Five tips to taste your way through beer fest
The Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival is a two-day event filled with fun, food, music — and beer, of course.
But, while the brew-filled event is sure to offer attendees a good time, there are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate through the seemingly endless tents and tables offering craft beer and cider creations. (Healthy hint: balancing out beer consumption with food and water is always a good idea.)
We asked Leah Heneghan, the director and co-founder of the event, to serve up her top five tips for successfully sipping your way through a full day of tasting at the upcoming festival. Here’s what she came up with.
1. Plan ahead
Heneghan recommends planning your day in advance by doing some research on the breweries and cider offerings you want on your must-try list so you don’t miss out on any. “Email that list to yourself in advance and you are already way ahead of the game,” she says.
2. Start light
When it comes to tasting, Heneghan says it’s key to start with the lighter brews, then transition into the stronger offerings — both in flavour and in alcohol volumes. “You can also hit the B.C. Farm Crafted Cider Association’s cider row for a sampling of up to 15 ciders, move on over to the B.C. Ale Trail-er for a good selection of B.C. breweries and follow that with a stroll through the United States Brewers Association section and try some beers that aren’t usually available here in Canada,” she says.
3. Sun smart
You’re going to want to consider donning some protective gear. “Be prepared for the sun — wear sunscreen, your favourite festival hat and shades, and be sure to hydrate throughout the day by drinking lots of water in between beer sampling,” Heneghan advises.
4. Fuel up
Don’t forget to eat. According to Heneghan, it’s the most important thing you can do to ensure your day at the festival is a smashing (not to mention delicious) success. “Fuel up at some of the amazing food trucks at the festival — there will be more options than ever before, and you’ll thank me the next day,” she says with a laugh.
5. Go slow
Rather than slamming back the tasters on offer, Heneghan encourages attendees to take their time at the festival, sipping their samples and enjoying the non-beer-related offerings such as art, music and games that will be on offer.