Wine Guy: Explore fall's limited-release seasonal brews

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Sure this is the Wine Guy column, but admittedly beer is also top of mind this time of year. After all, Oktoberfest just passed, the hops have been harvested with fresh-hopped beers hitting shelves, and not to mention it’s pumpkin season. So it’s a diversion this week to explore a trio of fall’s limited release seasonal brews.

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Höyne Brewing Co. Bier Garten Kaizinger Bock, Victoria

($3.69 for 473mL can, #289978)

The beer gardens may have wrapped up for the season in Munich, but there’s no stopping the Oktoberfest vibes from continuing in the comfort of home. Indeed, many local breweries released festbier-style beers to mark the occasion. As part of their Bier Garten series, Victoria’s Hoyne Brewing brewed up a robust and malty Kaizinger Bock, which the brewery explains is a style hearkening back to times before beer recipes were dutifully recorded. Pouring a deep amber brown, there’s good crispness complementing the rich malt notes of this unconventional lager — all before a snappy finish. Pair with fish and chips.

Bottom line: B+, Robust yet refined.

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Fernie Brewing Co. Ghostrider Pumpkin Brown Ale, Fernie

($3.89 for 473mL can, #451821)

Pumpkin. And Spice. And everything nice; yes that’s what pumpkin ales are made of. Move over pumpkin spice latte, time to make room for pumpkin spice ale. There are many local options to choose from, including the return of Fernie Brewing’s Ghostrider Pumpkin Brown Ale — which the brewery explains is “named after a local Fernie legend.” As with any good brown ale, this mahogany-coloured brew has a robust, malty foundation. It’s also brewed with pumpkin and spices, which clearly shine through providing earthy tones along with distinct, spicy nutmeg and clove to finish. It’s like adult-approved, liquefied pumpkin pie.

Bottom line: B+, Certified fall sipper.

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Dead Fellows Haunted Brewhouse Psychopomp Black Lager, East Vancouver

($15.50 for four 473mL cans, available through the brewery)

Feeling Halloween vibes but not into pumpkin beers? East Van’s Strange Fellows can certainly help you get into the spirit. Something is amiss as the brewery has morphed into Dead Fellows Haunted Brewhouse after some inexplicable paranormal activity. You can see for yourself by exploring the Haunted Brewhouse in-person Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27 (go to strangefellowsbrewing.com for details and tickets). Or if you don’t dare, pick up a four-pack of the newly released Psychopomp Black Lager. Dark as midnight in the glass, roasted malts engulf the olfactory senses before a sip unveils great hoppy bite and crispness, with a bitterness and lingering nutty tones to finish.

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Bottom line: A-, Made for stormy nights.

The Swirl: Canada Beer Cup

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association is gearing up to announce the winners of this year’s Canada Beer Cup. Results will be released at the Awards Gala, which takes place Friday, Oct. 18 at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster (777 Columbia St). Tickets to the Awards Gala are $60 for non-conference attendees, which includes beer and light snacks, or $100 for a VIP ticket, which includes beer, hors-d’oeuvre, charcuterie, and private reception. B.C. breweries have won the cup each of the first two years, will they take top place three years in a row? For complete details and tickets go to canadabeercup.com/. 

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