Each month, as part of this 366-day BC craft beer extravaganza that I will be sharing with you throughout 2016, I will highlight a specific style or theme of beers for a whole week of articles. Already the best time of the year, the fact it’s Winter Ale season makes it that much better.

Rain, slush, blizzards, chinook, frost, ale. That’s what Granville Island Brewing believes comprises the typical Canadian winter. The last item on that list is represented by this seasonal favourite.

The Lions Winter Ale is very tasty. I particularly like the caramel-vanilla combo that winter ales are known for and this beverage has that in spades. The 5.5% ABV, 22 IBUs drink is available from October to March in a number of formats.

Named after the popular lion statues that guard Vancouver’s Lion’s Gate Bridge, GIB suggests pairing the beer with a bowl of clam chowder and bacon, as well as other meals featuring cream-based sauces.

The Sip Advisor came home from work one dreary day to a six-pack of the beverage, which Mrs. Sip had taken the time to go out and grab. In that moment, I knew the engagement ring waiting hidden in my dresser was the right choice!

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