BC Brew Review: Granville Island Ginger Beer

In North America, we are less likely to let tradition get in the way of creativity than other parts of the world. This is certainly the case with craft brewing, given the no-holds-barred approach our brewmasters are increasingly taking, i.e. “extreme” beer. If we were to rigidly adhere to the Bavarian Purity Laws of 1516, for example, Granville Island Ginger Beer would not have seen the light of day. Rather, brewer Vern Lambourne got the inspiration one day to make an alcoholic version of traditional Jamaican ginger beer and set off on an exploratory journey with his brew kettle.

GIB Ginger Beer is a clean-looking, medium-bodied, amber ale with a moderate amount of carbonation that produces a quickly receding creamy white head. The taste begins sweet and fruity, building to a dominant ginger flavour that finishes with a lingering spiciness, but without dryness or bitterness. Past versions could be fairly sharp, but this year’s version used Hawaiian ginger for a more refined taste with less heat.

Those not overly fond of ginger may not enjoy a lot of this beer by itself, but paired with the appropriate food, it can be surprisingly good. GIB Ginger Beer goes very well with Malaysian, Indonesian, and Indian cuisine; Jamaican jerk; spicy Chinese and Korean dishes; and milder foods, such as sushi and teriyaki. It’s too bad this beer is only available for one month of the year. Asian and Caribbean restaurants will find in this beer a good pairing alternative to lager.

Brewer: Granville Island Brewing, Granville Island
ABV: 5%
Category: Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer
Appearance: 4
Aroma: 4
Flavour: 3.5
Mouthfeel: 3.5
Overall: 3.5
Score: 18.5/25
Availability: seasonal; 650ml bottles at select private beer & wine stores and at Granville Island Brewing store on Granville Island; may also be on draught at the GIB Tap Room.

~ RG

Tagged as: Bavarian Purity Laws, ginger, Ginger Beer, Granville Island, Granville Island Brewing, Hawaiian, Jamaican, Vern Lambourne