Craft Beer in Pemberton
October is BC Craft Beer Month and in celebration of glorious beer, why not venture into the country, and off the beaten path to try a few small town, big flavour brews.
First of all, what is craft beer?
If you were to ask a group of people what the definition of craft beer is, you might get some varying answers. While there is no official definition of craft brewing in Canada you’ll likely get answers using the same words – small, independent, handcrafted, quality... These are beers that are produced with intentionally selected ingredients by breweries that are locally owned and operated.
Our favourite answer summed it up rather perfectly “Simply put, craft beer is made in smaller batches by master brewers who truly love beer.”
What is there to celebrate?
When we explored why craft beer is seemingly taking the province by storm, we found that there are three major contributors to the rise of craft beer — higher quality ingredients, a greater variety of tastes and styles, and the inviting feeling that the breweries provide. This certainly seems to be the case when it comes to our own local breweries; The Beer Farmers and Pemberton Brewing Company.
Quality Matters.
One of the greatest appeals of craft breweries is the culture behind the production. It’s about sourcing the finest ingredients and combining them in a precise way to produce unique flavour and taste profiles. The breweries are particular about what goes into their beers and this care shows in the final product.
The Beer Farmers take ingredient selection very seriously. Located up the Pemberton Meadows on a fourth generation family farm they are proud to be one of the few breweries in the world that grow and malt their own barley onsite. Realizing that the flavours of many of their favourite beers were a result of the water available in the breweries, they only use the pristine well water found beneath the soil of their certified organic farm. Their farm is perfectly situated in one of the finest hops growing regions of the world. With ingredients grown on sight this farmhouse brewery brings local beer to a whole new level.
At Pemberton Brewing Company situated in the industrial park in the opposite direction from town, it’s not unheard of to brew beer with hops that were picked the same morning at Myrtle Meadows Hop Farm right here in Pemberton. How’s that for fresh? The Brewmasters also take inspiration from the plentiful U-pick fruit farms located just a few minutes from the brewery’s door.
Variety is key.
One of the big appeals of craft beer is the variety of flavours and styles that breweries are producing. This is more than the beer that your dad drank. Unlike ‘big beer’ companies that are marketing to the masses, craft breweries are able to appeal to an array of tastes with their unique approach to flavoring and innovative production styles.
Pemberton Brewing Company is constantly coming out with new limited releases utilizing seasonal ingredients. The abundant seasonal fruits in the valley lend their flavours to a beer perfectly paired with the weather outside – because let’s be truthful here, the beer you want to drink on a hot summer’s day is not the same beer you curl up with in front of the fire on a snowy winter's eve. Some examples of their unique seasonal brews are Barb’s Nice Pear & Rhubarb Sour, Pikey’s Porter (brewed with cold brewed coffee and chocolate!), Blackwater Stout, and so many more delicious options.
One of the greatest things about a farm based brewery is the rich history of the land – you might even call this the secret ingredient in The Beer Farmers’ collection. Try the Farmer’s Daughter White, Cover Crop Hazy IPA and Equinox Hazy Pale Ale to experience the farm to glass brewery experience. Keep an eye out for limited seasonal releases such as the Russian Imperial Stout or Black Lager to be enjoyed after a fall hike or a couple laps on the cross country skis.
Come for the beer, stay for the community
It is undeniable that brewery tasting rooms are a totally different beer drinking experience. Trade the loud music being pumped through speakers for live music being played in the background of conversations with friends. Take in the views of the beautiful Pemberton Valley as you sip a delicious and unique beer. Indulge in some quality eats from local food trucks available at both breweries on a rotating basis. Talk to the brewmasters. Meet the locals. Enjoy the vibe.
As you might have guessed, the tasting room at The Beer Farmers is a barn that has been expertly converted in the most inviting way. With the doors rolled open there is plenty of room for everyone. The patio is kid friendly with a large lawn and picnic tables and dogs are permitted outside on leash. As an added bonus there are farm activities for every season: Sunflower Maze, Farm Produce Stand, Pumpkin Patch and Cross Country skiing.
Pemberton Brewing Company could not be situated in a better location for aprés biking beers. The Cream Puff trail ends almost directly at the backdoor of the brewery which is undoubtedly the inspiration for the Cream Puff Pale Ale. When you visit the brewery be sure to look up – inside on the rustic wooden walls you’ll see masterpieces by local artists, outside on the patio you’ll be awed by magnificent Mount Currie seemingly close enough to walk right up to.
A Bonus
When you drink craft beer, you’re supporting small, and more importantly, local businesses which is a philosophy that we try to embrace in our daily lives here at Pemberton Valley Lodge.
ALRIGHT, ENOUGH TALK – WHO WANTS A BEER?
Don’t just take our word for it on how awesome our local breweries are, go taste for yourself.
Pemberton Brewing Company
- LOCATION: #5 - 1936 Stonecutter Place
- PHONE: 604 894 2337
- CONTACT: info@pembertonbrewing.ca
- PembertonBrewing.ca
The Beer Farmers
- LOCATION: 8324 Meadows Road
- PHONE: 778-879-4033
- CONTACT: info@thebeerfarmers.com
- TheBeerFarmers.com
Be sure to bring your designated driver when touring the breweries. Always drink responsibly!
Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2020
