This past Saturday at 11:30am people began lining up to sample the best the BC craft beer scene has to offer. With breweries from all across the province descending onto DIX BBQ & Brewery, the air was full of anticipation as we hardcore craft heads mingled and tried to stay warm on the crisp, sunny December morning. After a short wait, we were called into the brewery in order to start the festivities by CAMRA president Rick Green.

Upon entering the venue, many of us quickly surveyed the landscape, identifying what casks to hit first and what ones we would need to build up to. Trust me when I say that if you were one of the few who approached Gary Lohin’s Double Roach Imperial IPA first, you were not enjoying the flavors of the other beers for the next couple of hours as it was a pure pallet wrecker.

After deciding on what to try first, I handed over my first ticket and took a long hard sniff of the Storm Brewing Mole Pale Ale. Smelling like deep chocolate, and looking like orange swamp water, I knew that if nothing else the beer would be an experience. What I got was an unsweetened chocolate flavor upfront and a spicy finish. Although by no means the best beer at Caskival, I would say it was one of the most experimental and needed to be mentioned. From there I enjoyed a variety of beers, all of which were rather big, resulting in my memory fading as the afternoon went on. To give you an idea of the potency, the average beer came in at around 8% ABV, with the weakest brew clocking in at around 5.4% ABV.

In the end, Taylors Crossing walked away with the brewers award for it’s Christmas Cake beer, an amber ale flavoured with molasses, spices, and brandied fruit. R&B Brewing took home the people’s choice award for its Auld Nick Winter Ale; fairly fitting considering it’s one of BC’s best winter warmers and this was after all a winter themed cask event. I personally thought the Double Roach from Central City Brewing was the best of the bunch, but then again I am one who loves imperial IPA’s above all. One final thing to note was the event sold out within an hour of the doors opening and that this could very well be the last time it is held at DIX BBQ & Brewery. Although sad in some respects, it’s always nice to see the scene grow and require more space to breathe. I hope you all manage to head out to the next one, but if you can’t make sure to check out one of the local cask nights to tide you over.

Thanks to Mike Victory for the use of his photos

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