The annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week launches today with a multitude of events and breweries over the next nine days. If you still haven't decided what to take in, here's a list of not-to-miss events, and yes, tickets are still available. Anya Levykh has the scoop.
VCBW Opening Night
Friday May 30, 5-10pm | $49 (plus taxes & fees)
Join 102.7 The Peak along with Prevail at Gossip Night Club for a night of entertainment, unlimited craft beer samples from 22 breweries, food trucks and more.
The 5th Element—B-Boy and IPA Battle
Sunday June 1, 4-8pm | $20 (plus taxes & fees)
Watch 10 of B.C.'s best breweries throw down to find out who makes the best IPA at the Fanclub. Tickets include entry, souvenir tasting glass, three beer tokens, live entertainment and more.
Maenam Has Company
Monday June 2, 6-9pm | $90 (plus taxes & fees)
Join chef Angus An at Maenam, along with Upright, Four Winds and Brassneck breweries for this family-style evening of fine Thai food and craft brews.
Battle of the Bartenders Beer Cocktail Competition
Tuesday June 3, 6pm-late | $20 (plus taxes & fees)
Watch 10 of Vancouver's top bartenders gather at the Blackbird to see who can make the best beer-cocktail in the city, using one feature craft beer, and add your vote for the people's choice award. Tickets include cocktail and beer samples, and canapés.
Beest & Da Bloc
Tuesday June 3, 5-11pm | $99 (plus taxes & fees)
Wildebeest—Vancouver's destination for carnivorous fare—has teamed up with three top craft breweries from La Belle Province. Enjoy offerings from Le Trou du Diable, Dieu du Ciel, and Les Trois Mousquetaires, paired with six courses of Quebecois-inspired fare. Three seatings available, at 5pm, 7pm or 9pm.
In Da Pourhouse!
Tuesday June 3, 7-9:30pm | $75 (plus taxes & fees)
Pourhouse's executive chef Jean-Christophe Poirier has crafted a four-course family-style dinner paired with beers from Driftwood, 33 Acres, Derrick Franche and Dageraad breweries for a night of inventive comfort food and fine brews.
Cicerone vs. Sommelier
Wednesday June 4, 6-10pm | $115 (plus taxes & fees)
Check out the just-opened ARC restaurant at the Fairmont Waterfront
Hotel for the ultimate food-pairing challenge. Returning beer champion Don Farion of BierCraft and Bomber Brewing will go up against wine guru Michaela Morris of House Wine to see who can create the ultimate food pairing for each of five courses created by Alessandro Vianello. Guests cast their vote for each course to determine if wine or beer make the best pairing.
The VCBW Beer Festival, presented by Craft Beer Market
Friday June 6, 4-9pm | $35 (plus taxes & fees)
Saturday June 7, 2-7pm | $35 (plus taxes & fees)
It's the biggest beer tasting room in the city! Sample from more than 70 craft breweries, both local and further afield. Tickets include souvenir tasting glass and three drink tokens. Additional tokens are $1.25 each.
· Vancouver Craft Beer Week [Official Site]
· All Craft Beer Coverage [EVAN]