We’re finally starting to see the sunshine again and it feels like brewers are coming out of hibernation. The long winter of deep porters and heavy stouts is now making way into lighter fare paired with seasonal fruits and herbs.

With all the new beers available to try, here are five B.C.-born craft beers that are sure to get you ready for patio season.

Postmark Brewing Raspberry

Local all natural raspberry puree gives this summer vibes Session Ale a refreshingly tart flavour and a bold fruit finish. It’s darker that you may expect and the raspberry puree gives the beer a solid balance, perfect for a patio.

ABV 4.7% IBU 17

Bridge Brewing Elderflower Sour

Tart and refreshing, this third beer from Bridge’s Ironworkers series was inspired by the Brewmaster’s mother with fresh aromas of a spring garden. Elderflower gives a gentle floral brightness to this crisp kettle-soured ale from the North Vancouver brewery. Lightly hopped with Galaxy and Centennial hops provide a background of nectarine and citrus.

ABV 4.9% IBU 18

Steamworks YVR ISA

ISA’s are all the rage right now, and make for the perfect summer beer. This ISA packs all the bold hop flavour and aroma of an IPA in a deliciously drinkable package.  Brewed and dry hopped with a trio of southern hemisphere hops, this offers tropical flavours of passionfruit, citrus and crushed gooseberry, balanced with a clean malt profile allowing the hops to shine through.

ABV 4.4% IBU 40

Moody Ales Intrepid Matcha Saison

This Saison was originally launched last year as part of Moody Ales’ guest brewer series. It makes a return this year and it’s as bold as it was before. It’s highly sessionable as a Saison should be, but has this slightly sour quality with the matcha spice finish.

ABV 6.9% IBU 35

Big Rock Brewing Mosaic Lager

Lagers are naturally refreshing, and this unique offering from Big Rock puts a nice spin on the expected. A India Pale Lager, the Mosaic hops used gives the Lager a nice bite on the finish, making it refreshing but not lacking in character. Although Big Rock hails originally from Alberta, this beer is the creation of their B.C. Brewmaster, Jody Hammell.

ABV 5.5% IBU 70

Originally posted on Vancity Buzz