Nine days, 13 events and 50 breweries from across B.C. BԪַ welcome to .
ItBԪַs BԪַfive years of cheersBԪַ as the annual celebration of all things craft beer returns, March 2 to 10. The Victoria Public Market will serve as host venue for most of the planned events, but as the craft beer scene continues to grow here on the Island, so too has Beer Week, says producer .
BԪַAwareness of craft beer has been growing geographically in the last several years,BԪַ he says. BԪַItBԪַs definitely focused mainly in the urban centres, but then it grows from there.BԪַ
Wiebe points to brewpubs like Axe and Barrel in Langford, or Category 12 Brewing in Central Saanich, for expanding the culture into more suburban centres.
And, itBԪַs catching on. In Sooke alone BԪַ a community of just 13,000 BԪַ . The tasting culture has played a big role in that, Wiebe notes, making it accessible to a lot more people.
BԪַI love seeing when women or senior couples come out to some of our events,BԪַ he says. BԪַItBԪַs great to see them out enjoying themselves in an environment so long dominated by young men.BԪַ
Wiebe says the name of the game for Beer Week is all about giving each event a theme, so itBԪַs BԪַnot just about going out and throwing beer down your throat.BԪַ
So, take your pick from beer school, to the home brewing workshop, a quiz night, or multiple evenings of food pairings with pizza, gelato, fish, tacos, and even cheese.
BԪַPeople always think cheese and they think wine, but beer is so versatile, you have such a huge range of flavour options available to you,BԪַ Wiebe explains.
As Beer Week gets set to say BԪַHoppy Birthday,BԪַ there are even a few firsts this year BԪַ wine will be on tap at the headline event and a performance from will throw some live music into the mix. As well, the $75 ticket price for the main event is all-inclusive, essentially an all-you-can-drink type party.
But itBԪַs really not about people getting wasted, Wiebe says.
In a province where roughly 20 or more breweries are opening every year, you want to make sure you taste what youBԪַre drinking, because as Wiebe points, the quality of beer just keeps getting better.
BԪַIBԪַm consistently amazed at what they can accomplish,BԪַ he says, of the creative minds driving the passion that continues to fuel todayBԪַs craft beer scene.
So, what does Wiebe recommend pouring into your glass?
BԪַThe hazy IPA thing is still the cutting edge,BԪַ he says, as well as those love BԪַem or hate BԪַem sour brews. BԪַBut, I almost always want to start my night off with a good, hefty lager.BԪַ
For more info, and grab tickets now BԪַ theyBԪַre going fast.