Whistler Beer Festival 2014

September 4, 2014
Whistler Beer Festival

After the heat of summer what better way to cool down than with a nice cool beer at the Whistler Beer Festival.

Returning to Whistler this September (from 11-14) the fast growing festival aims to be even bigger and better than last year.

About the Whistler Beer Festival

Whistler Beer Festival began in 2013 as an idea from Gibbons Life, a non-profit off-shoot of Gibbons Hospitality Group. The founders, Liam Peyton and Joey Gibbons, wanted to celebrate craft beer and bring together both brewers and beer lovers.

The festival has attracted 62 brewers who, instead of competing for a medal or standard prize, are competing for draught contracts with Whistler venues.

Taking place in Whistler’s Olympic Plaza, the festival provides a wonderfully engaging centre-piece to the village. There are also a number of events on such as cask nights and seminars across the four days.

Tickets for the festival are available HERE.

whistler beer festival

More than beer

One of the key points being made this year is that the festival is about more than just beer. The festival aims to bring people together and create a real sense of community, and with the ongoing events throughout the festival it is also about education. There will be seminars on over the four days which aim to educate the attendees about the intricacies of craft beer and the brewing process.

This year there will also be food trucks operating on site to provide some well needed sustenance for the revellers.

2014 whistler beer festival

Local draught

What makes this festival stand out is the awards for the brewers. Speaking to the Whistler Question, festival organiser Harrison Stoker said: “We did away with the idea of awarding medals and trophies that would otherwise collect dust in a brewery or an office.

“We want the whole industry to grow, so through our Best in Fest structure, we’re awarding draught contracts.”

Winning breweries will be awarded a one year contract to sell their beer at Longhorn Saloon, Dubh Linn Gate, Tapley’s Pub and Firerock Lounge with bottles being sold at a selection of other Whistler venues including the GLC, Amsterdam Pub and Merlins.

whistler brewing company beer festival

Whistler lifestyle

The festival really is a perfect fit for Whistler. It brings the community together to share a love of finely crafted beers. Much like the Slow-Food Cycle and the Farmer’s Market, the Whistler Beer Festival is a real celebration of incredible produce.

The range of beers on show is amazing, with over 200 unique craft ales, lagers, stouts, porters and much more. It is a great way to honour the growing trend and support the craft breweries that are managing to break through.

Occasions such as this are what makes Whistler a great place to live. Being a part of these events you get a real sense of community and it is a great chance to socialise with your neighbours (and by neighbours we mean anyone local!).

After all the exertions of summer such as Ironman, Crankworx and the recent GranFondo, having a beer in the sunshine is a wonderful treat to round off the season!


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