April in the Pacific Northwest is known for a few things: cherry blossoms, the return of patio weather, and—for those in the know—the arrival of the “dankest” season of the year. To celebrate, we’ve teamed up with our long-time friends at Herald Street Brew Works to bring you a collaboration that’s been high on our priority list for a while.
Meet Best Budz, a limited-edition Grapefruit Kush Terpene Pale Ale. This isn’t just a beer; it’s a celebration of community, Island-owned roots, and the science of scent.
Available EXCLUSIVELY at Liquor Plus stores for just $4.99.
What’s in the Name?
When we sat down to name this brew, the puns were flying. We toyed with Joint Ale-legiance, In-Pale / Ex-Ale, and even Chronic Ale-ment. Nonetheless, Best Budz ultimately won our hearts (because, let’s be honest, that’s what we are). It’s a “joint venture” in the truest sense—two local businesses coming together to push the boundaries of what a Pale Ale can be.
The “Dope” Science: What are Terpenes?
You’ve likely heard the word “terpenes” floating around, but let’s clear the air. Terpenes are organic, volatile compounds found in the essential oils of plants. They are what make a pine forest smell like Christmas or a fresh grapefruit smell like sunshine.
For Best Budz, we used Grapefruit Kush Cannabis Terpenes.
- Pure Plant Power: These aren’t synthetic flavors made in a lab. They are extracted directly from the plant using CO2 and pressure.
- All Aroma, No “High”: These terpenes provide the incredible, signature “dank” aroma and flavor of the plant without any of the psychoactive effects. You get the aromatic complexity of a premium kush paired perfectly with a refreshing pale ale.
Rooted in the Island
We believe a great beer should tell a story of where it’s from. That’s why the “backbone” of this beer is grown right in our backyard. We’ve utilized Field Five Farms malts, grown in Saanich, to give this brew its local soul.
When you combine those Saanich grains with a heavy hit of Riwaka and Motueka hops, you get a profile that is light-bodied but punchy.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: A beautiful, translucent pale yellow/straw hue.
- Aroma: A complex nose of pink grapefruit, fresh-cut tomato vines, and that unmistakable “dank” herbal grassiness.
- Flavor: A mild, pleasant bitterness that is balanced by a subtle touch of white pepper.
- Mouthfeel: Exceptionally light and refreshing—the kind of beer that leaves you chronically raising your glass for another sip.
The Herald Street Philosophy
If you’ve ever stepped into the Herald Street Brew Works tasting room in downtown Victoria, you know they don’t do “standard.” Their philosophy is built on authenticity and “tank-fresh” beer. With ten towering double-stacked tanks drawing directly to their taps, they are masters of the fresh pour.
Owned by a “merging of beer households”—the minds behind Steel & Oak and The Drake Eatery—Herald Street was born from a desire to have a meaningful impact on the community. We couldn’t think of a better partner to help us craft this unique, educational, and slightly rebellious brew.
How to Get It
Best Budz is a limited-release “tall dank stranger,” and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
✨ Available EXCLUSIVELY at Liquor Plus stores – 473mL can for just $4.99. ✨
Stop by your local Liquor Plus today and toast to the best budz in your life! 🍻
