I’m a big beer fan.  I like the taste, I like the colour, I like the smell… Yes, I am one of those assholes who sniffs their beer before they drink it.  Deal with it.

I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself a connoisseur, but I definitely have specific tastes.  And I can honestly say that I love a good BC beer.  Here are my top ten BC brewing companies for the beer fanatic.  Try a few of these, then venture out to find more microbrews to satisfy your craving.  You’ll never go back to Canadian. 

Bowen Island
Cheap, cheap, cheap.  This $8/six-pack brew will leave you and your wallet satisfied.  Who says you can’t get good booze for a good price?

Cariboo Brewing
Now these are beers you can feel good about.  Part of the proceeds from each sale of Cariboo go towards reforestation projects in the region.  Plus it’s actually good beer.

Nelson Brewing
For the yuppie/hippie in you, Nelson brewing offers only organic beers.  How west coast!

Tree Brewing
If you offer me a beer called Thirsty Beaver, I can’t help but take it. Try as I might, my sense of humour hasn’t evolved past age thirteen.  Luckily, these brews taste as good as they sound.

Dead Frog Brewery
I love a good weird beer.  Throw some random flavour profile in a lager and I’m in.  Dead Frog has two seasonals that I like: a Chocolate Mint Brown Ale and Mandarin Orange Amber Ale.  The Nut Brown is another go-to. 

Phillips
One of my first favourite beers was Phillips Surly Blonde.  I’ll never forget that initial buttery taste that drew me in for good.  Based out of Victoria, this brewery offers bottles with unique flavours.  The Double Chocolate Stout is amazing, as is the Blue Buck.

Swans
Anything that produces something as original as a Coconut Porter will draw me in.  Another Victoria brewery, Swans is a local favourite that offers wares with big flavour.

Granville Island
A classic.  The big brand of BC microbrews, Granville Island is the go-to, non-Molson beer for many people.  Sure it’s not the most original, but it’s reliable, cheap, and good.  Plus they have rotating seasonal specials that add a little spice to their regular line up.

Storm Brewing 
As far as I know you can’t get this stuff in bottles. A number of local haunts have Storm on tap, so that’s probably your best bet.  Otherwise you can grab some kegs for your next big shindig.  Trust me, your guests will thank you.

~ Meghan Roberts