Beer column: The Lil’ Fox Box is a ‘love letter to hops’ from Field House Brewing

I’m on vacation!

Now, I don’t expect you to be happy for me, but it’s been a lovely week with my wife and kid at Cultus Lake – just what the doctor ordered.

And while I’m technically not working this week, I certainly wouldn’t miss out on a beer column, especially on a prime drinking weekend as the calendar officially flips to summer.

The inspiration for this weekend’s column is a trip to Field House Brewing in Chilliwack a few days ago.

It’s certainly not my first time visiting Field House, as I’ve been to both of the brewery’s amazing Fraser Valley locations, and I highly recommend checking either or both out if you’re in the area.

Being at the brewery in person allowed me to try a few of their new creations only available in house, but I made sure to grab something to take home with me on the way out.

That was the Lil’ Fox Box, a tiny mixed back containing six 355 ml cans of the brewery’s core beers, or what they call their “love letter to hops.”

First up is the Dutch Pale Ale, an easy-drinking and crisp 4.8% ABV beer that has been a fan favourite for the brewery for quite some time.

As you might guess by the name, it’s inspired by the pale ales of the Netherlands and a nod to the brewery founders’ Dutch heritage.

Next is the Field House IPA, an intentionally unbalanced beer made with a combination of Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops.

This 6.7% ABV number is juicy and fresh before finishing slightly bitter, and it will give you notes of stone fruit and white grape.

Finally, the Field House Hazy Juicy IPA, coming in at 6% ABV, is for the hop fans who prefer more of a New England-style IPA.

It’s as hazy and juicy as you might expect, brewed with Talus and Sabro hops to produce notes of tropical fruit, coconut and citrus.

While I grabbed my Lil’ Fox Box from the brewery, I am happy to tell you that you can find this fun little mixed pack at over 100 BC Liquor Stores around the province.

I highly encourage you to visit Field House in person though! The Chilliwack spot has cool city vibes in a very funky part of town, while their Abbotsford location is more of a country paradise with an incredible outdoor lawn space.

Josh Duncan is the NowMedia news director and a craft beer lover. Reach him at josh@nowmediagroup.ca. His beer column appears every Saturday afternoon in this space.