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Discovering the Unique Brew of the British Virgin Islands

If you’re enjoying the sun in the British Virgin Islands and find yourself craving a cold brew, it’s tempting to grab a familiar Carib or Red Stripe. However, there’s an enticing alternative for those willing to venture beyond the beach: locally crafted beers from the BVI.

The Cooper Island microbrewery stands out as the only brewery in this paradise, nestled within the Cooper Island Beach Club. This exclusive eco-resort can only be accessed by boat, whether by charter or private yacht, making the journey from Tortola—BVI’s largest island—an adventure that takes about two to three hours.

Founded by Colin Harris, a key figure behind Harrows Darts, the world’s premier darts manufacturer, the microbrewery has been brewing since its establishment in 2015. The facility is designed with custom-built equipment powered by the Caribbean sun, utilizing rainwater collected on-site that undergoes filtration to ensure purity. Visitors can enjoy a selection of at least four beers on draft daily, alongside rotating seasonal specialties, crafted by Marco Biga, the sole brewer.

Biga emphasizes a preference for light and refreshing beers, perfect for warm days. “I create beers that I want to enjoy after a long day on the beach,” he explains, reflecting his philosophy of brewing with the environment and clientele in mind.

Overlooking the stunning Manchioneel Bay, the brewery offers an array of brews, with standout options including the Everyday Lager, known for its crisp flavor, and the Sunset Pilsner. The Turtle IPA, with its hints of grapefruit and pine, is particularly popular—each sale contributes a dollar to the Turtle Foundation, dedicated to preserving sea turtle populations.

In addition to these flagship beers, Biga experiments with various styles, occasionally crafting kolsch, hefeweizen, and stout. A recent highlight was a vibrant raspberry sour, exemplifying his creative brewing approach. During the hurricane season from August to October, when the resort closes, Biga reflects on potential new styles, contemplating options like a refreshing rice lager or a hazy IPA.

The brewing process is compact—five fermentation tanks yield up to 2,000 liters at a time in a space akin to a large walk-in closet. Biga’s journey in brewing began in Giaveno, Italy, where he learned the craft. He plans production several months in advance, considering logistics for ingredients sourced from the U.S. mainland. “We sometimes face delays in supplies,” he notes, highlighting the necessity of strategic planning to maintain a steady flow of beer. The brewing timeline also varies, with IPAs requiring around 30 days, while lagers and pilsners take longer to perfect. Biga adds, “Crafting a lager is particularly challenging due to its low hop content, leaving no room for error.”

In moments away from the brewing process, Biga enjoys mingling with guests at the bar. He values direct feedback and loves to understand which beers patrons appreciate most. “If I’m upfront about being the brewer, I might not get the truth about their preferences,” he chuckles, underscoring his desire to craft enjoyable beer for every visitor.

What to drink: The brewery features four mainstays on draft: Everyday Lager, Sunset Pilsner, Turtle IPA, and Suppin IPA, along with seasonal offerings and a fruit-forward hard seltzer. A tasting flight at the bar allows guests to sample the variety, with growlers available for the return journey.

How to get there: Overnight guests at Cooper Island Beach Club can be picked up in Road Town, Tortola, for a boat ride. Visitors have the option to charter boats for a day or overnight sail to Cooper Island, where treasured spots in the bay are available for reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source
www.foodandwine.com