The top 10 beers we drank in June

With June in the rear-view mirror, we looked back at our tasting logs and pulled out the 10 best beers we drank in June 2022. Having taken a trip to Portland and Washington State in June, you'll see a couple beers that won't be available at your local brewery, brewpub or liquor store, but we include them here in case you make it across the border this summer:

Great Notion Brewing (Portland): Birra Sporgenza

This Italian pilsner is stunning. Old world spice on the nose, supported by a bright flavour profile. Light cereal complements an assertive pilsner hoppiness. It's so quenchable, and so good.

Bakery Brewing (Port Moody): Cherry Rose Sour

We enjoyed the beautiful deep pink colour with a light haziness about it. The nose has a light yet refreshing funk. The beer is crisp, with a tart body and tannins that linger. Notes of cherries as the beer warms up on the glass make for a great patio sipper or rosé substitute.

Otherlands Beer (Bellingham): Songs of Courtship

This Festbier has a brilliant clarity, light caramel malt in the nose with a hint of spice. Medium malt flavour initially turns doughy/bready as it warms up. Crisp but not dry. On point for the style.

Twin Sails Brewing (Port Moody): Good Clean Fun

We went back to an established beer and loved it as much as we did the first time. This one is just a really good West Coast IPA, bringing beautiful clarity, a caramel backbone and hops that shine with a nice balance of bitterness and round mouthfeel.

Otherlands Beer (Bellingham): My Golden Sky

This German pilsner sported a beautiful thick head and wonderful light pilsner notes. We're talking a touch of floral without being too bitter. Super easy-going on a summer's day. 

House of Funk (North Van): Juno Sour Ale with Blood Orange, Guava and Vanilla

A sour that is light amber in colour and surprisingly clear. Vanilla pops in the flavours. If this was a blind taste, we would have mistaken the guava and orange for peaches. Either way, it is very delicious.

Wayfinder (Portland): Original Cold IPA

We've been wanting to try this one for 3+ years since it was first invented. While the wait was long, it was worth it as we were rewarded with everything we love in an IPA. It has a clear body, expressive hop profile, a bracing bitterness, and dry finish. 

Brassneck (Vancouver): Klutz!

This kölsch presents a grainy sweet character in the nose with a light touch of apple fermentation aromas. Crisp with a soft-rounded palate and no lingering aftertaste. We loved the bread notes and restrained hoppiness. 

Steel & Oak (New Westminster + Superflux (Vancouver): Fresh Foam

A delicious version of a Vienna lager. While we missed out on last year's version of this beer, the 2022 edition had a nice malt complexity up front, an appropriately hopped finish for balance, and a bit of breaks and cracker notes to round it out. Just lovely.

Huge hazelnut aromas pop out of the glass. Hazelnut follows through in the mouth, which evolves to showcase strong but soft chocolate flavours. With a sweet finish, this is a fun beer that boasts intense flavour while still tasting like beer.