Above and beyond providing first-class accommodations, Swans, the Victoria BC hotel, also proudly houses Swans Buckerfields Brewery, the on-site Victoria brewery that has been crafting award winning beers since 1989. The Victoria brewery produces British-style ales as well as Canadian and German beers–all with “old world care.” Special attention is given to all aspects of the brewing process. For example, in Swans Victoria brewpub and Victoria restaurant, the beers are served at 45F to enhance the fullness of their flavours.
The Victoria brewery gives special care and attention to all elements of the brewing process, which ensures the highest quality brews. For instance, Swans uses 100% grain mashes (only wheat and barley malts as well as oatmeal in one stout), and they import a unique strain of yeast and their specialty malts from the UK. Swans uses the same discretion concerning which processes and standard practices to avoid–e.g., they do not use filtration (because it can also remove the good stuff along with the haze); instead, they allow their naturally carbonated ales to settle at cold temperatures. They also never use syrups, sugars, or “adjunct.”
Buckerfields selection of beers include such notables as Riley’s Scotch Ale, an Old Towne Bavarian Lager, Swans Oatmeal Stout, Buckerfields Bitter, and a Raspberry Ale. The Victoria Brewery has won many national-level awards for its beers–yes, they’re THAT good! Visitors can also tour the brewery or sample the distinctive, house-made libations in Swans Victoria brewpub or Victoria restaurant. The wares are also sold in Swans Wine & Beer Shoppe. The unique 650 ml bottles of beer make prized souvenirs (and are certainly more enjoyable than a “lousy t-shirt”!)
In addition, as would be expected from the name, Swans Wine & Beer Shoppe sells many vintages of red and white wines, with over 400 varieties from which to choose. The selections come from all over the globe, but the shoppe specializes in British Columbian and Australian wines, as well as Chilean, French, and Italian bottles. Moreover, you can purchase champagne (including Dom Perignon for the distinguishing palate) and sparkling wine to help you celebrate special occasions.
The store also carries a wide array of spirits-150 options! As far as liquors go, vodka is a specialty of the shoppe with 30 offerings, and the store also boasts a collection of fine, single malt scotches. Lastly, the truly adventurous may procure Green Tree Absinthe (alternately called Le Fee Verte–the Green Fairy), which is legal in Canada (but not in the US)!
If you are planning a tripto the west coast of Canada and looking for opportunities to enjoy the local libations, check out this article on a unique Victoria BC hotel, Swans, connected to an on-site Victoria Brewery.
