Cannery Brewing – Okanagan Daze Wheat Ale

Cannery Brewing – Okanagan Daze Wheat Ale Review

I remember drinking Cannery Brewing’s Apricot Wheat Ale when it was first released well over 10 years ago. It was a simple easy-drinking seasonally released wheat ale with the additions of Okanagan apricots. It had a facelift a few years back, but the recipe remained the same, with just an updated label. But now the Apricot Wheat ale is gone and had been replaced with a major upgrade! It looks like the “Okanagan Daze” is the latest update to this beer, but not just apricots were used. This time there is an addition of Pinot Gris grape juice adding a few surprises to the aroma and mouthfeel.

It pours a nice warm golden peach colour with a very frothy, mousse-like white head. The aromatics of bready wheat and candied apricots is to be expected, but there’s more! There is a hint of spice and white wine. Yes, white wine. Pinot Gris juice was used in addition to the apricots, added during the fermentation process. What’s nice about this addition is its aid to cut down the sweetness of the fruit and the breadiness of the wheat making this ale crisp and yet a bit more complex.

It is still a wheat forward beer (biscuity and bready), with the apricots taking second place, but with a hint of green apple and pepper to add some tartness to round it out. A perfect beer to pair with any of your summer dishes, from chicken wings to burgers and fries or salads.

It is available in several BC Government and private liquor stores in the province and if you are in Penticton, it is available through the Cannery Brewing tasting room.