As the days darken and more layers of clothing are donned, we're all seeking comfort in many ways. But let's not get glum and let Seasonal Affective Disorder win out; let's celebrate the coming months by broadening our palates and reminding ourselves that a sure route to lasting happiness is through the mouth. To help stimulate your autumnal pleasure centres, Phillips is offering up a new seasonal brew. Following a bountiful hop harvest, we're unveiling our Grow Hop Fresh Hop Bitter. Newly plucked Chinook hops are packed into this euphoric new brew, resulting not only in aromatic hoppy bitterness, but also some strong melon flavours.

GrowHop Fresh Hop Bitter is available for a limited time in 650ml bottles. You can find the GrowHop at cold beer and wine stores, as well as here at the brewery. 

You can take comfort-seeking a step further by joining fine food with great beer. In the next few weeks, Phillips will join forces with two local businesses for a couple of delicious events.

First up, and back by popular demand, Phillips is once again teaming up with Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen for an evening of amazing tastes. At the brewery, from 7pm-9pm on Thursday, October 22, you'll get to sample 10 glorious cheeses paired with a variety of Phillips beers. The event will be held here at the brewery. Tickets are $35 all inclusive and are available at Ottavio (2272 Oak Bay) and Phillips (2010 Government). Tickets are selling fast!

Then on October 29, your tastebuds will marvel at a seven-course meal that pairs delicious food from the Vista 18 kitchen with seven different Phillips beers. Marvelous tastes aside, if you've never been up to Vista 18, this is a perfect opportunity to see one of Victoria's most spectacular views.

The menu for the evening is as follows:

-Blue Buck paired with birch syrup chicken wings, fish and chips, potato skins

-Phoenix Gold Lager paired with smoked duck breast with organic plum chutney

-Slipstream Cream Ale paired with barley broth steamed mussels with fresh bay leaves

-Surly Blonde paired with blonde braised pork belly with creamed organic corn

-Honey Amnesiac sorbet

-Longboat Chocolate Porter paired with coffee crusted lamb tenderloin with cocoa gnocchi and wilted greens

-Crooked Tooth Ale nutmeg ice cream float and pecan pie

Tickets are $75 all inclusive and can be purchased by calling Michelle Le Sage at 250.361.5664.