Cliffside's Luna Porter has a rich dark colour but not the typical heaviness of a darker beer. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)
dark and crisp

Signature Dish: Cliffside Brewing’s Luna Porter

Jun 30, 2021 | 10:44 AM

NANAIMO — Just because a beer is dark doesn’t mean it’s heavy.

The Luna Porter available on tap and in cans at Cliffside Brewing has the quintessential dark tones of a porter but a medium body, meaning it’s a refreshingly light drink.

Cliffside head brewer Andrew Eubank said the Luna is perfect for every occasion.

“It’s robust but you don’t feel like you’ve had a meal when you drink it. It goes well with almost all dinner entrees, so people have it for all occasions.”

The Luna has plenty of cooler flavours like dark chocolate and cake with a hint of coffee.

It’s even enjoyed in the baking hot July and August sun, unlike many dark beers which would make you feel bloated, overwhelmed and ready for a nap in the shade.

The Porter was one of six original recipes at Cliffside when it opened only a few years ago. It was a success at first pour and remains one of their top sellers.

It’s perfect for a warm day in the sun at Cliffside’s patio, which although small is home to thousands of great memories.

“It’s an odd location but once people know about us they find a way to build us into their afternoon,” Eubank said.

“We wanted to be as close to the downtown core as we could to promote foot traffic from the water front walks.”

Eubank said he loves the idea of turning their area, which is at the relatively industrial corner of Front St. and Terminal Ave., into a thriving and urban brewery district.

Before opening Cliffside, Eubank spent a significant amount of time in Richmond where there’s brewery row: dozens of breweries lined up beside each other in friendly competition with each other.

As restrictions ease, Eubank said he hopes to get more people inside the bar for a variety of game, art and fun nights where people can enjoy the summer air on the patio and have a blast inside with friends.

No matter what event is happening at Cliffside, the Luna Porter is always an excellent drink to have in your hand.

Cliffside Brewing at 11 Cliff St. is open 2 to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 2 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, for drinks on tap and offsales.

Signature Dish is brought to you by Island Savings – A Division of First West Credit Union, learn more at https://www.islandsavings.ca/.

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