BC Beer Baron #343 – Whistler Valley Trail Chestnut Ale

Nothing says Christmas like the smell of roasted chestnuts. While the Sip Advisor is not a fan of eating the holiday treat, I certainly don’t mind drinking a concoction based on it. Thankfully, Whistler Brewing came along with this seasonal specialty.

The Valley Trail Chestnut Ale is of the dark amber variety and features flavours of vanilla, nuts, caramel and spice. The 5% ABV beverage is lightly hopped and uses stone-milled chestnut flour from roasted and unroasted chestnuts, alike.

whistler-valley-trail-chestnut-ale

While I see the beer as a dessert option, the brewery suggests pairing it with roasted chicken, Asian noodle dishes, and braised pork and beef. I will have to give those options a try and see how things come together.

First released in 2011, the brew is available from October to April in six-packs, bombers, and as part of the brewery’s Winter Party Pack. Either way, the Chestnut Ale has become a welcoming sign of the changing seasons.

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BC Beer Baron #65 – Whistler Lost Lake IPA

I have enjoyed this Whistler Brewing beer since I first tried it at The Keg last summer. When I saw that it was include in the brewery’s Winter Party Pack, I had to have it, even carrying it home first from a BC Liquor Store and then from a friend’s place, on a 30-plus minute arduous expedition. The sacrifices we make, am I right!?

The Lost Lake IPA didn’t disappoint on my second serving of the beer. It is unique in that it is unfiltered or as Lost Lake folk like to say, “au natural”. With stats of 6.8% ABV and 75 IBUs, it’s a strong and hoppy beer, featuring flavours of grapefruit and passion fruit.

Whistler Lost Lake IPA

Suggested pairings for the IPA include barbecue lamb, bison burgers, and roasted red peppers. The beer is available in the aforementioned Winter Party Pack, as well as in 650ml bomber form.

Lost Lake is located in the resort community of Whistler and the brewery writes: “Like the waters of Lost Lake, our Unfiltered India Pale Ale is refreshing and with a real bite.” I suppose that can really only be quantified by anyone dumb enough to actually go for a dip in the frigid water. Maybe summer provides a different experience, though, as the lake’s beach was formally a hot spot for nude sunbathing!

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