In North America's to-go culture it's rare to find items made with care and attention, Scott McQuade says. But there’s something brewing.
With its roots firmly dug into Oregon, the new craft beer culture has spread across the border. Now microbreweries are popping up everywhere and the organizer of Squamish's inaugural beer festival doesn't think the frenzy has reached its peak.
The lure lies in the taste, McQuade says. He's seen the number of craft beers lining his Scotties Liquor Store grow year after year. Today he carries approximately 60 brands, each with a number of different products.
"It is the quality of the beer. It is actually better beer," he says, noting the drink has shed its baseball game image.
On Saturday, July 11, 40 breweries from B.C. and around the world will be pouring taps at the O'Siyam Pavilion. From 1 to 6 p.m., Squamish residents will have a chance to sample more than 120 craft beers. There will be live music and food provided by Squamish vendors.
"There are so many different beers," McQuade says.
The event kicks off with a pre-festival homebrew seminar on Friday, July 10 at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company at 7 p.m. John Folinsbee, who is set to present at the seminar, is the lead brewer at Steamworks and an award-winning home brewer.
The event includes a huge variety of breweries, from Squamish's Howe Sound Brewing to Demark's Faxe Brewery. Also included are cider houses.
The mounting spectrum of flavours adds to interest in craft brewing, McQuade notes. It's also converted wine drinkers into beer drinkers, he adds.
"This is really exciting for Squamish. I know from the time I spend in Scotties, that people who live here know a lot about craft beer," McQuade says, noting he expects to see plenty of visitors too.
For more information on the festival visit www.squamishbeerfestival.com.
