If you’re looking for a unique way to indulge in local flavors while sipping on expertly crafted beers, the Granville Island Brewery Taproom Series should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the heart of Granville Island, this brewery delivers a new culinary and craft beer pairing experience. I recently had the pleasure of trying their Granville Tasting Experience, which paired delicious small plates with refreshing, locally brewed beers. Here’s a recap of what you can expect from this mouthwatering brewmaster experience.
Caprese Pizza & Cermaiza Corn Lager
The tasting began with a twist on the classic Italian dish, a Caprese Pizza. Topped with Fior di Latte, garlic confit, heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto, arugula, and finished with a balsamic glaze, this pizza was light yet rich in flavor. To complement the herbaceous notes of the basil and the tangy balsamic, the pairing was the Cermaiza Corn Lager. This crisp, effervescent beer offered subtle citrus notes that cut through the richness of the cheese and garlic, making it a refreshing start to the tasting.
Cheese Board & El Dorado Golden Ale
Next came a sample of the Cheese Board, which featuring local cheeses, pickled vegetables, onion jam, and Dijon mustard on the side. The complex flavours of the cheese on the toast with the pickled onions paired beautifully with the El Dorado Golden Ale. With tropical fruit flavours and a light caramel aroma, this beer highlighted the sweetness of the onion. It’s a versatile beer that enhances a wide variety of flavour profiles, especially when paired with rich, creamy cheeses.
Bánh Mì, Oh My & Groovy Guava Pale Ale
The Bánh Mì, Oh My was a standout dish for me. It featured a fried chicken thigh with nuoc cham, pickled vegetables, and a purple cabbage slaw, all on a toasted bun. This dish was perfectly paired with the Groovy Guava Pale Ale. The tropical fruit flavours in the beer harmonized with the tangy pickled veggies and the sweet, savoury slaw, creating a refreshing contrast. This beer’s light bitterness also helped to cut through the fried chicken, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Suckling Pig & Polar Hop Cold IPA
The final pairing was a rich and savory Suckling Pig with crispy pork belly, sliced apple, brie, onion jam, Dijon, and arugula, all served on house-made focaccia. This hearty dish was accompanied by the Polar Hop Cold IPA. The IPA’s rounded citrus and fruity hop notes provided a crisp contrast to the heavy pork belly and brie, while its bitterness helped to cleanse the palate between bites. This pairing was a perfect way to end the experience, offering a balanced mix of richness and refreshing hops.
The Granville Island Brewery’s Taproom Tasting Experience is an absolute must for beer lovers and foodies alike. Whether you’re a Vancouver local or just visiting, this brewery experience offers a perfect way to taste local flavours while enjoying some of the best craft beers in town.
