The Courtney Room, Victoria’s Restaurant of the Year, announces a series of local brewery collaborations, the perfect sippers to celebrate the fall, bursting with Vancouver Island flavours.
A partnership between The Courtney Room’s Chef Brian Tesolin and the talented teams at Herald Street Brew Works, Île Sauvage Brewing Co., Small Gods Brewing Co. and Whistle Buoy Brewing Co. The four individual beers are now available to enjoy at The Courtney Room, at each respective brewery and at local festivals and events. All four brews feature locally hand-foraged elements by wildcraft expert, Lance Staples, and were carefully crafted in collaboration with Anton Wilson and Eric Josephs from The Courtney Room’s award-winning bar team.
“My passion for local Vancouver Island produce has always extended beyond the kitchen, and I am thrilled to see this innovative collaboration with some of our island’s most respected craft breweries come to light,” says Chef Brian Tesolin. “My respect for these talented brewers is immense and the beers that we’ve produced together are an excellent representation of the very best of Victoria’s incredible craft brewing scene.”
Goldilocks: Herald Street Brew Works x The Courtney Room, ABV 4.8%
This white pepper and cherry blossom hazy lager, has a soft and textured palate and dark straw in appearance. Dry treble notes from foraged cherry blossoms and white peppercorns contrast the hoppy base notes, leaving a tropical fruit finish. Brewed by Mike Spence and Ryan Bangma from Herald Street Brew Works.
Consensus: Île Sauvage Brewing Co. x The Courtney Room, ABV 3.9%
A lovely, light aromatized Berliner Weisse. Golden in colour, this low-alcohol, refreshing sipper features a lightly sour wheat ale aromatized with dried orange peels, all spice and tonka bean. Brewed by Ian Ibboston and Stephane Turcotte from Île Sauvage Brewing Co.
Air & Angels Magnolia Farmhouse Ale: Small Gods Brewing Co. x The Courtney Room, ABV 3.9%
A crushable blend of local malt and rye grain from Field 5 Farm on the Saanich Peninsula and locally foraged Magnolia blooms, the namesake flower of the hotel in which The Courtney Room is located. Plate straw in colour, this beer is light and drinkable with a significant weight and texture. Brewed by Christopher Bjerrigaard and Jonny Kostiuk from Small Gods Brewing Co.
Blush: Whistle Buoy Brewing Company x The Courtney Room, ABV 4.5%
A charming blend of local pilsner with wheat malt, this Rosehip Saison is conditioned on locally foraged rosehips and lemon peel, with Vancouver Island sea salt added for a touch of salinity. Light and fruity, slightly tart with a tangy zip and a dry finish. Brewed by Isaiah Archer and Matt West-Patrick from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.
Those attending the Great Canadian Beer Festival on September 6th and 7th with access to the VIP tent, can enjoy tasting all four collaborative craft beers, alongside delicious food from both The Courtney Room and Île Sauvage’s Food Truck.
Named to the Platinum-tier of the Wine Program Excellence Awards, The Courtney Room was the very first restaurant on Vancouver Island to achieve this distinction. Their little secret? They love beer as much as they do wine.
To learn more about The Courtney Room or to make a reservation, visit www.thecourtneyroom.com.
