In search of the perfect craft brewery
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
My spring and summer, (and apparently about to be) fall study of local craft breweries and brew pubs has gained a slogan – ‘In search of the perfect craft brewery.’
I like it. The only problem is the title might imply that should the perfect craft brewery be discovered the search would then end. Certainly I hope not, because the searching is way too much fun to quit.
Hunting for the elusive perfect craft brewery means a lot of leg work (not to mention arm, throat and other bodily muscles called to action when consuming a pint). Various criteria need be explored and satisfied – the volume of research is huge.
First the analysis of the pub or brewhouse itself. There are so many different sizes ambiance, and uniqueness to contemplate.
What about the food (do you want snack food, pub style, full meal, theme? What does the palate pine for?
Greatest decision-making factor – the beers themselves. After all that’s the main draw of a craft brewery. Some people figured they made a better beer than someone else – you are checking out that opinion.
Adding more consternation to the contemplation is how the whole package is eventually presented to you – the staff. How good is the bartender, server, staff member, perhaps even entertainer? Each and all of them add to the overall package of your dining and drinking decision.
It’s a race between server/bartender and the visual ambience of a facility when a customer walks in. The client is obviously taking a look at the building for the first time and we all know the importance of a first impression.
Regardless, the end goal is printing some HodgePodge’s that both locals and tourists can use as fun, food, and frivolity guides. It was Brian who further suggested we create it akin to a tourist guide for craft beer and pub foods.
So, with the (s)willing skills and help of best friends into Curtis and Brian (aka Beers with Brian) and wife Tez (wine and seafood expert) we took our work plan into action mode.
Curtis, Brian and I like a cold beer while Tez’s arm can be twisted for a quality white wine. All four of us enjoy being served a quality meal at a reasonable price. The general quest of the craft beer adventure is to include pub food when possible with quality craft beer and top-notch service. However, not all craft breweries provide a full menu yet still deserve attention for their craft beer skill focus.
So far HodgePodge fans have ventured through a number of foamies from various locations with us.
A brief recap on a few include:
One of our first soggy suds sojourns found us park our butt at Turtle Bay Marina. An incredibly friendly, warm pub has a great menu but lacks a selection of craft beers. However, it does offer one of the more famous local species – Okanagan Springs 1516, which makes me a happy boy.
Another Lake Country area pub, Curtis and I popped into the Britannia Brewing Company. Brittania offers a variety of craft choices including stouts, ales, and malts. Server Kenna always has knowledge of what’s special that day.
One of the greatest choices one can make for unique dining and drinks is visiting Freddy’s Brew Pub. Think I’m kidding? Ever eaten Wang Dang Dingler or Dueling Fried Pickles? For drinks try Hawk Rider Red Lager or the Grand Poohbah Nitro Stout. Server Lila claims their Mojitos are raved about as are Peach Bourbon Sour and Freddy’s Lemonade.
One of the funkiest and certainly the smallest brew pubs around is The Office. Service is excellent at this north end facility with a large choice of various craft beers to choose from. If you need an excuse to go home or leave home early you can always tell folks, “Back in a while – just going to the office for a bit.”
Railside Brewing on the Rail Trail is a popular spot and again offers a plethora of craft beers to test. Curtis and Beers with Brian both enjoy the atmosphere here and again server Jen is top shelf.
Gotta dog? If you’re feeling thirsty and need another excuse to get away why not take the dog for a walk. To Unleashed Brewing Co. on Clement Ave. Lots of choices on finding that drink which gives you that ‘paws’ for refreshment. Good atmosphere and lots of room.
So there’s a few places for you to check out. I will report back soon with thoughts on Barn Owl Brewing, Grey Fox, Jack Knife, BNA, the Hitching Post and others.
