The award-winning Courtney Room, known to be one of Victoria’s best restaurants, is now bearing the fruits of their labour with four unique beers crafted in collaboration with local breweries.
The eatery’s Chef, Brian Tesolin and the brewing teams at Whistle Buoy Brewing Co., Herald Street Brew Works, Small Gods Brewing Co. and Île Sauvage Brewing Co. teamed up to make four unique beers.
Additionally, all the collab beers feature locally hand-foraged elements by Lance Staples, wildcraft and foraging expert, as well as Anton Wilson and Eric Josephs from The Courtney Room’s award-winning bar team.
As of this week, all four beers are available on tap in the restaurant.
“My passion for local Vancouver Island produce has always extended beyond the kitchen, and I am thrilled to see this innovative collaboration with some of our island’s most respected craft breweries come to light,” says Chef Brian Tesolin.
“My respect for these talented brewers is immense and the beers that we’ve produced together are an excellent representation of the very best of Victoria’s incredible craft brewing scene.”
Below are the four collab beers:
Blush: Whistle Buoy Brewing Company x The Courtney Room, ABV 4.5%
Made with local pilsner with wheat malt, this Rosehip Saison was conditioned on locally foraged rosehips and lemon peel, with Vancouver Island sea salt added for a touch of salinity. It is described as being light and fruity, slightly tart with a tangy zip and a dry finish.
It’s called Blush because four of the team members at The Courtney Room make up the band Blush., who also played at Whistle Buoy’s ‘Garden Party’ Big Patio Day event in June.
Goldilocks: Herald Street Brew Works x The Courtney Room, ABV 4.8%
This white pepper and cherry blossom hazy lager, has a soft and textured palate and dark straw in appearance. Dry treble notes from foraged cherry blossoms and white peppercorns contrast the hoppy base notes, leaving a tropical fruit finish.
Air & Angels Magnolia Farmhouse Ale: Small Gods Brewing Co. x The Courtney Room, ABV 3.9%
Made with a blend of local malt and rye grain from Field 5 Farm on the Saanich Peninsula and locally foraged Magnolia blooms—the namesake flower of the hotel in which The Courtney Room is located. This beer is described as light and drinkable with a significant weight and texture.
Consensus: Île Sauvage Brewing Co. x The Courtney Room, ABV 3.9%
A light aromatized Berliner Weisse. Golden in colour, this low-alcohol brew features a lightly sour wheat ale aromatized with dried orange peels, all spice and tonka bean.
The Courtney Room says that those attending the Great Canadian Beer Festival on September 6th and 7th, with access to the VIP tent, will be able to try all four of these beers, alongside food from both The Courtney Room and Île Sauvage’s Food Truck.
