"Beer-loving Adventurers" - Phillips Brewery

Inspiration through fermentation.

- Phillips Brewery

Hey gang, welcome to The Art of Caesura!!

We're on a bit of a beer bender this month on the blog. We've busted beer myths, we've looked at some tasty beer and food parings and now we're going to take a quick glance at my favourite brewery from back home on the West Coast of Canada: Phillips Brewery.

Before we start, I should probably note - though I hope it's obvious, because I live in Ireland, that I don't work for Phillips, and am not endorsed by them (le sigh). I'm just a fan. 

Anyway, my love affair with Phillips began - soon after they opened in 2001 - with a lager. Phillips' Phoenix Lager was sold in short chubby bottles (can you believe, I can't find a photo of those original bottles) and was a fantastic session beer. It was (and still is) a crowd pleasing beer with just enough buttery depth to be interesting but still appealed to the commercial beer crowd. Many a Canada Day was improve by a two-four of Phoenix!

More recently, I fell in love with their chocolate porter: Longboat. My brother finds it too sweet, but man on a crisp autumn evening in a pub with friends and music, nothing is better. Nothing!

I'd say their most popular beer nowadays is Blue Buck, a really easy to drink Ale:

Phillips is one of those companies that you wish you'd created. They're always hosting bands, festivals (HOPoxia) and roller derbies!

In recent years, Phillips has really become known for their experimental brews and eye-blisteringly awesome labels. Here's a selection of some incredible examples: 

My wife and I shared a Tiger Shark in a canoe at sunset with a seal beside us (for the full Canadian experience)! Anyway, there are way too many to show here, but check 'em out!

So what got me wanting to write about Phillips, is that every time I go back to my hometown to visit, my brother and I make a trip to Phillips to taste their latest concoctions. This past summer I arrived two weeks after they'd just unveiled their new glorious tasting room. Complete with delicious giant pretzles and individualized tasting menus! 

So if you find yourself on Vancouver Island, be sure to give Phillips a go. You won't regret it!

See you next week for another bevvy on The Art of Caesura!

Watching: Harlots - Season 1

Listening: Make Some Noise - Beastie Boys

Next Week:

Another fine establishment...