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I love a good beer.
Yes, I adore wine. But I also like beer – especially after a weekend of wine-ing. Not because it’s easier; in fact, I’m often struck by how wonderfully full and complex our BC microbrews are.
As good Canadians, there’s a strong chance we each have a beer lover (or two) in our lives. I have one: my fella’s a beer lover, and fortunately for me he also loves wine. But it got me thinking about craft brew beers and how easy it is to slip back and forth between the two worlds.
So, for the microbrew lovers out there – or the one in your life – here’s a conversation piece to open the gates between the world of great beer and great wine. Enjoy. Explore. Try something new – just make sure your designated driver is lined up well in advance.
Beer: Tree Brewing Hop Head. It’s a love-it-or-leave-it kind of beer; those who love it say it’s for true craft brew fans. Refreshing might not be the word for this one, but if you’re an IPA fan this is for you. Wine: how about something with a grass-roots-feel to it; kind of earthy and herbal (think tall grasses, not the other kind of BC ‘herb’). Try Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Cabernet Franc.
Beer: Mt. Begbie Cream Ale. Golden honey, silky smooth – this is very good craft brew. Wine drinkers talk about wine structure; this baby can hold its own just fine. Wine: think rich, layered with a little bit of honey. Try Joie’s A Noble Blend.
Beer: Crannog Back Hand of God stout. Deep and complex, rich and tasty with a touch of sweetness– that’s the ticket. If this is blasphemy, let me burn; Crannog stout isn’t for the feint of heart. Wine: this calls for something with a little more punch. Try a port-style wine, like Quail’s Gate Fortified Foch or Granite Creek Fortified Merlot.
Beer: Cannery Brewing Naramata Nut Brown. It’s a little bit smokey-rich, a tad sweet and has a good heft to it; your basically perfect brown ale. Wine: for the lover of the classic brown, you should try a classic red. Sample Rollingdale“La Gauche” Cabernet Sauvignon or Seven Stones Syrah.
Beer: Storm Brewing anything. It’s not a kind of beer – I really mean anything from Storm. Super small microbrew at Commercial and Hastings in Vancouver, Storm not only has damn good beer…they’ve got recipes, too. At least, they did when my fella and I lived in that neck of the urban woods. Rent a keg for your next bash and see what I mean. Wine: if it’s an anything beer, it’s got to be an anything wine. Try La Frenz.
Whether you’re going to un*wine*d with glass or a pint, do it with friends – whatever you’re drinking will always taste just that much better.
Cheers!
Jeannette
