As brewery tour guides we visit a lot of breweries in our job! Each brewery has their own story, their own personality and each is unique in its own way – which is what makes the craft beer community so special in Vancouver.
While we all get to see the finished products; the new beers, the newest growler designs, the new beer labels, seldom do we get to hear the story behind the brewery and all the work and long hours that go into that delicious beer in our hands. And there are alot of very inspiring stories out there.
The Story Behind the Beer – Bridge Brewing Opens on the North Shore
Perhaps one of the best stories in town comes out of North Vancouver’s very own Bridge Brewing. Celebrating their 5 year anniversary in July, owners Leigh and Jason Stratton had a passion for craft beer and a dream to open a brewery together. After many maxed our credit cards, Bridge opened in July 2012 as a modest 980sq. foot brewery with only 2 or 3 beers on tap at any time. Oh and the brew house kind of looked like a kitchen stove, because it basically was! Leigh and Jason did not take on outside investors and decided to grow the business organically – funneling all their profits back into the business to support their own growth.
The Bridge Brewing brand was centered around the iconic North Shore and some of its most famous namesakes – the North Shore Pale Ale and play on words Hopilano IPA to name a few. They also built a brand around being family friendly and good stewards of the environment aiming for a nearly waste free facility.
A History of Innovation – What the Heck is a Canpedo?
Bridge brought alot of new things to Vancouver: they were Vancouver’s first nano-brewery, the 2nd Vancouver brewery to sell growlers (behind Parallel 49 by 6 weeks), first brewery in Vancouver to sell Canpedos (think 1L beer cans – also Moody Ales in Port Moody was the 1st in BC to sell them) and the list goes on. Fast forward 5 years and Bridge Brewing is easily one of Vancouver’s fastest growing breweries. The company now offers beer in almost every conceivable vessel – flights, glasses, growlers, cans, bombers, six packs, crowlers and maybe even into your hands if you ask nice enough!
Vancouver Brewery Tours owner Ryan had the opportunity to chat with Bridge Brewing owner Leigh to catch up and discuss some of the changes and successes Bridge Brewing has seen over the years.
What inspired you to open Bridge?
We drink a lot of beer! We are big believers in the local economy and food and there wasn’t much in the way of local beer. We spent a lot of time researching craft beer and were told over and over again not to do it. So of course we did.
How is the Bridge of today different from when you first opened 5 years ago?
Many people wouldn’t recognize us from our original form, until you taste the beer. Our first priority is to always produce the best beer. We’ve never lost our focus on that and will never stray. When we first started, craft beer wasn’t even a thing in Vancouver, so we weren’t sure if it would even take off. That’s why we started so small, we didn’t want to be in a position that we had to make tough choices just to pay the rent. Jason and I used to work in the brewery all weekend and now we are fortunate enough to have a great team taking care of our guests. Our branding has evolved over time to hone in on who we are as a company.
When you first started Bridge Brewing did you ever think the company would grow to the size it is today?
It was always a hope that it would. Our 5 year plan was to hire our first employee, we now have 22 all with benefits.
How important is the North Shore community to Bridge Brewing?
The North Shore is huge for us. We were both raised here and are raising our family here. Warehouse space is less expensive in East Van and further out, however we want to be in the community where we live. We love having a tasting room so we can speak directly with our customers and get to know them. We supports tons of local charities and school fundraisers. It’s great to be able to give back to the community that supports us.
Who is your head brewer and what would you say his approach to brewing beer is?
Our Head Brewer is Kerry Dyson. His approach to beer is always top quality with experimentations. He brews with the freshest products and is always looking for new beers. When he came to us with the Milkshake IPA, we were excited for something new.
What type of packaged product is Bridge currently offering? What is your fastest growing segment?
We offer lots of options. Although it’s quite the planning nightmare, we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our great Bridge Beer. We have 3 different sizes of kegs as some restaurants have small fridges. We have small and large bottles and cans. Where ever you are, we want you to have the selection. On a boat, hike or fine dining.
You’ve recently added a taco menu into the brewery, how has it been received?
Amazing! Not only do our guests love it, but I don’t bring a lunch. ever.
Do you every miss working in a 980sq. foot brewery?
No. It was so tiny without any storage and we were so limited to the selection of beers we could offer. Now, if we do a small batch of something and it flies off the shelves, we can brew it again. We were too limited with the previous brewery.
If you could pour one beer off your taps right now, what would it be and why?
I love our Bourbon Blood Orange and have been drinking a lot of our Quaywi Sour, it’s only 4.6% alc/vol.
What does the future hold for Bridge Brewing?
Lots of great beer! We will keep our focus on brewing only the best beer and best customer service. We are always growing, both in size and in unique brews.
Leaders of the New School – A Superflux & Boombox Brewery Tour
/in Brewery ToursSpecial Event Brewery Tour – Leaders of the New School
Vancouver Brewery Tours is excited to announce a special event during October’s BC Craft Beer Month. Join us Saturday October 28th for Leaders of the New School – a Brewery Tour featuring Superflux Beer Co. and Boombox Brewing Co. This tour celebrates “contract brewers who CAN” and features an all-can line up of special release, hard to find beers from each brewery and more. With limited seats available and special pricing for BC Craft Beer Month, this is one tour you don’t want to miss.
The tour starts at Superflux Beer Co. (currently calling Strathcona Beer Co. home) where guests will meet the owners. You’ll hear all about the Superflux story and have the opportunity to ask questions all while sampling a variety of special release beers from Superflux – Rainbow Machine, Happyness and more, say what?
Next up is a stop at West Coast Canning in South Vancouver. Simply put, Superflux and Boombox would not exist without this company’s support and innovative business model – the 1st ever mobile canning company in BC. Meet West Coast Canning Owner Matt Leslie, hear about how his company cans beer for not only Superflux and Boombox, but also a large number of BC’s craft breweries. Don’t worry, you’ll be drinking beer while you learn all about the Rise of Craft Beer in Cans in Vancouver.
For the grand finale, the tour will end at Boombox Brewing Co. (currently calling Dogwood Brewing home) to meet the owners and hear about all things Boombox. Special release beers will be on hand from the former Callister Brewing Alumni brewery including Ultra Deluxe, Juicy AF and more. Interesting fact: Boombox and Superflux (then Machine Ales) brewed a collaboration beer last year called Pablo Esco Gnar IPA for BC Beer Awards and won the CBC People’s Choice Award!
The Deets:
When: Saturday October 28th
Tour Time: 12pm-3.30pm
Meet Up Time: 11:45am
Meet Up Location: Inside Waterfront Station
Drop Off Location: Waterfront Station
Price: $75
Book Your Spot Now
Join Our Team! Now Hiring Brewery Tour Guides
/in Brewery ToursThe Opportunity: Brewery Tour Guide
How would you like to get paid to talk about craft beer? Do you enjoy showing people a good time? Or maybe you’d like to meet the staff, brewers and owners of almost every brewery in Vancouver? If you answered yes to any of these then we think you’d make a great brewery tour guide and you should apply now!
We’re a small team with a big passion for our local craft beer community and take pride in connecting locals and tourists with the craft breweries of Vancouver. We’re seeking a passionate and knowledgeable brewery tour guide to join our growing team. The position is part time and on-call, mostly evenings and weekends. The successful candidate must be available every Saturday with other weekday/weekend shifts available upon request. Shifts are 5-8 hours long. We offer industry leading hourly rates with access to competitive gratuities, and provide a comprehensive training program to support your success.
Think you’re right for the job? Here’s what we’re looking for:
Primary Requirements
We are searching for 3 types of candidates:
Other Requirements
How to apply
Due to the amount of applications received, we will only be contacting potential candidates. Thank you for your interest and good luck!
Saying I Do – To the Great Canadian Beer Festival
/in Brewery ToursThe Great Canadian Beer Festival
While drinking locally was always important to me, so was having a good time at 19. When I first heard about a new beer festival in Victoria I signed up right away. The first Great Canadian Beer Festival I ever did was back in the (very) early days when it used to be located in the Victoria Convention Centre. It was small, super packed, full of lots of carpet and had more beer in one place then I had ever seen. I was hooked.
Next up is the venue itself. For me part of what makes a good festival is forced interaction. You don’t want to be TOO crammed into a space with other people, but having too large a venue can feel a bit isolating as it doesn’t create opportunities to actually bump into and talk to other people. To me, Royal Athletic Park has the perfect amount of space vs. attendees which creates lots of opportunities to make new friends. Along with ample shade and seating on the grass, the option of retreating into the bleachers to chill and people watch, AND with the Garrick’s Head Pub close by for post festival beers and food, the venue choice at Royal Athletic makes for one great day out.
Let’s face it, you can find good beer anywhere in BC these days and there’s lots of great festival options all over the province to choose from, and they’re ALL good festivals, but what fun is drinking craft beer if you don’t have friends to share it with? Don’t have any friends? Don’t worry! Just show up and you’re bound to be treated to some famous Victoria hospitality and meet new ones. To me that’s what makes the Great Canadian Beer Festival so great and why we keep saying YES.
Tickets are still available for both days: Friday Sept 8th (4-9pm) and Saturday Sept 9th (12-5pm).
Ryan Mackey
Owner | Vancouver Brewery Tours
Photo Credits: Ryan Mackey and The Great Canadian Beer Festival
Hey Ma Look What’s in the Fridge!
/in Brewery ToursThe Rise of Craft Beer in Cans in Vancouver
If you’ve been buying craft beer in Vancouver lately, you may have noticed something happening across town. While we’re completely spoiled with an incredible selection and variety of locally made craft beers in Vancouver, we also have more choice than ever in what container we drink that beer out of. And while the preferred vessel in the craft beer world has always been 650ml “bomber” bottles, the market is changing and we’re now seeing something new that’s really taking off – enter the rise of craft beer in cans.
Cheap Crappy Beer
Traditionally beer in cans has had a rocky reputation – tinny aluminum flavour, cheap crappy beer made by massive breweries and generally something to stay away from (or pound in quantity at the summer staff party!). However with changes in technology canned beer is actually the freshest way to get beer home and into your belly! Each can is like a mini keg which prevents light and oxygen from entering the can – two spoilers of beer. It was only a matter of time until the craft beer world took notice and started experimenting with cans.
Craft Beer in Cans – When it All Began
Enter Westcoast Canning
Started by Kevin Pederson and Matt Leslie, Westcoast Canning is Canada’s first mobile canning company. That’s right, their company will literally drive a truck into the loading bay of your brewery, roll out a canning line, receive beer straight from the tank of a brewery and voila – produces instant cans and cans of craft beer. Their business immediately took off and found breweries all over BC and Alberta interested in their services. For the 1st time, even small breweries were now able to offer their product in cans to thirsty consumers.
Leaders of the New School
So, is the Growler Dead?
While cans are king right now, we’ve been hearing rumours that 650ml bomber bottle and growler sales are going down at the breweries. But this doesn’t mean that consumers will stop buying beer in glass containers, it just means that cans are shifting sales away from other products due to demand from the consumer. In short, if you love craft beer in cans you’re going to love buying beer in Vancouver over the next few years.
So what do you think about craft beer in cans? Are you on board with the new trend or is glass still king?
5 Years of Beers – Bridge Brewing Celebrates 5th Anniversary
/in Brewery ToursAs brewery tour guides we visit a lot of breweries in our job! Each brewery has their own story, their own personality and each is unique in its own way – which is what makes the craft beer community so special in Vancouver.
While we all get to see the finished products; the new beers, the newest growler designs, the new beer labels, seldom do we get to hear the story behind the brewery and all the work and long hours that go into that delicious beer in our hands. And there are alot of very inspiring stories out there.
The Story Behind the Beer – Bridge Brewing Opens on the North Shore
Perhaps one of the best stories in town comes out of North Vancouver’s very own Bridge Brewing. Celebrating their 5 year anniversary in July, owners Leigh and Jason Stratton had a passion for craft beer and a dream to open a brewery together. After many maxed our credit cards, Bridge opened in July 2012 as a modest 980sq. foot brewery with only 2 or 3 beers on tap at any time. Oh and the brew house kind of looked like a kitchen stove, because it basically was! Leigh and Jason did not take on outside investors and decided to grow the business organically – funneling all their profits back into the business to support their own growth.
The Bridge Brewing brand was centered around the iconic North Shore and some of its most famous namesakes – the North Shore Pale Ale and play on words Hopilano IPA to name a few. They also built a brand around being family friendly and good stewards of the environment aiming for a nearly waste free facility.
A History of Innovation – What the Heck is a Canpedo?
Bridge brought alot of new things to Vancouver: they were Vancouver’s first nano-brewery, the 2nd Vancouver brewery to sell growlers (behind Parallel 49 by 6 weeks), first brewery in Vancouver to sell Canpedos (think 1L beer cans – also Moody Ales in Port Moody was the 1st in BC to sell them) and the list goes on. Fast forward 5 years and Bridge Brewing is easily one of Vancouver’s fastest growing breweries. The company now offers beer in almost every conceivable vessel – flights, glasses, growlers, cans, bombers, six packs, crowlers and maybe even into your hands if you ask nice enough!
Vancouver Brewery Tours owner Ryan had the opportunity to chat with Bridge Brewing owner Leigh to catch up and discuss some of the changes and successes Bridge Brewing has seen over the years.
What inspired you to open Bridge?
We drink a lot of beer! We are big believers in the local economy and food and there wasn’t much in the way of local beer. We spent a lot of time researching craft beer and were told over and over again not to do it. So of course we did.
Many people wouldn’t recognize us from our original form, until you taste the beer. Our first priority is to always produce the best beer. We’ve never lost our focus on that and will never stray. When we first started, craft beer wasn’t even a thing in Vancouver, so we weren’t sure if it would even take off. That’s why we started so small, we didn’t want to be in a position that we had to make tough choices just to pay the rent. Jason and I used to work in the brewery all weekend and now we are fortunate enough to have a great team taking care of our guests. Our branding has evolved over time to hone in on who we are as a company.
When you first started Bridge Brewing did you ever think the company would grow to the size it is today?
It was always a hope that it would. Our 5 year plan was to hire our first employee, we now have 22 all with benefits.
How important is the North Shore community to Bridge Brewing?
The North Shore is huge for us. We were both raised here and are raising our family here. Warehouse space is less expensive in East Van and further out, however we want to be in the community where we live. We love having a tasting room so we can speak directly with our customers and get to know them. We supports tons of local charities and school fundraisers. It’s great to be able to give back to the community that supports us.
Who is your head brewer and what would you say his approach to brewing beer is?
Our Head Brewer is Kerry Dyson. His approach to beer is always top quality with experimentations. He brews with the freshest products and is always looking for new beers. When he came to us with the Milkshake IPA, we were excited for something new.
What type of packaged product is Bridge currently offering? What is your fastest growing segment?
We offer lots of options. Although it’s quite the planning nightmare, we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our great Bridge Beer. We have 3 different sizes of kegs as some restaurants have small fridges. We have small and large bottles and cans. Where ever you are, we want you to have the selection. On a boat, hike or fine dining.
You’ve recently added a taco menu into the brewery, how has it been received?
Amazing! Not only do our guests love it, but I don’t bring a lunch. ever.
Do you every miss working in a 980sq. foot brewery?
No. It was so tiny without any storage and we were so limited to the selection of beers we could offer. Now, if we do a small batch of something and it flies off the shelves, we can brew it again. We were too limited with the previous brewery.
If you could pour one beer off your taps right now, what would it be and why?
I love our Bourbon Blood Orange and have been drinking a lot of our Quaywi Sour, it’s only 4.6% alc/vol.
What does the future hold for Bridge Brewing?
Lots of great beer! We will keep our focus on brewing only the best beer and best customer service. We are always growing, both in size and in unique brews.
East Van Brewing Company – Yeast Van’s (Soon to be) Newest Brewery
/in Brewery ToursThe East Van Brewing Company will be opening in a few short months in the heart of the East Vancouver brewing district known simply in some circles as “Yeast Van”. Vancouver Brewery Tours owner Ryan had the opportunity to visit with East Van Brewing Company Head Brewer James Labbe to talk about the progress and plans for the newest brewery to the Yeast Van craft beer community.
The brewery currently has a trio of talented young professionals working behind the scenes to make this brewery a reality. Steve, the owner, has had great success with running pubs and restaurants around town over the years and always wanted to open his own brewery. James, the head brewer, will get to flex his creative muscles in a way he has always dreamed, and Lisa, creative director/social media guru/artist, has already started giving EVBC a presence with her unique style, drawing inspiration from the neighbourhood.
About the Head Brewer
James brings years of accomplished commercial experience to the role having started delivering kegs and later working as the assistant brewer with Steamworks Brewpub to landing the lead brewing role at Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers. James is also a longstanding member of Van Brewers and an accomplished home brewer. It’s been both a dream and a natural evolution for James to take on the role of head brewer, which comes to fruition with EVBC.
What Types of Beers will East Van Brewing Company be Producing?
James and Steve are self-described hop heads who naturally prefer more hop forward beers. But on top of a few mainstay beers like a west coast pale ale and German style lager, James will focus on styles like farmhouse ales and sour beers to add depth and an ever changing line up. Drawing from exciting developments happening down the West Coast in Washington and Oregon and his New England roots, James is excited about new maltsters, hops varietals and yeast strains arriving on the market, which he looks forward to incorporating into his beers to show where the industry and its demand for creativity have led him.
The brewery is located in East Vancouver at 1675 Venables Street, which is located less than a block away from Commercial Drive.
The Brewery and Tasting Room
When completed, the tasting room will seat around 60 people and will feature a full bar with a growler fill station, light food and merchandise.
Work is well underway with plans for a late summer/early fall launch.
What types of packaged product will East Van Brewing Company be producing?
In addition to growler fills, beer will most likely be available in 650ml bombers and 6 pack cans to start.
We’re super happy for James and his new position, and we wish the team all the success in the journey to opening day. In the meantime, you can follow their progress here:
Website: www.eastvanbrewing.com (under construction)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/EastVanBrewing
Twitter: @eastvanbrewing
Instagram : @eastvanbrewing
Korz Creative: www.korzcreative.com
How About a Brewery Tour in Hong Kong?
/in Brewery ToursLocal Vancouverite Launches Hong Kong’s First Brewery Tour
On our Vancouver Brewery Tours we get to meet a lot of interesting characters and beer lovers from all over the world. Sometimes we even have the pleasure of meeting other tour company owners in town to explore Vancouver and our craft beer culture.
So when Virginia Chan, proud owner of a tour company in Hong Kong called Humid With a Chance of Fishballs (yes, you read that right and awesome name right?) got in touch and expressed interest in hopping on our Vancouver Brewery Tour for “research” purposes for a new brewery tour in Hong Kong she had developed, we were all for it. Virginia visited Brassneck Brewery, Strange Fellows Brewing and the infamous Storm Brewing. After visiting some of our best craft breweries and writing an article on her experience, she was ready to return home and put the finishing touches on her newest tour.
The Story Behind Humid With a Chance of Fishballs Tours
Virginia was born and raised in Vancouver and moved to Hong Kong around 5 years ago. After launching her own very successful tour company in Hong Kong, she saw an opportunity to introduce her guests to the emerging craft beer scene in Hong Kong, and the rest is history. Virginia’s Local Craft Beer Brewery Tour in Hong Kong is a 1st of its kind in the city and looks like a lot of fun- Salted Lime Soda beer anyone? Yes please!
If you find yourself in Hong Kong and love craft beer check out Virginia’s tours!
Read Virginia’s experience on her Vancouver Brewery Tour
Website: Humid with a Chance of Fishballs Tours
Vancouver Brewery Tours Turns 4!
/in Brewery ToursIt’s hard to believe that 4 years ago this month we opened our van doors and welcomed our very first guests on tour!
To say that a few things have changed in the last 4 years in the craft beer community is a massive understatement. When we ran our 1st tour on June 15th, 2013 the owner Ryan and his wife were the only employees, and we had 1 van and 6 breweries available on our tours. Fast forward 4 years and we have a growing staff of 7, 3 brewery tour vans and over 20 breweries on tour.
Some things haven’t changed however, we’re still fierce advocates for supporting local craft beer and LOVE introducing our guests to our local breweries and to their next favourite beer. We’re also still incredibly thankful that we get to live our passion every day and work in a job that rarely feels like a job. This is a fun industry to be a part of.
We’d like to thank all our past guests, our past and current staff, our friends families and loved ones, our brewery partners and more for their incredible support these past 4 years. It’s been quite the ride so far, and watch out for next year’s 5th anniversary party!
Lots of love,
The Vancouver Brewery Tours Team
Andina Brewing Company – Now on Tour!
/in Brewery ToursOpening in March 2017, Andina Brewing Company was started by brothers Nicolas and Andres with the goal to bring a truly unique experience to the Vancouver craft beer community. Drawing upon their Columbian roots, the pair aim to offer South American sourced ingredients and inspired craft beers to the city. Located in the heart of East Vancouver, Andina Brewing Company calls Powell Street home and resides in an unmistakable and vibrant yellow building adorned with a large and beautiful “La Polo” mural.
Andina Brewing is available now on request for Private Tours and is sure to be a hit with our guests!
Cheers,
The Vancouver Brewery Tours team.
The Big List of New Vancouver Breweries – Opening Soon
/in Brewery ToursNew Vancouver Breweries Set to Open in Late 2017
We’re always excited to learn about new breweries opening up in Vancouver, and we’re pretty sure you are too! With that in mind we’ve put together a list of a few new Vancouver breweries (that we know about!) to keep an eye on in 2017. With only 6 months of the year remaining, and barring any unforeseen delays, the following new breweries are expected to open soon:
The team at Callister Brewing welcomes its newest contract brewery to the team, Night Owl Brewing. Head down to Callister on Thursday June 15th to sample their 1st beer the Side Hustle IPA.
www.instagram.com/nightowlbeers
Another new addition to Callister Brewing, Morning Star Brewing began pouring on Friday June 9th and sold out within a few hours! Watch for more beers coming soon.
www.facebook.com/MorningStarBeer
That’s right, East Van is getting its own namesake brewery. Located at 1675 Venebles street and expected to open in late summer, early fall, this new Vancouver brewery is one to keep an eye thanks to a beautiful space and skill of head brewer James Labbe. Watch for an interview with head brewer James Labbe coming soon.
www.eastvanbrewing.com
Could this be the best ever name for a brewery? Beere Brewing Company Owner and head brewer Matt Beere is excited to bring his family business to 312 Esplanade E. in North Vancouver. Read our interview with Matt here.
www.beerebrewing.com
Coquitlam residents rejoice! Coquitlam’s first craft brewery Mariner Brewing is set to open in late 2017 and work is very much underway in this much anticipated new brewery. Read our interview with owner Byron here.
www.marinerbrewing.ca
Factory Brewing is the answer many local breweries have been looking for. Factory Brewing is a full on contract brewery poised to produce beer for breweries seeking to increase capacity or production. Breweries like Doan’s Craft Brewing Company have already signed on, and we’re sure many more will do the same.
www.factory.beer
North Vancouver’s craft beer community continues to strengthen with the addition of Streetcar Brewing. Expected to open in late 2017, Streetcar Brewing is located on Lower Lonsdale on the North Shore.
www.streetcarbrewing.ca
Details on this new Vancouver brewery are slim, however construction is underway in Mount Pleasant at 20 West 4th Avenue located a few doors down from R&B Brewing. Follow Electric Bicycle Brewing on their Instagram for progress updates.
www.instagram.com/electricbicyclebrewing