Mt. Begbie Brewing Company Nasty Habit India Pale Ale

Revelstoke, BC

$5-7 for 650ml bottle (6% abv) +881771 available at BC Liquor Stores & select private stores

Revelstoke’s Mt. Begbie Brewing Company is named after majestic Mt. Begbie, which was in turn named after BC’s famed hanging Judge Matthew Begbie. I’m sure a man of Judge’s Begbie’s stature and schedule would enjoy taking a load off after a long day of doling justice with a crisp refreshing American IPA. That’s how I like to think about it anyhoo. Most of Mt. Begbie’s beer labels are old black and white photos, harkening back to rustic days gone by (rustic like being sentence to hang!) This label, however, breaks from their historic mold, and caught my eye. Red-trousered devil creature? A goat? Nighttime? An invite to “allow yourself to be seduced by our Nasty Habit” worked for me, and into my basket it went.

Mt. Begbie Brewing began in 1996, and is owned and operated by Bart and Tracey Larson. Bart has a Phd in nuclear physics, and Tracey has a degree in biology – so we can rest safe that this is made with particular precision and study. My first glass was cloudy copper, and had very muted aromas of cereals and citrus. There was more happening on the palate, with earth, grass, floral, orange, grapefruit and spice. Light-medium body, and biscuit bitterness on the finish. The second glass poured (last half of the bottle) was more aromatic – more hops and a sweet white peach. Perhaps the warmth did the beer some good – point to note for people who drink their beer freezer cold. The floral aromas and lighter body remind me of spring, so if your part of the province is in bloom, pick up one of these IPA’s, and partner with Thai foods or shellfish in a simple broth.

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Mt. Begbie Brewing Company Nasty Habit India Pale Ale

Very muted aromas of cereals and citrus, but when the beer warmed up, mild hops and sweet white peach emerge. There was more happening on the palate, with earth, grass, floral, orange, grapefruit and spice. Light-medium body, and biscuit bitterness on the finish. The floral aromas and lighter body remind me of spring, so if your part of the province is in bloom, pick up one of these IPA’s, and partner with Thai foods or shellfish in a simple broth.