Upon arrival in Victoria, we needed a beer. All that time on the ferry staring at nature and having the sun shine down-I’m sure you can imagine how necessary a beer was at this point. Fortunately, the Swans Hotel was just down the street, serving Buckerfield‘s ales. From my limited time there, it seemed as though the brewery was attached to the hotel itself, which makes me think that the next time I visit Victoria, I should just stay there.
I might never leave, which has its own pluses and minuses. Sure, I’d miss the glory that is Victoria, but I’d get to become a brief fixture at a great pub, sipping gently on well crafted beers all day.
Note to self: do this someday.
I started off with the Arctic Ale, which was the seasonal; it was crisp, light and with a fruit essence to it–my notes suggest cherry. Finally, some yeast experimentation! Sure the malts had the overriding flavors, with a biscuity taste that didn’t stay around long enough to be welcomed, but I knew that I was on the right track.
Next, I had their IPA, which was a different animal; there was a definite floral push, and I’d go so far as to say even a rosy quality to it. There was some actual hop bitterness to the beer, but again it didn’t linger to become unwelcome. This beer felt really balanced and very drinkable.
Next, it was down to the Canoe brewpub for their Beaver Brown ale, which had a dense mouthfeel for a brown. There was a hint of orange to it, before coffee rises up near the end to keep the beer from getting cloying. Delicious! I don’t know why, but my luck at finding interesting brews had definitely turned.
A pint for Dionysus 