As a valuable public service, we taste the latest in Lower Mainland beers and then give you a highly opinionated, pocket-sized review. 

In their words: "Humulus Lupulus, wolf vine, or more commonly, the hop plant, shares with its namesake a rather interesting trait: after a decidedly unthreatening beginning to life, upon maturity each species stakes their claim. And with neither mercy nor conscience, will tirelessly strive for, and usually achieve, total territorial domination."

Taste Test: Put “hopped” and “pale ale” in the same sentence, and the first thing modern imbibers think about is a style from when a Titanic-sized clipper was the fastest way to get from England to India. If you like your beer overhopped to the point where it cleans out your sinuses, then you know we’re talking IPAs. Thanks to hop wars that have been raging for the better part of a decade, we’ve grown accustomed to being knocked between the eyes with offerings like Ruckus Brewing Company’s Hoptimus Prime and the you’ve-been-warned Snake Venom from Brewmeister. The Hoyne Brewing Co. isn’t out to overpower anyone with its limited-edition Wolf Vine Wet Hopped Pale Ale, and that’s a good thing. This is a mildly earthy hopped-kissed offering with soft-citrus undertones. 

Deep Thoughts: The only reason anyone does sports is for the beers after in the dressing room, on the field, or in bowling alley. And the last thing anyone wants after sweating through 12 frames, three periods, or two halves in the pouring November rain is something heavy. Yes, there’s a reason you got the stink eye that time you showed up with a flat of Stone Brewing Co.’s Ruination double IPA. You can go the easy route and opt for a cheerfully non-offensive lager, or you can think outside the box with something that’s not only refreshing but also refreshingly different. Enter the complex but easy-drinking Wolf Vine Wet Hopped Pale Ale, which couldn’t be more apt as an after-game beverage—especially games where one team, hopefully yours, achieved total territorial domination.