Tag Archives: Northam Group

Lime – Really!

I have been absent for quite some time now. Don’t worry, my passion for fine beer and delicious food has not subsided – if anything it has increased. I was out shopping for supplies in preparation for tonight’s hockey game and while picking up a 12 case of Central City’s summer pack I caught sight of a heartbreaking slew of product’s that left my soul devastated. Light Lime Lager is everywhere! No longer is this craze limited to the macro brewing giants, small craft brewers have jumped in head first without hesitation and fear of drowning in the deep end of the macro brewers pool of mass market “beer”. Dead Frog, Big Rock and The Northam Group are all promoting their own fizzy lime swill marketed at lager and I am afraid this is the beginning of the end.

It is true, Bud Light Lime is a massive hit, and why not, people love 7up – market 7up as beer and, what do you know, its a hit. It doesn’t disappoint me to see new products on liquor store shelves that macro brewers market as beer, when really they resemble juice more than beer, I don’t expect much from giant corporations. However, I hold craft brewer’s to a much higher standard and I am disappointed in their current behaviour.

To all you craft brewers offering a lime “beer”, please stop, its not a good thing that you are doing. If your marketing team is pushing you to offer this product, please inform them that following trends, not fads, is the best practice.

On a more positive note, I am making Salt Spring Island mussels, fries, and wings tonight – accompanied by an oude guezze . All will be enjoyed in the company of good friends while cheering the Canucks on to victory.

Erik

Update: Bowen Island Brewing, KB Brewing and Whistler Brewing

I received a response from the NorthAm Group just a few hours ago with a great explanation of their three brands. It is true that all three brands (Bowen Island, KB, and Whistler) are brewed in Kamloops; however, they are in the process of moving Whistler Brewing to Whistler. As Chris pointed out in a previous comment, 40,000 liters of Whistler water is trucked into Kamloops every week, which must be expensive, not to mention harmful to the environment. This move makes a great deal of sense and brings more honesty to the Whistler Brewing brand.

KB Pale Ale is no longer in production – Bowen Island Extra Pale Ale is a slightly reworked version of the original KB Pale Ale. If you were a fan of KB Pale Ale I’m sure you will like Bowen Island Pale Ale. The Bowen Island brand was revived a few years ago to fill the demand for value priced BC craft beer, a niche that was missing in BC until recently.

Bowen Island Brewing goes to prove that price and quality do not go hand in hand. It may not be the most creative beer ever made, do not expect a Belgian Saison anytime soon, but a quality session beer will always be appreciated. Instead of serving generic macro lager at this year’s Super Bowl party, why not try Bowen Island Brewing – it is cheaper and far tastier.

Erik