Jeff Longland

A few weeks ago, a colleague joked he should send a BC beer kit to family & friends in the UK.  It got me thinking – what would I send?  So I started a list, reflecting and periodically adding to it.  But the list wouldn’t be complete without a few beers from points further east.  At the very least, this would make a fine Canadian beer kit IMHO.  Several styles are absent, but this is a “my” list – so it reflects my favourite styles.  Links point to Beer Advocate since I’m too lazy to write individual reviews – it also shows where my tastes sit within the broader beer geek community.

[Edit 29Apr2012 - It's also worth noting that while I tried to avoid seasonals or one-offs, I inadvertently included two.  I've indicated as much, now.  But while I'm thinking about seasonals, I should mention two fresh hop beers that I still linger for: Driftwood's mind-blowing Sartori Harvest IPA and Saltspring's Harvest Moon ESB. Both were especially nice on cask.]

IPA

1. Driftwood – Fat Tug
2. Lighthouse – Switchback IPA [edit 29Apr2012]
3. Central City – Red Racer IPA
4. Black Oak – Ten Bitter Years [Produced sporadically]
5. Swans – Extra IPA

ESB

1. Propeller ESB
2. Central City – Red Racer ESB
3. Swans – ESB

Bitter / Best Bitter

1. Moon Under Water – Blue Moon Bitter
2. Howe Sound – Baldwin & Cooper Best Bitter

Stout

1. Swans – Oatmeal Stout
2. Howe Sound – Diamond Head Oatmeal Stout
3. Storm – Black Pague Stout

Porter

Brown Ale

1. Howe Sound – Rail Ale Nut Brown
2. Swans – Appleton Brown Ale

Wheat Ale

1. R&B Sun – God Wheat Ale
2. Big Rock – Grasshopper
3. Mill St – Lemon Tea

Wit

1. Mill St – Wit