When the Sip Advisor hits a milestone, as part of this 366-day BC craft beer project, a favourite beer will be profiled and as we hit the centennial mark, this Coal Harbour Brewing selection gets its proper due.

The full name of this brew is Smoke & Mirrors Imperial Smoked Ale and it is a spectacular beverage. I could wax on about how much I love smoky beers and how this is at the top of my list, but I’ll let the fact that it finished first and third, respectively, at the 2012 and 2013 BC Beer Awards in the Specialty/Special Beer category speak for itself. The 8.5% ABV has never been a turn off for the Sip Advisor and really only enhances the overall drinking experience.

I first tried this beer at Tip N’ Taste in Langley last July and then again aboard the Vancouver Brew Cruise in August. Basically, if these guys are operating a booth, I will be there! If only Coal Harbour would open a tasting room and growler fill station out of their East Vancouver brewing location, I would be a very happy camper. Located right across the street from Parallel 49 Brewing, they could be the benefactor of the overflow from that popular tasting room.

Smoke & Mirrors is among Coal Harbour’s three year round releases, which also includes their 311 Helles Lager and Powell IPA. In total, the brewery only has five brews, which is a little limited, but I guess that allows them the concentrate on what they do have available. Coal Harbour products are available in government and private liquor stores, as well as some bars and restaurants.

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