Vancouver Island’s  2017 calendar of food, wine, and beer events kicks off Thursday,  February 23rd to Sunday, February 26 with the ninth annual Parksville Uncorked Festival.

The fund raiser is produced by the Parksville Rotary Club with proceeds going to the Variety Children’s Charity. It’s an opportunity to have fun and help a worthy cause.

Cedars Restaurant and Lounge at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort is being taken over for the festival’s first big event, the Parksville Untapped beer-tasting night on February 23.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. If you want to sample all the brews, get there early.

While local spirits, cider and food will be on offer, beer is the main course.  This year’s participants have yet to be fully confirmed, but at least 60 different craft beers will be available for sampling.

Showing up for sure will be festival regular Driftwood Brewery, in attendance for the ninth time.

This iconic Victoria brewery has a history of producing exceptional northwest style suds. Its Fat Tug IPA was voted B.C.’s most popular IPA in a recent Beer Me provincial poll. Fat Tug is a flavour explosion of citrus and piney resin with a dry refreshing ending.

At Parksville Untapped, Driftwood will be showcasing its annual but limited release brew called Naughty Hildegard ESB.

This extra special bitter (ESB) is a hybrid of English style ale made with northwest style hops. Three different hops and three different malts combine to create a beer of excellent balance.

The floral and tropical aspects of the hops soften the over-all bitterness of the Naughty Hildegard, while the toasty, slightly sweet English malts bring it all together for a party on your palate.

Also on tap from Driftwood will be the seasonal Blackstone Porter, loaded with aromas of dark chocolate and caramel. The flavours are robust, featuring plenty of coffee and cereal malts. With its velvety smooth texture and finish, Blackstone is a perfect winter libation.

Other island breweries confirmed for Parksville Untapped are Hoyne and Phillips from Victoria, Tofino Brewing, and Red Arrow from Duncan. Up and coming craft beer producers from the mainland will put our island pride to the test.

Every year this event sells out early. Gather your gang, chose your designated driver and get your tickets before they
are gone.