Beer column: A pair of new bold, juicy IPAs from different corners of BC

If you enjoy a bold, juicy IPA, a pair of popular BC breweries have new releases you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

The only real similarities between these two breweries is that they both start with an F and they’re both beloved in their communities.

Those communities, however, are in different corners of the province, as I’m talking about the Fernie Brewing in the Kootenays and Field House Brewing in the Fraser Valley.

First up is a creation from the fine folks at Fernie, which is the latest addition to the brewery’s IPA Series.

The High Point Tropical IPA is brewed with Pahto, Simcoe and Hyperboost hops and comes in at a healthy 7% ABV (alcohol by volume).

“Slightly sweet with bold tropical fruit flavours, this brew strikes the perfect balance between dank and juicy,” the brewery explains.

Its counterpart in the beer column this week is Field House’s brand new Eclipse Hazy IPA, which the brewery says is “bursting with bold, juicy character.”

The beer is named for the Eclipse hops it’s brewed with, which produce tastes of mandarin and subtle pine.

The Pomona yeast that Field House uses in the brewing process pitches in with layers of peach, citrus and tropical fruit.

Described as “hazy” and “vibrant,” this bad boy clocks in at 7.5% ABV.

Both of these new beers are very recent releases, which means they’re currently making their way to select private liquor stores across the province.

Hopefully they find their way to your favourite neighbourhood store soon!

Josh Duncan is the NowMedia news director and a craft beer lover. Reach him at [email protected]. His beer column appears every Saturday afternoon in this space.