Around the World - 6 Brew Taster @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market!

Another trip to Vancouver Craft Beer Market? I think so! With the limitless possibilities of delicious inebriation, there isn't a way I would hesitate to return here. The tasters are great, the selection is impeccable, and the staff are...easy on the eyes.

My buddy Mike and I returned for another set of tasters. The line up this time looked much more promising than last time, as you can see below:

Around the World 6-Brew Taster @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market
Brewji

"Around the World" 6-Brew Tasters @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market
Photo Credit: Mike

From LEFT to RIGHT:

Kroenenbourg 1664 (5.9% ABV)
Ah, this is a classic which I haven't had since my summer days in Ontario in 2011. I remember this being one of the smoothest Euro lagers at the time. It smells hay-like and grassy / bread-y. It's got an okay on the sniff test, and diving in for the sip, it's got a malty barley taste, with some grassy notes and surprisingly a little tartness. Is that a hint of lemon? I don't know, but it's not bad. I'd probably pick this one up at a bar by choice.

The Kroenenbourg 1664 gets a this-is-what-I-call-a-lager 7.5 / 10


North Coast PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale (7.6% ABV)
Mmm, a Belgian-style ale on the menu! Not just that, but with a reputation from North Coast, you know we're talking delicious. A sniff reveals Belgian yeast, and a slightly sweet touch as well. On first sip, I get a bit of citrus with the yeast, some fruit, and some spice. Its bitterness is not too apparent, and it finishes clean. I really think this is a go-to brew. You can't even tell that it's 7.6%, it tastes about 6 at the most. Incredible job by North Coast once again!

The North Coast PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale gets a you-could-get-my-number-with-this 9.5 / 10


North Coast Blue Star Wheat Ale (4.5% ABV)
I'm not normally a fan of the hefeweizen variety. I don't mean to be biased, but there's a definite reason why I bring Mike along, he's down for the wheat ales. The nose brings wheat and citrus, and on first sip, you get a crisp wheat-like taste with a hint of citrus. It's actually quite pleasant. What's this, North Coast making a style I normally don't like, into something more-than-palatable? I'm starting to love this brewery. This wheat ale is nearly flawless. But since I still can't get used to the mouth-feel of a wheat ale, it's not exactly flawless in my opinion.

The North Coast Blue Star Wheat Ale gets a wow-it-tastes-better-in-person 8.5 / 10


New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale (5.2% ABV)
I've already reviewed this one on a previous post, so I'm going to let Mike take the reigns for this one. He describes how it appears like a normal pale ale, smells like a normal pale ale (actually, there is a sweetness to it). He takes the first sip, and says he can taste a fruity subtlety among the malty ingredients. He thinks this beer is the best thing since sliced bread. Overall, he's not far off. This is one of the most delicious brews!

Mike gives the New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale a can-you-not-add-this-part 9.5 / 10


Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale (5% ABV)
On first sniff, there are roasted caramel notes, citrus, and a nutty smell which separates this pale ale from most. On first sip, it's pretty much what it smells like, but with a crisp finish. It's a bit hoppy, but definitely comes together in the end. A high-ranking pale ale that I would recommend to anyone looking for something new. I'd definitely order a full pint of this at a bar.

The Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale gets a solid-tasting 8.0 / 10


Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (5.6% ABV)
Last up for bat, we have the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. With a reputation that Sierra Nevada holds, I'm hoping for some good suds. The nose is a citrus-y pine, with caramel and malt. It smells like something I would definitely order. Mike and I both noted grapefruit-like bitterness Citrus and pine come across in the taste, which is somewhat bitter and somewhat sweet, but delicious. Very crisp and clean finish. I think tonight has been the pale ale night! It makes up for the last round of tasters for sure.

The Sierra Nevada Pale Ale gets a that-name-sounds-familiar 8.5 / 10