As the only brewery in B.C. to create a partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Ace Brewing Company in Courtenay is celebrating the RCAF’s centennial in style.
The brewery, located at 150 Mansfield Dr., has created a Centennial Lager - not only because of the RCAF’s 100 anniversary (which officially was recognized on April 1, 2024), but also due to the hops the brewery has used, explains Jo-Anne Landolt of Ace.
“The Centennial hops are from Chilliwack and are perfect for the centennial.”
Centennial Lager is fermented cold over a long period and then cold-conditioned for even longer. The result is a beer that is light and spritzy with background grapefruit and pine notes.
“The Centennial was brewed to be light, easy drinking and utilize Canadian ingredients. We wanted this beer to be a craft version of an American light lager to provide our customers and community a local alternative to the macro-produced lager.”
Landolt noted they will be brewing the beer until around March 2025.
Ace is also selling RCAF Centennial merchandise including hats, toques, glassware, t-shirts and more with partial proceeds of all sales going to the RCAF Centennial Fund. In addition to raising funds, Landolt says the goal is also to raise awareness for the Air Force and the larger Canadian military.
“It’s quite an honour to be asked (to create the partnership); they did connect with us…as we already have a connection with them.”
On May 18 following the Comox Airshow, the brewery is hosting an afterparty for anyone who wishes to continue the camaraderie of the day and share stories of the RCAF. For more information, visit acebrewing.ca.