From the judging panel at the Okanagan Fest of Ale ’23.
American IPA
Trail Guide Everett, Sidekick Brewing
Chilliwack
Brewed with New Zealand hops, pine tree notes join with the citrus notes in this bold IPA. Sidekick opened its beautiful location right beside the Chilliwack River.
Hazy/New England IPA
Brave New World NEIPA , Vice & Virtue Brewing
Kelowna
This Hazy IPA is definitely a fine example of the style. Vice & Virtue is part of a wave of new breweries that have opened in Kelowna over the past five years.
Lager European
Ferdinand Vienna Lager, Strange Fellows Brewing
Vancouver
This amber ale is complex but balanced, with toasty, malty and spicy goodness.
Lager American
Bandito Lager & Lime, Highway 97 Brewing Co.
Penticton
The summer offering from this local brewery which moved into a new location right across the street from Cannery Brewing during the pandemic years.
Pale and Hazy
Mystic Haze Pale Ale, Vancouver Island Brewing
Victoria
With an IBU of 30, this hop-forward ale offers notes of orange, ripe pineapple and coconut. One of the oldest breweries in B.C. is still going strong as it celebrates its 40th year.
Fruit Beer
Sunkissed Apricot Wheat Ale, Lakesider Brewing Co.
West Kelowna
Bright, playful and bursting with apricots. The tasting room at Lakesider Brewing is always welcoming with weekend entertainment.
Sour Fruited
Nautical Nonsense Pineapple Sour with Pink Sea Salt, Slackwater Brewing
Penticton
The addition of sea salt in this gose-style sour elevated the burst of tropical fruit to another level.
Red and Brown Ale
Stoked Ember Ale, Firehall Brewery
Oliver
This extra special bitter ale is brewed with a complex mix of eight different barley malts.
Belgian/French Ale
Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit, Lillooet Brewing
Lillooet
Honourable Mention
Barrel-Aged Monkish Quad, Marten Brewing
Vernon
Lillooet Brewing just opened in Fall of 2022 so it was wonderful to see this small brewery win an award, let alone nearly take home Best in Show. The judges panel had a quandary in this category. Ultimately, they decided to award an Honourable Mention to Marten Brewing for its entry, which was the strongest beer on tap at the Fest, achieving 14% ABV.
Spiced
London Fog Mild Ale, Smithers Brewing
Smithers
Smithers Brewing has made a name for itself when it comes to creative hybrid ales like this dark, mild beer brewed with Earl Grey tea and vanilla.
Specialty Ale
Mutual Aid Imperial Stout, Firehall Brewery
Oliver
This is the beer that ultimately won Best in Show with a creamy and smooth mouthfeel and a delicious, complex, whiskey-tinged character.
Cider
Cucumber Mint Cider Howling Moon Craft Cider, Oliver
Cucumber is great in beer and it turns out it is just as good in cider.
As seen in
