Introduction

Howe Sound has been putting out classic craft beer since the days before it was classic. Opening up in the mid-1990s, Howe teamed up with John Mitchell, a well-known name in West Coast brewing, to get the company on its feet. Utilizing local ingredients and locally inspired recipes, Howe has been a touchstone in craft brewing for over 25 years. With over two dozen beers on the slate and the occasional seasonal, there’s something for any beer drinker coming from the coast. So if you find yourself on the streets of Squamish without any particular plan, it would pay dividends to mosey down near the harbour and get a six of your favourites. The King Heffy is a Hefeweizen beer, a classic style from Germany that has the sweet and sometimes odd combination of banana and clove flavours. But the fruit and spice make a combination that is sweet, smooth, and under control. Pleasant to drink and to share. Serves well at 10°C and can cellar for up to six months.

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How it looks

Pours a perfect golden colour with a relatively clear body and light carbonation. Small bubbles form a thin ring around the glass.

How it smells

The King has the classic sweet banana aroma but it lacks in the off-setting spices. Underneath the banana is a toasted grain aroma from the malt.

How it tastes

The banana is in full force and borders on being over-sweet, but there’s enough of the hops to provide some leafy bitterness that cuts it down before going overboard. But the taste is very simple, and the body is smooth, so don’t expect an overture. It’s an easy drinking and pleasant beer that hits the palate fast and leaves behind the bananas.

Recommended food pairing

Time to cook up some sausage on the grill and serve it with caramelized onions.