It’s been an exciting year for Old Yale Brewing.
The longtime Fraser Valley brewery officially opened the doors to its Beaumont, Alta., location in May, marking Old Yale’s second expansion in two years after debuting in Abbotsford in 2023.
While that was surely a special moment for the business, British Columbian beer drinkers are likely more interested in what’s been happening on the production front this summer.
Well, the fine folks at Old Yale have been busy with a few new releases, including three tantalizing summer brews since the season officially kicked off on June 20.
Unfortunately, I’m not too sure on the distribution of these colourful, cocktail-inspired beers beyond the Fraser Valley, which might mean disappointment for some readers.
I figured it was still good to put them on your radar in case a summer road trip takes you through the region and you want to make a pit stop at Old Yale or a liquor store in that area!
(It still might be worth checking your local liquor store if it focuses on BC craft beer and it never hurts to ask said store if they’ll put a certain beer on their next order!)
The first of these three beers to be released, just days after summer started, offers up a vibrant tropical experience with a margarita-inspired twist.
Juicy mango dominates the flavour profile, but it’s complemented by a splash of lime and touch of pink Himalayan salt.
If you’re familiar with Old Yale’s Moon Dance Mango Wheat, the brewery says this new beer is its “lively, slightly wilder ‘south of the border’ cousin.”
The aqua colour of this beer is no doubt what makes it stand out – it’s as eye-catching as it is refreshing.
A unique beer through and through, the brewery says this tropical ale, released in July, is “bursting with lush pineapple, creamy coconut and a touch of citrus.”
It’s light-bodied and smooth, with the type of island flavour that will make you feel like you’ve jetted off to Hawaii or the Caribbean without leaving the province.
Released just a few days ago at the start of August, this bright, fruit-forward beer is inspired by the iconic warm-weather drink that originated in the Mediterranean.
It offers up a juicy sweetness from strawberries and raspberries, with subtle notes of white wine and ripe berries from Enigma and Hallertau Blanc hops.
This rose-coloured beer is light, lively and effortlessly smooth, with a crisp and refreshing finish that pairs perfectly with a hot summer day.
Josh Duncan is the NowMedia news director and a craft beer lover. Reach him at [email protected]. His beer column appears every Saturday afternoon in this space.
