I read recently that our Southern Resident Killer Whales are endangered with a population of only 74 in total alive today (https://bcaletrail.ca/vancouver-island-brewing-pod-pack/). To help support our orcas, the Pod Pack 2021, 4 craft beers from 4 Vancouver Island breweries was produced, with a portion of sales going to the Pacific Salmon Foundation to support wild BC salmon stocks, a food source for orcas. Today I opened the Mike by Whistle Buoy Brewing Rosé Pale Ale.
Who is Mike?
Mike is the first offspring of Slick (J-16). He was named after the late Canadian scientist Dr. Michael Bigg who was known as the “father of killer whale research”. Mike’s living siblings are, Alki (J-36), and Echo (J-42). His youngest sibling, Scarlet (J-50), died before reaching age four. He is also an uncle to Alki’s first offspring who lived just two-and-a half years. (Adopt J-26 Mike)
Whistle Buoy Brewing Rosé Pale Ale Review
The Whistle Buoy Mike Rosé Pale Ale has a medium intensity peachy copper colour. It has a light mousse upon pouring that dissipates quickly. A light hop plus peach aroma. Dry with a medium body. Peach flavour and hoppy tartness with medium bitterness on the finish. I also note some hibiscus flavour as well. The bubbles keep the beer fresh.
I am not sure how this particular Rosé Pale Ale is made, but luckily I had Whistle Buoy provide me with those details: It resembled rosé as a dry beer using a Brut enzyme and was similar to it in colour and profile from the hibiscus and hop character.
I enjoyed the hibiscus and peach flavours of this Rosé Pale Ale and thought it may pair well with a salmon stuffed with pollock and cheese that I had just baked in the oven. The pairing did work well. The salmon flavour and texture was not overpowered with the flavours in the Rosé Pale Ale but were complementary, plus the heavier cheese and pollock filling was quite creamy, and the acidity and bubbles in the beer lightened that up and overall made the filling more flavourful.
Where Can I Buy The Pod Pack to Help Salmon and Orcas?
You can buy the Pod Pack, to help support the Pacific Salmon Foundation which supports our orcas and salmon, at this link: https://vibrewing.com/product/podpack2021-4x473ml/