The BC craft beer industry is currently experiencing one of its most challenging times, as anyone who works in beer knows. Thankfully, however, it still has its champions and its beacons of inspiration. These are the people that John Ohler, steward of the John Mitchell estate, and his fellow board members want to honour with … Continued
Bay Ale, brewed at Horsehoe Bay Brewery by John Mitchell and Frank Appleton, was the first collaboration in the history of Canadian craft beer, and the spirit of that partnership is now being replicated in a new beer – The Transatlantic Collaboration IPA, a beer produced in collaboration with Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria and Fuller’s … Continued
“You are about to be hit by a tsunami of people. You have no idea how much Maple Ridge needs this.” Those were the words spoken to Michael Friesen, head brewer at The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge, by a fellow brewer shortly before their grand opening in August 2024. One year later, as the … Continued
Discover how brewer and scientist Nathan Vadeboncoeur, founder of Project Hop and Brasserie du Bon Temps, is reviving historical beer styles by researching and recreating IPAs from different eras. His journey from hop quality assurance to historical brewing has equipped Vadeboncoeur with the knowledge to meticulously recreate these beers using period-appropriate ingredients, water chemistry, and … Continued
In an inspiring tale of resilience and renewal, Bomber Brewing, founded by Don Farion in 2014, has come full circle as Farion recently repurchased the brewery from the Donnelly Group in October 2024, following periods of corporate ownership and market challenges. After surviving his own battle with throat cancer, Farion is steering Bomber back to … Continued
“Though it is now underground, Brewery Creek is still alive . . . you can hear it!” As Vancouver City Archivist Major James S. Matthews insisted in the mid twentieth century, the spirit of Brewery Creek is still alive and well today. Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood is currently home to some of the city’s most … Continued
From the giant beer behemoths to a tiny craft brewing space, Kitsilano has a hidden history of brewing that many people have forgotten or never realized. When you think about Vancouver beer, “Yeast Van” probably comes immediately to mind, with its collection of wild and wonderful breweries like Storm, Superflux, Strange Fellows, and more. Or … Continued
The BC Ale Trail’s latest Tasting Passport contest includes some of the province’s longest-running craft breweries and some of its newest. Between March 28 and April 30, 2024, visit at least three breweries from both Vancouver Ale Trails (Brewery Creek and Yeast Vancouver), get your passport stamped, and drop it off at a participating location … Continued
Kaslo’s little brewery is home to a hidden legend of BC brewing and an inspiration to women in craft brewing everywhere. Shirley Warne may be a self-declared bitch, but she is warm, welcoming, and clearly loved by the staff at her brewery. I’ve just driven nine hours from Vancouver to reach the tiny village of … Continued
Meet Tony Dewald, Inaugural Recipient of the John Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award for Brewing Excellence BC’s craft beer industry has been going strong for over 40 years now, thanks in large part to the hard work and expertise of its pioneering brewers. Nowadays you can wander the BC Ale Trail and find a craft brewery … Continued
