Bring on the rain and snow, the change in seasons signals the end of a long wait for beer connoisseurs – Granville Island Brewing’s limited release Lions Winter Ale hits stores and taps all around the city.

Named for Vancouver’s famous Lions peaks, Lions Winter Ale has secured itself as Vancouver’s favourite winter beer. The seasonal brew is available from October until March, and since its launch in 2002, continues to be a tremendous success both on tap, and through retail stores throughout the province.

“Winter is one of the best parts of living in BC – skiing, snowboarding and now the 2010 Winter Games. Add in Lions Winter Ale and it’s unbeatable,” says Vern Lambourne, Brewmaster, Granville Island Brewing. “This beer is by far our most coveted seasonal brew – there’s nothing like topping off a night with this velvety beer, renowned for its white chocolate taste and vanilla-like finish.”

Lions Winter Ale combines premium Crystal, Vienna and Munich malt with aromatic specialty Wilamette, Czech and German Spalt hops, which give the beer a rich and robust body.

Lions Winter Ale is a limited release, so come get yours before the rest of Vancouver drinks your share. Visit www.gib.ca for more details. Winter time…It’s Good to Be Here.

About Granville Island Brewing (GIB)
Established is 1984, Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is Canada’s first microbrewery offering a variety of award-winning beers which are brewed and sold here in BC. GIB is dedicated to handcrafting only the finest premium beers that are 100 per cent all-natural and brewed in small batches to provide consumers with the ultimate tasting experience. In celebration of their West Coast heritage GIB names each beer after iconic Vancouver locations that embody the local lifestyle. From the original Island Lager and English Bay Pale Ale, to Cypress Honey Lager, and now their latest innovation; Brockton IPA, GIB continues to produce a diverse portfolio of beers inspired by life on the West Coast. For more information, visit www.gib.ca.