Biggest Beer Festival of the Year is Coming, July 14

Photo credit: Urban Mixer

I hope you’re thirsty.

Vancouver’s largest beer festival is on tap for Saturday, July 14.  The 2012 Canada Cup of Beer features more than 100 different craft brews, domestic brands and imports.

It’s so big, in fact, that it’s being held in a stadium.  For the day of the event, Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium – former home of the Vancouver Whitecaps – will be converted into the city’s biggest beer tent.   Prepare to sip and savour right on the hallowed soccer pitch.

Another big plus:  Apart from being Vancouver’s biggest beer fest, Cup of Beer is also one of the more affordable.  Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.  That gets you admission, plus three tasting tokens (redeemable for mini tasting cups of beer).  Additional tokens can be purchased for $1.50 each – so it’s not expensive to try out lots of the great beer on offer  (But be sure to pace yourself: The event runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

Former venue, UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium. Photo credit: Urban Mixer

The Canada Cup of Beer was started back in 2006, as a way to celebrate “Canada’s most important beverage” in a safe, educational and friendly environment.  What makes the event special, in fact, is that it’s not just an excuse to binge drink.

Master brewers and owners from some of the leading breweries in the Lower Mainland, as well as across Canada and around the world, are on hand to educate, entertain and explain what makes their beer special.

For beer lovers, it’s a unique chance to go behind the beer and hear how all your favourite ales and lagers came to be.  You’ll also be able to vote in the 2012 Canada Cup of Beer Awards.  Last year’s winners included Dead Frog Brewing’s Pepper Lime Lager (Favourite Canadian Lager); Vancouver Island Brewing’s Sea Dog Amber Ale (Favourite Canadian Ale); and Howe Sound Brewing Company (Favourite Craft Brewery).

Has anyone been to the Canada Cup of Beer before?  Any tips for drinkers going this year?

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/07/04/biggest-beer-festival-of-the-year-is-coming-july-14/