The Growler B.C. • Volume 3 Issue 2 • June-August 2017

VOLUME

03 02 ISSUE

$2 B . C .

C R A F T

B E E R

Display until sep. 15, 2017

g u i d e

A Sour Made For Summer Balance out patio season with our light, refreshing gose (goh-zeh) sour. Crisp like a cider, ripe fruit notes from peaches offset its tartness, making it a perfect summer sour.

AVAILABLE

Early

June

BRITISH COLUMBIA NORTHERN B.C.

SEA TO SKY/ SUNSHINE COAST VANCOUVER ISLAND

LOWER MAINLAND VANCOUVER VICTORIA

Published by Glacier Community Media 303 West 5th Avenue Vancouver, B.C., V5Y 1J6

edItor Rob Mangelsdorf editor@thegrowler.ca PUBlISher Gail Nugent gnugent@thegrowler.ca contrIBUtInG wrIterS Angus An Lito Howse Ryan Ingram Michael Kissinger Rob Mangelsdorf Joe Wiebe Rebecca Whyman Jan Zeschky ProdUctIon & deSIGn Tara Rafiq Juliana Sauvé PhotoGraPhy Jennifer Gauthier Jonny Healy Rob Mangelsdorf Dan Toulgoet coVer IllUStratIon Tom Froese SocIal medIa Danielle Boileau dIStrIBUtIon Craig Sweetman (Newsstand) Debbie Tang (Direct) orders@thegrowler.ca

KOOTENAYS

FRASER VALLEY

1.778.840.5005 thegrowler.ca | @thegrowlerbc

THOMPSON OKANAGAN

Contents 06 16 26 34 46 58 72 86 97 108 114 124 126 130

It’S a FamIly aFFaIr hazy IPaS doeS Beer haVe terrIor? homeleSS BrewerS SUmmer Beer FeSt doS and don’tS Brewer VS Brewer: homeBrewer edItIon UnIon made SPIrIted BUSIneSS traVel: tacoma BrewerS Get hIP to new hoPS B.c. cIder PrImer recIPe: GaI yanG thaI GrIlled chIcKen BrewPUB lIStInGS Beer to the GroUnd

Breweries by Region

10 38 62 67 78 90 100 111 120

VANCOUVER LOWER MAINLAND

LEGEND GROWLER-APPROVED BADGE Keep an eye out for our 10 favourite beers this summer!

Brewery Details

FRASER VALLEY

GROWLER FILLS

SEA TO SKY / SUNSHINE COAST

BOTTLES / CANS

VICTORIA / GULF ISLANDS

KEGS

VANCOUVER ISLAND

TASTING ROOM

THOMPSON OKANAGAN

ON-SITE KITCHEN OR FOOD TRUCK

KOOTENAYS

TOURS

NORTHERN B.C.

KID FRIENDLY

Editor’s Note Summer is a time for celebration, and for craft beer enthusiasts, this means long afternoons and warm nights spent pounding pints on the patio. It means getting a posse together and hitting up your favourite local craft beer festival. It means spending a lazy Sunday bouncing from brewery to brewery, sampling flight after flight of new and exciting flavours. This issue, we’re in a celebratory mood, too! We’re kicking off the summer beer festival season with Vancouver Craft Beer Week’s main event, June 3-4 at the PNE Fairgrounds. Before you head out to the beer fest, though, check out our handy list of dos and don’ts (pg. 46). Hot weather calls for refreshing beers, and we predict hazy IPAs (pg. 16) will be all the rage this summer, especially those made with new and obscure hop varieties (pg. 108). If you’re in the mood for something homemade, we spoke to a pair of B.C.’s most prolific homebrewers for tips on how to start brewing, even if you live in a tiny apartment (pg. 58). And if the strong stuff is more to your liking, you’re in luck, because a number of breweries are getting into the distilling business (pg. 86). However you decide to celebrate this summer, make sure to do it responsibly. Cheers! –Rob Mangelsdorf, editor

GLUTEN-FREE BOOZE OPTIONS

Suggested Glassware STANGE

Kolsch Marzen Bock

PILSNER Lager Pilsner Witbier

NONIC PINT

Stout Pale ale Most ales, actually

WEIZEN

Hefeweizen Weizenbock Fruit beer

TULIP

Saison IPA Strong ales

GOBLET

Berliner weisse Quad Tripel

SNIFTER

Barleywine Sours Anything weird

It's a

FAMILY AFFAIR At many B.C. craft breweries, success is all in the family

L-R: Brent, Adam, Nick and Greg Mills of Delta's Four Winds Brewing Co. Jennifer Gauthier photo

by Rob Mangelsdorf

or many craft brewers, making beer is a labour of love. There’s long hours, loads of stress, and it can take years to recoup the massive start-up costs associated with opening a brewery. Having your family by your side, supporting you every step of the way can often mean the difference between failure and success. Perhaps it should come as no surprise then that so many breweries in this province are family-run businesses. But while working with family has its advantages, it also comes with its own set of unique challenges.

Building a legacy It was on a visit back to his native Colombia that Andres Amaya received the advice that would change his family’s lives. Despite Andres’ successful career in hotel management, his father clutched his arm and implored him and his brother Nicolas to strike out on their own and start their own business. “And do it by the time you’re 50.” You need stability late in life, he told Andres. If you lose your job, no one will hire you if you’re an

In some ways, we’re opposites, but it works out. - Cédric Dauchot, Townsite Brewing old man. And work together, because you can trust family. Blood is thicker than water. Andres took his father’s advice to heart, and when he returned to Canada, he and Nicolas began brainstorming ideas for businesses. At first they considered buying a franchise, perhaps a Tim Hortons. But one afternoon, as they were drinking craft beer in Nicolas’s basement, Nicolas had an idea. They both loved craft beer, so why not do something they love, and open a brewery? That was five years ago, and this past February that idea became a reality with the opening of Andina Brewing Co. on Powell Street in Vancouver. It would not have been possible were it not for the efforts of their entire family. Their wives, Claudia and Rocío Lievano-Amaya, who are both sisters, handle the brewery's marketing and accounting, respectively. Andres and Rocío’s son Santiago is the brewery’s assistant manager, and their daughter Daniella is currently studying business management with an eye to join the family business as well. Even Nicolas and Claudia’s nine-year-old son Esteban helps out by bussing tables when it’s busy. “I love that I get to drink beer and work with my family,” says Andres. “I feel a little more free.” Part of their motivation to build a business together, Nicolas says, is that they want to create something they can leave to their children. “We know we’re working together for the same goal,” he says. “So we have that trust. That’s one of the best things about working with family, the level of trust we have.” Understandably, Andina has become the centre of the Amayas lives. They’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries here. There was even a wedding proposal. They hope to extend that familial feeling to everyone who visits their brewery.

Cédric Dauchot and Chloe Smith of Townsite Brewing in Powell River. Submitted photo

“Everyone’s an Amaya at Andina,” says Andres. “You come as guests, stay as friends, and leave as family.” Brotherly Love When Four Winds co-founder and brewmaster Brent Mills decided to start his own brewery, there was never any doubt that his business would be a family venture. Brent’s grandfather founded Mills Paint, where it became a family tradition for everyone to work at the paint shop. Today, if you work at Four Winds, there’s about a one in five chance your last name is Mills. While Brent takes care of everything beer-related, his father Greg helps manage the business side of things, his brother Adam handles the sales and marketing, his other brother Sean works in packaging, cousin Nick is the brewery’s jack-of-alltrades, and uncle John is the sales rep for the B.C. Interior. Brent’s sister Brooke doesn’t currently work for the brewery, but he says he’d like to change that and bring her into the fold as well. “Working with family isn’t a new thing to us,” says Greg. “Not every family should run a family

took the leap of a lifetime to open a brewery of their own, moving to a town that Chloe had only visited once when she was 13 years old. Cédric, who grew up in Belgium, had never been to Powell River at all. But they were determined and they had each other, and soon they had a success on their hands. “It was very exciting to build [Townsite] from nothing,” says Cédric. “Everything came together perfectly.” Andina Brewing Co. founders (and brothers) Nicolas (on left) and Andres Amaya, with their wives Claudia (on left) and Rocío Lievano-Amaya. Dan Toulgoet photo

business, but they all get along so it works out quite well.” That said, working with family does have its challenges. “There’s definitely an unspoken level of communication where we just understand each other,” says Adam. But that can create difficulties. For one thing, their employees don’t posses the Mills family ESP. “There’s 30 other people involved now, so we know we have to work on our communication skills, to make sure everyone is on the same page.” They all admit that as much as they think of their employees as family, the staff does get treated differently. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “If we make a mistake, we yell at each other, and no one takes it personal because we’ve been yelling at each other since we were born,” Brent says. “But you’d never do that to staff.” He also admits that he tends to prioritize his staff ’s wellbeing over that of his relatives. “If it’s a family member at work, it’s whatever, but if it’s staff, they’re going to get attention,” says Brent. “I don’t know if I care about my brothers’ enjoyment of work as much as someone who’s not related to me.” Circle and square Cédric Dauchot and Chloe Smith of Townsite Brewing in Powell River first met in Montreal 11 years ago while working together at the French brewpub chain Les 3 Brasseurs. In June 2011, with their newborn daughter in tow, Cedric and Chloe

For Cédric and Chloe, because they met on the job, they’ve always had a working relationship, so those roles were already defined when they started their own brewery. While the two have very different personalities, those differences compliment each other, they say. It’s evident they share a great deal of mutual respect for each other—a vital ingredient in both a successful business relationship and a marriage. “I think it works because Chloe is very circle and I am very square,” says Cédric. “She has the creativity and inspiration, and I’m more of an engineer. In some ways, we’re opposites, but it works out.” That’s not to say it’s all sunshine and lollipops. The workload can be overwhelming at times, especially in the summer months when the brewery is operating at full clip. Thankfully, they manage to keep things in perspective. “I think any business owner has times where they think, ‘Fuck this! This is way too much work!’ I think everybody struggles with that,” says Chloe. “Luckily, we make beer for a living.” Cédric and Chloe have two children now, both of whom are growing up in the brewery. They each have their own broom to help out with the sweeping, and love spending time in the brewery’s family-friendly tasting room, creating chalk art all over the walls. It’s a comfort to have the kids so close, says Chloe. “They seem to really like it here,” she says. “It's never an issue getting them to come down.” Despite spending nearly every moment of every day together, the couple says they don’t tire of each other’s company. They may be circle and square, but they have a lot in common. Namely, beer. “At the end of the day, we’re just big craft beer geeks, so talking about beer 24 hours a day is what we actually want to do,” says Chloe. j

YALETOWN

W 6TH AVE

GRANVILLE ISLAND

DOWNTOWN CENTRAL

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Br ew ery Cr eek

33 Acres Andina Big Rock Bomber Brassneck Callister Coal Harbour Doan’s Craft

BREWERIES

COLUMBI A ST

09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

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Faculty Granville Island Luppolo Main Street Off The Rail Parallel 49 Postmark Powell Street R&B Red Truck

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Dockside Pat's Pub Steamworks Steel Toad Yaletown

BREW pUBS

19 Storm 20 Strange Fellows 21 Strathcona

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12 Kings Pub Alibi Room BierCraft The Blackbird Central City on Beatty Street 32 Craft Beer Market 33 Darby’s Gastown

27 28 29 30 31

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tAp ROOMS

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Bike Route

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Water Taxis

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lEGENd

ADANAC ST

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FRANCES ST

The Devil’s Elbow The Lamplighter St. Augustine’s Stateside Craft Tap & Barrel, Olympic Village 39 Tap & Barrel, Coal Harbour 40 Tangent Café

34 35 36 37 38

VENABLE S ST

PANDORA ST

ST ELL

GRANDVIEW-WOODLAND

AR STEW

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VANCOUVER

33 ACRES BREWING CO. 15 West 8th Ave. | 33AcresBrewing.ca

MON-FRI 9AM-11PM ^ SAT-SUN 10AM-11PM EST. 2013 A space thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worthy of endless Instagrams, from its clean, blindingly white lounge to the tasty snacks, fresh roasted coffee, and delicious beer.

33 ACRES OF ECHO INDIA SESSION ALE

33 ACRES OF SUNSHINE

Availability: Year-round

FRENCH BLANCHE Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.5%

IBU

Named after what you hear after asking the bottle where all the crushable beer went.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Required summer sipping with refreshing anise seed, coriander and candied orange character.

VANCOUVER

ANDINA BREWING CO.

1507 Powell St. | AndinaBrewing.ca DAILY 11AM-11PM EST. 2016

After a long wait, this Yeast Van haunt is finally open and serving up South American-inspired beers, not to mention the best ceviche in town.

AY AY AY

TOTUMA

A M E R I C A N PA L E A L E

KO S L C H

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Thank the Belgian yeast for bubblegum and banana notes, and dry-hopping for pine and citrus aromas. 12

Availability: Year-round ABV

4.5%

IBU

This light-coloured, crystal-clear kolsch has a kiss of noble hops and a clean, crisp, crushable finish.

OFFERING BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST CRAFT BEERS WITH NEW PRODUCTS WEEKLY!

1633 MANITOBA ST | LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE IN FALSE CREEK 604.331.7900 | legacyliquorstore.com LegacyLiquorStore LegacyLiquor

VANCOUVER

BIG ROCK URBAN BREWERY & EATERY

310 West 4th Ave. | BigRockBeer.com

SUN-THU 11AM-11PM ^ FRI-SAT 11AM-12PM EST. 1985 Founded by Ed McNally in 1985, Big Rock has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution for 30-plus years. Its three initial offerings have grown to include 10 signature beers, eight seasonals, four ciders, and a bevy of limited edition beers brewed in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Brewery tours available and beer shop open seven days a week.

KIWI FRUITED BLONDE ALE

BELLY FLOP APRICOT GRISETTE

FRUITED BLONDE ALE Availability: Seasonal

GRISETTE Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.2%

IBU

This B.C. exclusive features tropical flavours from the Southern Hemisphere.

ABV

3.9%

IBU

Belgian-style with a spicy yeast character and apricot flavours. A belly flop that’ll feel good.

GRASSHOPPER

PILSNER

K R I S TA L LW E I Z E N

CZECH-STYLE PILSNER

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

A light touch of hops gives this filtered wheat ale a crisp finish, with fruit and citrus notes

Availability: Year-round ABV

4.9%

IBU

Soft malty flavour is balanced with mild hop bitterness for a clean, refreshing finish.

There’s no place like home! B.C.’s Big Rock brewmaster Jody Hammell has spent 20 years brewing beer all over the world, with stops in Berlin, Calgary, and Whistler. Jody has always considered Mount Pleasant to be home, and now he’s back where he belongs, leading his team of brewers in creating new, innovative, and award-winning beers. 14

always FRESH ON TAP AT BIG ROCK URBAN

This summer, the forecast is for

Hazy

IPAS by Joe Wiebe

loudy beers have started to fill glasses in tap houses and brewery tasting rooms, but instead of German hefeweizens or Belgian wits, these opaque beers are a new-ish style called “hazy IPA” that has taken the West Coast by storm over the past year. Also known as a New England or Northeast IPA, it originated more than a decade ago at the Alchemist Brewery in Vermont where brewer John Kimmich created an IPA called Heady Topper that was cloudy and hoppy, but with very little bitterness. Heady Topper has since become one of the world’s most sought-after beers, one that you basically have

to travel to New England to taste. Other breweries in the region followed suit, and a whole culture of New England IPAs developed there. However, because of the lack of filtration and the huge amount of hops being used in the beer, they are generally produced in small batches and only sold at the breweries themselves. Even if they are packaged in cans, as Heady Topper is, they have a very short shelf life and don’t travel well, so they are not distributed very far from the brewery. Recently, however, West Coast breweries have started experimenting with hazy IPAs, including several here in B.C.

So what makes them so special? Essentially, they are all about showcasing hop flavours, but without the potent bitterness usually found in extremely hoppy beers. Some hazy IPAs have even been dubbed “zero IBU” beers because the process used to brew them results in virtually none of the bitterness—as measured in International Bittering Units—being extracted from the hops, just all the fruity, citrusy, tropical flavours and aromas. The haze is a result of the brewing processes used, as well as the purposeful lack of filtration or fining, which would reduce some of those big, juicy flavours.

According to John Folinsbee, who developed the recipe for Steamworks’ award-winning Flagship IPA and has since moved over to Squamish’s brand new Backcountry Brewing, the malts used in hazy IPAs are very important as well. Instead of sweet caramel notes typically found in West Coast IPAs to balance out the bitterness, brewers use lighter malts “to make the hops shine” and other grains that contribute texture to the mouth feel: “oats, wheat, flaked oats, anything that builds body in the beer. You’re trying to create an IPA that’s like juice—pulpy, thick and sweet.”

When Steamworks Brewing’s Flagship IPA won Best in Show at the B.C. Beer Awards last October, it marked a symbolic shift away from the clean and dry West Coast IPA style that has dominated the marketplace here for several years (i.e. Driftwood’s iconic Fat Tug IPA) towards this new, hazy style. But Steamworks wasn’t the first B.C. brewery to produce a New England IPA. That was probably Superflux Beer, operating out of Vancouver’s Callister Brewing at that time, who brewed a murky beer called Pulp IPA late in 2015. That beer was only available on tap, though. North Van’s Bridge Brewing released their Sidecut North East IPA in 650ml bottles a few months later, making it the first packaged hazy IPA in B.C.

Equally important is the yeast. “That Heady Topper yeast is a really powerful yeast strain,” Folinsbee elaborates. “It throws a lot of tropical fruit esters.” It’s an English ale yeast that generates much more fruitiness, whereas most West Coast IPAs use an American ale yeast that results in cleaner, more fully fermented (attenuated) beer.

But the breakthrough moment seemed to be when Port Moody’s Twin Sails Brewing started experimenting with the style as part of its new small-batch series in tall cans. The first one it released was a hazy, juicy pale ale called Day Blink (yes, a pale ale: the “hazy” brewing process can be used in any hoppy beer from ISAs right through to Double IPAs). Twin Sails quickly followed Day Blink with a bunch of hazy, hoppy beers, including Space Armadillo Double IPA, Dat Juice, Juice Plus, Bread Winner, High Socks, and Two Straws, a so-called “milkshake IPA” brewed with mango, pineapple and unfermentable lactose. The pinnacle, perhaps, depending on your feelings about the style, was Hot Take Zero IBU IPA, in which tons of hops were added after the boil so that virtually no bitterness was extracted, just all the fruity aroma and flavour.

And then there’s magic. Seriously, there is a sort of magical interaction between yeast and hops that seems to add an extra dimension of flavour to hazy IPAs. Folinsbee refers to this as “biotransformation” and argues that “even the hop scientists don’t really understand where the flavour comes from. Hops are interacting with yeast during fermentation and they’re taking these hop compounds and transforming them into something else. It can change flavours in hops that you don’t even like and turn them into more appealing flavours.” Whether it’s magic or not, more and more B.C. breweries are experimenting with hazy IPAs. Twin Sails keeps pumping out different versions, and Yellow Dog, next door, recently took home Best in Show at the Okanagan Fest of Ale for its High 5 Hazy IPA, which it launched last fall. Superflux has two in cans: Colour & Shape and Rainbow Machine. Bridge’s Side Cut is part of its year-round lineup. Spinnakers Brewpub and Cannery Brewing recently launched their own packaged versions, and many other breweries have been experimenting with them in their tasting rooms. It’s safe to predict that this summer will definitely be hazy. j

VANCOUVER

BOMBER BREWING CO.

1488 Adanac St. | BomberBrewing.com DAILY 12-11PM EST. 2014

Bomber has boomed beyond post-hockey locker-room beers. There’s lambic in the loft, imperial stout in cans and passion fruit ale in high demand.

BIKE ROUTE SESSION ALE BEST BITTER Availability: Seasonal ABV

3.9%

THE BANDIT KÖ L S C H Availability: Seasonal

IBU

The best bitter on two wheels. A sturdy malt profile with the citrus and tropical joys of Mosaic.

ABV

5.3%

IBU

German ingredients fermented long and cool, like the Germans do. Clean, refreshing firm bitterness.

VANCOUVER

BRASSNECK BREWERY

2148 Main St. | Brassneck.ca

MON-FRI 2-11PM ^ SAT-SUN 12-11PM EST. 2013 Brassneck has been brewing a legendary line-up of brews since day one. And the best way to taste Conrad Gsomer’s latest is to make the pilgrimage.

CHANGELING

NEBULOUSNESS

SOUR FRUIT BEER

N O RT H E A S T I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal ABV

6.5%

IBU

N/A

Each version of this sour features rotating seasonal fruit. The times, they are a-changeling. 18

Availability: Small batch ABV

7.0%

IBU

N/A

Brassneck’s take on the juicy hazy IPA. It’s big hoppy goodness with little bitterness.

VANCOUVER

CALLISTER BREWING CO.

1338 Franklin St. | CallisterBrewing.com

MON-FRI 2-9PM ^ SAT 1-10PM ^ SUN 1-8PM EST. 2015 Canada’s first collaborative brewery is home to Real Cask Ales, Lightheart, Boombox, and Callister itself, so you’ll always find something new.

BLOSSOM DREAERIE (CALLISTER)

CA$H MONEY IPA (REAL CASK ALES)

GRISETTE Availability: Seasonal

I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.8%

IBU

N/A

This tart French farmhouse ale is the welcome recipient of some generous dry-hopping.

ABV

7.1%

IBU

N/A

This cask-conditioned IPA melds its English roots with some aggressive North American hopping.

VANCOUVER

COAL HARBOUR BREWING CO.

1967 Triumph St. | CoalHarbourBrewing.com HOURS N/A EST. 2010 With prime real estate on the Yeast Van circuit, Coal Harbour looks to be opening its doors to the public by the end of the year with a tasting room.

GUAVA GOSE

SMOKE & MIRRORS

GOSE

IMPERIAL SMOKE ALE

Availability: Year-round ABV

3.8%

IBU

A salty, sour and refreshing gose that pairs with summer and is available all year.

Availability: Year-round ABV

8.5%

IBU

It’s not an illusion: this rich, thick and smoky ale is a seven-time award-winner. 19

VANCOUVER

DOAN’S CRAFT BREWING CO.

1830 Powell St. | DoansCraftBrewing.com SUN-THU 2-9PM ^ FRI 2-11PM ^ SAT 12-11PM EST. 2015 One of the most distinctive East Van breweries by virtue of its bijou tasting room, Ola Volo artwork, Lego nights and ability to brew German styles so well.

KÖLSCH

WEISS

KO L S C H

K R I S TA L LW E I Z E N

Availability: Year-round

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Is there a better kölsch in B.C.? Clean, lightly dry and grainy, with fruit and herbal subtleties.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

The Doan brothers’ aromatic take on a traditional, crisp, clear weissbier.

VANCOUVER

DOGWOOD BREWING

8284 Sherbrooke St. | DogwoodBrew.com WED-THU 2-8PM

^ FRI-SAT 12-10PM ^ SUN 12-8PM

EST. 2015 Not only are the brews tasty but brewer Claire Wilson uses certified B.C.-grown ingredients that’ll make you feel good, as well.

RYE SAISON

LONDON FOG

C O L L A B O R AT I O N S A I S O N

LAGER

Availability: One-off

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.0%

IBU

A certified organic collaboration with East Van’s Callister. Spicy rye goodness meets a zesty saison. 20

ABV

4.3%

IBU

Velvety smooth, brewed dry tannins of earl grey tea and organic French vanilla.

VANCOUVER

FACULTY BREWING CO.

1830 Ontario St. | FacultyBrewing.com

MON-FRI 2-11PM ^ SAT-SUN 11AM-11PM EST. 2016 True to its name, Faculty’s helpful crew is eager to educate craft newbies. This “open-source” brewery shares recipes online and welcomes collaboration.

340 DUNKELWEIZEN

778 IPA

D U N K E LW E I Z E N

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Clove, banana and vanilla aromas highlight this ode to the dark German wheat beer.

ABV

7.0%

IBU

Dry-hopping Citra, along with Cascade and Centennial, has upped the citrus hop profile in this IPA.

-INTRODUCES -

PARTY KEGS $189.99

YES, THAT'S RIGHT. A KEG OF WINE. 11.3L (equivalent to 15 x 750ml bottles) white & red wine available eco-friendly, compact, portable & easy to use perfect for weddings, summer parties & weekends away

info@freshtap.com | 604.566.9423 21

VANCOUVER

GRANVILLE ISLAND BREWING

1441 Cartwright St. | GIB.com DAILY 11AM-9PM EST. 1984

One of the province’s first breweries, GIB’s core lineup hasn’t changed drastically over the years, but brewmaster Kevin Emms isn’t afraid to experiment at his Granville Island test kitchen—the results of which can found in GIB’s Small Batch Series.

PEACH GOSE GOSE

WEST COAST PALE ALE

Availability: Small batch

PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Crisp with fruit notes from real peaches offset the tartness of this sour German ale.

SAISON BELGIAN STYLE SAISON Availability: Small batch ABV

6.3%

IBU

A crisp, unfiltered saison with pepper, spices and fruit flavours with a moderate hop bite.

ABV

5.5%

IBU

GIB’s only year-round small-batch brew. Fruity hops from Australia liven this laidback brew.

LIONS SUMMER ALE GOLDEN ALE Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.7

IBU

The summer counterpart to GIB’s winter ale. Tropical, slightly tart and refreshing.

Back in the day... Granville Island Brewing was Vancouver’s first microbrewery, founded by Bill Harvey and Mitchell Taylor in 1984. At first, it produced just one beer, Island Lager, which was sold in tall-necked bottles meant to stand out from the generic “stubbies” used by the big breweries at the time. 22

VANCOUVER

LUPPOLO BREWING CO.

1123 Venables St. | LuppoloBrewing.ca

MON 3-10PM ^ TUES-THU 3-11PM ^ FRI 2-11PM SAT 11AM-11PM ^ SUN 11AM-10PM EST. 2016 Get a taste of la dolce vita and a birra or two at Luppolo. That means well crafted beer, good coffee, Italian sandwiches and fresh pastries. Bella!

NEW WORLD SOUR

DOUBLE IPA

SOUR ALE

D O U B L E I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

4.5%

IBU

A refreshingly tart sour balanced by robust dry-hopping with Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc hops.

ABV

8.0%

IBU

A hop monster packed full of citrus and tropical fruit notes, with a restrained balancing bitterness.

VANCOUVER

MAIN STREET BREWING CO.

261 East 7th Ave. | MainStreetBeer.ca MON-THU 2-11PM ^ FRI-SUN 12-11PM EST. 2014 Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for just about everyone at Main Street Brewing. The tasting room is inviting and comfortable, and the selection of beers is delicious and deep, no matter your level of craft brew expertise.

NAKED FOX

FRUIT BOMB

I N D I A PA L E A L E

KETTLE SOUR

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.8%

IBU

Packed with hops from around the world. Sly, dry and something you should try.

OLD KNIGHTS

Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.0%

IBU

Tart and hop-bursted for tropical flavours of grapefruit, lime, lemon, mango and peach.

PA L E A L E

MAIN STREET PILSNER

Availability: Year-round

PILSNER Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.5%

IBU

A hop-forward take on the classic English pale ale. Aromatic with citrus and pine notes.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Bright, clean and finishes crisply with a hop bite from the Noble hops.

Home, sweet... garage? The historic building that houses Main Street Brewing Co. is actually one of the few surviving remnants of the original Brewery Creek brewing district. The building was built more than 100 years ago, in 1913, and was originally the garage for the Vancouver Brewery. 24

BREWERY | TASTING ROOM | GROWLER FILLS 2 6 1 E A S T 7 TH AV E N U E , VA N C O U V E R

@mainstreetbeer | w: mainstreetbeer.ca | #TheMainBeer

Does beer have Terroir? Oh my god, Becky! Did you taste the terroir in that beer? It’s so big! It’s just like one of those fancy French wines. by Rebecca Whyman

he concept of terroir and its influence are enthusiastically debated in the wine world. Very few of the beer geeks I asked cared one whit about terroir, and hadn’t even given it a thought before I asked. After some debate, they decided that although it was an interesting philosophical question, terroir didn’t matter to their beer drinking experience or influence their beer purchases. The casual beer drinker isn’t interested in the minutiae of which malts or hops are chosen for the beer, let alone where they’re grown. They just care that the final product tastes good. So there you have it. The beer world doesn’t care about terroir. Enter Harley Smith and Tracy McLean of Longwood Brewing. They care. They care a lot! But before we get to why they care, and why you might also, allow me to drone on about what “terroir” means. Indulge me please, I read a LOT on the topic. Terroir is the concept that where something grows

affects its make-up in many ways, most importantly, its flavour. Terroir accounts for natural influences like soil and climate, often in very small areas of land, producing different characteristics in crops. If identical crops grown a couple of kilometres apart have measurable differences from each other, those differences are attributed to terroir, and believed to affect flavour. The concept of terroir grew out of Burgundy, France, evolving from a defining aspect of agricultural production into a marketing concept and economic protection mechanism. “Terroir is about asserting and justifying differences at local and even micro levels and ultimately of acquiring social, economic and political benefits from such claims,” according to Marion Demossier of the University of Bath. We can thank terroir for the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in France and the American Viticultural Areas (AVA). In a nutshell, these two systems protect the names of geographical regions from being used on products from

If you want to create a uniquely original flavour, there is no substitute for controlling all your ingredients from start to finish. - Harley Smith and Tracy McLean, Longwood Brewing

outside those areas. No calling that bubbly wine “champagne” unless those grapes were grown in the Champagne region! Terroir is meant to evoke a sense of place. And some places just produce better tasting things, okay? But do not mistake terroir for the locavore movement. Although related to farm-to-table, terroir does not necessarily celebrate local products. It is concerned with which growing areas produce the best crop, and the use of traditional methods to bring out that unique flavour in the finished product. The French know you get your wines from specific regions, your cheeses from others and your produce from yet others. There is none of the 100km diet in terroir. If the best crop grows 600km away, then that is the one that should be had. From a marketing perspective terroir is a golden concept. Elevate one area’s foodstuffs above the rest and give people a story to go along with the final product, and they’re lining up to pay large sums for it. If you’re still with me after that long trip through terroir, you won’t be surprised that not much about it makes me eager to apply it to my beloved beer. But wait! I want beer to claim terroir! Not least because then we can convince whoever becomes the Minister of Agriculture that beer has gravitas – that beer is as important to the economy as wine. Then they’ll change the ALR rules to allow Persephone to keep their farm brewery, and joy will abound! Hear ye! Hear ye! I propose that, just like the New World took Old World brewing traditions and made them our own, we take the Old World concept of terroir and make it our own. Let’s keep the sense of place, the belief that where something is grown comes out in its flavour, and the desire to produce the best crop. We’ll ditch the protectionism, the profiteering and the snobbery.

Longwood Brewery in Nanaimo tries to capture the taste of Vancouver Island by using local ingredients wherever possible, including locally-grown raspberries for its Berried Alive raspberry ale. Jonny Healy photo.

And this is where Harley and Tracy make their entrance. Familiar with terroir from drinking wine, Harley and Tracy associate the term with Longwood’s beer. “It seemed to aptly describe what we were doing, which is simply supporting our local farmers to create a community driven beer,” they told me. Terroir is important to them, “because it describes the regional flavour derived from years of working with the farm community to create a uniquely local beer.” As they point out, nothing tastes as good as that tomato you grew in your backyard/container garden. “If you want to create a uniquely original flavour, there is no substitute for controlling all your ingredients from start to finish.” Yes! This is how terroir matters! 100 per cent of Longwood’s current hop supply comes from within 20km of the brewery, and 50 per cent of their barley comes from central Vancouver Island. They rely on the local community to buy their beers, and in turn they support their local growers. Theirs is a reciprocal relationship from which we all benefit. It’s the New World version of the farmhouse ale! Longwood is among many B.C. craft breweries that brew with authenticity, integrity and strong commitment to the communities they serve. The use of locally grown, organic, creative and foraged ingredients is becoming widespread as craft beer comes of age. If that’s what terroir can mean, then damn, I’m glad it’s in my beer! j

VANCOUVER

OFF THE RAIL BREWING

1351 Adanac St. | OffTheRailBrewing.com SUN-THU 12-8PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-10PM EST. 2014

This 15-tap tasting room on the Adanac bike route is the perfect spot to park your bike and refuel with a pint or a growler fill.

SMASH APA

PASSION FRUIT HEFF

A M E R I C A N PA L E A L E

HEFEWEIZEN

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.5%

IBU

This Single Malt And Single Hop (SMASH) pale ale combines rich pale malt with obscure Strata hops.

ABV

4.6%

IBU

Tart and sweet, this German wheat ale has a tropical twist thanks to the addition of passion fruit.

VANCOUVER

PARALLEL 49 BREWING CO.

1950 Triumph St. | Parallel49Brewing.com TASTING ROOM REOPENS IN JUNE EST. 2012 P49’s renos should be done by the time you read this. And you’ll already know that the East Van staple now has food, a patio and 40 (!?) taps.

BODHISATTVA

TRICYCLE

D RY H O P P E D S O U R

GRAPEFRUIT RADLER

Availability: Year-round ABV

8.0%

IBU

Tart and expertly hopped. Picked up a gold in last years’ B.C. Beer Awards. 28

Availability: Year-round ABV

3.5%

IBU

Lager + grapefruit juice = Canadian Brewing Awards gold medal-winning thirst quencher.

B.C.’s Best Craft Beer Store since 2008. Craft beer is our passion and our specialty. Proudly oﬀering the most sought after domestic & international selections. 14th & Main • Free parking around back! • 604-872-3373 brewerycreekliquorstore.com • Open 11-11 every day

UP TO 30 CRAFT BREWERIES PLUS, new this year, sample local wine!

NEW LOWER N ADMISSIO RATE

Get your tickets now! $6 online / $7 at the gates #PNECRAFTBEERFEST #THEFAIR Admission includes a 4oz sampling cup. If venue is at capacity, a pre-purchased ticket will not guarantee immediate access. Craft Beer Fest is a 19+ event, 2 pieces of ID will be required for entry. Does not include Fair Gate admission.

ad - the growler - 2017 craft beer fest 4.625 in x 1.77 in pub: summer 2017 May 8, 2017 MktgData:MKTGMAC:back up drive:ADS:2017:The Growler:Fair17-Growler-CraftBeer

CRAFT BEEr & CLASSIc cOcKTAILS OPEN DAILY 4PM TO LATE • HAPPY HOUR 4-6PM Daily • SUNDAY ROAST

2616 Main Street, Mt Pleasant | www.thecascade.ca I

@thecascaderoom

VANCOUVER

POSTMARK BREWING

55 Dunlevy Ave. | PostmarkBrewing.com

MON-FRI 11AM-11PM ^ SAT-SUN 10AM-11PM EST. 2014 Postmark sells the West Coast lifestyle as well as its beer, with beautiful labels adorning bottles of Dominic Giraldes’ full-flavoured brews.

MANDARINA WHEAT

SPRUCE TIP ALE

A M E R I C A N W H E AT A L E

GOLDEN ALE

Availability: Year-round

Availability: Small batch

ABV

5.3%

IBU

A spritzy, briskly bodied wheat ale from a citrus essence with Mandarina Bavaria hops and orange peel.

ABV

5.7%

IBU

A restrained amount of tangy fresh spruce tips help complement pine and citrus hops.

VANCOUVER

POWELL BREWERY

1357 Powell St. | PowellBeer.com DAILY 12-10PM EST. 2012

Don’t let the rebrand fool you: Powell is still on the same street, and they’re still brewing their previous award-winners, and some interesting new brews, too!

CHEEKY SESSION

LAZY D’HAZE

SESSION ALE

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.5%

IBU

A light and refreshing hop-forward session ale with fruity aromas and flavours. 30

Availability: Year-round ABV

7.0%

IBU

A hazy IPA showcasing the juicy hop notes of grapefruit, orange, melon, apricot and berries.

VANCOUVER

R & B BREWING CO.

54 East 4th Ave. | RAndBBrewing.com

SUN-TUE 11AM-11PM ^ WED-SAT 11AM-12AM EST. 1997 R&B’s kitschy tasting room has quickly become a Brewery Creek institution, and for good reason; locals know the beer and pizza here is top-notch.

SHAKE YOUR FRUITY M I L K S H A K E I PA

DUDE CHILLING PALE ALE

Availability: Seasonal

A M E R I C A N PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

7.3%

IBU

This fruit smoothie of an IPA is brewed with lactose, oats and apple puree for a soft and full body.

ABV

5.2%

IBU

R&B’s mainstay pale ale is dry-hopped with Citra, Galaxy and Centennial, and now available in tall cans.

Just a few paces north of the steam clock, we are a friendly place to grab a bite, hoist a pint and relax in good company. Open daily for lunch and dinner until late.

www.theblackfrog.ca 604.602.0527 108 Cambie Street /BlackFrogEatery @blackfrogeatery

Live social. Drink local.

1218 west pender, vancouver • 604.685.1212 coalharbourliquorstore.com 31

VANCOUVER

RED TRUCK BEER CO.

295 East 1st Ave. | RedTruckBeer.com

MON-THU 11AM-10PM ^ FRI-SAT 10AM-11PM SUN 10AM-10PM EST. 2005 “Build it and they will come.” The analogy works well with Red Truck. People keep coming for the diner food, open-air concerts and beer, natch.

RED TRUCK GOLDEN ALE GOLDEN ALE Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.8%

IBU

RED TRUCK ALE ALE Availability: Year-round

Bright and breezy yet surprisingly complex, with citrus, herbal, spice and honey character.

ABV

5.2%

IBU

The beer that first required a red truck to deliver it, it remains a crisp, malt-forward ale.

VANCOUVER

STORM BREWING LTD.

310 Commercial Dr. | StormBrewing.com TUE-SAT 10AM-6PM ^ SUN 1-6PM EST. 1994

Next time you visit, look for plastic and toy rats throughout the brewery, gifts from fans of Storm’s Black Plague Stout, for which the rat is the logo.

PINEAPPLE PARADISE PILSNER G E R M A N W H E AT A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

What better way to toast summer than with paradise in a glass? And pineapple, too. 32

HURRICANE IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

7.0%

IBU

This hop-bomb is one of B.C.’s original IPAs, dating back to the late 1990s.

is Vancouver’s only craft beer focused sports bar. Featuring 12 taps and casks plus multiple TVs.

We design, fabricate and install: Custom Stainless Steel Brew Tanks Tables • Countertops • Sinks & more for breweries, restaurants and other hospitality services.

395 Kingsway | 604-558-1208 12kingspub.com | @12KingsPub

www.abcss.ca

Homeless brewers find a home with

contract breweries by Joe Wiebe

ontract brewing is part of the beer business that most people know little about. The idea is simple: rather than build your own brewing facility, you pay an existing brewery that has excess capacity to brew your beer for you. It is legal, and the product is generally still considered to be craft beer. Some of the world’s most highly regarded breweries, such as Mikeller and Evil Twin, operate without brewing facilities of their own. According to the Ontario Brewer’s Directory (MomAndHops.ca), there are 65 contract breweries to go along with more than 200 brick-andmortar breweries in that province. Here in B.C., however, there have been only a few examples in recent years. Probably the best known is Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks, which started off as a contract brewery paying Dead Frog Brewery to produce its beers before it opened its own facility in Richmond in 2015. Dead Frog also helped Steamworks while it was building its Burnaby facility. Contract brewing seems to be on the rise here in B.C. as part of the huge boom in new breweries (more than 50 have opened in B.C. since 2015). It makes sense—after all, a brewery generally

costs upwards of $1 million or more to build, so why not start without an actual facility and build up your brand and capital until you can afford to build your own place? In Vancouver, there are two unique companies that are designed to help contract breweries: Callister Brewing, which opened in 2015 and operates an incubator space for new breweries; and Factory Brewing, a brand new facility with a business model entirely devoted to contract brewing. Callister is a small-scale operation located just off Clark Drive with a tasting room that serves its own beer along with three other resident breweries that sign up for one-year terms. Arguably, Callister is more of a co-op than a true contract brewery. In its first year, the resident breweries were Real Cask, Superflux (originally Machine Ales) and Brewery Creek. Real Cask stayed on for Year 2, while the other slots were filled by Boombox Brewing and Lightheart Brewing. For Adam Henderson and Matt Kohlen, co-founders of Superflux, Callister was the perfect opportunity to explore the idea of starting a brewery. “We began without too much in terms of plans,”

Where your beer is made is important to a degree. Ultimately, what’s important is how it’s made and if a drinker likes it. - Adam Henderson, Superflux

Henderson admits, adding that he is quite busy with his other business, Copper & Theory, a craft beer distribution company. “Nobody else there was really making IPAs,” he says. “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but they’re very popular. Half of the time people would say ‘What’s your IPA?’ so we got some notoriety and we learned how to dry hop pretty well, I think.” After their year at Callister, however, they realized they needed to brew bigger batches of beer to continue to grow their business and meet demand. Superflux next worked with Dogwood Brewing for about five months, and now is beginning to work with Strathcona Brewing. “We are not just making a brand to sell,” Henderson insists. “We’re putting our knowledge of how beer is made, our love of what we want to see be made – we’re putting that into it. Where your beer is made is important to a degree. Ultimately, what’s important is how it’s made and if a drinker likes it. It shouldn’t matter to the drinker. We’re doing our job if it doesn’t.” Henderson and Kohlen intend to open their own brewery, hopefully within the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Boombox seems to have picked up the IPA gauntlet at Callister. At the B.C. Beer Awards last October, it won third place out of 58 entries in the competitive North American IPA category for its Ultra Deluxe IPA, and also took home the CBC People’s Choice Award for its Pablo Esco Gnar IPA, a Northeast IPA that was brewed in collaboration with Superflux. Factory Brewing’s business model is all about making beer for other breweries. Located near Strange Fellows Brewing in East Vancouver, it will be working with several local companies, including Doan’s Craft Brewing Co., which opened in 2015 in what was Powell Brewery’s original location.

Brewmaster Andres Palma of Factory Brewing works with craft brewers to help them create their beer on Factory's 50hL brewing system. Dan Toulgoet photo

That building’s footprint only allowed for a very small brewhouse, which has been challenging. “We wanted to get into this industry more than anything, and this was the perfect scenario to get our foot in the door,” Evan Doan says, but acknowledges that, “the past year has been a huge struggle to make enough money to continue growing here. So Factory is a dream come true for us.” Factory will brew and package Doan’s core brands—Rye IPA, Rye Stout and Kolsch—while Doan’s will brew beer for two new series at their own facility: the 1830 Series, which will include “the beers we’ve always wanted to brew but never have been able to,” and the Fun Time series, which will feature collaborations with other breweries. Expect to see several other smaller breweries from B.C. making using of Factory’s services, including Twin Sails Brewing, Postmark Brewing and Salt Spring Island Ales, as well as a new “homeless” start-up called Two Wolves Brewing. j

VANCOUVER

STRANGE FELLOWS BREWING

1345 Clark Dr. | StrangeFellowsBrewing.com MON-THU 2-11PM ^ FRI-SUN 12-11PM EST. 2014 The only thing strange about Strange Fellows Brewing is its uncanny ability to put out consistently incredible Belgian-inspired West Coast brews. The brewery’s new Fellowship program allows craft beer fans to get in on exclusive, limited-run beers and all sorts of perks and discounts.

CZARCASM IMPERIAL INDIA SESSION ALE

STRANGE RESEMBLANCE

Availability: Seasonal

WILD SAISON Availability: Small batch

ABV

3.0%

IBU

This oxymoronic “Russian Imperial ISA” is dryhopped for loads of sunny citrus and fruit.

ABV

6.2%

BAYARD

W H I T E I N D I A PA L E A L E

SAISON

ABV

6.5%

IBU

The spiciness of a witbier with the citrus hop character of an IPA. The best of both worlds!

N/A

Tart and dry, bright and fruity, with a mild spiciness and tastefully restrained brett funk.

GUARDIAN Availability: Year-round

IBU

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.5%

IBU

A unique combo of yeasts join forces to help impart fruit and spice to this farmhouse-style saison.

All in the family... For Strange Fellows co-owner Aaron Jonckheere (pictured on the right, with co-owner Iain Hill), brewing is in his blood. His grandfather came to Canada from Belgium in the 1950s and was shocked by the lack of quality beer, and began making beer at home. Eventually, his grandfather taught his father to brew beer, and his father taught him, when Aaron was barely 16. 36

VANCOUVER

STRATHCONA BEER CO.

895 E. Hastings St. | StrathconaBeer.com DAILY 12-11PM EST. 2016

Don’t let Strathcona’s beautifully designed tasting room give you doubts about style over substance; the beer is good, the pizza is good, so, life is good!

RYE ESB EXTRA SPECIAL BITTER

NORTHWEST PALE ALE

Availability: Seasonal

PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

6.2%

IBU

A strong English bitter that retains a decent balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

ABV

5.1%

IBU

There’s some New Zealand Wakatu hops in here, but mostly it’s about citrus and floral Cascade.

NORTH VAN

BLACK KETTLE BREWING

106 -720 Copping St. | BlackKettleBrewing.com MON-SAT 11AM-7PM ^ SUN 1-5PM EST. 2014

One of Metro Vancouver’s more reclusive breweries, Black Kettle is nevertheless a confident crafter of well-made ales and is worth seeking out.

PALE ALE

INDIA PALE ALE

PA L E A L E

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

A crisp ale, well balanced between caramel-sweet malt and earthy, floral hops. 38

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.4%

IBU

N/A

An IPA in the now-traditional West Coast vein, with a full flavour profile of citrus and floral hops.

NORTH VAN

BRIDGE BREWING CO.

1448 Charlotte Rd. | BridgeBrewing.com DAILY 11AM-11PM EST. 2012

There’s always a strong mix of brews on tap, but did you know that you can also get delicious, locally-sourced tacos at Bridge now, too?

BOURBON BLOOD ORANGE WHEAT ALE

SIDE CUT N O RT H E A S T I N D I A PA L E A L E

W H E AT A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

5.5%

IBU

Availability: Year-round

ABV

7.3%

IBU

A juicy and cloudy hop-bomb with peach, tangerine and tropical fruit notes.

sadiessoaps.ca

Zesty and floral with a clean citrus flavour, brewed with bourbon and blood oranges.

Our Beer... Made in BC Our Soap... Made in BC Our Model... Made in BC

Locally Defined.

LIQUOR LICENSING & DISPUTES

WE CAN HELP.

Dennis Coates Q.C.

Barry Carter

700 -275 Lansdowne St.

1380 -885 West Georgia St.

Kamloops, BC V2C 6H6

Vancouver, BC V6C 3E8

Cell: 250.319.4808

Ph: 604.682.6299

dpc@mjblaw.com

jbc@mjblaw.com

Site Planning • New License Applications • Buying or Selling Licenses Disputing Licensing Infractions, Penalties or Board decisions • Liquor Retail Stores (LRS) For a full listing of our lawyers and services, please visit our website mjblaw.com 39

NORTH VAN

DEEP COVE BREWERS AND DISTILLERS

170 - 2270 Dollarton Hwy. | DeepCoveCraft.com DAILY 12-11PM EST. 2013 With summer in full effect, you’ll want to take full advantage of Deep Cove’s fully serviced, deluxe patio, that’s open until 10pm on those warm nights.

YUZU WIT

PICNIC

WITBIER

A P R I C OT I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round

Availability: Small batch

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Citrusy Yuzu fruit from Japan is added to this bright Belgian-style witbier.

ABV

6.4%

IBU

Conditioned on 200 pounds of apricot puree, this will be one sweet India Pale Ale.

NORTH VAN

GREEN LEAF BREWING CO.

123 Carrie Cates Crt. | GreenLeafBrew.com SUN 11AM-9PM ^ MON-THU 11AM-11PM FRI-SAT 11-12AM EST. 2013

Right next to the SeaBus terminal, Green Leaf draws a mix of locals, tourists and daytrippers who come to sample the brewery’s interesting range.

BURNING ROCK ALE

WEIZENHOWER

STEINBIER

HEFEWEIZEN

Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

A rare style that derives its caramel and smoke flavours from hot granite rocks dropped in the wort. 40

Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

This refreshing take on the hefeweizen style is brewed with orange peel, coriander and saffron.

NORTH VAN

HEARTHSTONE BREWERY

1015 Marine Dr. | HearthstoneBrewery.ca

SUN-WED 11AM-10PM ^ THURS-SAT 11AM-12AM EST. 2014 Hearthstone is fully realized and is in full flow with an excellent range of beer, Mediterranean-themed food and a new patio for al fresco imbibing.

COOL HAND CUKE

BLACK PILS

CUCUMBER SOUR

BLACK LAGER

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Small batch

ABV

4.0%

IBU

ABV

This quirky, cukey sour ale found many fans last year. Dry-cucumbered for maximum refreshment.

Keith Rd.

St.

Roy al A ve.

When plain old beer Add our artisan won’t do!

Ferry Terminal

Bay St.

IBU

Kics Lemonade Syrup

Proud to carry a selection of Craft Beer, Spirits and BC wine. Bru

5.0%

A Czech-style “tmave pivo” with subtle roast and malt sweetness balanced by Saaz hops.

1.5 blocks from the Horseshoe Bay ferry 6406 Bruce Street • 604-281-2077

syrups as a raddler mix for a great new taste!

Mention this ad for 10% off

Crafted locally in small batches with simple, natural ingredients

Find us at farmer’s markets throughout the Lower Mainland or contact us at

KICSLEMONADE.CA • 604-753-9855 41

BURNABY

DAGERAAD BREWING

114 - 3191 Thunderbird Cres. | DageraadBrewing.com MON-WED 2-8PM^THU 12-8PM ^FRI-SAT 12-9PM SUN 12-6PM EST. 2014 Inspired by a public square in Antwerp, the Dageraadplaats, founder and brewer Ben Coli continues his mission of crafting interesting and uniquely delicious Belgian-inspired brews, made in Burnaby.

RANDONNEUR SAISON SAISON Availability: Seasonal ABV

6.4%

IBU

Peppery, hoppy, effervescent and bone-dry. Brewed after traditional farmhouse ales from Wallonia and Northern France.

ANTWERPEN TRIPEL Availability: Small batch ABV

8.5%

BLONDE

WITBIER

BLONDE ALE

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This take on the traditional Belgian spiced wheat ale is creamy with a citrusy aroma.

Aroma of noble hops and floral booziness, paying tribute to the city that inspires Dageraad.

WHITE Availability: Year-round

IBU

Availability: Year-round ABV

7.5%

IBU

N/A

Dageraad’s flagship ale is a perfect balance of fruity, spicy esters, citrus hop aroma, and nutty malt.

WHat’s in a name? Dageraad is named after the Dageraadplats, a nondescript public square on the east side of Antwerp, Belgium. The square itself is fairly unremarkable, but with its picnic tables, throngs of children, and café patios, it offers a wonderful glimpse into the Belgian way of life. Unsurprisingly, it was here that owner Ben Coli fell in love with Belgium. 42

BURNABY

STEAMWORKS BREWING CO.

3845 William St. | Steamworks.com SUN-WED 12-10PM ^THU-FRI 12-11PM EST. 1995 The Gastown brewpub is great, but if you want to see where all the awardwinning action happens, check out the Burnaby brewery and taproom.

SUMMER ALE

SESSION IPA

W H E AT A L E

INDIA SESSION ALE

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

4.8%

IBU

A thirst-quencher brewed with sweet orange and lemon peel and grains of paradise.

ABV

4.4%

IBU

Tropical notes from the three Southern hemisphere hops shine through the clean malt profile.

NEW WEST

STEEL & OAK BREWING CO.

1319 3rd Ave. | SteelAndOak.ca

SUN-WED 12-8PM ^ THU-SAT 12-10PM EST. 2013 This New West institution is heading into its third year with a mix of old and new. After brewing mostly German styles, they finally made an (excellent) IPA.

ROSELLE W H E AT A L E

SMOKED HEFEWEIZEN

Availability: Year-round

HEFEWEIZEN Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.5%

IBU

Hibiscus, rose hips and Belgian yeast give notes of floral, banana, raspberry and spice. 44

ABV

5.2%

IBU

Traditional Bamberg-style unfiltered wheat beer. Banana and clove hefe notes meet smoked malts.

PORT MOODY

MOODY ALES

2601 Murray St. | MoodyAles.com MON-TUE 3-9PM ^ WED 1-9PM ^ THU 1-10PM FRI 12-11PM ^ SAT 11AM-11PM ^ SUN 12-8PM EST. 2014 Moody Ales is one of few B.C. breweries to package their beers in “crowlers” —one-litre cans—as well as 650mL bottles and regular growlers, too.

SUBLIME PINEAPPLE HEFEWEIZEN PINEAPPLE HEFEWEIZEN Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.8%

IBU

German yeast, American hops and pineapple juice: cloudy, fruity, refreshing and delicious.

CHIPPER BLONDE AMERICAN BLONDE ALE Availability: Year-round ABV

5.5%

IBU

This beer might seem simple, but it’s got more than enough flavour to satisfy.

B.C. SUMMER BEER FEST CALENDAR MAY 26- JUNE 4

Vancouver Craft Beer Week PNE Fairgrounds, Vancouver VancouverCraftBeerWeek.com

JUNE 24

Tri-Cities Summer Cask Festival Queen Street Plaza, Port Moody TriCitiesCaskFestival.com

JULY 8

Squamish Beer Festival Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Siyam Pavilion, Squamish SquamishBeerFestival.com

JULY 8

Farmhouse Saison and Wild Beer Fest UBC Farm, Vancouver FarmhouseFest.com

SEPT. 8-9

Great Canadian Beer Festival Royal Athletic Park, Victoria GCBF.com

SEPT. 13-17

Whistler Village Beer Festival Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler GibbonsWhistler.com

PORT MOODY

THE PARKSIDE BREWERY

2731 Murray St. | TheParksideBrewery.com

MON-THU 12-10PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-11PM ^ SUN 12-9PM EST. 2016 Located next to Rocky Point Park, Port Moody’s most spacious lounge accommodates thirsty joggers, kayakers and post-shift workers alike.

DIM WIT

SMASH

WITBIER

D O U B L E I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.9%

IBU

A no-nonsense, classic take on the style, which means coriander and citrus notes are to the fore.

ABV

7.0%

IBU

Parkside’s single malt, single hop DIPA has already seen Galaxy, Citra and Lemondrop take centre stage.

PORT MOODY

TWIN SAILS BREWING

2821 Murray St. | TwinSailsBrewing.com

SUN-THU 12PM-10PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-11PM EST. 2015 It’s a tough job keeping up with the seemingly weekly releases of delicious boundary-pushing hop experiments, but someone’s got to do it.

DAT JUICE

STREET LEGAL

A M E R I C A N W H E AT PA L E A L E

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.2%

IBU

Brewed with flaked wheat and powered by the citrusy, grapefruity goodness of the Citra hop. 48

ABV

6.5%

IBU

A juicy take on the newest hop craze, that’s double-hopped with Simcoe, Columbus and Centennial.

PORT MOODY

YELLOW DOG BREWING CO.

1-2817 Murray St. | YellowDogBrew.com

MON-THU 2-10PM ^FRI-SAT 11AM-11PM ^SUN 11AM-8PM EST. 2014 Murray Street may be crowded with breweries, but Yellow Dog manages to stand out thanks to its impressive line of award-winning beers.

TAKE A WALK

CHASE MY TAIL

WITBIER

A M E R I C A N PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.8%

IBU

Citrus and tropical fruit dominate this refreshingly sessionable wheat ale.

ABV

5.2%

IBU

This classic West Coast-style pale ale starts with piney hop aromas up front, finishing fruity and dry.

J&S Reclaimed Wood

Handcrafted Furniture & Millwork for your Home and Business

@jsreclaimedwood jsreclaimedwood.com 49

RICHMOND

BRITANNIA BREWING CO.

110-12500 Horseshoe Way | BBCO.ca DAILY 11AM-5PM EST. 2016 Go straight to the source for fills, or head to Britannia’s cute taphouse near Steveston’s shorefront, where well-crafted brews pair splendidly with sea air.

ADRIFT HOP BLONDE ALE

ASHORE RYE PORTER B R OW N P O RT E R

BLONDE ALE Availability: Year-round ABV

4.7%

IBU

Availability: Year-round

A crisp, dry and refreshing blonde ale given a delightful citrus lift from late hop additions.

ABV

5.1%

IBU

This excellent porter combines classic nutty, chocolate and coffee hints with a light, earthy rye spiciness.

RICHMOND

FUGGLES & WARLOCK CRAFTWORKS

103-11220 Horseshoe Way | FugglesWarlock.com MON-TUE 12-9PM ^ WED-SAT 11AM-9PM ^ SUN 12-7PM EST. 2012 For a brewery that fully embraces nerd culture, it’s not surprising to find a TARDIS in Fuggles & Warlock’s tasting room.

RYEGAR RYE IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E

KAKERU DRY-HOPPED EQUINOX SOUR

Availability: Seasonal

SOUR ALE Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.8%

IBU

Rye spiciness with loads of hops, including Mosaic, Columbus, Cascade, Nugget, Centennial and Citra. 50

ABV

5.4%

IBU

An unfiltered kettle sour, dry-hopped with Equinox. Expect citrus, tropical, fruit and floral aromas.

RICHMOND DELTA

FOUR WINDS BREWING

4 - 7355 72nd St. | FourWindsBrewing.ca DAILY 11AM-7PM EST. 2013

Best brewery in Canada (2015), best beer in Canada (2016), and their effortlessly cool lounge has best tacos in Delta (probably).

SOUR WEISSE

JUXTAPOSE WILD IPA

BERLINER WEISSE

W I L D I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

3.5%

IBU

Bright, tart, effervescent, with lemon and mineral notes. A lovely warm weather beer.

ABV

6.5%

IBU

Bursting with tropical fruit and grounded by some subtle brett funk. Worth paying attention to every sip.

SURREY

CENTRAL CITY BREWERS + DISTILLERS

11411 Bridgeview Dr. | CentralCityBrewing.com MON-FRI 11AM-9PM ^SAT-SUN 10AM-9PM EST. 2003

For Canada’s 150th b-day, Central City teamed up with 12 breweries across the country for their patriotic “Across the Nation Collaboration.”

LEFT OF THE DIVIDE IPA

UPPER REACHES PALE ALE

H O P H A S H I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal

S P R U C E T I P & P E A C H PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.0%

IBU

Teaming up with Four Winds, expect intense hop tones and tropical fruit flavour.

ABV

6.0%

IBU

Ontario White Spruce tips and peach juice are used in this collaboration with Beau’s Brewing. 51

SURREY

RUSSELL BREWING CO.

202 - 13018 80th Ave. | RussellBeer.com DAILY 7AM-2:30PM EST. 1995

Russell has a big, diverse beer lineup, including several award winners and some really unusual beers. Now, if only that tasting room could open soon...

PUNCH BOWL GRAPEFRUIT IPA

WHITE RABBIT LEMON RAZ RADLER

I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal

RADLER Availability: Small batch

ABV

6.5%

IBU

The addition of grapefruit adds another dimension of citrus to this tropical hop bomb.

ABV

3.5%

IBU

Add lemons and raspberries to Russell’s White Rabbit Hoppy Hefeweizen. Result? Taste and see!

SURREY

WHITE ROCK BREWING

13 - 3033 King George Blvd. | WhiteRockBrewing.ca MON-SAT 11:30AM-7PM ^ SUN 11:30AM-5PM EST. 2015 White Rock by name, South Surrey by geography. There’s a loyal following from both sides for this brewery, which is beginning to stretch itself creatively.

PROHIBITION IPA

OCEAN LAGER

I N D I A PA L E A L E

LAGER

Availability: Seasonal ABV

7.0%

IBU

A huge IPA that’s a playground for Citra, Galaxy and Mosaic hops, with juicy citrus and tropical notes. 52

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Saaz and Hallertau hops round out this crisp, refreshing lager.

WHITE ROCK

WHITE ROCK BEACH BEER CO.

15181 Russell Ave. | WhiteRockBeachBeer.com WED-THU 4-8PM ^ FRI 4-9PM^SAT 12-8PM SUN 10AM-5PM EST. 2014 Expanded hours and a recent expansion to a new 1,800L brew system are sure signs things are getting serious at this White Rock brewery.

OXFORD HILL

PIER

HEFEWEIZEN

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.0%

IBU

Notes of honey, orange and banana makes this hefe a refreshing summer sipper.

ABV

6.0%

IBU

Cascade, Magnum and Centennial provide the bite dedicated hopheads are looking for.

THE BREWER’S CANDY STORE Homebrewers can shop where the professionals shop!

6908 Palm Ave, Burnaby 604-473-9463 • Toll Free 1-888-554-7273 bosagrape.com 53

PITT MEADOWS

FOAMERS’ FOLLY BREWING CO.

19221 122A Ave. | FoamersFolly.ca

SUN-THU 11AM-11PM ^ FRI-SAT 11AM-12:30AM EST. 2015 With 20 taps pouring their award-winning craft beers, there’s always something new and creative on offer at Foamer’s Folly. The tasting room is easily the coolest place in Pitt Meadows, with live music, trivia nights, yummy snacks, and, of course, lots and lots of beer.

FOAMERS’ LAGER

JUICY DOUBLE DIPA

HELLES LAGER

D O U B L E I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Pale gold with bright clarity, this patio pounder has earthy hop aromas, bready malt body and a crisp finish.

HONEY JASMINE RADLER RADLER Availability: Seasonal ABV

3.5

IBU

This refreshing beer puts the rad in radler, balancing the tartness of the lemonade with honey sweetness.

Availability: Seasonal ABV

9.0

IBU

Strawberries and oodles of juicy hops come together in this unconventional, creamy double IPA.

ROSEMARY ISA INDIA SESSION ALE Availability: Seasonal44 ABV

4.5

IBU

Savory yet refreshing, this sessionable IPA balances citrus, pepper and herbal flavors with rosemary.

WHat’s in a name? Located right next to the CP rail lines and the West Coast Express station, Foamer’s Folly takes its name from the term “foamer”—a railway fanatic said to be so obsessed with trains that they are foaming at the mouth. The good folks at Foamer’s Folly have a similar obsession with beer, and have been picking up awards for their innovative brews left and right. 54

LOCALLY BREWED, HAND CRAFTED BEER

Brewery & Tap Room: 19221 122a Avenue, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2E9

Hours of Operation: Sun. – Thurs.: 11am—11pm Fri. & Sat.: 11am—12:30am

foamersfolly.ca  foamersfolly  foamersfolly

MAPLE RIDGE

MAPLE MEADOWS BREWING CO.

22775 Dewdney Trunk Rd. | MapleMeadowsBrewingCo.com TUE-THU 2-7PM ^FRI-SAT 12-8PM ^SUN 12-6PM EST. 2014 Now in its second year, Maple Meadows has settled into a dependable neighbourhood brewery serving unpretentious, solid, small-batch brews.

WHITE FERRET

WHITE IPA

BELGIAN WIT

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.2%

IBU

Beat the heat with this traditional Belgian Wit with fruity and spicy notes.

ABV

6.0%

IBU

This oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for the hopheads who want something refreshing but hoppy for summertime.

MAPLE RIDGE

RIDGE BREWING CO.

22826 Dewdney Trunk Rd. | RidgeBrewing.com MON-THU 2-7PM ^ FRI 2-8:30PM ^SAT 11AM-8:30PM SUN 11AM-5:30PM EST. 2015 Kitty-corner to Maple Meadows is this family-friendly brewery, a local favourite for its wide selection of beers and live music.

PRIDE

GREEN EYES WHITE

BERLINER WEISSE

E N G L I S H I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal ABV

3.6%

IBU

Tart and refreshing, with a big lemon flavour and a crisp finish. 56

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.6%

IBU

Brewed for the ardent hophead, but balanced with a strong malt backbone.

LANGLEY

KPU BREWING LAB

20901 Langley Bypass | KPU.ca/Brew WED 12-4PM ^ FRI 1-5PM EST. 2016

The pilot brewery for students of Kwantlenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brewing program is open to the public twice a week for tastings, growler fills and tours.

KPU OATMEAL STOUT

KPU WITBIER

S TO U T

WITBIER

Availability: Small batch

ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

This creamy stout has notes of caramel and chocolate with roasted coffee aromas.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

A traditional take on the Belgian-style unfiltered wheat beer, brewed with orange peel and coriander.

GrimmsFineFoods.com 57

BREWER

Photos by Jennifer Gauthier

BREWER The Homebrewer Edition by Rob Mangelsdorf

ver the course of the last few years, Brewer vs. Brewer has interviewed some of the best professional craft brewers in the province. But what about the thousands of homebrewers out there? Just because someone doesn’t get paid to make great beer for a living, doesn’t mean they can’t make great beer. In garages, basements, backyards and cramped apartment kitchens across B.C., some of the best craft beers you’ll never get a chance to taste are being created. Many of the professional brewers at places like Parallel 49 and Doan’s Craft Brewing Company started off making beer on their kitchen stove. In fact, close to 20 former members of the VanBrewers homebrew club are now working as professional brewers. We sat down with two well-known B.C. homebrewers to talk about what sparked their love for beer and how the homebrewing scene has changed as craft beer has exploded in popularity. Scott Butchart is president of VanBrewers, one of Canada’s most active homebrewing clubs with more than 250 paid-up members. Novia Chen is a two-time B.C. Beer Award Homebrewer of the Year and member of the Tri-Cities Homebrew Club. We got them together at Dan’s Homebrewing on East Hastings Street in Vancouver, where many a homebrew obsession has begun.

So the first homebrewers I’d ever met got me into homebrewing, and they just turned out to be mindblowingly good at it. - Scott Butchart GROWLER: So tell me about how you discovered the exciting world of homebrew? SCOTT BUTCHART: I got into homebrewing on a CAMRA [Campaign for Real Ale] bus trip to Mission Springs Brewery. Everybody was sampling the wares they had brought on to the bus and this guy and his girlfriend were sitting in front of me and they had a bottle of homebrewed tripel and the guy passed it back to me. I was like, what is this, where is this from? And he goes, I made it! I thought he was totally kidding. So I was like, how do you make this, it’s incredible! He invited me down to his house the next weekend and that’s when I started brewing. That was Graham [With] of Parallel 49 and Katy [Wright], she’s the sales rep now for Canada Malting. So the first homebrewers I’d ever met got me into homebrewing, and they just turned out to be mind-blowingly good at it. That was 2007, 2008? NOVIA CHEN: My partner Sho [Agawa] and I, we were both poor grad students and met in grad school in Ohio… and when we came to Vancouver five years ago, we looked around and we were just like, hmmm, there’s no more cheap beer anymore, like these 12-packs for seven dollars like in the US. So we started looking up homebrewing websites and we calculated we could make a bottle of beer for 30 cents, and it was good beer! Yeah, definitely saving money, pretty typical grad student experience. GROWLER: What was it about homebrewing that appealed to you? Why’d you stick with it? BUTCHART: For me it was like for most people, “Oh this is cheap!” Yeah, 30 cents a bottle, 20 litres for 20 bucks or whatever. So I kinda started out like that. Then once I got through a few batches, it really shifted for me. I started with all-grain right away, so you had control over what was happening, you could see how you were altering small things and that would change things down the road. It’s

SCOT T like cooking; you can make exactly what you’re looking for, with enough knowledge. And now, it’s just sort of what I do. Every week it’s like, OK, I’m going to make a beer, or a cider, or a hot sauce. Fermentation suddenly became a big part of my life. GROWLER: So, Novia, I imagine as a poor grad student you probably live in a tiny apartment. How do you manage to brew in such a small space? CHEN: Yeah, we started picking up brewing equipment here at Dan’s and we were doing five-gallon batches, but it was just too much to bottle. So we started doing three-gallon batches and that was much easier. Space-wise, we just make sure everything fits and is a wise decision to bring into the house. If I can give any advice to future homebrewers living in an apartment, be aware that you’ll need more space eventually, because you’re going to get greedy. We didn’t have a kegging system until recently, and I’m trying to limit us and not get a 20-pound CO2 tank, because we don’t have any space. BUTCHART: You’ll get one, though. It’s inevitable. GROWLER: Do you have one? BUTCHART: I have two! GROWLER: So Scott, you’ve been brewing since 2008 or so, a lot has happened in the craft beer scene in Vancouver since then. How has that impacted the homebrewing scene? BUTCHART: We noticed that there was a marked increase in interest in about 2009, 2010. There wasn’t a homebrew club in Vancouver before, so once people learned they could go somewhere

BUTCHART: They [B.C. Beer Awards organizers] ran it by me, and I was like, no, no, no, do NOT read that out! CHEN: What about you?

NOVIA If I can give any advice to future homebrewers living in an apartment, be aware that you’ll need more space eventually, because you’re going to get greedy. - Novia Chen and hang out and learn as a group and get critical feedback on their beers, a lot more people started coming out. And the increase of breweries has been crazy. We have, I think, 18 members and former members who are professional brewers now. Probably more than that, actually. It’s a pretty big list. CHEN: Do they still come back to participate? BUTCHART: Yeah, some of them do. The ones that have been brewing professionally for a while are obviously pretty busy, but then there’s people like Tak [Guenette, brewmaster at Gladstone Brewing in Courtenay] who brew all week at their job and brew at home four days a week, too. But yeah, the affect has been pretty huge, it’s increased the knowledge base for our brewers, there’s way more beer styles available and interesting things coming out all the time, so people go, “That’s awesome, I want to make that!” GROWLER: Do you spend a lot of time coming up with names for your beers? CHEN: At the B.C. Beer Awards, our mild ale, Sho named it “Pubic Secrets,” and they never announced the name. They made the right choice.

BUTCHART: No, mine are like, Scott’s Brown Ale, Scott’s IPA, that kind of thing. Actually, we have a competition coming up and there’s like 350 entries, and I absolutely hate judging IPAs, so I decided to brew one so I don’t have to judge them. I’m calling it Six Dollars of Happiness. It cost me six bucks to brew it, but I’m out, so it’s perfect. GROWLER: Do you guys harbour any ambitions to go pro? BUTCHART: Short answer, no. I think I like it being my hobby. I like having control over it and I’m not making anything for anybody else. I can make a foreign export stout that’s pretty bitter if I want to. I love it, but it would never sell. Also, I have a day job that I’m compensated well for. CHEN: You spend a lot of time judging and organizing events, don’t you? Does that eat up a lot of your time? BUTCHART: It does! I probably put in, like, 20 hours a month into the club. It used to be a LOT more, but now I have people I can hand stuff off to. I guess it’s a bit more than a hobby. Judging our competitions is a big part of that. Actually, I think anybody that’s a homebrewer should really look at getting certified as a beer judge. It just increases your knowledge so much. That’s how my beer got better, just by doing the [Beer Judge Certification Program]. People come to our homebrew meetings and there’s maybe 40 people there, and 12 of them are beer judges. So people walk around the room and are like, “Hey, what’s wrong with my beer?” and they go “Oh, I’ll tell you!” CHEN: For me, it’s important to finish my PhD. But there’s always that possibility to switch gears from amateur to professional for a lot of homebrewers. GROWLER: So if someone is looking to get into homebrewing, where should they start? CHEN: Reading helps. That will teach you some of the basics. Places like Barley’s Homebrewing [in New Westminster], Beyond The Grape [in Port Moody], Dan’s Homebrewing, they all provide great help. Yeah, it can be a bit intimidating at first, but they really want to help you. So don’t be afraid to ask questions and just start brewing! j

LANGLEY

TRADING POST BREWING

107 - 20120 64th Ave. | TradingPostBrewing.com SUN-WED 12-9PM ^ THU-SAT 12-11PM EST. 2015

Trading Post’s popularity is proof the Valley has a thirst for craft beer. That’s not even factoring in their even more popular taphouse in Fort Langley.

RASPBERRY WHEAT ALE 12

The high carbonation and careful balance of tart and sweet make this beer almost effortless to drink.

ABV

6.6%

IBU

This IPA/witbier crossover results in a super-fruity creation with gentle spice and a complex malt base.

IBU

341

7.5%

Availability: Seasonal

52-

ABV

W H I T E I N D I A PA L E A L E

W W W . S U M M I T P R I N T. C A | 6 0 4 5

F R U I T W H E AT B E E R Availability: Seasonal

WHITE IPA

CRAFT

BEER LABEL SPECIALISTS

ALDERGROVE

DEAD FROG BREWERY

1 - 27272 Gloucester Way | DeadFrog.ca MON-FRI 10AM-5PM ^ SAT 12-4PM EST. 2005

Dead Frog has been ahead of the curve for so long that it’s become an old timer in the Valley beer scene, but they still know how to innovate.

BLUEBERRY BLAST

GREEN MAGIC IPA

KETTLE SOUR

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.9%

IBU

Dry and crisp with a citrus tartness and blueberry sweetness. Destined to be a summer smash.

ABV

6.0%

IBU

A full-flavoured, classic West Coast IPA with aromas and flavours of pine and tropical and citrus fruits.

ABBOTSFORD

FIELD HOUSE BREWING CO.

2281 West Railway St. | FieldHouseBrewing.com

TUE-THU 12-10PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-11PM ^ SUN 12-10PM EST. 2016 A new kitchen serving pizza, tacos and other snacks alongside Field House’s dynamic and eclectic beer list makes this a perfect summer hangout.

BARREL AGED WILD SAISON SAISON Availability: One-off ABV

6.5%

IBU

Aged for 10 months in wild cider barrels that once aged American whisky. Funky! 62

LIGHT SOUR SOUR ALE Availability: One-off ABV

5.0%

IBU

This tart and crisp beer is soured with lactobacillus and brewed with kiwi and local rhubarb.

ABBOTSFORD

OLD ABBEY ALES

1A - 30321 Fraser Hwy. | OldAbbeyAles.com DAILY 11AM-8PM EST. 2015 Old Abbey has been taking a West Coast approach to its beer styles under brewer Steve Black. With 20 beers on tap, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always something new.

DANK TANK IPA2

ALTERNATIVE ZEN

D O U B L E I N D I A PA L E A L E

I N D I A PA L E L A G E R

Availability: One-off

Availability: Year-round

ABV

9.0%

IBU

Fruit and pine aromas and double-hopped for double the dankess.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A medium gold, cloudy, unfiltered lager with bigtime citrus aroma and flavour.

Angus burgers, gluten free hot dogs made from premium meat and spices, & award-winning sausages, all handcrafted by our butcher team. Much like craft beer, we believe that our locally raised, gourmet meats are

leppfarmmarket.com 33955 Clayburn Rd. 604.851.5377 Abbotsford, BC

ABBOTSFORD

RAVENS BREWING CO.

2485 Townline Rd. | Ravens.beer

TUE-THU 12-7PM ^ FRI 2-8PM ^ SAT 12-8PM SUN 12-6PM EST. 2015 The Fraser Valley is in every glass of Ravens’ beer, thanks to Abbotsford-grown hops and fruit. Going local never tasted so good!

RASPBERRY HEFEWEIZEN

SUMAS MOUNTAIN LAGER

HEFEWEIZEN Availability: Seasonal

LAGER Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This tart and refreshing wheat ale gets is bright pink colour from 400 pounds of Abbotsford raspberries.

ABV

4.8%

IBU

Sterling hops and Canadian malt make this flavourful lawnmower lager mellow, crisp and clean.

MISSION

MISSION SPRINGS BREWING COMPANY

7160 Oliver St. | MissionSprings.ca

SUN-THU 11AM-11PM ^ FRI-SAT 11AM-12AM EST. 1996 A funky brewpub with a ton of charm and it’s got beers to match. If you can’t make it to Mission, be on the lookout for its cans and bottles.

BLUE COLLAR PALE ALE

LEMON GINGER RADLER

PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

RADLER Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.3%

IBU

This full-bodied pale ale gets straight down to business, brewed with Noble hops imported from England. 64

ABV

3.0%

IBU

Blended with organic California lemons and a ginger root infusion.

CHI C HIL L LII WA C K Chilliwack Hop Farms—Bringing world-class hops back to British Columbia! For over a hundred years, Chilliwack produced some of the best hops in the entire British Commonwealth. We are proud to play our part in rebuilding that legacy right back here where it belongs—in Chilliwack, BC. We are now over 300 acres and growing! We carry over 120 varieties of hops that we ship out daily to over 15 countries. We love growing hops. You love brewing with great hops. Contact us—we’re here to help.

CHILLIWACK HOP FARMS 6575 Unsworth Rd., Chilliwack, B.C. 604-614-1764 • sales@chilliwackhopfarms.com www.chilliwackhopfarms.com

CHILLIWACK

CHAOS & SOLACE CRAFT BREWING CO.

1 - 9360 Mill St. | ChaosAndSolace.com DAILY 11AM-7PM EST. 2016

Calvin Quaiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcoming brewery in downtown Chilliwack has up to a dozen beers pouring at any given time, spanning a wide range of styles.

FIVE CORNERS IPA

ALL SAPPERS ESB

I N D I A PA L E A L E

EXTRA SPECIAL BITTER

Availability: Year-round

ABV

6.0%

IBU

A citrus hop-forward West Coast IPA that maintains a pleasant, chewy malt character.

ABV

5.6%

IBU

A classic bitter, featuring a full-bodied malt profile, given a West Coast boost with Cascade hops.

CHILLIWACK

OLD YALE BREWING CO.

404 - 44550 South Sumas Rd. | OldYaleBrewing.com TUE-SUN 11AM-7PM EST. 1999 Award-winning Old Yale Brewing is kicking off summer with four unique Canadian themed beers and a stable of seasonal classics.

VANISHING MONK BELGIAN WITBIER

MOON DANCE MANGO WHEAT

WITBIER Availability: Seasonal

W H E AT A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This witbier is all fruit and spice and everything nice with coriander and two different types of orange peel. 66

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Any night is a marvelous night for this unfiltered American wheat beer made with mango puree.

SQUAMISH

A-FRAME BREWING CO.

38927 Queens Way | AFrameBrewing.com WED-THU 2-8PM ^ FRI 2-9PM ^ SAT 12-9PM SUN 12-6PM EST. 2016 A-Frame’s cabin-chic lounge is a cosy, well designed space—featuring well designed beer—that’s set up nicely for après ski, après bike and après work.

SHUSWAP LAKE IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E

TROUT LAKE SINGLE-HOP ESB

Availability: Year-round

EXTRA SPECIAL BITTER Availability: Year-round

ABV

6.5%

IBU

A rugged, robust IPA dry-hopped with Centennial for even more floral and pine aromas.

ABV

5.5%

IBU

This English-style bitter gets its tropical- and citrusfruit lilt from the bold El Dorado hop.

SQUAMISH

BACKCOUNTRY BREWING

#405-1201 Commercial Way | BackcountryBrewing.com TUE-WED 3-10PM ^ THU 3-11PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-11PM SUN 12-10PM EST. 2017 Woodsy outdoor camping vibes—and a cabin!—await inside this unassuming Squamish industrial building. Plan a hike here soon.

TRAILBREAKER PALE ALE PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Refreshing and light profile with a big, citrus hoppy finish of Citra, Simcoe and Chinook.

WIDOW MAKER IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

6.7%

IBU

A cloudy East Coast-style hop explosion, bursting with juicy Citra and Mosiac goodness. 67

Find FUNNY PEOPLE & BEER Here

VANCOUVER’S BEST STAND UP COMEDY! Every Tuesday-Saturday – 2837 Cambie St. (@12th) yukyuks.com/vancouver • @yukyuksvan

MORE TO EXPERIENCE

TOURS & TASTINGS

4pm Wednesday Through Sunday 1045 Millar Creek Rd. Whistler, BC

LIVE MUSIC

Every Friday 6 to 9 pm Onsite Store and Growler Fills whistlerbeer.com

SQUAMISH

HOWE SOUND BREWING CO.

37801 Cleveland Ave. | HoweSound.com DAILY 11AM-12AM EST. 1996

Howe Sound is the respected elder of Squamish’s craft beer scene. If you’re planning a visit, the brewpub has an inn with comfy, affordable rooms.

KING HEFFY

SKY PILOT

IMPERIAL HEFEWEIZEN

N O RT H W E S T PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

7.7%

IBU

Cloudy with a big banana, clove and vanilla character, this is the king of wheat beers!

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Brewed to honour the Sea-to-Sky Gondola that ascends the Stawamus Chief. Available in cans soon.

WHISTLER

COAST MOUNTAIN BREWING CO.

Unit 2 1212 Alpha Lake Rd. | CoastMountainBeer.ca MON-WED 12-10PM ^ THU-SAT 11-12AM ^ SUN 11AM10PM EST. 2016 This family-run brewery will turn one year old at the end of summer, but it already has a strong following. Delicious beer has a tendency to do that!

SUNNY DAZE N O RT H E A S T I N D I A PA L E A L E

ALPENGLOW BLOOD ORANGE SOUR

Availability: Seasonal

SOUR ALE Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.0%

IBU

Lots of late, juicy hops + oats, wheat and barley = cloudy deliciousness. 70

ABV

4.0%

IBU

Pink, tart and delicious. Only available at the brewery in Whistler.

WHISTLER

WHISTLER BREWING CO. 1045 Millar Creek Rd. | WhistlerBeer.com

WED-THU 1-8PM ^ FRI 1-10PM ^ SAT-SUN 1-8PM EST. 1989 Whistler is proving its recent makeover is much more than skin deep, with an expanded lineup of core beers and exciting seasonal offerings.

DOS ESQUELETOS

JUNIPER KÖLSCH

MEXICAN LAGER

KO L S C H

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This crisp Mexican lager is lightly hopped and aged on tequila barrel staves. ¡Muy delicioso!

ABV

4.6%

IBU

Smooth, clean and well balanced, this lagered ale is gently hopped and flavoured with fresh juniper.

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UNION MADE THIS BEER IS

by Jan Zeschky

any unusual things happened in 2016. Trump. Brexit. Grown adults hunting Pokemon in the park. And on Salt Spring Island that July, the eight employees of the local brewery voted to join the Brewery, Distillery and Winery Union Local 300. It was a rare bit of bright news for organized labour, at a time when the power of unions appears to be at a low ebb. Breweries and unions have long been a good fit: a pairing of the traditional working man’s drink and the working man’s champion. When brewery workers began organizing in the factories of the late 19th century, owners were keen to play up a union affiliation, says Mark Thompson, professor emeritus in industrial relations at the University of B.C.’s Sauder School of Business.

“As a way of showing sympathy for their customers these companies tended to be unionized but took pride in having good relations with their union,” Thompson says. “It was rare to find a brewery that was really hostile to labour organizations.” But these days, the “Union Made” label emblazoned on bottles and cans—once a proud symbol of the might of North America’s labour organizations—has all but faded from sight. The percentage of workers in Canada that are unionized has fallen from a peak of 36.8 per cent in 1982 to 26.4 per cent in 2014, according to the OECD. In the United States that figure slumped dramatically over that time, from 20.5 per cent to 10.7 per cent. Many of the provisions unions fought for—like worker’s compensation, employment standards, and statutory holidays—are now included in labour law, benefitting all workers, unionized or not. With the major battles fought and won, many of today’s unions are struggling to remain relevant. Organized workplaces have also come under threat from union-busting political policies, cheap imports and consolidation leading to merger upon merger. The brewing industry offers some notable examples, particularly AB-InBev and its Borg-like quest to assimilate breweries and spit out staff. As for the craft breweries, well, they haven’t shown any interest in organized labour—which is why the case of Salt Spring Island Ales is so curious. There are several reasons for craft’s resistance.

Breweries and unions have long been a good fit: a pairing of the traditional working man’s drink and the working man’s champion. For the most part it’s due to size and youth. New breweries generally start with just a handful of staff —usually including the owner(s)—who are mostly focused on getting the business established, even if it requires 90-hour work weeks. It means craft breweries attract a certain type of employee for whom the business and its product is just as important as the wage. When the owners share those values and are on hand to address any issues, it makes for a workplace where unions simply aren’t needed. “Definitely here, the staff have access to their management. People talk, they communicate, they don’t need an intermediary communicating for them,” says Ben Coli, who employs 15 people at Dageraad Brewing in Burnaby. “We have an incredibly motivated staff. People work here because of the love of the beer. They work here because they want to be here. It’s not like they feel like they’re being oppressed in this job.” It’s when breweries expand that disharmony can arise. Shift hours can get longer, earlier or later, as production and packaging ramp up. “It may be a cause or a labour of love to some people, but after a while it can get a little thin,” Thompson says. “When the owner sees it as a cause and the employees see it as a job, that’s where a union comes in and says we’ve got to marry these two concepts. You can be a cause but you don’t have to work your ass off and you can have a life like everybody else.” Friction over work shifts was a big reason why 20 employees at Parallel 49 Brewing Company in Vancouver held a vote in 2014 over joining the Brewery, Winery and Distillery Workers’ Union Local 300, according to union president Brad Dahl.

Definitely here, the staff have access to their management. People talk, they communicate, they don’t need an intermediary communicating for them. - Ben Coli, Dageraad Brewing

Low wages can compound scheduling problems, adds Dahl, whose union represents workers at Granville Island Brewing, Molson Coors, Okanagan Spring Brewery and Pacific Western Brewing. Ultimately, Parallel 49 staff voted against joining the union. Health and safety is another important part of the union picture. Any brewery, no matter the size, is a potentially dangerous environment. Staff handle boiling liquids, caustic chemicals, pressurized containers, moving machinery, and can work in confined spaces. There have been some horror stories over the years. An employee at Stone Brewing Co. in California was killed in a forklift rollover in 2014. Two years earlier, a Redhook Brewery employee in Maine was fatally wounded by an exploding plastic keg. In 2013, seven workers died in a confined space accident at the Corona Brewery in Mexico City. Kettle boilovers have caused terrible burn injuries. There have been no recorded fatalities in B.C. breweries in recent history, but there have been many accidents. From 2012 to 2016 inclusive, WorkSafeBC recorded more than 370 injuries in the alcoholic drink manufacturing sector (excluding wineries) that resulted in short-term or long-term disability. Unions can help with a structured health and safety training program, Dahl says, while staff have a platform on which they feel they can confidently raise any concerns about their working conditions.

Of course, union influence comes at a cost to a brewery, in, for example, higher wages, possibly shorter shifts and additional safety equipment. The fear is that such costs could cripple a business, particularly a smaller one. But that’s a common misconception, Dahl says. “You obviously want to give them every opportunity to grow. You’d never want to put a company under,” Dahl says. “Every time we bargain we always balance on how the company’s doing and what they can afford to pay.” After Salt Spring Island Ales signed on to Local 300, the owners agreed to raise wages and invest in new equipment. An expansion to the brewery was completed in January. Recent job postings for brewery staff list the wage for a tasting room sales associate as $13.50 per hour plus tips – almost 25 per cent more than the current minimum wage of $10.85. Staff, management and ownership at Salt Spring Island Ales wouldn’t state on the record what led to the small brewery’s unionization. Several other breweries contacted for this article, including Parallel 49, declined to comment. Clearly, the subject of unions in breweries is a touchy one. The B.C. Craft Brewers Guild also declined to comment, saying it couldn’t present an umbrella statement on the various human-resources policies of its 90-plus members. Interestingly, Salt Spring Island Ales may not be a unique case for long. Dahl says his union has been approached by staff from a “few” other B.C. breweries. However, going by the usual bellwether for Canadian craft beer – our neighbours to the south – the union picture doesn’t look so rosy. Despite having almost 10 times the number of breweries, the only unionized craft brewery in the country appears to be Mendocino Brewing in California. j

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legend 1 kulshan brewing 4 Wander Brewing 2 Kulshan Brewing (K2) 5 Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen 3 Aslan Brewing 2238 James Street | 360.389.5348 kulshanbrewery.com

1807 Dean Avenue | 360.647.6152 wanderbrewing.com

1538 Kentucky Street | 360.389.5348 kulshanbrewery.com

601 W Holly Street | 360.752.3377 chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com

1330 N Forest Street | 360.778.2088 aslanbrewing.com

GIBSONS

GIBSONS TAPWORKS

537 Cruice Lane | GibsonsTapworks.com

SUN - THURS 12-10PM ^ FRI-SAT 12PM-12AM EST. 2016 The second brewery on the Lower Sunshine Coast, Gibsons Tapworks’ tasting room is a community hub where locals meet to connect.

ONE SAILING WAIT

LOWER G

I N D I A PA L E A L E

B R OW N A L E

Availability: Year-Round

Availability: Year-round

ABV

6.9%

IBU

A hoppy, citrus-forward IPA that might just make you want to miss the next ferry.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This smooth and malty brown ale showcases chocolate, coffee and caramel notes.

GIBSONS

PERSEPHONE BREWING CO.

1053 Stewart Rd. | PersephoneBrewing.com DAILY 11AM-7PM EST. 2013

Despite the looming threat of eviction over its use of farmland, Persephone continues to raise the bar for quality beer.

KELLER PILSNER

MULTIGRAIN SAISON

GERMAN PILSNER

SAISON

Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

You know it’s summer when this sublime, grainy, apple- and herb-accented pilsner hits the shelves. 76

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.0%

IBU

Barley, wheat, rye, oats, corn and rice build the body, while saison yeast delivers orchard fruit and spice.

POWELL RIVER

TOWNSITE BREWING

5824 Ash Ave. | TownsiteBrewing.com

SUN-WED 11AM-8PM ^ THU-SAT 11AM-9PM EST. 2012 This gem of a brewery celebrated its fifth birthday with a recently expanded tasting room. It may be hard to get to, but it’s definitely worth the trip.

7800 SAISON SAISON

BLACKBERRY FESTIVALE

Availability: Seasonal

W H E AT A L E Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.5%

IBU

ABV

Brewmaster Cédric Dauchot takes us back to his Southern Belgian homeland with this classic saison.

5.5%

IBU

A seasonal salute to Powell River’s favourite fruit, the humble and ubiquitous blackberry.

CÉDRIC AND SCOTT PRESENT:

A SERIES OF WILD ALES

DID YOU KNOW? There are 4 types of fermentation: top, bottom, wild, & spontaneous. Visit our ÉCONOMUSÉE® in the tasting room to find out more. f

townsitebrewing

@townsitebrewing

5824 Ash Avenue

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BREW PUBS

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Bard & Banker The Churchill The Drake Eatery Garrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head

Driftwood Hoyne Lighthouse Moon Under Water

BREWERIES

SKINNE R ST

01 02 03 04

14 15 16 17

STORE ST

15 11 10

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FORT

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VICTORIA

CANOE BREWPUB

450 Swift St. | CanoeBrewpub.com DAILY 11:30AM-LATE EST. 2002

Most of the talk about Canoe centres on the amazing patio, which must exasperate the brewers and chefs who clearly put great care into their work.

CANOE WHITE IPA

CANOE HELLES

W H I T E I N D I A PA L E A L E

HELLES LAGER

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.8%

IBU

Crisp and slightly tart, with a palette of flavours from coriander, orange peel and Galaxy hops.

For F or the or the th he Body Bod ody od dy Music Food Fo

ABV

4.8%

IBU

OK, we’ll mention the patio, but only because this subtle, delicious lager demands to be drank on it.

For Fo or the the th he Soul Sou So oul ul For

Drink

For Fo or the the th he Spirit Spi Sp piririritit For

PENNY FARTHING 250-370-9008 | PennyFarthingPub.com | 2232 Oak Bay Ave 79

VICTORIA

DRIFTWOOD BREWERY

450 Hillside Ave. | DriftwoodBeer.com MON-SAT 11AM-6PM EST. 2008

For nearly 10 years, Driftwood has been one of the leaders of B.C.’s craft beer revolution. As they look to their second decade, they continue to innovate.

CRY ME A RIVER

ENTANGLED

GOSE

HOPFENWEISSE

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This salted wheat ale is dry, tart, citrusy and deliciously refreshing.

ABV

7.0%

IBU

Clove and banana ester aromas from hefeweizen yeast are complemented by tropical Mosaic hops.

VICTORIA

HOYNE BREWING CO.

101-2740 Bridge St. | HoyneBrewing.ca MON-FRI 12-6PM ^ SAT 11AM-6PM EST. 2011

Sean Hoyne has a strong following thanks to nearly 30 years in the beer biz. The brewery gives back plenty, supporting many local events and charities.

VIENNA AMBER LAGER AMBER LAGER Availability: Year-round ABV

5.3%

IBU

N/A

Previously named Off the Grid, this is the same, great recipe. Smooth, creamy and delicious. 80

CARTE BLANCHE W H I T E I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: One-off ABV

6.0%

IBU

N/A

This fruity, spicy beer is the first “Young Lions” release from Sean Hoyne’s brewing team.

VICTORIA

MOON UNDER WATER BREWERY

350B Bay St. | MoonUnderWater.ca

SAT-THU 11:30AM-11PM ^ FRI 11:30AM-12AM EST. 2012 The Moon is packed with folks who like to eat, drink and have fun. Brewer Clay Potter keeps the taps flowing with top-notch beer whatever the style.

THIS IS HEFEWEIZEN HEFEWEIZEN

LIGHTSIDE OF THE MOON

Availability: Seasonal

LAGER Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.5%

IBU

Brewed exactly as in Germany with Bavarian yeast (hefe) and 70% wheat malts (weizen).

ABV

4.2%

IBU

The perfect summertime sipper, this beer is made with rice malts and zesty orange peel.

Local.Beer.Here.

Breakfast 8am daily happy hour 3-6 777 courtney st victoria bc smithspub.com

Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner ~ Late Night 1 0 2 2 G OV E R N M E N T ST 25 0. 9 5 3 . 9 9 9 3

B AR DAN D B AN K ER .C O M

VICTORIA

PHILLIPS BREWING & MALTING CO. 2010 Government St. | PhillipsBeer.com

MON 10AM-5PM ^ TUE-THU 10AM-6PM FRI 10AM-7PM ^ SAT 11AM-6PM EST. 2001 Phillips has come along way since it first opened 16 years ago in nearby Esquimalt. New for this year: a 42-seat tasting room opening soon!

DINOSOUR BLACKBERRY SOUR ALE

HOPERATION TRIPEL CROSS

SOUR Availability: Seasonal

B E L G I A N I PA Availability: Seasonal

ABV

4.2%

IBU

This beast is packed with a delightfully tart bite. Lacto-soured to balance the blackberry sweetness.

ABV

7.3%

IBU

This IPA slams hop first into a classic Belgian yeast to create a superfortress of flavour.

VICTORIA

SPINNAKERS BREWPUB

308 Catharine St. | Spinnakers.com DAILY 8AM-11PM EST. 1984

Even better since the post-fire renovation, Canada’s original brewpub should be at the top of any beer lover’s bucket list.

RED FIFE HEFEWEIZEN HEFEWEIZEN Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.5%

IBU

RASPBERRY LAGER FRUIT LAGER

Light and refreshing, this cloudy wheat beer is made with Canadian red fife wheat. 82

Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.5%

IBU

Brewed with locally grown raspberries and packaged in four-packs of tall cans for the summer.

VICTORIA

SWANS BREWPUB

506 Pandora Ave. | SwansHotel.com

MON-FRI 11AM-LATE ^ SAT-SUN 10AM-LATE EST. 1989 It may be a grand old dame of B.C. craft beer, but Swans is starting to show a youthful playfulness with ever more daring styles.

PITCH BLACK CHAMOMILE PILSNER

SWEET BROWN WHEAT

BLACK PILSNER Availability: Year-round

B R OW N P O RT E R Availability: One-off

ABV

5.6%

IBU

More proof, if needed, that dark beer can be light and refreshing and great for summer.

ABV

5.6%

IBU

N/A

A browner hue of porter containing a good proportion of wheat, making for a grainy, roasty brew.

VICTORIA

VANCOUVER ISLAND BREWERY

2330 Government St. | VanIslandBrewery.com TUES-THU 11AM-6PM ^ FRI-SAT 11AM-7PM EST. 1984 One of B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original microbreweries, VI has undergone a total overhaul of its brewery, brand and beer lineup. Perfect time to give it another try.

JUAN DE FUCA MEXICAN LAGER

SOMBRIO CITRUS SESSION ALE

Availability: Year-round

SESSION ALE Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.8%

IBU

Toasted corn flakes, Vienna malts and German malts help create a crushable Mexican-style lager.

ABV

4.0%

IBU

This crisp and refreshing beer, loaded with citrus-focused hops, is ideal camping/beach beer. 83

ESQUIMALT

LIGHTHOUSE BREWING CO.

2 - 836 Devonshire Rd. | LighthouseBrewing.com MON-TUE 9AM-4:30PM ^ WED-FRI 9AM-6PM SAT 11AM-6PM EST. 1998

It’s smooth sailing for Victoria’s quiet giant, which continues to roll out interesting seasonals to bolster its already impressive year-round selection.

CANADA 150

CITRUS SHORE

H E R I TA G E A L E

SESSION ALE

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.3%

IBU

A malt-forward birthday beer for the nation featuring maple syrup and hints of beechwood smoke.

ABV

4.6%

IBU

This patio pleaser quenches the thirst with a citrus flavour profile accentuated by Valencia orange peel.

VIEW ROYAL

4 MILE BREWING CO. 199 Island Highway | 4MileBrewingCo.com DAILY 11AM-11:30PM EST. 2014 Housed in a former brothel dating back to 1858, 4 Mile’s history may be sordid, but its beer is steadily earning it an upstanding reputation.

SUMMER WHEAT ALE

PALE ALE

A M E R I C A N W H E AT A L E

W E S T C OA S T PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

4.5%

IBU

This easy-drinking unfiltered wheat ale benefits from balanced hops for a smooth finish. 84

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.1%

IBU

British malts and West Coast hops combine to make this a citrusy, dry-hopped delight.

VICTORIA SAANICH

VICTORIA CALEDONIAN AND TWA DOGS BREWERY

761 Enterprise Cres. | VCaledonian.com DAILY 10AM-10PM EST. 2016

With brewer Dean McLeod crafting recipes inspired by a certain Scottish poet, every day here is like Robbie Burns Day.

MISTRESS OF MY SOUL SAISON

THE KEEKIN’ GLASS PILSNER

SAISON Availability: Year-round

PILSNER Availability: Year-round

ABV

6.0%

IBU

Spicy and fruity with a dry finish. Late-hopped to bring out citrus and stone notes.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A pils with more character than you might expect, with Pacifica and Motueka hops.

This is one Mistress everyone should have Guaranteed to make every relationship better Mistress is special. This steamy European Lady is spicy, fruity and dry only after you’re finished. BC and German grown malts are fermented with a unique blend of yeasts; The Mistress is then late hopped with New Zealand Motueka to ensure She is never bitter and never upset. The stone fruit and citrus of the hops weave together with her bubbly carbonation to bring out her sultry natural energy.

Twa Dogs Available in 6 packs in Liquor Stores and Growlers at our Tasting Room

761 Enterprise Crescent Victoria www.VCaledonian.com 85

SpiRited Business B.C. craft breweries get into the distilling scene by Rob Mangelsdorf

.C.’s craft beer revolution has produced many happy side effects. Obviously, there’s the incredible selection of craft beer that now exists in most liquor stores, that’s pretty rad. Craft beer has also made us all a little friendlier, I think. The local tasting room has become a social hub for many communities and neighbouhoods, and it’s a far less depressing place to enjoy a beer than many gloomy threadbare pubs and bars. Craft beer brings people together, and that’s a good thing!

Then there are the economic benefits: the province’s 130-plus craft breweries and brewpubs employ thousands of people, produce millions in sales and generate a metric shit-ton of tax dollars. All good things, I think we can agree.

Producing a distilled spirit requires much of the same equipment and raw materials as brewing beer, it turns out, so perhaps it’s not surprising so many breweries are getting in on the craft spirit boom. In the case of whisky, which is essentially distilled beer, malted barley is steeped in hot water (without boiling or adding hops) and then fermented to create a beer similar to a pale ale, called a “wash”, clocking in at about 8.0% ABV. The wash is then run through a still, usually two or three times, and then aged for at least three years in oak casks. Central City began distilling in 2013 and currently has more than 1,000 barrels of whisky maturing away in oak casks. It launched its first single malt whisky, Lohin McKinnon, earlier this year. Brewmaster and co-owner Gary Lohin says he first got the idea to get into distilling after travelling to Oregon and California and seeing breweries like Rogue and Ballast Point getting into spirits.

The craft beer revolution is also helping spur on the craft spirit scene, it turns out. Craft beer fans that have ventured down the gin, vodka, or whisky aisles at their local liquor store might have noticed some familiar brands. Central City, Phillips, Yaletown Brewing and Deep Cove Brewing have all gotten into the distilling business in recent years. Trench Brewing and Distilling in Prince George is set open this year, offering both craft beer and distilled spirits. Meanwhile, Victoria Caledonian, makers of Twa Dogs, opened for business last year with the goal of selling beer to British Columbians and single malt whisky to the world.

“I’ve been passionate about whisky for years, since the ’80s at least,” he says. “So when I saw other breweries doing this, it was a no-brainer for me. I mean, if you can’t have some fun, what’s the point?”

“The two products are very complimentary,” says Graeme Macaloney, founder of Victoria Caledonian. “So it made bang-on sense from a production perspective and from a marketing perspective.”

The market for craft-distilled spirits is largely the same as craft beer: the mature, financially comfortable craft beverage enthusiast (because that’s what we call people who like to drink now)

“We already have the set-up to make washes, so it made economic sense for us,” he says. But as much as it was about adding a second revenue stream, Lohin says he just really, really wanted to make some whisky.

Victoria Caledonian Brewery and Distillery is hoping to take on the world with their whiskies. Contributed photo

who has the disposable income to afford a unique premium product and appreciates the fact that it’s made here in B.C. “There’s a lot of overlap,” notes Macaloney. For a fledgling distillery intending to make whisky, there’s at least a three-year gap between the distillation of the first batch and when it’s bottled,

says Lohin. “We just keep making it and keep putting it away, because we can.” That said, Central City has both a vodka and a gin in their lineup. Victoria Caledonian, however, is opting to go “pure whisky.” In addition to their Twa Dogs craft beer line, they are also bottling “vatted” guest whiskies imported from Scotland (at least until their own whisky hits shelves in about two to three years).

“I think brewers are going to shake up the world of whisky. We can experiment and we have the luxury of being able to wait. - Gary Lohin sold, and the money starts coming in. Obviously, that’s a long time to go without revenue, which is why many start-up distilleries focus on gin, vodka and other un-aged spirits early on; they can be produced and sold right away, and that money will keep the lights on. Breweries don’t have to worry about that, of course, as they have beer to sell in the mean time. “We have a thousand barrels just waiting to go,”

Lohin believes craft brewers are helping to give the very traditional world of whisky and spirits a much-needed kick in the junk (my words, not his). Craft brewers are known for their penchant for experimentation, and Lohin, true to form, has a number of experimental whiskies on the go, incorporating non-traditional grain bills and maltings—including one whisky made with 40 per cent chocolate malt (that’s the roasted barley brewing malt, not the frozen dessert). “I think brewers are going to shake up the world of whisky,” he says. “We can experiment and we have the luxury of being able to wait.” j

CENT. SAANICH

CATEGORY 12 BREWING

Unit C - 2200 Keating Cross Rd. | Category12Beer.com TUE-SAT 12-6PM ^ SUN 12-4PM EST. 2014 C12’s beer list mixes Belgian-inspired ales and West Coast styles. Add some sours and a barrel-aging program and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

ELEMENTAL SERIES DRY-HOPPED SOUR BRETT SAISON Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

Soured with lacto and sacch trois, then dry-hopped with German hops bursting with summer fruits.

HIATUS FA R M H O U S E A L E Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

This Scandinavian-style farmhouse ale with cucumber and lemon is a super refreshing summer sipper.

LANGFORD VICTORIA

AXE AND BARREL BREWING CO.

2323 Millstream Ave. | AxeAndBarrel.com DAILY 11AM-7PM EST. 2015 Former Swans brewer Andrew Tessier keeps the taps flowing at this West Shore craft beer oasis. Try the amazing ribs in the restaurant next door.

HOPPY MOTHER PUCKER D RY H O P P E D S O U R A L E Availability: Seasonal ABV

3.5%

IBU

Tart and hoppy, this beer is perfect for a summer session on the patio. 88

KING KÖLSCH KO L S C H Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

This blonde, easy-drinking German ale is light and well balanced between malt and hops.

SOOKE

SOOKE OCEANSIDE BREWERY

1-5529 Sooke Rd. | SookeOceansideBrewing.com WED-SAT 11:30AM-8PM ^ SUN 11:30AM-5PM EST. 2016 The plan here is to start small and expand into a brewpub on the water in the future. An expansion this spring is the first step in that direction.

SALISH SEA

STUCK IN THE MUD

SAISON

C O F F E E P O RT E R

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Small batch

ABV

6.4%

IBU

This classic saison is fermented at warmer temperatures to encourage fruity, spicy flavours and aromas.

ABV

6.2%

IBU

Brewed with locally roasted Stick in the Mud coffee, this has a fresh coffee berry aroma.

SALT VICTORIA SPRING

SALT SPRING ISLAND ALES

270 Furness Rd. | SaltSpringIslandAles.com DAILY 12-5PM EST. 1998

A brewery that fully embraces its Gulf Island aesthetic, from its rustic farmhouse tasting room, to its locally sourced hops, honey and heather.

RYE BOCK

GOLDEN ALE

BOCK

GOLDEN ALE

Availability: Seasonal ABV

7.4%

IBU

Their debut lager is fruity, malty with mild hops. Watch out for that sneaky-high ABV.

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Bright and sessionable with a crisp, hop finish. A three-time Canadian Brewing Award winner. 89

MAYNE ISLAND

MAYNE ISLAND BREWING CO.

490 Fernhill Rd. | MayneIslandBrewingCo.com FRI-SAT 1-4PM EST. 2016 Mayne Island is beautiful, and its brewery makes delicious beer. This tiny brewery is only open Fridays and Saturdays so check before catching the ferry.

J-POD KOLSCH

DUTCH GIRL

KO L S C H

BLONDE ALE

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.6%

IBU

It doesn’t get much better than sipping this tasty beer on a Mayne Island beach!

ABV

6.0%

IBU

This Dutch-style blonde ale balances between malts and hops.

DUNCAN

RED ARROW BREWING CO.

5255 Chaster Rd. | RedArrowBeer.ca

SUN-THU 11AM-6PM ^ FRI 11AM-8PM ^ SAT 11AM-6PM EST. 2015 This gorgeous brewery is housed in a restored former motorcycle shop, and benefits from Duncan’s award-winning water.

HERITAGE RIVER HEFEWEIZEN HEFEWEIZEN Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.8%

IBU

Brewed with a traditional Weihenstephan yeast strain, this beer is full of satsuma orange and citrus. 90

PIGGY PALE ALE N O RT H W E S T PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Light body, mild earthy hop aroma and a dry refreshing finish.

CHEMAINUS

RIOT BREWING CO.

101A - 3055 Oak St. | RiotBrewing.com MON-THU 11AM-9PM ^ FRI-SUN 11AM-11PM EST. 2016 Riot is kid friendly, dog friendly and food friendly (you can bring your own or order in) with board games available and a patio with fire pit.

SORRY WE TOOK SO LONG

LIPSLIDE LAGER HELLES LAGER

SAISON Availability: Year-round ABV

4.2%

IBU

Availability: Year-round

Yes, Riot took a LONG time to open, but hey, this is one tasty Belgian saison.

ABV

4.8%

IBU

This delicious, stylistically true lager proves that hard work and taking your time wins out.

NANAIMO

LONGWOOD BREWERY

101A-2046 Boxwood Rd. | LongwoodBeer.com WED-FRI 2-6PM ^ SAT 12-5PM EST. 2013

Longwood uses local malts and hops in many of its beers. That local love extends to music, with the third annual Longwoodstock set for Aug. 11-12.

ISLAND TIME LAGER

BERRIED ALIVE

PILSNER

R A S P B E R RY A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

100% Vancouver Island-grown ingredients make this already tasty beer even more delicious.

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

This tart and tasty beer is brewed with B.C.grown raspberries. 91

NANAIMO

WHITE SAILS BREWING

125 Comox Rd. | WhiteSailsBrewing.com

MON-THU 3-10PM ^ FRI-SAT 12PM-12AM ^ SUN 10AM5PM EST. 2015 An anchor in their community, giving locals a great place to hang out and drink fresh brews. Looks for their “Local Eats” menu launching soon, too.

BRICKYARD BEACH RED CREAM ALE

MOUNT BENSON INDIA PALE ALE

RED CREAM ALE Availability: Seasonal

I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Medium-bodied with a light caramel grain. Finishes dry and clean with restrained hop bitterness.

ABV

7.0%

IBU

Hop aromas of grapefruit, pine and citrus, with a profile that’s nicely balanced.

NANAIMO

WOLF BREWING CO.

940 Old Victoria Rd. | WolfBrewingCompany.com SUN-MON 12-5PM ^ TUE-THU 12-6PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-7PM EST. 2010 This Wolf hunts down local producers for its beer as much as it can, as well as local artists for its vibrant labels.

GOLDEN HONEY ALE

INDIA PALE ALE

HONEY ALE

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

A crisp, satisfying ale with a depth of flavour thanks to local honey and B.C. malt. 92

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.0%

IBU

A marvelous melding of hop flavours, including citrus and tropical fruit, floral notes and pine.

PARKSVILLE

MOUNT ARROWSMITH BREWING CO.

109-425 East Stanford Ave. | ArrowsmithBrewing.com DAILY 11:30AM-7:30PM EST. 2016 Parksville is now on the B.C. beer map thanks to this recently opened, locally owned brewery named after the nearby peak that dominates the view west.

JAGGED FACE IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E

SALISH SEA PALE ALE

Availability: Year-round

PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

7.2%

IBU

A robust malt profile supports tropical fruit character from Amarillo, Centennial and Citra hops.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A complex grain bill makes this Mosaic- and Chinook-laced pale ale something to chew over.

QUALICUM

LOVESHACK LIBATIONS

#1-4134 Island Hwy. West | LoveShackLibations.com WED 5-9PM ^SAT 12-4PM EST. 2016 Small, yet welcoming, it’s like you’re sitting in owner Dave Paul’s garage as he pours you his finely crafted, bottle-conditioned beer.

CRAFTY CREAM ALE

DPA

CREAM ALE

DA R K I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Small batch ABV

5.5%

IBU

Pleasantly grainy and bready, with a hint of corn and a lick of spicy hops.

Availability: Small-batch ABV

6.2%

IBU

“Dave Paul Ale” has a chewy, toffeeish malt character balanced by a pine and citrus hop profile. 93

CUMBERLAND

CUMBERLAND BREWING CO.

2732 Dunsmuir Ave. | CumberlandBrewing.com SUN-WED 12-9PM ^ THU - SAT 12-10PM EST. 2014 There’s something about Cumberland Brewing that makes you never want to leave. If only every small town could be blessed with beer this good.

TROPICAL HOP

JUNGLE FOG

INDIA SESSION ALE

A M E R I C A N W H E AT A L E

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

4.0%

IBU

This sessionable IPA packs loads of tropical and citrus hop flavours despite its low ABV.

ABV

5.5%

IBU

Welcome to the jungle, baby! Juicy, tropical flavours abound in this New England-style wheat ale.

COURTENAY

FORBIDDEN BREWING CO.

1590 Cliffe Ave. | ForbiddenBrewing.com WED-SUN 12-10PM EST. 2015

This tasting room is only forbidden to those who don’t like fresh brews and having fun. Located in the Westerly Hotel, there’s live music and free pool.

INDIA PALE ALE

ORGANIC PILSNER

I N D I A PA L E A L E

PILSNER

Availability: Year-round ABV

7.0%

IBU

Tropical and citrus hoppy goodness, that’s equal parts bitter and refreshing. 94

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Clean and crisp brewed with organic pilsner malt and Saaz hops.

COURTENAY

GLADSTONE BREWING CO.

244 4th St. | GladstoneBrewing.ca DAILY 11AM-12AM EST. 2015

Under the able hand of brewmaster Tak Guenette, Gladstone has become a powerhouse in the burgeoning Mid-Island beer scene.

EVIL SPIRIT

GLADSTONE KOLSCH

BELGIAN GOLDEN STRONG

KO L S C H

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

8.5%

IBU

This fruity, peppery golden ale goes down way easier than its ABV suggests. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been warned!

ABV

4.9%

IBU

This bright beauty offers mild fruit and spice flavours before finishing pleasantly sweet.

CAMPBELL RIVER

BEACH FIRE BREWING

594 - 11th Ave. | BeachFireBrewing.ca TUE-SUN 11:30AM-8PM EST. 2016

Beach Fire has quickly earned a loyal following with its solid lineup of beers and some of the best brewery food anywhere.

PILSNER

HIGH TIDE PALE ALE

PILSNER

W E S T C OA S T PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.2%

IBU

Clean and crisp with a balanced hop bitterness and dry-hopped using a blend of German hops.

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.5%

IBU

An easy-drinking West Coast pale ale with big hop aroma and flavours of citrus and tropical fruit. 95

PORT ALBERNI

TWIN CITY BREWING CO.

4503 Margaret St. | TwinCityBrewing.ca TUE-THU 11:30AM-9PM ^ FRI - SAT 11:30AM-10PM SUN 11:30AM-9PM EST. 2017 Aaron Colyn’s three-year mission to open Twin City is complete and it was worth the wait. The lively tasting room offers great food and even better beer.

WHITE KNUCKLE

TICKITY BOO

GERMAN WEIZEN

B R I T I S H PA L E A L E

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.4%

IBU

Named for the terrifying ride of opening a brewery. An ester-laden, fruity weizen.

ABV

5.5%

IBU

Bob’s yer uncle! A solidly crafted strong bitter, with toffee malts balanced by earthy, spicy English hops.

TOFINO

TOFINO BREWING CO.

Units C & D, 681 Industrial Way | TofinoBrewingCo.com DAILY 11AM-9PM EST. 2011 Tofino is an amazing place to visit, but if you can’t make it out there in person, pick up one of their bottles or cans and go there in your mind.

TUFF SESSION ALE

TOFINO BLONDE

W E S T C OA S T PA L E A L E

BLONDE ALE

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

This copper-coloured ale is Tofino’s flagship beer: balanced, sessionable and delicious. 96

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.5%

IBU

The colour of this tawny ale is inspired by the wild cougars of Vancouver Island.

a m o c a T

und o S t e Pug p a storm h t u o gu yS Gritt is brewin town

by Michael Kissinger

eer makes people do strange and unexpected things. Things like spend a few soggy days and nights in Tacoma, Wash.

The enjoyably gritty port town on the South Puget Sound doesn’t attract the same volume of IBU-addicted tourists as Portland or Seattle, but the former stomping grounds of Neko Case, Gary Larson AND Bing Crosby holds its own as a craft beer destination. In fact, there are so many breweries, brew pubs, tap houses and mead halls—I may have made that last one up—the city’s barley ambassadors have devised a “South Sound Craft Crawl” to guide adventurous imbibers on their vision quests. And that is exactly what this ruggedly handsome dude and his special lady friend did on a recent fact-finding mission.

Lay of the land First things first. Where to stay? The peeps at Tourism Tacoma put us up at Hotel Murano, which is a pretty spiffy boutique hotel in the middle of downtown but with rates considerably lower than you’d find in Seattle or Portland. There other places to stay, of course, but this one seems the most happening. Plus it’s decorated with heaps of glass art… if you’re into that kind of thing. Because you should know: besides beer, Tacoma loves its blown glass. This is likely because the town is also the birthplace of internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, whose work can be found in the permanent collections of Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, the University of

Washington Tacoma campus, the courthouse and numerous public art displays – I wouldn’t even be surprised if there was a Taco Bell in Tacoma with an original Chihuly. He’s that beloved. It should also be said that Tacoma is a hilly city, but it’s definitely walkable. Taxis and Uber are also options. But the handiest form of transportation for craft beer tourists and local lushes to get around is the Tacoma Link Light Rail transit line, which connects the city’s Theater District and Tacoma Dome Station, with six stops and breweries-aplenty in between. And it’s free, which leaves you more money to spend on delicious beer. So it’s a win-win.

Fuel for thought As I’ve learned after many years of dedication and self-sacrifice, a day of beer-related research needs a solid foundation, so we headed over to Bluebeard Coffee in the beard-friendly enclave of Sixth Avenue to fuel up on caffeine and carbs. Nearby record stores, comic book shops, a doughnut maker, artisanal ice cream parlour, a bar that serves gourmet hotdogs and a greasy diner that proudly proclaims its support for LGBTQ rights indicates this one American neighbourhood that probably didn’t vote for Trump.

Cruising for a brewing We begin our Tacoma craft beer journey at the beginning—Harmon Brewing Company. Taking its name from the old furniture factory

building it inhabits, Tacoma’s flagship brewer launched in 1997 and now operates a number of facilities around town, including the Tap Room, the Harmon Restaurant and the family-friendly, bike-themed eatery Hub. Owner Pat Nagle acknowledges his hometown sometimes has a bit of a self-confidence problem, but it’s turning around. “For years, we were thought of as a joke,” he told us. “You know, ‘the aroma of Tacoma’ and all that. But it’s gotten a lot better.” And he’s right. Beer does make things better. And helping the Harmon cause is head brewer Jeff Carlson, an affable guy who likes scooters and, inexplicably, Quebec’s Unibroue, makers of La Fin Du Monde and Maudite. He also makes some damn fine beers, including the crisp and light-bodied Mt. Takhoma blonde, which nicely balances German pilsner malt with a touch of white wheat and Liberty hops. Then there’s his mind- and taste bud-boggling 11th St. IPA, a once-a-year brew that celebrates Tacoma’s 104-year-old-and-counting 11th Street Bridge with 15 varieties of hops and 115 IBUs of bitchin’ bitterness. Around the corner and up the hill from Harmon Restaurant, you’ll find 7 Seas Brewing. Puget Sound natives Travis Guterson and Mike Runion first set up shop in nearby Gig Harbor in 2009 and this summer took the wraps off 7 Seas’ downtown Tacoma outpost inside an 80,000-sq.ft. building that originally housed the legendary Heidelberg Brewery. The gleaming taproom—featuring custom wood tables and bars, a view of the

For years, we were thought of as a joke. You know, ‘the aroma of Tacoma’ and all that. But it’s gotten a lot better.

- Pat Nagle, Harman Brewing Company

brewing operations and two areas for independent vendors selling food and coffee—sports 48 taps pouring such delights as the unfortunately named Ballz Deep Double IPA, Red Rye Lager and pucker-worthy and personal fave Water Chopper Gose. The room really is a sight to behold with a playful selection of beers to match. Back down the hill and a block from the Tacoma Dome station – the last stop of the Link Light Rail line – Wingman Brewers is an outlier in every sense of the word. Its modest digs resemble a quirky uncle’s workshop garage, similar to Vancouver’s Storm Brewing, with a regular clientele who hunker down at the bar for a post-work pint or three. Although the customers might appear to be no-nonsense, Wingman’s lineup of beers isn’t afraid to veer off the beaten path, whether it’s the Miss-B-Haven Tripel, Peanut Butter Cup P-51 Porter or Kewl Hand Cuke cucumber saison. After Wingman, we hopped back on the free transit line and hightailed it to Odd Otter Brewing, based on name alone. The taproom has a neighbourhood pub feel, and operates like one, hosting everything from live music and karaoke to trivia and yoga. When we paid a visit, a veterans’ group was having a meetup to discuss post-service employment. Beer-wise, the offerings were just as wide-ranging: Glitter Bitter Grapefruit IPA, Poppa Otter’s Bacon Porter, Ottermelon Hefeweizen. Karaoke and otter-themed puns not your bag? Within staggering distance you’ll also find Pacific Brewing and Malting Co., Tacoma Brewing Company, Dystopian State Brewing Co. and Dunagan Brewing Company. Not surprisingly, food is a second thought for most of the breweries. So we ended our day of

craft beer cruising at the newly opened Rhein Haus. The massive Bavarian-themed beer hall and indoor bocce courts (which also has a location in Seattle) isn’t a craft brewery, but it does boast an extensive beer menu, featuring ample local content including the 7 Seas Gose, which we gladly reacquainted ourselves with. Most importantly, it serves a feast of booze-absorbing, hangover-preventing grub such as currywurst, schnitzel, bratwurst, frankfurters, pretzels, flammkuchen (German pizza) and about a dozen other things that sent my paleo diet back to the stone ages. Don’t judge me.

For those about to roca Of course there’s more to Tacoma than brewery hopping. In addition to the aforementioned Museum of Glass and Tacoma Art Museum, LeMay – America’s Car Museum is worth a visit. As a former Toyota Corolla station wagon owner, I was a little reticent about perusing more than 300 vehicles of all shapes, sizes, ages and cultural significance, but damned if I didn’t enjoy the two hours of car ogling. That could also have been because I was jacked to the gills on sugar from the nearby Almond Roca factory, and adjoining kiosk, which sells factory seconds at a considerable discount. Who knew Almond Roca was made in Tacoma? Not me. Then again, I didn’t know there was a thriving craft beer scene, either. j Note: The writer was a guest of Travel Tacoma. For more information, go to TravelTacoma.com.

THOM P S O N O K A NAGAN 05 5

SORRENTO

KAMLOOPS

TO W H I STL ER

SALMON ARM VERNON

97B

97A

VERNON

TO VANCOUVER

KELOWNA

97C

02 03 09 12 13

SUMMERLAND

01 04 08 11

PENTICTON 33 3

W 07

OLIVER

BREWERIES

01 Bad Tattoo 02 BNA 03 Boundary Brewing

04 Cannery 05 Crannóg Ales 06 Detonate

07 Firehall 08 Highway 97 09 Kettle River 10 Red Collar 11 Tin Whistle 12 Tree Brewing 13 Tree Brewing Beer Institute

BREW PUBS

14 Barley Mill 15 Barley Station 16 Freddy's 17 M arten Brewing 18 The Noble Pig

BRITISH COLUMBIA

KAMLOOPS

RED COLLAR BREWING CO.

355 Lansdowne St. | RedCollar.ca TUE-SAT 1-10PM ^ SUN 1-7PM EST. 2014

Look for the beers featured here in cans this summer. But to get the real, not fake, unimpeachable Red Collar experience you’ve gotta go there in person.

ALTERNATIVE FACTS H A Z Y I N D I A PA L E A L E

IMPEACHMENT TART & PEACHY WIT

Availability: Seasonal

S O U R E D W H E AT A L E Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.6%

IBU

Hops were added post-boil, resulting in zero IBUs but big citrus/pineapple flavours. Not fake news.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Give peach a chance. This lightly soured witbier fermented with peaches is oh-so crushable.

SORRENTO

CRANNóG ALES

706 Elson Rd. | CrannogAles.com DAILY 8:30AM-4:30PM EST. 2000

Crannóg is B.C.’s original farmhouse brewery and thankfully it’s been given a pass by the province to keep on making its fantastic organic beers.

INSURRECTION

POOKA CHERRY ALE

I N D I A PA L E A L E

C H E R RY A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.4%

IBU

Appropriately named given the brewery’s current situation, this is brewed with hops grown on the farm.

Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

This beer is only available at the brewery in early August after the cherry harvest. 101

VERNON

MARTEN BREWING CO.

2933A 30th Ave | MartenBrewpub.com

MON-THU 3PM-LATE ^ FRI 3PM-1AM ^ SAT 12AM-1AM SUN 12AM-LATE EST. 2014 This brewpub in the heart of Vernon has a solid beer lineup, excellent food and a beautiful space. They just started canning their beers, too.

BC BUD IPA

JEFE HEFE

I N D I A PA L E A L E

HEFEWEIZEN

Availability: Year-round

ABV

6.1%

IBU

A delicious IPA brewed with BC-grown hops and poured on nitro. Talk about smoooooooth.

ABV

4.5%

IBU

An authentic weissbier brewed with German yeast. Cloudy and delicious with subtle banana flavours.

KELOWNA

BNA BREWING CO.

1250 Ellis St. | BNABrewing.com

SUN-WED 12AM-7PM ^ THU-SAT 11AM-9PM EST. 2015 One of those breweries that just gets it right. Located in a historic building with a range of beer from approachable to experimental, and killer food!

76 WOLVERINE

CORDOVA

LAGER

BELGIAN GOLDEN ALE

Availability: Year-round ABV

4.8%

IBU

Named after a Big White party house, BNA’s first cans will likely attend many parties this summer. 102

Availability: Seasonal ABV

6.0%

IBU

BNA’s second anniversary beer is flavoured with rose hips and lavender and aged in wine barrels.

Kelowna MUST-VISIT VENUES IN

Recreation Ave.

. Dr et ns

4 Clement Ave.

Richter St.

Ellis St.

Cawston Ave.

6 1

Abbott St.

LEGEND

Hwy. 97

Edwards

Lougheed Adams

Neave

Doyle Ave.

Bernard Ave.

1 BOUNDARY BREWING CO.

4 THE TRAIN STATION PUB

2 CURIOUS CAFE

5 TREE BREWING

3 SALTED BRICK

6 TREE BREWING BEER INSTITUTE

2, 455 Neave Court boundarybrewing.beer 1423 Ellis Street thecurious.ca 243 Bernard Avenue saltedbrick.com

1177 Ellis Street www.thetrainstationpub.com 1083 Richter Street treebeer.com 1346 Water Street treebrewingbeerinstitute.com

KELOWNA

BOUNDARY BREWING

2 - 455 Neave Crt. | BoundaryBrewing.beer DAILY 12PM-LATE EST. 2016

Owner/brewmaster Oliver Glaser’s interpretations of classic German styles have already proved popular for this fledgling brewery.

LIL’ TART ORCHARD WEISSE

JEWEL CREEK PILSNER

BERLINER WEISSE Availability: Seasonal

BOHEMIAN PILSNER Availability: Seasonal

ABV

4.0%

IBU

This tart, cider-like wheat ale is a perfect refresher for the hot Okanagan sun.

ABV

5.4%

IBU

This pilsner is lagered for two months, delicately balanced with noble hops for a clean finish.

KELOWNA

KETTLE RIVER BREWING CO.

731 Baillie Ave. | KettleRiverBrewing.ca WED-FRI 3-7PM ^ SAT-SUN 12AM-7PM EST. 2016 The dudes at Kettle River might have the coolest brewery in the Okanagan, and a planned expansion may help their beers make it outside of Kelowna.

FOGGY IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E

CAMARO CRASH HELMET

Availability: Small batch

BLONDE ALE Availability: Small batch

ABV

5.9%

IBU

This thick and juicy IPA is a hazy shade of summertime. Notes of orange peel and citrus flavour. 104

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Styled after a popular ‘80s Okanagan haircut, this beer is business in the front and party in the back.

KELOWNA

TREE BREWING BEER INSTITUTE

1346 Water St. | TreeBrewingBeerInstitute.com DAILY 11AM-11PM EST. 2014 Stumbling distance from the beach, the institute is a comfortable, hip spot to cool down while “researching” brewer Dave Gokiert’s latest experiments.

HOP HEAD INDIA PALE ALE I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

5.6%

IBU

Trailblazing West Coast IPA that’s still loaded with five types of hops.

GRAPEFRUIT RADLER RADLER Availability: Year-round ABV

2.5%

IBU

N/A

A juicy pink grapefruit aroma with a touch of tartness. Refreshing and finishes dry.

KELOWNA

TREE BREWING CO.

1083 Richter St. | TreeBeer.com DAILY 11AM-6PM EST. 1996

The seeds of Kelowna’s craft beer scene started with Tree. Now in its 21st year, the brewery still finds ways to branch out with different styles.

AMIGO MEXICAN AMBER LAGER

OKANAGAN RAIL TRAIL COMMON ALE

VIENNA STYLE LAGER Availability: Year-round

CALIFORNIA COMMON Availability: Seasonal

ABV

4.0%

IBU

A Vienna-style lager that vacationed in Cabo. This sessionable one-off is now available year-round.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Malty and and full-bodied with a distinctive hop finish, a thirst quencher made for hiking. 105

SUMMERLAND

DETONATE BREWING

#104 - 9503 Cedar Ave. | DetonateBrewing.com THU-MON 11AM-6PM EST. 2017 This tiny brewery crafts its beer using converted dairy equipment, just like many of B.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original craft beer pioneers.

CALL THE HOPS IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E

SUNDAY FUNDAY BREAKFAST STOUT

Availability: Year-round

OAT M E A L S TO U T Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.6%

IBU

This West Coast IPA is hop forward but balanced with significant malt character.

ABV

5.8%

IBU

This smooth oatmeal stout is easy like a Sunday morning, with hints of caramel and coffee.

PENTICTON

BAD TATTOO BREWING CO.

169 Estabrook Ave. | BadTattooBrewing.com DAILY 11AM-11PM EST. 2014

The tattoos may be bad, but the beer and pizza at this popular Penticton hangout are very tasteful.

BEER SPRITZER

TRUE LOVE KOLSCH

????

KO L S C H

Availability: One-off ABV

3.5%

IBU

This unique creation is light and extremely refreshing with champagne-like flavour and effervescence. 106

Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.5%

IBU

This kolsch stays true to the style, delivering clean, refreshing flavour for hot days on the patio.

PENTICTON

CANNERY BREWING

198 Ellis St. | CanneryBrewing.com

MON-THU 12AM-7PM ^ FRI 12AM-9PM ^SAT 11AM-9PM SUN 11AM-8PM EST. 2000 Cannery’s spacious taproom is open every day for great beer, great local food and weekly special events and live music.

LAKEBOAT LAGER LAGER

DRUPACEOUS APRICOT WHEAT ALE

Availability: Year-round

F R U I T W H E AT A L E Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Proceeds from the sale of Lakeboat Lager help fund restoration efforts of the historic S.S. Sicamous.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

Refreshing notes of citrus and stone fruit, thanks to the addition of Okanagan apricots.

PENTICTON

HIGHWAY 97 BREWERY

954 Eckhardt Ave. | Hwy97Brewery.com

WED-THU 1-7PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-7PM ^ SUN 12-6PM EST. 2016 Penticton’s newest brewery is hard to miss, and features locally-grown hops from the Naramata Bench in its offerings.

PREMIUM CRAFT PILSNER PILSNER Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Easy going, crisp, but with light malt tones and a hint of noble hop flavor.

RED IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

6.2%

IBU

Red Canadian prairie malt gives this balanced IPA its crimson hue. 107

Brewers get hip to new hops by Lito Howse

hen most folks think of hops, they think bitterness. What comes to mind are the bitter hops used in classic northwest IPAs; hops like Columbia and Centennial that emphasize the bitter profiles and can include floral, piney, herbal, and spicy notes. Not everyone enjoys the bold, bitter flavour, and that’s legit. But hops are in every beer, so to say you don’t like hops but you like beer is fundamentally inaccurate. It would be more apt to say that you don’t like bitter hops. Over the last year or so, many breweries have pivoted from heavily featuring bitter hops in their IPAs to using juicy, citrusy hops. Citra, Azacca, Galaxy, El Dorado, and Amarillo are examples of hops with juicy notes that can include mango, nectarine, melon, and pineapple profiles. Basically this new guard of hops taste tropical AF.

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Alpha and Beta Acids So to understand hops better, let’s start with alpha and beta acids. These acids are responsible for the bitterness of the beer and also much of the aroma. Hop suppliers test for alpha and beta acids to determine what percentage of the hops’ weight each acid makes up. Brewers apply that data to get a better sense of what a certain hop will do in their brew. There are five types of alpha acids but the ones to note are called humulone and cohumulone. Humulone acids bring out gentler bitterness like that in Citra hops. Citra hops can measure high in alpha acids but don’t have that classic bitter flavour because the humulone percentage is relatively high. Cohumulone is responsible for harsher bitterness and is about twice as potent as humulone acids.

Ultimately when beers are measured for International Bittering Units (IBUs), these acids are what are being tested. Therefore a juicy IPA with a melony profile could end up with similar readings to a classically bitter IPA with a pine and herbal profile—if all else is constant. Juicy IPA recipes are crafted to balance the perceived bitterness with the perceived sweetness in order to highlight the less bitter flavours of the beer. Everything from the yeast, malt, and hops factor in to these perceived tastes. The timing of when the hops are added to the beer is significant as well. Hops used during the boil will release alpha acids and highlight bitter notes while hops used to dry hop (added during a later fermentation stage) will add to the aroma of the beer. Beta acids break down over time and will change the flavour profile of a beer. This is why it’s best to drink IPAs as fresh as possible since the full, desired taste is evident within the first few weeks. You may not notice these changes in flavour profiles of lagers and pilsners, by comparison, because lagering slows down the process of beta acids breaking down.

Essential Oils Hops also contain essential oils that greatly affect the non-bitter aspects of a taste and aroma profile. Essential oil flavours and aromas include woody, piney, floral and spicy. Brewers can use different methods to draw the oils out. For example, a hop stand is when the temperature in the kettle is dropped from a boil and then hops are added causing the oils to emulsify into the rest of the

liquid. This generally results in a more cloudy beer because the oils are dispersed throughout, and also amplifies the oil flavours and aroma.

What’s Hop-pening? In the last couple of years, a trend of single-hopped beers has emerged that really showcases what each hop tastes like. Big Rock has Citradelic Single Hop Citra IPA, Brassneck has an IPA with Mosaic hops called One Trick Pony and Strange Fellows has a single hop IPA series called Cyclhops that features a new hop every time it’s brewed. Hop farmers are getting more playful with their delivery methods as well. Generally hops are sold as either whole hops which are dried or hop pellets, which have been ground down from whole hops. Sometimes fresh hops are used, which means the hops were picked, shipped, and tossed into the brew all on the same day. Hop hash is another new product hop growers like Chilliwack Hop Farms are making and breweries are experimenting with. If you haven’t figured it out from the name (or are new to B.C.), hop hash is a condensed version of a hop just like marijuana bud can be condensed into marijuana hash. Faculty Brewing Co. made a white IPA with Amarillo and Mosaic hop hash from Chilliwack Hop Farms, while Big Rock celebrated 4/20 this year with a hemp infused hop hash that Chilliwack custom made for the brew. So the next time you walk into a brewery don’t discount the IPA because you assume it will be too bitter. Be sure to ask staff about the beer’s flavour profile to ensure you are not missing out of a tasty brew. j

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PENTICTON

THE TIN WHISTLE BREWING CO.

112-1475 Fairview Rd. | TheTinWhistleBrewery.rocks MON-SAT 11:30AM-5:30PM EST. 1995 Tin Whistle’s new home in the historic Cannery Building puts it right next door to some great restaurants that will deliver right to the brewery.

COCONUT HOPWIESEN HEFEWEIZEN Availability: One-off ABV

5.5%

IBU

PEACH CREAM ALE FRUIT ALE Availability: Year-round

This wheat ale is partnered with toasted coconut and bright tropical flavours courtesy of Citra hops.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A true taste of Penticton, this crisp, clean-finishing blonde ale is complemented by a hint of peach.

OLIVER

FIREHALL BREWERY

6077 Main St. | FirehallBrewery.com

SUN-THU 12-8PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-9PM EST. 2012 Oliver may be Canada’s Wine Capital, but it’s also home to this popular brewery. Visit the tasting room downstairs and stay for a concert out back.

TABLE BEER NO. 2 BA R R E L - A G E D S PA R K L I N G A L E

FALSE ALARM BITTER

Availability: One-off

PA L E A L E Availability: One-off

ABV

6.7%

IBU

Barrel-soured for five months, this is light and tart with an array of fruit flavours. 110

ABV

4.8%

IBU

Originally brewed by mistake, this happy accident is a tasty British-style pale ale.

KOOT E NAYS 93

N W

A L B E R T A 10

LAKE LOUISE

GOLDEN 23

BANFF

REVELSTOKE

TO KA M LO O P S

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A

INVERMERE

31A

KIMBERLEY

95A

02 05 08

NELSON

CRANBROOK ROSSLAND

3 UNITED STATES

BREWERIES

01 Arrowhead 02 Backroads 03 Fernie 04 Mt. Begbie 05 Nelson 06 Over Time

FERNIE 93

ROSSLAND

07 Rossland 08 Torchlight 09 Trail Beer Refinery 10 Whitetooth

BREW PUBS

11 The Heid Out 12 The Savoy

ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA

ROSSLAND

ROSSLAND BEER CO.

1990 Columbia Ave. | RosslandBeer.com SUN-THU 12-7PM ^ FRI-SAT 12-9PM EST. 2012

If tiny Rossland can support a craft brewery, then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope for every town in B.C. Of course, it helps that the beer is fantastic.

SEVEN SUMMITS MILK STOUT

PAYDIRT PALE ALE PA L E A L E

M I L K S TO U T Availability: Year-round ABV

5.9%

IBU

Availability: Year-round

This brewery staple has a dedicated fan base, winning gold at the 2015 Canadian Brewing Awards.

ABV

5.2%

IBU

This hop-forward, sessionable pale ale could easily fall into the IPA category.

TRAIL

TRAIL BEER REFINERY

1299 Bay Ave. | TrailBeerRefinery.ca

MON-SAT 11AM-9PM ^ SUN 12-5PM EST. 2017 Trail is an industrial town and home to a silver and lead refinery; now they have their own beer refinery, too!

SILVER CITY LAGER

TRAIL ALE

PA L E L A G E R

AMBER ALE

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

This blue-collar beer is light in body, low in bitterness, and perfect for an after-work pint. 112

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.5%

IBU

This malty unfiltered ale balances caramel sweetness with hop bitterness.

NELSON

BACKROADS BREWING CO.

460 Baker St. | BackroadsBrewing.com TUE-THU 2PM-10PM ^ FRI -SAT 12PM-11PM EST. 2016 Nelson’s craft beer scene is hopping and, only a few months in, the locals seem to be following veteran brewer Mike Kelly to the Backroads.

VÝCEPNÍ CZECH LAGER PA L E C Z E C H L A G E R Availability: Seasonal ABV

4.1%

IBU

BACKROADS SAISON SAISON Availability: Year-round

Like pronouncing its name, it’s complex. It’s also light, spicy with a herbal hop character.

ABV

5.5%

IBU

A Belgian-style farmhouse ale for any time of year. Peppery, fruity and smooth.

NELSON

NELSON BREWING CO.

512 Latimer St. | NelsonBrewing.com TASTING ROOM OPENS IN JUNE EST. 1991

All-organic since 2006 and in business since 1991, NBC has long been an industry leader. Look for the new tasting room to open in time for summer.

HAPPY CAMPER SUMMER ALE

PADDYWHACK INDIA PALE ALE

A M E R I C A N PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal

E N G L I S H I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.2%

IBU

A light, hoppy, session ale showcasing aromas of peach, apricot and tropical fruit.

ABV

6.0%

IBU

This IPA has a long history in B.C., and it still tastes as good as ever. 113

B.C. Cider Primer Craft cider is booming right now and it’s easy to see why. It’s delicious, locally-grown, locally-made, gluten-free, and it’s just so dang refreshing on a hot summer’s day. Of course there’s plenty of different cider styles out there, so here’s a handy primer to help you get the right cider inside ya! by Rob Mangelsdorf NEW WORLD CIDER

DRY CIDER

Characteristics: Made from table apples resulting in lower tannins and higher acidity than other cider styles. Clear and refreshing, perfect for pairing with food. Examples: The Hostler by The BX Press, Nomad’s The Original.

Characteristics: As the name implies, dry cider has very little residual sugar and sweetness. Thin in body with high acidity and tannins. Example: Dominion Traditional Dry.

ENGLISH CIDER

Characteristic: Dry-hopped cider is infused with hops after it’s been fermented. This imparts floral, citrus, spicy or fruity aromas and flavours, depending on the type of hops used. Example: Central City's Hopping Mad Mosaic Hop Craft Cider.

Characteristics: Made with bittersweet apple varieties specifically bred for cidermaking. Dry and full-bodied, with a complex flavor profile. Example: Merridale Traditional Craft Cider.

DRY-HOPPED CIDER

Source: BJCP Cider Style Guidelines

merridale.ca 114

NELSON

TORCHLIGHT BREWING CO.

125 Hall St. | TorchlightBrewing.com DAILY 11AM-11PM EST. 2014

With its new and bigger facility fully operational, expect to find Torchlight’s beers distributed throughout B.C. at long last.

GALAXY BURST WIPA W H I T E I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal ABV

6.5%

IBU

Brewed with a “hop bursting” technique, the Galaxy hops in this beer go citrus supernova!

BLONDES IN STEREO BLONDE ALE Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Brewed with New Zealand hops, this crisp, easy-drinking blonde goes great with sunshine.

nline Shopforodirect-to-consumer pricing & tasting room exclusive releases. Our cider is available throughout BC at select private liquor stores. See website for listing.

The BX Press

4667 E. Vernon Rd (North Gate), Vernon thebxpress.com • @thebxpress

B R A N C H TO B OT T L E Small-batch craft cider made from our own heirloom apples in Summerland, BC

Open weekends 11am-5pm and available at fine locations

TASTING ROOM OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK

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FERNIE

FERNIE BREWING CO.

26 Manitou Rd. | FernieBrewing.com TASTING ROOM REOPENS IN JULY EST. 2003

Bad news: Fernie Brewing has closed its doors. Good news: It’s only for a couple months while they make room for more good times in their tasting room and storefront! In the meantime, check out their impressive line-up of beers at liquor stores across B.C.

HIT THE DECK NEW ENGLAND IPA

BASE CAMP WEST COAST PALE ALE

N E W E N G L A N D I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Small batch

W E S T C OA S T PA L E A L E Availability: Seasonal

ABV

6.7%

IBU

Fernie’s take on the latest haze craze: cloudy, low bitterness and juicy, citrusy hops.

ABV

5.8%

IBU

Hop-heavy, using Mosiac and Ekuanot for a strong tropical fruit taste and aroma.

WHAT THE HUCK

PROJECT 9 PILS

H U C K L E B E R RY W H E AT A L E

PILSNER

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A fruity wheat ale with local sweet Rocky Mountain huckleberries for a nice sweetness.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A Bavarian pilsner with a hop profile featuring noble hops, including Saaz.

the Trail to ale challenge Fernie Brewing’s Trail to Ale Challenge consists of bagging three peaks within a 24-hour period. Open to bikers, runners or hikers, you have to get to the top of Hyper Ventilation, Project 9 and Swine Flu within the time limit. Share your photo evidence with brewery staff, and you’ll be rewarded with a cold beer and a Trail to Ale medal. 116

the climb is always worth the reward.

KIMBERLEY

OVER TIME BEER WORKS

136A Wallinger Ave. | OverTimeBeer.ca DAILY 10AM-7PM EST. 2016 Kimberley might be a ski town, but this summer it’s sure to be packed with craft beer tourists visiting Over Time.

COPPER TOP R E D W H E AT A L E

MOUNTAIN STANDARD

Availability: Seasonal

GOLDEN ALE Availability: Year-round

4.8%

ABV

IBU

This copper-coloured wheat beer is citrusy and spicy thanks to added coriander and cloves.

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This lager-like ale is the kind of beer that goes down easy, one after another.

INVERMERE

ARROWHEAD BREWING CO.

481 Arrow Rd. | ArrowheadBrewingCompany.ca SUN-WED 11AM-7PM ^ THU-SAT 11AM-8PM EST. 2012 This little brewery by the lake has come a long way in the past five years, offering dozens of brews at their retro taproom for locals and visitors alike.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER HEFEWEIZEN Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.2%

IBU

Speaking of weather, this lemon hefeweizen is perfect for a blazing hot summer day. 118

BLONDE BOMBSHELL BLONDE ALE Availability: Year-round ABV

4.8%

IBU

N/A

This unfiltered light-coloured ale has an almost kolsch-like finish from the German hops,.

GOLDEN

WHITETOOTH BREWING

623 8th Ave. North | WhitetoothBrewing.com WED-MON 2-10PM EST. 2016 Since they opened at the end of last year, brewer Evan Cronshaw has already established an impressive core line of beers and one-offs.

THREAD THE NEEDLE

PSYCHOSIS 7

WITBIER

D O U B L E I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.5%

IBU

An untraditional Belgian-style witbier. Bright tartness complimented with lemon and pepper notes.

ABV

8.8%

IBU

100

A smooth but burly hop-monster, featuring seven tropical flavoured hops and seven additions.

REVELSTOKE

MT. BEGBIE BREWING CO.

2155 Oak Dr. | Mt-Begbie.com DAILY 9AM-5PM EST. 1996

Revelstoke’s resident craft brewery has a big, new facility just off the Trans-Canada Highway, and it’s celebrating with some retro releases.

CONFEDERATION 150

WHITE KNUCKLE

MAPLE CREAM ALE

B E L G I A N W H I T E I PA

Availability: One-off ABV

5.0%

IBU

Celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial in the most Canadian way: with maple syrup!

Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.6%

IBU

Brewed with Belgian yeast, American hops, chamomile, coriander, lemon and orange peel. 119

100 MILE HOUSE

JACKSON’S SOCIAL CLUB & BREWHOUSE 175 Cariboo Hwy 97 | JacksonsSocialClub.com

MON-THU 10:30AM-7PM ^ FRI-SAT 10:30AM-9PM SUN 10:30AM-6PM EST. 2017 Out of the ashes of Broke ‘N Rode Brewing comes Jackson’s Social Club and Brewhouse, housed in a former gas station with a roadhouse feel.

RETRO DOG BLONDE

WRANGLER IPA

BLONDE ALE

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.3%

IBU

This blonde ale looks to be Jackson’s flagship pint and sure to be a local favourite.

ABV

6.5%

IBU

A West Coast-style IPA with robust hop bitterness.

VALEMOUNT

THREE RANGES BREWING CO.

1160 5th Ave. | ThreeRanges.com MON, WED-THU 3-8PM ^ FRI-SAT 1-8PM ^ SUN 1-7PM EST. 2013 If you build it, they will come—even in a town of just 1,000 people. It certainly helps that Three Ranges is crafting a line of dependable brews.

ROLL IN THE HAY HEFE N O RT H W E S T H E F E W E I Z E N Availability: Seasonal ABV

5.5%

IBU

Features generous doses of Citra hops at the end of the boil and fermentation. 120

SACRIFICE RED ALE N O RT H W E S T- S T Y L E R E D A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

6.0%

IBU

Dedicated to veterans and their families, a portion of proceeds also goes to veteran charities.

QUESNEL

BARKERVILLE BREWING CO.

185 Davie St. | BarkervilleBeer.com MON-WED 12-6PM ^ THU 12-8PM SAT 11AM-6PM

^ FRI 12-9PM

EST. 2014 Follow the Gold Rush trail north and strike it rich. Well, rich in flavour, if you aim for Barkerville’s lounge and its range of award-winning beer.

HIGH STAKES

WHITE GOLD

I M P E R I A L I N D I A PA L E A L E

WITBIER

Availability: Seasonal

ABV

8.0%

IBU

You don’t have to dig deep to find rich hop seams of Columbus, Chinook, Amarillo, Citra and Centennial.

ABV

4.9%

IBU

Light and crisp, with citrus notes and some stone fruit in the finish.

FOR ALL YOUR HOME BREWING NEEDS. WWW.HOPDAWGS.CA WE OFFER CUSTOM ORDERS & WHOLESALING INFO@HOPDAWGS.CA

121

PRINCE GEORGE

CROSSROADS BREWING

508 George St. | CrossroadsCraft.com SUN-THU 11:30AM-9PM ^ FRI-SAT 11:30AM-11PM EST. 2016 The craft beer revolution has reached Prince George and the results are impressive. Crossroads’ swanky taproom might be the coolest spot in town.

PIDHERNY PALE ALE

HAIL MARY IPA

PA L E A L E

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.0%

IBU

This classic Northwest pale ale balances a crisp, clean malt profile with classic citrus hops.

6.0%

ABV

IBU

Hops, hops and more hops go into this light-bodied IPA, with citrus and tropical flavours dominating.

TERRACE

SHERWOOD MOUNTAIN BREWHOUSE

Unit 101 - 4816 Hwy. 16 West | SherwoodMountain.beer MON-FRI 11AM-7:30PM ^ SAT-SUN 12-6PM EST. 2014 Amid the towering mountains, endless lakes and raging rivers of B.C.’s wild north lies a small brewery with big flavour.

BENCHMARK BROWN

SKEENA SUNSHINE

B R OW N A L E

SAISON

Availability: Year-round ABV

4.1%

IBU

Sherwood Mountain’s latest staple is a rich brown ale featuring British malt, hops and yeast. 122

Availability: Seasonal ABV

6.0%

IBU

Unfiltered and bottle conditioned to bring out all the fruit and spice complexities of saison yeast.

PRINCE RUPERT

WHEELHOUSE BREWING CO.

217 1st Ave. East | WheelhouseBrewing.com THU-FRI 4-11PM

^ SAT 2-11PM ^ SUN 2-6PM

EST. 2013 If you haven’t made it to this little brewery “at the end of the road,” it’s expanding and will soon be shipping brews below the 54th parallel.

SEA LEVEL SAISON BELGIAN SAISON

SCURVY DOG SPRUCE ALE

Availability: Seasonal

SUMMER ALE Availability: Seasonal

ABV

5.8%

IBU

A lowland-style saison that’s fruity, spicy and dry. Pairs with classic farmhouse meals.

ABV

5.3%

IBU

Fresh Sitka spruce tree tips give a nice sweetness to this bright summer ale.

1-866-549-1323

sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com

123

RECIPE

Gai Yang Thai grilled chicken with Steel & Oak Royal City Ale BY CHEF ANGUS AN

In addition to his trio of Vancouver restaurants—Kitsilano’s Maenam, Chinatown’s Fat Mao Noodles, and the newly-opened Sen Pad Thai on Granville Island—Chef Angus An is helping to lead a gastronomic reawakening in New Westminster with Longtail Kitchen and Freebird Chicken Shack, both located at New Westminster Quay’s River Market. 124

Gai Yang is a popular street food in Thailand, usually served with papaya salad and sticky rice, and the addition of Royal City Ale by fellow New Westminsterites Steel & Oak Brewing helps elevate this dish to the sublime. I N g r ed i ents • 1 or 2 whole chickens, the best quality you can get your hands on Marinade • 1 cup palm sugar • 1 cup white sugar • 2 cups fish sauce • 2 cups garlic cloves • 1 cup coconut cream • 1 can cold Steel & Oak Royal City Ale • Pinch of white pepper Na h m j i m j iaw d i ppi n g sau ce • ¼ cup toasted ground rice • ¼ cup fried shallots • ¼ cup finely sliced pak chi farang (long leaf coriander) • ½ cup tamarind water • ¼ cup lime juice • ¼ cup fish sauce • ¼ cup finely sliced shallots • Large pinch of blue tongue powder • Sugar to taste Photos by Jennifer Gauthier

Step 1 Butterfly the chicken by cutting through the backbone and leaving the breastbone attached. Flatten the chicken by slightly breaking the breastbone so the chicken sits flat on your cutting board. Step 2 Blend all marinade ingredients together except the beer. Once well-combined, add half of the can of beer to the marinade and mix well. Drink the rest of the beer while you prep. Step 3 Place the chicken in a large baking pan and pour over the marinade, making sure to cover the entire chicken. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4 Start a fire in your charcoal grill. Let the charcoal go for 45 minutes then spread it into one even layer. Once the flame dies down, add the chicken to the grill and cook until golden (about 7 minutes each side). If cooking on a gas grill, cook at medium-low heat. Step 5 Prepare nahm jim jiaw dipping sauce. Combine all ingredients and season. Should taste equally sour, salty, sweet and spicy. Step 6 Serve grilled chicken with side of nahm jim jiaw in a dipping bowl and enjoy. Goes great with another can of Steel & Oak’s Royal City Ale! j

125

BREWPUBS VANCO UV ER

DOCKSIDE BREWING CO.

1253 Johnston St. | DocksideVancouver.com

rewpubs are institutions in this province, offering a vastly different craft beer experience than the brewery tasting room. The focus of the brewpub may not necessarily be on the beer itself, but instead, the food, the décor, the live music or even the hockey game. They are often social hubs for their respective communities, functioning as the neighbourhood’s communal living room. In many cases, the beer is secondary. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t exceptional—in fact some of B.C.’s best beers are brewed in these establishments. Since few brewpubs bottle and keg their own beer—some don’t even offer growler fills—if you want to try what they are brewing, you’re going to have to go to the source. Seek them out, you won’t be disappointed. j VANCOUVER

RAILSPUR IPA I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

5.7%

IBU

This classic, hop-forward IPA is a little lighter-bodied than most. VANCO UV ER

HASTINGS MILL BREWING COMPANY

STEAMWORKS BREW PUB

403 East Hastings St. | PatsPub.ca

Expanded and rebranded, the former Pat’s Pub is producing more beer than ever, with five styles available in house alongside 15 craft taps.

375 Water St. | Steamworks.com/Brew-Pub

One of the largest brewpubs in the country, the 750seat brewery and restaurant spans two floors and outdoor patios, with ocean and mountain views.

HIGHLAND 1615

LIONSGATE LAGER

S C OT T I S H A L E

GERMAN LAGER

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.3%

IBU

A full-bodied, caramel-sweet ale rich with malted Maris Otter barley.

126

The beer lineup here hasn’t changed much over the years, but the patio remains one of the best in the city.

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

Made with finest quality German malt, this lightly-hopped refreshing lager is a local favourite.

BREWPUBS VAN C OUVE R

VANCOUV ER

STEEL TOAD BREWERY

YALETOWN BREWING CO.

97 East 2nd Ave. | SteelToad.ca

1111 Mainland St. | MJG.ca/Yaletown

Who needs a brewery tour when you can watch the magic happen behind glass from the comfort of your seat?

Always busy, but never too busy. Four rotating beers join four year-round staples and a great food menu.

FARMHOUSE DOUBLE INDIA PALE ALE

MAINLAND LAGER LAGER

B E L G I A N I N D I A PA L E A L E Availability: Year-round ABV

10.0%

IBU

Availability: Year-round

Belgian blonde fermented with Ardennes yeast, loaded with Mosaic hops. WHISTLER

ABV

5.0%

IBU

A thirst-quenching lager featuring crackery malt sweetness balanced by a firm bitterness. SURREY

BREWHOUSE HIGH MOUNTAIN BREWING

BIG RIDGE BREWING CO.

4355 Blackcomb Way | MJG.ca/BrewHouse

5580 152 St. | MJG.ca/Big-Ridge

Brewer Derrick Franche produces an excellent beer lineup at this handsome and consistently underrated brewpub next to Whistler’s Olympic Plaza.

Head brewer Ashley Brooks has moved on, but stay tuned to see what Surrey’s original brewpub does next.

150 LAGER

CLOVER IPA

I N D I A PA L E L A G E R

I N D I A PA L E A L E

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.5%

IBU

Celebrate Canada’s 150th with this hoppy lager brewed for Canada Day.

Availability: Year-round ABV

6.5%

IBU

A two-time B.C. Beer Award winner that’s available in cans.

127

BREWPUBS DUNCAN

NANAIMO

CRAIG STREET BREW PUB

LONGWOOD BREWPUB

25 Craig St. | CraigStreet.ca

5775 Turner Rd. | LongwoodBrewpub.com

Housed in a 1940s brick heritage building with a 100-year-old antique bar, Craig Street Brewpub is a relaxing place to enjoy a pint by the fireplace.

This comfortable brewpub in the north end of Nanaimo has a great kitchen and a solid range of beers.

ARBUTUS PALE

CZECH PILSNER

E N G L I S H PA L E A L E

CZECH PILSNER

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

A British style ale with a West Coast twist with a light body with balanced hop character. K AMLOOPS

Availability: Year-round ABV

5.0%

IBU

A delicious Czech pivo that is very true to the style. SALMO N ARM

THE NOBLE PIG BREWHOUSE

BARLEY STATION BREW PUB

650 Victoria St. | TheNoblePig.ca

20 Shuswap St. North | BarleyStation.com

Heaven is sipping a tasty beer under the hop trellis on the Pigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patio on a warm summer evening.

The perfect stop on a summer road trip, this brewpub is located right on the Trans-Canada Highway. Great beer and food!

WITTY BLONDE B E L G I A N - S T Y L E W H E AT A L E

BUSHWACKER BROWN ALE

Availability: Limited

S O U T H E R N E N G L I S H B R OW N A L E Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.7%

IBU

A traditional Belgian wheat ale brewed with coriander and orange peel.

128

ABV

4.7%

IBU

Winner of a gold medal at the 2016 Canadian Brewing Awards.

BREWPUBS KELOW NA

PENTICTO N

FREDDY’S BREWPUB

BARLEY MILL BREW PUB

124 McCurdy Rd. | McCurdyBowl.com

2460 Skaha Lake Rd. | BarleyMillPub.com

Good to see Freddy’s upping its game, with growler fills and cask nights joining an ever more interesting beer list.

This Penticton mainstay keeps the locals happy with their selection of approachable, easy-drinking craft beers.

RAGING RYENO IPA RY E I N D I A PA L E A L E

CLASSIC DRAFT LAGER

Availability: Seasonal

LAGER Availability: Year-round

ABV

5.1%

IBU

Rye in the grain bill gives this IPA a hit of earthy spice. N ELSON

ABV

5.0%

IBU

N/A

An all-grain, adjunct-free North American lager brewed with pilsner malt and German hops. CRANB RO O K

THE SAVOY BREWERY

THE HEID OUT

198 Baker St. | SavoyHotel.com

821 Baker St. | TheHeidOut.ca

The multi-function Savoy Hotel includes a brewhouse that supplies the in-house nightclub, music lounge and café with fresh craft beer.

Previously a popular restaurant called Heidi’s, this renovated and revitalized brewpub has a great kitchen and a solid beer lineup.

SPRING WIT

BLONDE ALE

WITBIER

BLONDE ALE

Availability: Seasonal

Availability: Year-round

ABV

4.6%

IBU

Watercress and cilantro replace coriander and orange peel in this refreshing wit.

ABV

4.4%

IBU

This well-balanced summer sipper is simple and refreshing.

129

BEER GROUND To the

Our beer spies have been gathering intel on up-and-coming breweries from all over the province. As always, take the estimated opening dates with a generous grain of salt.

ANGRY HEN BREWING

Kaslo (summer 2017) Former Steamworks and Big Ridge Brewpub brewer Shirley Warne is hoping to have her brewery up and running before the end of the summer. AngryHenBrewing.com

ANOTHER BEER CO.

nally planning to set up shop in neighbouring Coquitlam, they’ve now set their sights on becoming PoCo’s first craft brewery with a location just north of the Pitt River Bridge. NorthpawBrewCo.com

RED BIRD BREWING INC.

New Westminster (late 2017) It’s been more than 10 years since any beer was brewed in the Brewery District, but ABC hopes to change that. AnotherBeerCo.com

Kelowna (summer 2017) Right around the corner from Kettle River and Tree Brewing, Red Bird is helping turn Kelowna’s industrial North End into a craft beer destination. Owner Adam Semeniuk is hoping for a soft open in the next few months.

BEERE BREWING

SILVER VALLEY BREWING

North Vancouver (summer 2017) Details are scant at this point, but Beere Brewing Company has space secured at 312 Esplanade East in North Van, not far from Lonsdale Quay. BeereBrewing.com

Maple Ridge (late 2017) Construction is underway and beer is already flowing, thanks to a collaboration with nearby Ridge Brewing Company. SilverValleyBrewing.com

EAST VAN BREWING

SOOKE BREWING COMPANY

Vancouver (summer 2017) With a sexy space lined up on Venables Street, just off Commercial Drive, this brewery is hoping to open its doors any month now. EastVanBrewing.com

Sooke (summer 2017) Everything is on schedule for this Island brewery and tasting lounge to be up and running by the end of summer. SookeBrewing.com

ILE SAUVAGE BREWING CO.

THE 101 BREWERY AND DISTILLERY

Victoria (fall 2017) Brewer Stephane Turcotte’s (4 Mile Brewing, Galmegi Brewing Co.) proposed brewery in Rock Bay looks to be focusing on wild and sour ales. Ile Sauvage (which means “Wild Island” in French) will be the sixth brewery in the industrial area north of downtown.

Gibsons (summer 2017) Named for the highway it sits upon, The 101 will be the third brewery to open in tiny Gibsons, but the first to distill its own spirits. The101.ca

TRENCH BREWING AND DISTILLING

Westbank (summer 2017) The sign is up, the tanks are in, and the good folks at Kind Brewing in downtown Westbank are just waiting on their final inspections and permits and they’re good to go!

Prince George (summer 2017) Trench has a building and they are brewing pilot batches, so opening day can’t be too far away. Owners/brewers Jesse Hoefels and Craig Schwenning were both trained in the Czech Republic, so look for a distinct European influence. TrenchBrew.ca

MARINER BREWING

UNNAMED BREWPUB

KIND BREWING

Coquitlam (late 2017) A 50-person tasting room with growler fills, a food menu, and a 23hL steam-fired brewhouse is planned for this space at 1100 Lansdowne Drive on the Barnet Highway. MarinerBrewing.ca

NORTHPAW BREWING

Port Coquitlam (fall 2017) Northpaw was origi-

Powell River (2018) So this is cool: prolific homebrewer and Canadian punk rock legend John Wright of the experimental/prog/punk/jazz band NoMeansNo has recently purchased the old Red Lion Pub on the north end of town and is in the process of turning it into a brewpub. We’re not sure what the theme will be but we’re hoping it involves animatronic robots. j

2010 West 4th Ave

THE RAILWAY

JOKES Hosted by Gavin Matts & Dino Archie

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THE RAILWAY STAGE PRESENTS Live music

SAT

LUST FOR LIFE Live bands

10 pressed sandwiches SOUP / SALADS happy hour mon-fri $ 3 beer til 3pm $5 beer til 5pm $

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579 Dunsmuir St