Taste testing three award winning Kelowna beers

Since 1996, the Okanagan Fest of Ale has been one of the largest and longest running annual beer festivals in the Pacific Northwest.

Over 65 breweries and cideries from all over B.C. attended, with 14 from Kelowna, each looking to take home hardware.

In the end, three Kelowna-based breweries were recognized in key categories: Lakesider Brewing (West Kelowna), Vice & Virtue Brewing (North End), & Copper Brewing (Landmark District).

Lakesider won Best Fruit Beer for its Sunkissed Apricot Wheat Ale, Vice & Virtue won Best Hazy/New England IPA for its Brave New World NEIPA, and Copper Brewing won the People's Choice award for its Lemon Drop Sour Ale.

Ryan, from 104.7 The LIZARD, spoke with Central Okanagan Brewer’s Association President Kieren Armour about how much the local scene has drastically changed.

“It’s really great seeing how far the local brewing industry has come here. There’s so many great breweries and experiences out there,” he said. “I encourage people to go and check their local brewery and ask for a local beer on tap.”

The next big craft beer festival in the Okanagan will be the Kelowna Beer Festival at City Park on May 13.

The sold out event will highlight many of Kelowna’s craft breweries, and showcase their unique and exciting brews.