Aldergrove Brewery Newsletter

Getting the Most from Each Issue

A brewery newsletter is most useful when you treat it as a planning tool rather than just another email. Fresh releases in craft beer often come in small batches, and some styles are at their best soon after packaging. Hop-forward beers such as IPAs and pale ales lose their bright aroma over a few weeks, so when a new hoppy release is announced, it is worth visiting sooner rather than later. Darker, stronger styles like stouts, barleywines and barrel-aged beers tend to hold up longer and are often released in cooler months.

Reading a beer listing

Each listing usually gives a style, an alcohol percentage and a short tasting note. A few pointers help you choose:

• ABV tells you strength. Lagers and session ales often sit around 4 to 5 percent, while imperial stouts and double IPAs can run well above 8 percent. Pace yourself accordingly.
• Style names hint at flavour: a hazy IPA leans soft and fruity, a West Coast IPA drier and more bitter, a saison peppery and effervescent.
• Seasonal tags signal limited availability, so the beer may not return once the batch is gone.

You can always compare new arrivals with the core lineup on our beers page.

Planning a visit around events and food

Event notices are handy for deciding when to come. Busy evenings with live music or trivia have a lively atmosphere, while weekday afternoons are often quieter if you want to chat about the beer. Food truck rotations change, so check the food truck schedule before you head out if you have a particular craving or dietary need.

Getting there responsibly

Aldergrove sits in the rural eastern part of Langley Township, and many visitors drive in from around the Fraser Valley. If you plan to sample several beers, arrange a designated driver, a taxi or a ride-share in advance, since options can be thinner outside the larger town centres. Tasting flights are a good way to try new releases while keeping total volume modest.

For the full picture of what is happening on site, keep an eye on the events calendar alongside each issue.