The first major event of Mount Washington's summer season is coming up this weekend.
Tapped, the mountain's popular beer festival, takes place Friday, July 12 and features an extensive selection of tasty brews from B.C. and beyond.
“Our beer festival has returned to showcasing just beers this summer,” explains resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. “We added a scotch element over the last couple of years but the overwhelming feedback was keep it beer, so we listened!”
Over 15 breweries will be represented at Tapped. They include Vancouver Island Brewery, Tofino Brewing Co., Driftwood Brewery, Lighthouse Brewing, Phillips Brewing Company, Okanagan Springs Brewery, Granville Island Brewery, Labatt Breweries, Whistler Brewing Company, Bowen Island Brewing, Spinnakers Brewpub, Longwood Brewery, Turning Point Brewery, Central City Brewing and Lone Tree Cider.
If your taste buds for brews range from pilseners to porters, IPAs to ESBs or even stouts to summer ales, then Tapped will deliver. Entry to the festival is only $25 per person and includes five samples and a festival glass. Additional tasting tokens can be purchased for $1 each. All of the sampling will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the scenic Raven Lodge.
In addition to the brews, live music will be performed by the Island's own Luke Blu Guthrie. The band can be counted on for a powerful, deeply soulful performance.
To round out the evening, a beer seminar hosted by Jeff Lucas of Cascadia Liquor Stores will point out the intricacies of beer flavours based on the styles represented at the festival. The seminar will also introduce unique beer-chocolates pairings provided by Courtenay's own Hot Chocolates.
A delicious pig roast barbecue will also be held during the festival for a small additional charge. This is the perfect way to soak up some of the brews and provide a quick break from the festivities.
Two complimentary buses will be running from the Comox Valley up to Tapped. Seating priority is given to those who sign up and purchase their tickets online. For more information or to purchase tickets, tap into mountwashington.ca. A limited number of tickets are also available for sale at Cascadia Liquor Store in Courtenay.
– Mount Washington Alpine Resort