5 Best Craft Breweries near Saanichton

“I WOULD MAKE LOVE TO THE CHEF! MAN OR WOMAN, I DON’T CARE!!!This was our first time in and to say we were pleasantly surprised would be doing a disservice to our tastebuds. We were greeted by friendly staff and a mouth watering small making sweet love to our face. After asking the staff what it could be they listed a few of their favorites. The two of us ended up ordering 5 dishes, 2 flights and 4 beers.The Beer: I enjoyed their variety and story within each beer. Tasting the different notes of citrus, barley and hops throughout each of the beers but at different parts made each one an experience. Everything you could want in a well rounded Hazy IPA. We even bought a few cans to enjoy later, and boy did we!The Food: don’t let the small atmosphere fool you. Within the walls of this quant eatery lives a mastermind chef determined to make miracles happen, plate by plate. He could probably make the blind see, the deaf hear and if you’ve had COVID where it altered your taste buds, this place is your vaccine. We ordered 5 dishes, The BBQ Burger, The Hot Honey Wings, Poutine, The Mac & Cheese and BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Yes, there were only 2 of us.The Wings: honey flavor was elevated and delicious but unfortunately, I was missing the any sense of “Hot”.The Mac & Cheese: great flavor but it’s was overpowered with the Sriracha Chicken.BBQ Burger: Amazing on all levels with each ingredient complementing the other. The locally sourced bread pulled everything together.Poutine: I don’t think anything more could be better than seasoned potatoes, cheese curds and gravy. More often than not the gravy can fall heavy. This was not the case. The gravy was like a gentle lover. Easy, not overpowering and everywhere all at once.BBQ Flatbread: perfect construct of a typical flatbread and flavor profile. Could have used a bit more sauce to equal out the density of the flatbread.The exterior of this place makes it a well kept secret that everyone should know about. We almost returned the next time but figured being tourists we should try other restaurants. We were disappointed with our choice and should have returned.We have told more people than we can count about this amazing place and can’t wait to return soon.“

“This place is a gem of a distillery - not just in Canada, but the world. They are putting out several varieties of interesting single malt whiskies. Some are in styles you won't find anywhere else - particularly their peated stuff. They also have easy shipping, which is a nice perk if you aren't able to visit in person. Definitely worth the try!“

“Whenever I visit Victoria I plan my trip for a stop at Small Gods Brewing. I enjoy their crisp, clean and tasty beer. Last time I had some food and was equally impressed. Have not been travelling to Victoria as often so very happy to find out their beer is now available in North Vancouver.“

“We love Howl brewing and have done so since they opened. On the occasional Wednesday walk around the airport, we time it so we can stop in, try the latest creation and chat with the owner operator.I have to say if you are looking for the same drink every time you go, this isn't the place for you. The beers are small batches crafted with whatever ingredients are currently available, and often done in historically accurate style. (e.g. Ancient Viking Beer).If you want beer that may exist in other parts of the world that you cant get in North America, you might find it here (Pulque). They made an Heirloom Tomato beer, available at our Favorite restaurant Hanks, that was so good, we drank almost the entire Keg between the two of us.The only downside is that when you find something you love, there may not be anymore of it. We are willing to take that chance.At the site, they have a small outside tasting area. They do growler fills and sales.“

“I just checked out this new little brewery in Sidney for the first time, and happened to try the freshly tapped Strawberry Shortcake Sour, which honestly had the best and strongest strawberry flavour I’ve ever tasted in a beer! It was so good I had to take home a Crowler. With plenty of beer and cider options on tap, a selection of local snacks, board games, events, and the option to bring in takeout from elsewhere, this place is definitely worth a visit. It’s clear that they value fostering relationships with other local businesses, and are already making a positive impact on the Sidney community.“