A Comox Valley-based nanobrewery has been recognized once again at the provincial level.
The Forbidden Brewing Company took home first place in the British Bitter category at the 2017 BC Beer Awards, which took place Oct. 21 in Vancouver. The annual BC Beer Awards celebrates the best craft beer and cider brewed in British Columbia.
This is the second time the Courtenay-based nanobrewery’s pale ale has been up for a BC Beer Award. The brewery’s pale ale was awarded second place in the UK Pale Ale category in 2015.
Forbidden Brewery Co. owner and operator Michael Vincent said he and his team are proud and thankful for the recognition. There were 20 other entries this year in the British Bitter category.
“They judge each category with very specific criteria, so they’re looking for individual characteristics that lend it to that category. The requirements have changed over the years. This year, our beer fit the category perfectly.” he said.
This year was the largest year to date for the BC Beer Awards. Nearly 900 entries were recognized from 97 breweries across the province.
“It’s growing every year. There’s always more breweries and more competition,” said Vincent.
Awards were presented in 30 categories. The awards ceremony was followed by a festival that featured beer from more than 60 breweries.
Forbidden Brewing Co. is located at 1590 Cliffe Avenue, inside the Best Western Westerly Hotel. The brewery opened in 2015.