IPA Evolution
Firefly Fine Wines and Ales – Cambie Street

In the last few months we have had some great beer events around ‘La Table Commune,’ however, they have mostly focused on the traditional European beer styles. So it’s time to give the new world some love! The beer style in the North American spotlight is, without question, the India Pale Ale (IPA).

IPA descends from the earliest pale ales of the 17th century. The term “pale ale” originally denoted an ale which had been brewed from pale malt. Among the earliest known brewers to export a pale ale to India was George Hodgson of Bow Brewery. Bow Brewery beers became popular among East India Company traders in the late 18th century because of the brewery’s location and Hodgson’s liberal credit line of 18 months. A number of Hodgson’s beers were transported to India, which benefited exceptionally from conditions of the voyage and were apparently highly regarded among consumers in India.

The American IPA is considered by many to be its own distinct style. Hops are typically American in origin and are used in high quantities resulting in a powerful herbal and/or citric character. Hops are also responsible for the American IPA’s heavy bitterness on the palate.

In this edition of ‘La Table Commune’ we will taste IPA’s from some the most progressive microbrewers of Canada and the USA. We will discuss the history of the style and taste some traditional versions, but the evening’s focus will be on the North American brewers who are pushing the boundaries and the influence that they are now having on the old world breweries.

Date: Tue, Oct 26th
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $35

This seminar is limited to 12 seats and is a first come, first served basis. Please call 604.875.3325 with your credit card details to reserve your seat. Alternatively you can purchase tickets in person at the store or by Email to jbashford@fireflyfinewinesandales.com with your name, phone number and number of tickets.

The Dark Side of Beer
Firefly Fine Wines and Ales – Maple Ridge

Beer is often seen as a rather simple beverage, pale gold in color and a cheap drink to knock back at the pub or while watching the big game. The styles of beer vary greatly, and as a drink to pair with food, it can be equal to wine in many cases. Many people are put off by a dark beer, as they think it is heavy and bitter, but this is a great opportunity to try out the brown and the black stuff and find out what you have been missing.

The great brewing nations of the world all have something to offer from the lighter bodied, more refreshing beers to the full-bodied meal in a glass. Whether Old world European nations or the best craft brews of North America, dark beer has made a comeback in recent years, and is being drunk in greater amounts than it has for many years.

Join us with our resident beer expert as we travel the nations of Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, Czech Republic, Belgium, United States, and Canada and discuss the darker side of beer. We will learn why some beers are darker than others and how the process of making darker beers differs from those of paler beers.

Date: Wed, Oct 27th
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $35

This seminar is limited to 12 seats and is a first come, first served basis. Please call 604.467-1956 with your credit card details to reserve your seat. Alternatively you can purchase tickets in person at the store or by Email to ebray@fireflyfinewinesandales.com with your name, phone number and number of tickets.
 
Single Cask Whisky Seminar
Firefly Fine Wines and Ales – Cambie Street

When it comes to fine spirits the epitome is Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Single malts can be grouped into a number of different styles according to the region which they originate, however each and every Single Malt has it own unique flavor. It’s for this reason that exploring the world of single malt whisky is so rewarding.

I discovered last week in a meeting with Stacy Kyle of Rare Drams there is another category of whisky even more special than the Single Malt. During this tasting I was introduced to Single Cask Whisky.

There are a small number of independent bottlers in Scotland who purchase a single barrel of whisky from some of the country’s most prestigious distilleries. These bottlers then transfer the casks to their own cellars and patiently age the contents for release only when the whisky is fully matured. Rare Drams specialize in importing a selection of these rare single cask bottlings to British Columbia.

Early this November Rare Drams co founder Bob Kyle, who is now living full time in Scotland, will be visiting Canada for a few days and has agreed to lead a Whisky seminar for our customers. This is a unique opportunity to learn everything about both single malt and single cask whisky and offers a rare chance to sample some truly amazing Scotch.

Date: Wed, Nov 3rd
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $35

This seminar has limited seats and is a first come, first served basis. Please call 604.467-1956 with your credit card details to reserve your seat. Alternatively you can purchase tickets in person at the store or by Email to jbashford@fireflyfinewinesandales.com with your name, phone number and number of tickets.
 
Grand Cru Beaujolais
Firefly Fine Wines and Ales – Cambie Street

Beaujolais can mean different things to different people. Unfortunately, for most, it conjures up images of watery, lightly fruity, country wine made to be drunk in large quantities with out much thought at all.

The outrageous success that the region has had promoting its ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ season (the release each November of the brand new, very young wines of the vintage) has done little to improve North America’s perception of the region.

However, those willing to explore Beaujolais with an open mind will be rewarded. Each of the 10 Grand Cru villages in Beaujolais are home to Gamay Noir wines that, without question, can be compared with the famous Pinot Noir of Burgundy.

Beujolais is personally one of my favourite regions. In this tasting we will explore the region’s history, culture, terrior and wine-making techniques. Most importantly, of course, we will taste through many of the Grand Cru wines from some of the very best estates.

Date: Wed, Nov 10th
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $35

This seminar is limited to 12 seats and is a first come, first served basis. Please call 604.875.3325 with your credit card details to reserve your seat. Alternatively you can purchase tickets in person at the store or by Email to jbashford@fireflyfinewinesandales.com with your name, phone number and number of tickets.
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