Summer socials sorted: Why the mixed pack is your best guest
Published 4:00 pm Saturday, August 1, 2026
Don’t blink, or summer might pass you by. August is already here, and this is your friendly reminder that the sunshine won’t last, the heat will be gone soon, but time with the people you enjoy lasts forever.
So you get the invite to a get-together, a barbecue, an afternoon of good friends, good fun, and good beer, but you’re not sure what to go with? Don’t worry, there’s a simple solution that will make most people happy, and you’ll save a bit of money while you’re at it.
Craft beer has had its run of packaging formats. The growler, the bomber, the 12-ounce bottle, the tall can, the 4-pack, the cork and cap for those special bottles, and more. Those formats are great for trying something new and unique, maybe once or twice, but what about those times when you want something good, something consistent, and a variety of those options? Enter the mixed pack.
It may seem weird talking about an 8- or 12-pack of beer when there are so many great unique beers out there, but there’s something to be said for variety and value, especially at this time where everything seems to cost so much more. It also helps that there are so many great options, even from local producers.
Hoyne Brewing has been producing a few great options, some of which adjust for the weather. Their Hello Sunshine mix pack offers 12 355ml cans, with three each of the pilsner, the Mexican lager, the raspberry wheat ale, and the hazy IPA, which checks off the boxes for so many people and gives a nice variety to choose from if you’re bringing it to share.
Vancouver Island Brewing continues to offer their Outpost mix pack in a similar 12-pack format, featuring a more streamlined selection of their pilsner, lager, hazy pale ale, and hazy IPA. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can “hop” over to their 8-pack of tall cans, which replaces the lager and pilsner from above with their IPA and juicy IPA, making this the perfect option for the hop lovers in your life.
There are so many more options available, from local producers, breweries on the mainland, and more, so when you get that message inviting you out for that gathering, you’ll have plenty of options to show off some great local beers.