New seasonals from Phillips!

It's back -- and in full bottles, too!
Phillips Instigator's 2009 edition has just been released, to fill that yawning gap in the Phillips release schedule between the Dirty Squirrel and the Hammer Imperial Stout. 8.5% alcohol and stiff enough that you can stand a straw up in it, Instigator is just the thing for the cold snap we're going through right now -- curl up in front of the fire with one while you wait for BC hydro to come and get your heat up and running again!

For the even more adventurous, there's Phillips Deadhead Barley Wine -- an ale with 10% alcohol, and in their words, "as gentle as a log to the bow."

Both of these fine products will be available for only a short time, so don't hesitate -- the weather may turn warm again!

Blackstone Porter is back!

It's been almost a year since we've carried this great offering from Victoria's Driftwood Brewery -- and they've been 11 tough months! This time, Driftwood has sworn on a stack of Brewer's Guardian that this time they're going to keep it on our shelves a little longer; maybe for the entire winter season. For more details than you'll ever need to know, take a peek here! Otherwise, take a peek on our shelves just about any time after Nov. 6th!

The Hermannator is Back!

It must be that time of year again! Vancouver Island Breweries has entrusted us with about a hundred and fifty precious six-packs of their staggeringly good (snicker!) once-a-year ice bock!

This year's version meets the potent standards set by last year's brew -- full-bodied and complex, with a whopping 9.5% alcohol seamlessly integrated into the mix -- the one beer to have when you're having only one!

Easter Seals Drop Zone -- Still time to donate!

* Not exactly as illustrated

Spiritmerchants' Heroic Duo -- Caitlynn Crawford and Maria Natalia Perri -- will rappel down the face of Victoria's CIBC building to raise donations for Easter Seals on September 17th! It's never too late to donate! Come in to Spiritmerchants at Vic West, goggle at the Courageous Two, and make a donation!

It's Here: Phillips Crazy 8's!

You think you're crazy? Phillips Brewing Company is celebrating it's eighth anniversary in business with with "annu-ale" (their phrase, not mine) number eight: Phillips Crazy 8s -- 8% alcohol and 100% fabulous.

The idea is that with each passing year, they'll bring out a celebratory beer that's 1% higher in alcohol than the beer from the year before. Style will evolve with alcohol content; pretty soon it's going to be a fortified malt product! Stick around for the 50th anniversary and we'll all learn something!

10% Off Craft Beer Products with Beerfest Spinnakers Coupon!

Save that Beerfest program! On the back of it you'll find coupons for a host of Spinnakers products -- including as the jewel in the crown, a coupon worth 10% off any craft beers purchased before October 31st at either our James Bay or Vic West Spiritmerchants stores!

Last Chance for Phillips Gentleman Jim's!

Our already-limited supply of this glorious Phillips one-shot is getting down to the bendin' end -- we've got only about 5 cases left and they're fading fast! Here's what the brewery had to say about it:

This copper ale will hit you with a few flavourful jabs of ginger before walloping you with the full spectrum of taste. This new seasonal is named after legendary prizefighter Gentleman Jim Corbett who changed boxing from a primitive pursuit into the scientific sport it is today. Like Gentleman Jim, this fiery ale is not a heavy puncher, however it can still put you down for the count, but will graciously shake your hand when you come to.

Who am I to argue with eloquence like that? Gome and get it before it's gone!