The story of Vancouver Island Brewery’s new “Sea Dog” Amber Ale is a classic example of their commitment not only craft beer drinkers but to their larger community…
The idea of Sea Dog was conceived in November of last year when Sales and Marketing Manager, Rob Ringma, received a letter from the Canadian Navy requesting local community partners to help raise awareness of this spring’s Naval Centennial Celebrations in Victoria with the goal to “Bring the Navy to Canadians”. Rob followed up with a presentation meeting with senior ranking officers to discuss the notion of “What the Navy does for Canadians”. He discussed VIB’s wish to not just give a monetary donation to the cause but to also create a product inspired to celebrate and honour the traditions and the men and women that serve Canada.
“What better way to bring the message of the celebrations to the people than BEER!”
The idea that the one thing that the forces and civilians share is probably beer and Ideas buzzed around the room and the Navy Officers decided to seize this great opportunity.
So, first things first: Rob’s duty was to research the beer and get a feeling for the “right” beer. There was a real feeling that if the brewery couldn’t get the concept right for the Navy then it wouldn’t be right for the civilians. To illustrate this message, Rob went to the local Esquimalt Naval base, hung out at the bars and chatted with sailors and discussed their “yays and nays”; what did they want in a beer; what image/brand would communicate the right message as well as being a beer suited to the spring? With these discussions initial ideas for the distinct packaging evolved and of course the taste of the beer: amber ale won hands down for its old malty and hoppy style. That’ll be a huge “yay” then!
VIB’s Brewmaster Ralf Pittroff developed the unique recipe to compliment the nature of the Navy. The beer translated to becoming strong and upfront in its flavour with a hard exterior, with smooth and mellow undertones.
As it was poured into our glasses it’s clear to see that the amber glow remains and it gives off a clear hoppy, malty smell. The first sip pops out the flavour with a clean, crisp taste to it and there’s definately some power behind it.
“The character of the Navy is celebrated in the character of the beer.”
This particular flavour combination was created by changing the traditional way that ale would be conditioned. Most ale would be conditioned at higher temperatures while a lager would generally be at lower temps. They conditioned Sea Dog at a lower temp aiding in the nice malty, hoppy and rich flavour.
The Van Island Brewery is keeping a commitment to the Navy to keep the Sea Dog brewing until the last Centennial event in October. After then they will re-assess whether they will keep it going– and I sure do hope so. It’s definitely gives cheer to the celebration!
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