Unable to hold a live get-together due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the Kiwanis Alefest will be taking to the world wide web to host a virtual tasting this year.
Organizers have convinced nine breweries from all across Northern British Columbia to produce a unique beer for inclusion in an eight-pack of cans that will be for sale at breweries and liquor stores throughout Northern and Interior B.C. on Friday, January 29. Then, at 7 p.m. on that day, they will put on a "virtual tasting" of all eight brews through @BCAleTrail on Instagram.
The beers will be showcased the night before through the same platform, 6 p.m. start.
“It was apparent by spring 2020 that we were not going to be able to host Kiwanis Alefest in 2021,” said AleFest organizer Jamie Cunningham. “However, we felt collectively that if there was a time that the breweries needed a little extra attention and people needed a little bit more happiness, it was this year.
"This project has been so much fun to plan, and the cherry on the top is that all the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon, and charities that support kids and families in the North.”
Participating brewers are Wheelhouse Brewing (Prince Rupert), Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse (Terrace), Smithers Brewing (Smithers), Trench Brewing and Distilling (Prince George), CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery (Prince George), Barkerville Brewing (Quesnel), Three Ranges Brewing (Valemount), Mighty Peace Brewing (Fort St John) in collaboration with Iron Road Brewing (Kamloops), and Smithers Brewing (Smithers)
The virtual tasting will be co-hosted by Aaron Johnson, the Cascadian Beer Podcaster and Joe Wiebe, the Thirsty Writer and Content Manager for the BC Ale Trail.
