Edible Vancouver Island November/December 2023

There are also a plethora of more local options from Vancouver Island’s expert brewers and distillers. Beer lovers might be intrigued to try “hop water,” an herbaceous and subtle hop-infused seltzer available from Category 12 Brewing in Saanichton. Creative cocktailers might experiment with Sheringham Distillery’s non-alcoholic gin, Lumette!, which adds a botanical bite to tonic and lime. There are also many locally produced syrups and shrubs, which elevate soda water to a more sophisticated beverage. NEAR-BEER BUSINESS POURING IN For non-alcoholic beers, Victoria powerhouse Phillips Brewing’s iOTA “hits the mark” on accessible, affordable, easy-drinking beers, Morisette says. Phillips launched its non alcoholic brand in 2021 after years of perfecting the iOTA recipe, according to senior marketing manager Samantha Beck. “At our core, we’re really passionate brewers,” Beck says. “We’re really passionate about making high-quality products that don’t skip on flavour and the experimental fun you expect from craft beer.” iOTA carries four varieties: a pilsner, pale ale, hazy IPA and blackberry lemon ale. The hazy IPA is a favourite because it’s the most complex, Beck says. Hazy IPAs get their distinct mouthfeel from their alcohol content, and creative brewing mimics that body without the booze. After iOTA became Canada’s first near-beer on tap, a handful of Vancouver Island pubs quickly sold out of their initial trial kegs and now keep the no-booze option permanently on draught. Demand has only grown since then, Beck says. “It’s been a whirlwind,” she says, crediting iOTA’s success to its top secret, complicated brewing methods. “At the end of the day, it’s just a great beverage.” THESE VANCOUVER ISLAND BEVERAGES ARE GUARANTEED CROWD PLEASERS 1 iOTA Hazy IPA is a smooth and juicy non-alcoholic beer by Victoria’s Phillips Brewing designed to impress craft brew lovers. Find iOTA at select grocery stores and online. 2 Hopped Up! is a mild seltzer with the zingy freshness of beer without the bitterness. It has zero carbs and calories. Find it online or at Category 12 Brewing in Victoria. 3 Lumette! by Sheringham Distillery is a non-alcoholic spirit mimicking gin’s botanical taste with juniper, grand fir, grapefruit and orange qualities. Bottles, recipes and a list of retailers are listed on Lumette!’s website. 4 Ginger Switchel from the The Shrubbery Co. in Victoria wears many delicious hats. The shrub can be mixed with soda to create a mocktail akin to ginger beer, added to iced tea or even used as a marinade. Find it online or at the Touch of Saltspring and Moss St. Christmas markets. 5 Blackcurrant & Cranberry Kombucha is a festive, fermented black tea from Victoria’s Cultured Kombucha. Find it at Fairway Market and other select retailers. Gabrielle Plonka is a retired bartender turned food and beverage journalist writing from the beautiful Cowichan Valley.

Experience Local. Shop local. Taste local. Support local.

Kelvin Scheuer

Kelvin is a lawyer with Beacon Law Centre and has provided legal services in the greater Victoria area for over 20 years, assisting people with their real estate transactions, businesses, and estate planning.

Kelvin welcomes meeting and working with new people. His patience, thoughtfulness, and ability to obtain a good understanding of clients’ needs enables Kelvin to offer quality legal advice that helps his clients realize their goals. In his free time Kelvin enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and dogs, travelling, hunting and pecking at his piano. A complete evening for Kelvin includes classical music, a full-bodied glass of wine and a gourmet meal. Being a foodie, Kelvin is always keen to discover and enjoy the many great dining experiences Victoria and the Island have to offer. Beacon Law Centre | 250-656-3280 | www.beaconlaw.ca

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