries through tropical fruit notes, with oats and wheat added for a luxurious mouthfeel.”
Lemon Slice at Mariner Brewing
5%, located in Coquitlam, near Coquitlam Centre SkyTrain station
Pucker up! Mariner Brewing has been experimenting with the many facets of citrus lately and this one packs a real punch. This brand new hazy ale is a sour one, pulling citrus flavour from Lemondrop and Sorachi Ace hops. This one is double dry hopped for maximum juiciness. Fun fact: The Lemon Slice is “named after the Lemon Slice planetary nebula, IC 3568. Discovered by the Hubble space telescope and named by James Kaler for its resemblance to a cross section of a lemon.”
Pocket Dial Rhubarb Sour at Beere Brewing Co.
4.9%, located on Vancouver’s North Shore, near Lonsdale Quay SeaBus station
Follow Beere Brewing’s motto and #haveabeer. This summer, you’ll most definitely want to be sipping on this delightful sour. Beere put over 700lbs of rhubarb in this kettle soured beer, and the result is essentially, pie in a glass. Enjoy it at the Beere tasting room, and snag some cans to go.
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