In the news this week was a Statistics Canada report that British Columbians drink less beer than other Canadians. The resulting coverage by mainstream media has tended to highlight the implied shock and shame BC beer drinkers should feel for trailing the rest of Canada in brewski consumption.
It’s true that BC drinkers in general are moving away from beer. However, it’s a fallacy to conclude that British Columbians like all beer less than other Canadians. After all, in terms of comparative market share, they definitely like a certain category of beer—the same category you like: craft beer. Read our Editor’s Take →
On Monday, CBC Radio Vancouver show The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn reached out to Beer Me BC/What’s Brewing for commentary and got the above opinion. Quinn, known to craft beer fans for his role hosting the BC Beer Awards for years, seemed to agree. Listen now →
BC Cider Week Underway
BC Cider Week kicked off last week with the annual Sea Cider Social, and continues through Sunday with events around the province! The crown jewel is BC Cider Fest in North Vancouver, pictured above, which sold out in a matter of hours within ticket release. But there are some other hot items, including
- VAN > Now until Sunday: Red Racer Taphouse Cider Tap takeover
- VIC > Now until Sunday: BC Cider Festival at the Tudor House Liquor Store
- KEL > Tomorrow: 3rd Annual Bacon & Cider Festival
- KEL > Saturday: 3rd Annual Okanagan Cider Festival
Hops & Sods
Springthorpe Opens The Magnet
There’s a new craft beer taproom in town, with a familiar owner. The Alibi Room’s Nigel Springthorpe, considered Vancouver’s premier publican by many in craft circles, has opened the The Magnet’s doors this week at 309 West Pender Street. You can check out their debut beer menu, featuring a roll call of the hip and hot, here.
Fort Langley Fest to debut Langley’s new crop of breweries
With an expected crowd of 4000, the sure-to-sell-out 2019 Fort Langley Beer & Food Festival will be the biggest one yet. It’s also where a number of anticipated Langley breweries will become debutantes at their first public beer fest. We talk to event organizer Hannah Brown to find out what else is in store for the third annual event. Full story →
BC’s most unique craft beer vacation previewed in detail
The second annual Craft Beer & Wilderness Retreat, to be held June 8-12 2019, is a 5-day craft beer getaway at a Nootka Sound wilderness lodge where guests will learn to brew beer with the head brewers from Boombox Brewing, Luppolo Brewing and Crannóg Ales. The brainchild of Brad & Dennyse Harris of Royston Nano Brewery in the Vancouver Island town of the same name, CBW can claim to be a truly unique event. Attendees are able to take part in beer appreciation seminars, historic presentations on Nootka Sound, a half-day boat trip and dockside yoga, kayaking or paddleboarding around the cove (options for fishing charters as well). What’s Brewing was at the inaugural event in 2018. Find out what we experienced here →
Hot Tip: save $300 by booking now →