Avid homebrewer Tim Travis can’t sell his beers, but he sure can sell his sweet, tasty beer jellies.
When Travis became aware of jelly-producing pectin back in 2013 he was immediately ready to boil his brews down and give it a go. That’s no small feat, as he is flirting with master territory as a brewer, producing high-quality craft style flavours from scratch in his Gordon Head home.
“I can always brew more beer. So I boiled down a few litres,” said the veteran cook, who’s spent years working at downtown hotels.
What he came up with is Jellied Ales, a jam-like product sold by the jar. It comes in typical craft beer flavours such as Cascadia India Pale Ale, a Belgian-style witbier, and a stout.
“They’re great as a spread on toast or bagels, with meat and cheese platters, for flavouring meat before grilling, and also go great in a grilled cheese sandwich.”
Travis is selling Jellied Ales as one of many artisan vendors at the Oaklands Sunset Markets, a summer event running Wednesday nights until Sept. 17 at 1-2827 Belmont Ave. in Victoria.
Of course he had to get the jams third-party tested for alcohol to prove they’re below the commercial limit of .5 per cent alcohol, which they are.
“I wasn’t sure how the jellies would be received but ... the only time I’ve sold it at a market, it was a small Christmas bazaar and it sold well. Almost everyone who tasted it bought it.”
Needless to say, the jellies make great gifts. They’re also less sweet than most jellies, with about half the sugar content.
Travis’ table fits right in with the Oaklands Sunset Markets, as there is also a Hoyne beer tent to complement the familiar sights of organic produce and meats, as well as other artisan food products.
reporter@saanichnews.com