Barkerville Brewing Co. – 18 Karat Golden Ale

The Gold Standard is out from BC’s gold rush town – Barkerville BC. Well, the beer was actually brewed in neighbouring Quesnel BC but from the newly opened Barkerville Brewing Company. In the first bottled option from this new craft brewery the 18 Karat Golden Ale comes in a beautifully painted 650ml bottle. Popping the bottle open this beer pours an ever so slightly clouded, amber colour topped with a finger of head which settles at a moderate speed leaving a slight lacing on the glass. Through the head comes a combination of hop and malt with caramel notes to boot. Nothing takes charge except for a smooth and enjoyable golden ale aroma. The flavour too is a balance of malts and hops. Starting off on the malt side of things, a mid-hop bitterness builds as the flavour progresses before a rather dry finish. This is not a beer that will wow the senses but back in Quesnel this is just the ticket with easy drinking, balanced flavours and an overall feeling that defines craft beer for the masses.

Alcohol – 4.9%
IBU – 33
Size – 650ml
Price – $6.25 (Private Liquor Store)
barkervillebeer.com/