A hopping good time was had by all who attended the 28th Annual Okanagan Fest of Ale in Penticton this past weekend April 11 & 12, 2025.
50 BC based craft brewers were on hand at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre to showcase more than 150 craft beers, ciders and now seltzers to beverage enthusiasts from near and far. “We had an awesome time this weekend and are thrilled with the success of the event. We are very fortunate to attract some of the best brewers and cideries to the event as well as guests with a keen interest in craft beers and ciders,” explained Michael Stokker, Okanagan Fest of Ale Society President. “Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves at the festival, and we heard really positive feedback from guests and breweries throughout the weekend” said Stokker “and with net proceeds from the event going to charity, everyone benefits!”.
In addition to an outstanding lineup of craft beers, ciders, seltzers and cask ales, there was a great selection of food and fabulous entertainment both inside and out. “This year, we brought back the indoor/outdoor model with the ‘Hopyard’ in full swing. The weather was not 100% on our side this year, but everyone still brought the energy and the Hopyard was hopping for the whole weekend”!
The Okanagan Fest of Ale also has a reputable awards program as well “We were thrilled to once again have such an esteemed panel of judges here with us at the festival for our awards,” says Warren Everton, Okanagan Fest of Ale Judging Chair. “They had a difficult job tasting and evaluating over 100 different beers to determine the best entries in 13 different categories and then to agree on the overall Best in Show award. The winners represent an amazing collection of the best beer and ciders around our province. These are well worth keeping an eye out for at your local liquor store, restaurant or tap room.” Complete list of winner here:
Judges Choice / Best in Show WINNER:
Abandoned Rail (Naramata/Penticton)/Marzen Bavarian Lager
*** Honourable Mention***
R&B Brewing (Vancouver)/Dill Pickle Gose
Judges Choice / Best in Class WINNERS:
NO TO LOW ALCOHOLIC
– Strange Fellows Brewing (Vancouver)
Nevertheless Non – Alcoholic Pilsner
INTERNATIONAL LAGERS
– Firehall Brewery (Oliver)
Kick Axe Lager
BITTER / HOPPY LAGER
– Tree Brewing (Kelowna)
Campsite West Side Pilsner
MALTY LAGER
– Abandoned Rail (Naramata/Penticton)
Marzen Bavarian Lager
PALE / HAZY PALE ALES
– Kettle River Brewing (Kelowna)
Nuclear Splash Hazy Pale Ale
AMBER & DARK ALES
– Crannog Ales (Sorrento)
Backhand of God Stout
IPA & SPECIALTY IPA
-Strange Fellows Brewing (Vancouver)
Wickerman West Coast IPA
HAZY IPA/NEIPA
– Cannery Brewing (Penticton)
Hop Chowdah Hazy IPA
SOUR & FRUIT SOURS
– Dead Frog Brewery (Langley)
Peach Lemonade Sour
*** Honourable Mention ***
-Sidekick Brewing (Chilliwack)
Biker Aunt Maeve Berliner Sour
BELGIAN /WHEAT ALE
-Barley Mill Brewpub (Penticton)
Monastic Tripel
FRUITS & SPECIALTY FRUIT
-Silverstar Brewing Co (Vernon)
Blueberry Vanilla Ale
SPICED / HERB & VEGETABLE BEER
– R&B Brewing (Vancouver)
Dill Pickle Gose
SPECIALTY & EXPERIMENTAL
– Tin Whistle Brewery (Penticton)
Kentucky Uncommon
PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS
Best Beer – Copper Brewing – Local Lager (Kelowna)
Best Cider – Scenic Road – Razz (Oliver)
Best Food Vendor – Pit Stop Smokery (Osoyoos)
Stokker summarized, “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Okanagan Fest of Ale Society, we would like to extend thanks to all vendors, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, entertainers, judges, media and attendees for making this event an incredible success year over year. Thanks to the great work from the team at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre who support this event every year and help every step of the way”.
Not only does the festival host a venue for beer enthusiasts, but it also generates money for local Penticton charities. Since 1996 the Okanagan Fest of Ale Society has gifted over nearly $850,000 in net proceeds back to the community. 2025 Charitable grant applications will most likely take place this fall, yet to be confirmed by the organizers.
For more information on the Okanagan Fest of Ale, visit www.FestOfAle.ca or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
