The presentation by well-respected brewing historian Greg Evans begins with a mini-tasting, then consists of a slide show that covers the colorful history of brewing in British Columbia, from Victoria's "5-cent saloons" that hosted rat-killing competitions, through enterprising exploits along our border during Prohibition, to the renaissance of craft brewing in B.C. today.

The event begins with a mini beer tasting and includes a short lecture and slide show by Evans and by a member of the crew of the classic schooner Maple Leaf.

Evans is in town to promote the Tall Sails and Ales tasting cruise on the Maple Leaf, and there will be a short slide show about the tour at the end of the evening, for those interested.

The Tall Sails and Ales tasting tour is the first craft beer tasting tour by sail. Under the sails of the Maple Leaf, guests explore B.C.'s Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island area. Highlights are exclusive tasting dinners and conversations with brewmasters, tastings of 50 top B.C. craft beers, sailing the Gulf Islands, wildlife viewing, and education on beer, brewing history and food pairing. The trip is operated by Maple Leaf Adventures, whose journeys are listed by Frommer's travel guide as a "Best Travel Experience". It runs Apr. 1-7 and Oct. 23-29.

"It is appropriate that Ales, Tales and Sails is being held in Pike's micro brew museum," says Charles Finkel, Pike's owner. "The history of beer, and of the sea are closely intertwined. Classic brewing styles like India Pale Ale and Imperial Stout were developed in the early 19th century as ocean transport evolved. Romantic notions of adventures on the high seas still demand great beer."

Craft brewing is experiencing rapid growth across North America, and craft beer sales are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. alcohol beverage industry, according to the Brewers Association. The Tall Sails and Ales trip reflects this, being of interest to both beer aficionados and general cultural travelers alike.

RSVPs for the event are 1-888-599-5323 requested, in order to plan for an appropriate number of participants. Info: 1-888-599-5323 or www.MapleLeafAdventures.com and click Community and then News.

About Greg Evans
Historian, museum director, beer consultant and raconteur, Greg Evans is known in many circles as a man who knows a lot and makes it fun to learn from.

He is an active member of the Victoria chapter of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the executive director of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. He has previously been director of the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the B.C. Museums Association, president of the Heritage Council for B.C. and a member of many boards and cultural organizations.

His masters thesis is on the Vancouver Island brewing industry from 1858-1917. His extensive knowledge is enhanced by a quick wit, as evidenced in the names of some of his lectures, including our favourite "Hic Hic Hooray: How Canadians Kept Americans Wet During Prohibition".

Read articles by Greg Evans.

About the Tall Sails and Ales Tour