Beer column: Vernon brewery has new identity, same delicious Blueberry Vanilla Ale

There’s a new brewery in British Columbia, but it’s actually been around for several years.

On Canada Day, Silverstar Brewing was unveiled in Vernon, a new identity for Marten Brewing after it was purchased by new owners in late 2023.

While the name and sign are different, Silverstar Brewing is pumping out the same great beer that Vernon residents and craft beer lovers across the province have long enjoyed under the Marten label.

That includes the Bluevana Blueberry Vanilla Ale, a unique creation from the brewery that has been a staple of its core beer lineup for quite some time.

Now, however, it’s showing up on liquor store shelves in a new, albeit similar-looking can that bears the Silverstar Brewing logo.

Coming in with a 4.8% ABV (alcohol by volume), Bluevana is a great summer beer that begs to be enjoyed on a nice day outdoors.

It’s easy-drinking with a bit of sweetness, and delivers a balanced, smooth and fruity taste that isn’t tart like a sour.

The flavours aren’t overwhelming by any means, but they come through in a way that almost makes it taste like a juice more than a beer.

"Experience the delightful harmony of blueberry and vanilla in this ale, reminiscent of a leisurely breakfast indulgence," the brewery explains on the can.

"With each sip, savour the comforting essence of morning flavours, making it the perfect brew to start your day, no matter the hour."

If you want to support the brewery as it jumps from its Marten to Silverstar era, but the Bluevana doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are plenty of other great options.

Silverstar Brewing’s core beer lineup includes the Cosen’s Bay Lager, Okanagan Rise Hazy IPA, Nocturnal Dark Czech Lager, Denni Svetlo Czech Pilsner, Celtic Ember Scottish Red Ale and Oh, So You Know the Owner West Coast IPA.

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.