SOOKE OCEANSIDE BREWERY
Founded in 2015 by owner Ryan Orr, Sooke Oceanside Brewery, or S.O.B as the locals call it was founded by a desire to bring the love of craft beer to the west coast community of Sooke. They focus on four core beers: pale ale, blonde ale, red ale and IPA, but offer a number of seasonal rotations and collaborations.
If you’re heading to Sooke Oceanside Brewery, you should try:
- Renfrew Red | 5.4% | 20 IBU | Ale
The aroma consists of caramel, fruit, with a floral finish. Enjoy mild bitterness coupled with rich flavours of caramel, mild roasted malts, resin, and some fruity notes. - Bonfire Blonde | 5% | 18 IBU | Ale
With a rich vein of smoke running from the first sip to the last. This medium-bodied pale ale is balanced, offering slight tart fruit notes and a light spiciness as it warms.
SOOKE BREWING
This big brewery is located right in the center of town. Since opening in 2017, Sooke Brewing has developed a reputation for producing quality beers. While their list generally rotates, the IPA, Saison, Blonde Ale and Vienna Lager and Baltic Porter are always on tap.
If you’re heading to Sooke Brewing, you should try:
- IPA | 7% | 70 IBUs | Ale
The character of stone-fruits, berries, tropical fruits and pine are all evident from the liberal use of North American hops. Firm and lasting bitterness on the finish satisfies, hiding the alcohol and increases the drinkability of the beer. - Belgian Blonde Ale | 6% | 50 IBUs | Ale
Pilsner malt lends the light colour and subtle grainy malt character. The Belgian yeast blends with ample amounts of European hops for a floral and herbal flavour and aroma. The dryness and moderately firm bitterness make it refreshing and drinkable.
SHERINGHAM DISTILLERY
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Sheringham Distillery produces world-class gin, vodka, and akvavit. They use time-honoured distilling methods and BC-grown ingredients to achieve their distinctive handmade spirits; all mashing, fermenting, distilling, and bottling is done by hand.
If you’re heading to Sheringham Distillery, you should try:
- Seaside Gin | 43% alc/vol
Made from white wheat, malted barley, natural botanicals and sustainable hand-harvested local winged kelp the seaside gin offers a balanced flavour profile of juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, and cardamon. - Kazuki Gin | 43% alc/vol
Made from Vodka with botanicals sourced locally and from Japan, the Kazuki offers dynamic flavours of green tea and cherry blossoms.
BAD DOG BREWING
If you love down-home cozy intimacy, you’ll love Bad Dog Brewing. Set in the garage of the Lyle family residence, this family-run business offers a truly unique experience. Once you have grabbed a flight, have a seat at their outdoor picnic benches; it’s a great place to enjoy the pups and pints!
If you’re heading to Bad Dog Brewing, you should try:
- TireBiter | 6% | 95 IBUs | Ale
This delicious hoppy West Coast IPA offers pungent grapefruit aromas with citrus pine with an assertive grapefruit zest bitterness supported by notes of dark caramel, and a floral finish. - Dizzy Dogs | 8.3% | 85 IBUs | Ale
This medium-bodied ale offers aromas of grass and peach coupled with notes of caramel and burnt sugar. The earthy pine hops are balanced by an orange fruit maltiness.
TUGWELL CREEK MEADERY
Just a short drive past Sooke, Tugwell Creek Honey Farm & Meadery is a must-visit. While these days mead isn’t all that popular, it is one of the oldest drinks in history. Tugwell produces a number of different meads that range from dry to sweet made with their own bees and honey.
If you’re heading to Tugwell Creek Meadery, you should try:
- Wicked Mistress | 12.5% alc/vol
This off-dry mead is made with an abundance of farm-grown Marionberries and Wildflower honey that creates a bold and fruity mead finished with a soft spice. - Harvest Melomel | 13.4% alc/vol
Made with Wildflower honey and a unique blend of berries from the Tugwell Farm, this off-dry mead is clean and crisp with a distinct fruity palate.
