Beer was at the forefront at the Okanagan Fest of Ale in Penticton on April 11 and 12.
The 28th annual celebration of beer was held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, with 50 breweries and cideries offering 150 varieties of beverage.
In addition to beers and ciders, the festival featured non-alcoholic drinks and seltzers.
鈥淲e had an awesome time this weekend and are thrilled with the success of the event," said Michael Stokker, Okanagan Fest of Ale Society president. "We are very fortunate to attract some of the best brewers and cideries to the event as well as guests with a keen interest in craft beers and ciders."
Stokker added that "everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves at the festival, and we heard really positive feedback from guests and breweries throughout the weekend.鈥�
Along with the lineup of craft beers, ciders, seltzers and cask ales, there was a selection of food and fabulous entertainment.
Awards were presented on the afternoon of April 12.
鈥� Judges鈥� Choice/Best in Show: Marzen Bavarian Lager, Abandoned Rail, Naramata/Penticton
鈥� No to Low Alcoholic: Nevertheless Non-Alcoholic Pilsner, Strange Fellows Brewing, Vancouver
鈥� International Lagers: Kick Axe Lager, Firehall Brewery, Oliver
鈥� Bitter/Hoppy Lager: Campsite West Side Pilsner, Tree Brewing, 麻豆精选
鈥� Malty Lager: Marzen Bavarian Lager, Abandoned Rail, Naramata/Penticton
鈥� Pale/Hazy Pale Ales: Nuclear Splash Hazy Pale Ale, Kettle River Brewing, 麻豆精选
鈥� Amber and Dark Ales: Backhand of God Stout, Crannog Ales, Sorrento
鈥� Hazy IPA/NEIPA: Hop Chowdah Hazy IPA, Cannery Brewing, Penticton
鈥� Sour and Fruit Sours: Peach Lemonade Sour, Dead Frog Brewery, Langley; Honourable mention: Biker Aunt Maeve Berliner Sour, Sidekick Brewing, Chilliwack
鈥� Belgian/Wheat Ale: Monastic Tripel, Barley Mill Brewpub, Penticton
鈥� Spiced/Herb and Vegetable Beer: Dill Pickle Gose, R&B Brewing, Vancouver
鈥� Specialty and Experimental: Kentucky Uncommon, Tin Whistle Brewery, Penticton
鈥� People鈥檚 Choice Best Beer: Local Lager, Copper Brewing, 麻豆精选
鈥� People鈥檚 Choice Best Cider: Razz, Scenic Road, Oliver
鈥� People鈥檚 Choice Best Food Vendor: Pit Stop Smokery, Osoyoos
鈥淥n behalf of the board of directors of the Okanagan Fest of Ale Society, we would like to extend thanks to all vendors, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, entertainers, judges, media and attendees for making this event an incredible success year over year," Stokker said. "Thanks to the great work from the team at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre who support this event every year and help every step of the way."
The festival also generates funds for Penticton and area charities. Since 1996, the festival has given around $850,000 to the community.
