Beer cocktails combine the flavours of craft beer with fresh citrus, herbs, spirits and seasonal ingredients to create drinks that are bright, balanced and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting friends on the patio, firing up the barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in the sunshine, the recipes we’re featuring offer a fresh take on summer sipping.

To keep things local, we’ve paired each cocktail with craft beer from BC breweries and, wherever possible, ingredients from the province. From a spicy IPA Michelada to a creamy Porter Beer Float, there’s a recipe for every taste and every occasion.

Before you start mixing, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your beer cocktails.

Tips for Making Beer Cocktails

• Match the beer style to the flavours in your cocktail. Not every beer pairs well with every ingredient.
• IPAs work well with citrus-forward recipes thanks to their bright hop character.
• Crisp lagers, pilsners and lighter ales provide a clean, refreshing base.
• Stir rather than shake. Carbonated beer and cocktail shakers don’t make the best combination. Frozen cocktails are the exception since blenders can handle those.
• Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh herbs, citrus or seasonal fruit add aroma, colour and a finishing touch to make every drink feel a little more special.

1. IPA Michelada

The Michelada is a classic beer cocktail for a reason. Bright citrus, a touch of spice and a crisp, hop-forward IPA come together for a refreshing drink that’s made for warm afternoons. This version uses a BC craft IPA for a West Coast twist on the Mexican favourite, with optional Worcestershire and hot sauce adding an extra layer of savoury flavour.

Serves: 1 | Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lime
• Lime wedge
• 1 tbsp of sea salt (pour onto a plate)
• A handful of ice cubes
• 1 tbsp tequila
• Approx 3/4 of a 473ml can of IPA (such as Parkside Brewery’s Humans IPA)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Tobasco sauce (optional)

Method:

1. Squeeze lime juice into a small bowl or small measuring cup
2. Use a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glass
3. Carefully dip the rim of your glass in the salt (you want to have a thin rim of salt)
4. Add ice, lime juice and tequila to your glass
5. Stir gently and then slowly pour your beer into the glass
6. Garnish with a lime wedge
7. OPTIONAL – Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a couple drops of hot sauce for some kick

2. Raspberry Beergarita

If you’re dreaming of warm weather and beachside margaritas, this raspberry beergarita brings a little vacation energy to your own backyard. Fresh raspberries, lime and tequila pair deliciously with a raspberry-forward BC craft beer for a drink that’s fruity, refreshing and easy to share. Blend it up for your next backyard gathering or sunny afternoon on the patio.

Serves: 2 | Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 4-6 tbsp of tequila, or adjust to your taste
• 1 small lime, juiced
• 1 tall can of raspberry ale (such as Trading Post’s Raspberry Wheat Ale)
• 1 cup of ice
• Lime wedges
• OPTIONAL – Salt for the rim of your glassware (see cocktail #1)

Method:

1. In a blender, blend raspberries and water until smooth. Strain raspberries in a wire mesh colander over a bowl and pour juice back into the blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. It will be very frothy, so let the liquid settle (just as you would a pint) before pouring.
4. While your liquid is settling, use a lime wedge to wet the rim of your glasses. Rim with salt.
5. Pour, add a lime wedge to each glass and enjoy!

Note: If you use frozen raspberries, increase your water amount to 3/4 cup.

Original cocktail recipe by sofabgood.com. 

3. Orange Elvis

Citrus and hops are a natural pairing, making this IPA cocktail bright, aromatic and surprisingly smooth. Gin, orange juice and a splash of elderflower liqueur complement the beer without overpowering it, while fresh herbs add an extra burst of summer flavour.

Serves: 1 | Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (4 tbsp) of dry gin (such as Spinnaker’s Botanical Beach London Dry Gin)
• 4 oz or a 1/4 tall can of IPA (such as Yellow Dog Play Dead IPA or Parkside’s Humans IPA)
• 1/2 oz (2 tbsp) St. Germain (semi-optional)
• Ice
• OPTIONAL – Fresh mint for garnish

Method:

1. Put some ice cubes in your glass.
2. Add gin, orange juice and St. Germain to a cocktail glass (or whatever you have available)
3. Use the stem of a spoon to stir and combine.
4. Slowly pour the beer.
5. Garnish with some fresh rosemary or mint.
6. Enjoy!

Note: If you have a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, juice and St. Germain. Shake, shake, shake, and strain into a glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour IPA over ice. Add the beer after shaking to preserve the carbonation.

4. Raspberry Gin-ger Beer

Sweet raspberries, zesty lemon, homemade ginger syrup and gin come together in this vibrant cocktail, with a raspberry beer adding a refreshing finish. It takes a little extra preparation, but the homemade syrup is well worth the effort, and you’ll have enough left over for another round.

Serves: 2 | Time: 1 hour

Ginger Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup (150 g) of fresh ginger root, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cup water

Method:

1. Combine water, sugar and ginger in a small saucepan.
2. Heat to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat and let mixture steep for 30 mins.
5. Strain and chill in a covered container in the fridge.

Note: You’ll have enough left for at least four cocktails.

The Cocktail

Ingredients:

5. Black Velvet

Simple, elegant and ready in just a few minutes, the Black Velvet combines sparkling wine with a rich porter or stout for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and decadent. This version uses BC-made bubbly and craft beer for a local take on a timeless classic.

Serves: 1 | Time: 2-3 mins

Ingredients:

• 4 oz bubbly wine (such as Evolve Cellars Pink Effervescence)
• 4 oz porter or stout beer (such as Yellow Dog Smoked Porter)

Method:

1. Pour bubbly into glass (will hit about halfway in a traditional champagne glass)
2. Top it off by slowly pouring your beer.
3. Make another for your partner.
4. Enjoy!

Note: While not in season, a stout should give the cocktail an impressive layered look. Regardless, both versions are delicious.

6. Porter Beer Float

This grown-up take on the classic ice cream float pairs creamy vanilla ice cream with a rich porter or stout for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent. It’s easy to make, fun to serve and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at your next summer gathering.

Serves: 2 | Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream (such as Island Farms)
• 1 tall can of porter or stout (such as Yellow Dog Shake a Paw Smoked Porter)

Method:

1. Fill two small mason jars (or glassware of your choice) each with around two big scoops of ice cream
2. Slowly pour half a can of the beer over the ice cream in each glass.
3. Enjoy the creamy, fizzy finish!

Note: If you have kids or want a non-alcoholic version, Phillips Brewing & Malting offers a great root beer. It’s available in most grocery stores.

Share your beer cocktail creations with us by tagging @bcaletrail on social media. Happy mixing!

Originally written by Yasmine Hardcastle on July 22, 2020. Updated by the BC Ale Trail team in 2026.

The post Shake Up Summer with BC Craft Beer Cocktails appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

While Vancouver takes centre stage as a host city, communities across the province are joining the excitement with fan zones, watch parties, beer gardens, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to cheer alongside fellow fans.

So, whether you’re looking for a lively place to catch a match, gather with friends, or soak up the atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of ways to join the celebration this summer in our Match Day Pints Guide. We’ve created this list of the best fan zones, watch parties, and community events happening around British Columbia. Click on any participating brewery below for event details, or find all of these events in the BC Ale Trail app. Don’t have it yet? Download it today and take BC’s craft beer scene with you.

Cheers to a summer of great matches, great beer, and memorable moments!

Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Vancouver

FIFA Fan Festival

The official FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park will be BC’s largest tournament celebration, featuring giant screens, live entertainment, food vendors, cultural programming, and interactive fan experiences throughout the tournament.

Granville Island

One of Vancouver’s most iconic destinations is getting into the soccer spirit with free public match screenings throughout the tournament. Between games, explore the Public Market, waterfront patios, and vibrant craft beverage scene.

R&B Brewing

Watch matches on a massive 140-inch screen while enjoying special Team Canada food and beer pairings.

Parallel 49 Brewing

One of Vancouver’s largest breweries has transformed its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this June and July, featuring a giant outdoor screen, DJs, food, and more.

Luppolo Brewing Company

Showing select matches in the tasting room. Table reservations are highly encouraged.

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Serving as Vancouver’s unofficial Swiss headquarters, welcoming fans of all nations throughout the tournament.

Steamworks Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse

Showing matches in the taphouse throughout the tournament

Strathcona Beer Co.

Offering watch parties, snacks, and match-day drink specials.

Container Brewing

Enjoy patio parties for every game, all tournament long.

East Vancouver Brewing Company

Enjoy a pint and good food while they show matches all tournament long. Table reservations encouraged.

Strange Fellows Brewing

Watch the world’s best teams compete all tournament long while enjoying Strange Fellows’ award-winning beers.

Main Street Brewing

Enjoy all the Team Canada matches along with select tournament games. Open early for select games.

Howe Sound Brewing

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering $12 double Caesars and $20 jugs of Howe Sound Lager during the games. Enjoy a $20 burger and beer special from Monday to Friday. Open 30 minutes before early games.

———

North Vancouver

Uber Eats Canada Soccer House

The Shipyards will become home to Uber Eats Canada Soccer House, a waterfront gathering place featuring match screenings, special events, entertainment, food, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate Canada’s biggest soccer summer yet.

Strathcona North

Showing every match with early openings for select morning games, true 20oz pours, and daily happy hour specials.

———

Surrey

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Three free Soccer Fan Zones at Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Agriplex, and South Surrey Athletic Park will feature giant screens, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and licensed beer gardens.

Way Back Brew Co.

Showing matches all month long, making it easy to settle in with a locally crafted pint and soak up the match-day excitement.

———

New Westminster

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

New Westminster is Fired Up for soccer with public watch parties, cultural programming, community events, and activities taking place throughout the tournament.

Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering a special $8.50 breakfast menu and $12 double Caesars, as well as a $20 burger and beer special every day. Open 30 minutes before early games.

———

Delta

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Watch matches from Ladner’s Chisholm Street Wharf or the North Delta Recreation Centre while enjoying community programming and activities.

Four Winds Brewing Co.

Showing every match in the taproom.

Four Winds Beach House & Brewery

Catch every match on large projectors and TVs overlooking Boundary Bay.

———

Coquitlam

Public Watch Parties

Public match viewings will rotate between several outdoor locations, creating neighbourhood gathering spaces for fans throughout the tournament.

Mariner Brewing

Showing every tournament match on the big screen with full sound, plus daily soccer-themed T-shirt giveaways and Team Canada jersey raffles on select match days.

Side Quest Brewing Co.

Showing all matches (that start between 12-7 pm) with the sound on. No cost to come, happy hour from 12-6 pm with $5 pints.

———

Port Moody

Train Wreck Brewing

Join fellow fans for match screenings throughout the tournament.

Yellow Dog Brewing

Showing all matches throughout the tournament and hosting special giveaways during every Canada match. Grab a pint and join fellow supporters as Canada takes on the world’s best.

———

Port Coquitlam

Taylight Brewing

Extended hours, international match celebrations, and tournament-themed food and beer specials throughout the tournament.

———

Langley

Camp Beer Co.

A massive outdoor watch party experience featuring every match, special soccer mug club perks, custom cask beers, food features, and a final match celebration.

Dead Frog Brewery

Catch all the action throughout the tournament while enjoying a lineup of locally crafted beers.

Five Roads Brewing

Watch Vancouver-hosted matches while enjoying specials on their soccer-themed Mexican lager. Team Canada goals unlock $5 beers.

———

Chilliwack

Sidekick Brewing

Showing every match in the taproom, with $15 60oz pitchers during Team Canada games.

———

Pitt Meadows

Foamers’ Folly Brewing

Showing every single match LIVE. Grab a $5 pint and enjoy the festivities!

———

Squamish

Howe Sound Brewing

Showing every match in the brewery throughout the tournament and offering a special breakfast menu and $12 double Caesars, as well as a $20 burger and beer special from Monday to Friday. Open 30 minutes before early games.

———

Pemberton

Bridge Brewing

Catch every match on multiple screens, full sound, delicious handcrafted eats, and a pint of your favourite craft beer in hand.

Sunshine Coast

Gibsons & Sechelt

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Both Gibsons and Sechelt have received provincial funding to support free celebrations. Keep an eye on local event listings for details on community viewing parties and special programming throughout the tournament

Persephone Brewing Company

Join fellow fans for watch parties and receive 10% off on match days when you mention “Match Days.”

The Spare Room at The Alley

Pair all the action with Persephone pints and a full pub menu featuring burgers, wings, and more.

Vancouver Island

Victoria

Public Watch Parties and Community Events 

Downtown Victoria is embracing the tournament with outdoor watch parties, street activations, and community events hosted in partnership with local businesses throughout the city.

Driftwood Brewing

Enjoy all the games on their new 75″ TV, starting at 12:00pm daily. Select matches shown with sound.

———

Langford

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Langford’s cultural district will come alive with public match screenings, local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and a licensed beverage garden. It’s an ideal stop for soccer fans travelling through southern Vancouver Island.

———

Comox Valley

Public Watch Party

Celebrate Canada’s opening match with a community gathering featuring live music, cultural performances, and a shared viewing experience in one of Vancouver Island’s most scenic regions.

Interior BC

Kamloops

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

Riverside Park will serve as Kamloops’ soccer headquarters, with matches broadcast on a large outdoor screen at the Rotary Bandshell. Team Canada games and the tournament final will feature enhanced programming, including food trucks, family activities, live entertainment, and a beer garden.

———

Kelowna

Kelowna Beer Institute

Transforming into “England House” for every England match, complete with a dedicated viewing room, prizes, food specials, and a pint included with admission.

———

Penticton

Yellow Dog Brewing

Catch Canada’s matches with fellow fans while enjoying locally crafted beer and the vibrant atmosphere of Penticton’s brewery district.

———

Salmon Arm

Public Watch Parties

Salmon Arm is planning a series of free community watch parties, giving visitors another reason to spend time in the Shuswap region during the tournament.

Ricochet Brewing & Taphouse

Join the After the Pitch celebrations with an expanded street-side patio, food specials, outdoor games, and 36 BC craft beverage taps.

———

Cranbrook

Public Watch Parties and Community Events

The East Kootenays will join the celebration with public viewing opportunities and soccer-themed community events throughout the tournament.

Northern BC

Prince George

Public Watch Party

Prince George will host a community watch party for the soccer final, bringing fans together to celebrate the culmination of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Join the Celebration

One of the best things about the beautiful game is how it brings people together. This summer, communities across BC are creating spaces where fans can gather, cheer on their favourite teams, and be part of the excitement.

Whether you’re watching from a waterfront fan zone, a community watch party, or your local brewery patio, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the soccer spirit. And while the tournament may be a global event, it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate local. BC’s craft breweries are producing world-class beer in communities across the province, and many are opening their doors for match-day festivities.

So pull on your lucky jersey, gather your crew, and raise a locally crafted pint to a summer of great beer, unforgettable moments, and world-class soccer.

For further resources, visit Super, Natural BC.

The post Match Day Pints: Where to Celebrate the Beautiful Game in BC appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

What is it about craft beer and dog lovers? Maybe it’s just that good people have great taste both in what they consume and who they hang out with. I’m not sure exactly what brings the two together, but it definitely seems like a lot of craft beer people are also dog people. And a lot of breweries in BC have dog-friendly patios and spaces!

Consider this list: Yellow Dog Brewing, Unleashed Brewing, Bad Dog Brewing, 3 Dogs Brewing, Twa Dogs Brewery, Red Collar Brewing, and Dog Mountain Brewing. OK, sure, that last one is an actual mountain and not a giant pile of puppies, but I’m counting it since they have a dog-friendly rooftop patio. There are a bevy of dog-themed breweries to explore in BC.

Aside from the dog-themed breweries themselves, many others have taken steps to welcome our furry friends. Take the weekly Dogs of Camp Club Night at Camp Beer Co, for example, encouraging owners to bring their pets down for a visit. And then there’s Barkside, sorry, Parkside Brewery, who have made their love for dogs a public affair. At various breweries around the province, there are spent-grain dog treats; branded dog bandanas, collars, and leashes; and often community water dishes available to borrow.

And there’s just no way to talk about dogs at breweries without acknowledging Unleashed Brewing in Kelowna. Unleashed was BC’s first brewery to get permission to have dogs in the tasting room, and they’ve had to fight hard to keep that designation. It works for them, and their patrons. Perhaps one reason is the canine code of conduct that they have crafted.

Bringing your pooch along to happy hour can be a great outing on a rainy day, a way to socialize, and just an overall fun way to spend an afternoon with your favourite companion. But keeping in mind some basic etiquette rules and manners is crucial to making it an enjoyable time for everyone.

Exposing a dog, especially a big one, to unfamiliar territory carries with it certain inherent risks. There are people bustling about with trays of drinks and food — often food that is not dog friendly (an errant bone from a chicken wing could be disastrous) — and dogs can be a tripping hazard. Never mind a surprise visit from a small child who snuck away from their parents, an encounter with another reactive dog, and of course the broken glass caused by an overly enthusiastic tail wag.

Does that mean we shouldn’t bring our four-legged friends with us to the patio? I think it’s crucial to know your dog, know their limits, and decide from there.

Here are some tips for making your next brewery visit with Fido as enjoyable as possible.

Know your dog and come prepared.

Knowing what your dog needs to be comfortable on a public patio can vary widely from dog to dog. If you have a high energy dog, making sure they get a good walk in before your visit is a great idea. Bringing a toy or chew to keep them engaged and happy at your table works well for some, but maybe less so for those with guarding tendencies. A blanket or small bed might be a big plus for dogs without the benefit of a thick coat in these early spring days.

And don’t forget the essentials: a water bowl, waste bags, and leash.

Be prepared to leave if necessary.

Dogs are social animals and enjoy spending time with their people. It’s natural for us to feel the same way, and to want to spend time with our dogs. However, not all dogs are suited to public outings. If you know your dog can be reactive towards others, or if they bark non-stop when overstimulated, pull continually on the leash to go say “Hi” to others, they may be more comfortable at home.

Leaving the patio earlier than intended, or even leaving your pooch at home, isn’t admitting defeat. It’s more about knowing your dog’s limitations and not putting them in a stressful situation needlessly. Grab a four- or six-pack to go, and head home to unwind with your pooch in a more calm environment.

Keep your dog on a leash and at your table.

Breweries are busy places, and a dog, no matter how friendly, that’s blocking the way for servers and other patrons can be problematic.

Keeping your dog close by ensures that they stay safe (no one wants to accidentally step on a paw or tail!) and that they aren’t able to help themselves to unattended snacks at the next table over. And of course, there are some people who simply don’t like dogs or may have allergies. Having our dogs with us on patios is a privilege — keeping your dog with you and not allowing them to wander ensures that other patrons are comfortable, and therefore less likely to object.

Go for potty breaks and clean up any accidents.

If you’re planning to stay for a while, be sure to take your dog for a potty break. If you’ve had to use the facilities during your stay, your dog very well might as well. Keep an eye out for cues that they may need a break. And this might seem obvious, but if an accident does happen, clean it up. You should be prepared with bags for any, shall we say, solid deposits, but ask staff for the best way to deal with a liquid oopsies.

We’d be remiss not to include some reminders for humans as well. As much as we might want to pet all the dogs, it’s not always welcomed or appropriate.

Always ask before approaching.

This applies to kids, adults, and everyone in between. Just because the adorable little fluff ball at the table next to you looks to be eyeing you up for a snuggle, doesn’t mean that they welcome attention. Consider this scenario: as much as we all want to love on adorable, wiggly, puppies, they may be working on training at the time. Teaching a young dog to lie calmly at your side without jumping up every time someone approaches is a valuable and necessary behaviour. Approaching a dog and allowing them to do that very behaviour can set back training in a frustrating way for the owners.

There are many reasons why someone may trust their dog to come to the brewery, but not to be approached by strangers — always ask, and always respect the answer given by the dog’s handler.

Never, ever feed a dog anything without permission.

Maybe you’ve always snuck your furry friend the odd tidbit from your plate, especially on special occasions. Maybe that choice is OK for you and your dog. But feeding others might result in anything from an upset tummy to a full-on allergy attack or gastro episode requiring veterinary intervention. It might seem like a harmless little treat, but it can do damage. Check with the handler, and again: respect their answer.

Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s talk about dog-inclusive offerings and events

There are packs of breweries around the province going above and beyond to welcome canine guests. Since humans visit breweries for a ‘treat’, why not offer something for their four-legged companions as well? Moody Ales, Smugglers Trail, and Steel & Oak all offer doggy flights. Steel and Oak have taken it one step further and are donating proceeds from their flights to New Westminster Animal Services.

Some breweries have year-round fundraisers on, like Farmhouse Brewing in Chilliwack. They have stickers available for purchase featuring their unofficial, but should be official, mascot Mr. Monty who is the owner’s pup, and a frequent presence around the brewery. Proceeds from sticker sales support the BC SPCA. Another way to help animals in need is to get them out of the shelter. What better way to do that than adoption events? Five Roads Brewing, Rustic Reel, Patina Brewing, North Point Brewing, Steamworks, Parallel 49, East Van Brewing, and so many more have all hosted adoption events. Parkside Brewery is especially committed to finding homes for pups in need. In partnership with Barks ‘n Brews, they host adoption events on the third Saturday of every month throughout the summer and into September. While you can’t take a dog home directly, it’s a chance for meet and greets, to raise funds for the featured rescue, and an opportunity for the dogs to socialize and hopefully meet their future fur-ever humans.

And some breweries, like Camp Beer Co, take it to the next level with their weekly Dogs of Camp Club Night. Featuring a dog-friendly drink special, food specials for the humans, and entry into a monthly prize draw, it’s the perfect excuse to take your dog out for an evening of socializing.

Many, if not most, breweries are family-friendly. And what are dogs, if not members of the family? It’s getting increasingly common to see dog-friendly patios filled with happy wagging tails and smiling humans.

And the more we can do to be responsible dog owners and keep this momentum going in a positive way, the better.

The post Patio Etiquette for Dogs at Breweries appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Brewers Row

With six different breweries located on a two-block stretch, Brewers Row in Port Moody is a must-visit destination for every beer lover. It might only take you five minutes to stroll from end to end, but then again, you’ll be making plenty of stops along the way. 

From November 1-30, 2023, visit all six of the participating breweries listed below and ask for a stamp when you buy beer (a sample flight, pint, or packaged product to go). Once you have collected stamps from each location, hand in the passport to be entered in the draw for a chance to win the Grand Prize package. 

Fill Your Passport to Win!

How do you participate?

1. Visit any of the participating businesses listed below from November 1-30, 2023 and ask for a stamp with purchase.
2. After collecting a stamp at all six of the participating breweries, hand in the completed passport to be entered to win the Grand Prize – a beer-themed getaway to Langley!

The random prize draw will take place following the contest period once all of the completed passports have been collected.

The Grand Prize Langley Getaway package includes:

• a one-night stay at the Coast Langley Hotel + one-night stay at an accommodation provider of their choice in the Township of Langley
• $100 gift card to Fast Track Indoor Karting
• Growler + fill + pint glass + toque from Farm Country Brewing
• Swag from the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Brew Lab
• Pair of tickets to a Vancouver Giants game
• gift basket of Langey items ($200 value)

Several other individual prizes from the participating businesses will also be awarded.

The winner of the Grand Prize is A. Biring of Port Moody.

The Port Moody Ale Trail — Brewers Row

Back in 2014 it seemed like a quirky twist of fate when two breweries opened on the same street in a supposedly sleepy suburb. When a third brewery joined the original duo on Murray Street, folks began to take notice. Now with six unique operations on Brewers Row, beer lovers agree that Port Moody is anything but sleepy—it’s a destination.

This is likely the most densely concentrated grouping of breweries anywhere in Canada. It will only take you five minutes to stroll Brewers Row from end to end—but of course, you’ll want to stop at each of the breweries along the way. You will find a range of approaches to brewing to suit everyone’s tastes—from beer beginners to hopheads, barrel freaks, and sour seekers. They offer some food options, and all the breweries encourage you to visit the food trucks parked out front on Murray Street.

Where Can You Pick Up a Passport?

The Port Moody Ale Trail Tasting Passport is available for free at any of the participating breweries:

Brave Brewing
2617 Murray St

Moody Ales & Co
2601 Murray St

Parkside Brewery
2731 Murray St

Rewind Beer Co.
2809 Murray St

Twin Sails Brewing
2821 Murray St

Yellow Dog Brewing
2817 Murray St #1

The post Explore Brewers Row with the Port Moody Ale Trail Tasting Passport appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Running from January 14-31, 2022, Dine Out is celebrating its 20th anniversary with more than 300 restaurants offering prix fixe menus priced between $20 and $59, plus culinary experiences and special offers. It’s a great time to discover new restaurants or revisit and support one of your beloved spots. Every year I go through the entire list of prix fixe menus and post some suggestions on my website. Here I have curated a list of Dine Out Vancouver 2022 ideas specifically for craft beer lovers.

Brunch, Lunch or Dinner at Breweries

A number of local breweries are offering a prix fixe menu ranging from $20 to $49. At BREWHALL, you can create so many different combinations of hand-held goodness with a side and dessert, such as Mac Attack Sando with Curly Fries and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Over in the Fraser Valley, Trading Post Brewing also offers different menus at its two restaurant locations. At Trading Post Fort Langley, I would be torn choosing between Duck Confit and Bacon & Pea Gnocchi as my entree, and the London Fog Creme Brulee sounds heavenly. Driving further out to Trading Post Abbotsford, I see two tasty appetizers in Carrot Walnut Spread and Roasted Beet Salad, and equally sweet options of Apple Cake and Chocolate Tart as dessert.

Back in Vancouver, you can’t go wrong with any items on Luppolo Brewing’s 3-course menu, especially since a beer is included in the price. I haven’t seen Vitello Tonnato on a menu in a while and I’m always a big fan of their pizzas. They also add their beer in their tiramisu. If you don’t feel like dining in, you can order a 4-pack beer and two pizzas from the Dine Out menu for $50.

From January 14 – 31, experience a spectacular $27 three-course meal at Monkey 9 Brewing in Richmond. Appies include creamy chicken barley soup, cauliflower bites,  and cheesy spinach dip. Mains include crispy chicken leg served with stacked potatoes, onion rings, brussel sprouts, and shire sauce; shrimp pesto linguine tossed in pesto sauce and topped with sautéed shrimp and tomatoes; and rocket salad with arugula, beets, radish, almonds, grape tomatoes, and goat crumble. Yum!

Prix Fixe Menus at Restaurants with Notable Craft Beer Options

Many of the other participating restaurants are great friends with our local breweries and have a notable selection of beers to choose from. For example, all the Dine Out menu items at Bells and Whistles Dunbar and Fraser would pair well with beer, including Crispy Pork Rinds, The Classic Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and my favourite All Day Breakfast Sandwich.

Romer’s three locations in Kitsilano, Port Moody and River District also have a wide variety of dishes for appetizers and entrees, and having their Almost Famous Drunken Donuts for dessert would just hit the spot. For those who appreciate Asian flavours, I was drawn to the Asian take on western dishes at Saiwoo and Sing Sing Beer Bar. Taco/Mexican food lovers can check out the menu at Tacofino Ocho and The Pawn Shop YVR.

Family-friendly Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company in Kitsilano and Main Street don’t only have a 3-course menu with a mile-long list of pizza options that are available for dine-in and take-out, but they also sell take-home pizza kits that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home (with some ice cold craft beer, of course). Speaking of additional offers, Tap & Barrel Convention Centre, Olympic Village and Shipyards cater to the foodies and craft beer lovers in training as they have a Dine Out for Kids menu so they don’t feel left out. What a cute idea!

If you are looking for something a bit different, Burgoo Bistro Downtown, Lonsdale, Main Street, and Point Grey are offering three cheese and one chocolate fondue for $10 each, plus drinks are at happy hour pricing from 11am to close.

Last but not least, I must give a shout out to The Mackenzie Room for their 5-course family style tasting menu. They are one of my favourite restaurants in town and we go at least once a year (even in the last two years) and they never disappoint!

Beer-Related Experiences

Whether you are a pure craft beer lover, or an indulger of various libations, you will be able to find a beer-related experience that suits you. Over the next few weeks, you can sign up for a tour to explore breweries in Yeast Van and Mount Pleasant, visit a distillery and two breweries in Yeast Van, savour a buttery lobster roll with beer, treat yourself to cider, wine, beer AND charcuterie, or get up early for a brew of coffee and beer. Leave your vehicle behind as full transportation is provided including pickup and dropoff at a designated location.

If you prefer a food and beer pairing experience, enjoy a four-course tasting menu curated by the chefs & brewers at Belgard Kitchen & Settlement Brewing. A $5 donation to Mealshare is also included.

And if you like a more hands-on event, you can create your own pizza pie at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. Main Street or Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. Kitsilano. Your three-course meal will be paired with Four Winds or Kits Brewing beer.

Final Thoughts on Dine Out Vancouver

Honestly, this roundup could go on and on, but I hope I gave you some ideas to start planning one of your Dine Out experiences this year. If you end up checking out any of the above, let me know how it goes! Hit me up @vanfoodies on Instagram or find me at vanfoodies.com! Stay safe!

Joyce Lam has been a food blogger in Vancouver since 2009, writing at VanFoodies.com and sharing her food adventures on social media @vanfoodies. She sets out to discover delightful eats across Greater Vancouver, find joys in hearty home-cooking, and celebrate local food and beverage producers. A marketing consultant by day, and a food blogger by night, Joyce is a petite girl with a big appetite. Her foodie motto is “I’ll try anything once.”

The post Dine Out Vancouver 2022 Suggestions for Craft Beer Lovers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Chloe Smith and Cédric Dauchot from Townsite Brewing in Powell River. At the end of the interview, they picked who I would interview next, and they recommended Roxanne Cartwright.

Roxanne is the Head Brewer at The Bakery Brewing, which opened in 2019 in Port Moody on the Port Moody Ale Trail.

I always enjoy speaking with other women in the craft beer industry, especially when they are as passionate about craft beer as Roxanne. She is equally passionate about life in Port Moody. When we are allowed to travel again, I’m looking forward to checking out the delicious craft beer scene in Port Moody and exploring the hidden gems in the area.

Kim: How did you get your start in craft beer?

Roxanne: I started out as a homebrewer. I started making my own wine and beer. At the time, I was a landscaper and gardener which is seasonal, so I thought I would like to work at a brewery in the off-season. Back in 2014, a friend of mine recommended a soon-to-open brewery called Moody Ales. She knew the owners of this brewery and she thought it would be a great fit for me to work with them. I reached out to them and ended up being one of their first employees. I started in the lounge working behind the bar there, but my goal was to work in the brewhouse. Within 6 months I was working in the brewhouse at Moody Ales. I learned to brew along the way with a lot of experimenting and researching.

At Moody Ales, I ran the experimental line of our cask program.

I love making smaller experimental beers, so when the owners of Moody Ales decided to open up The Bakery Brewing in 2019, they asked if I wanted to take that on. I was thrilled to, and I moved over to The Bakery.

I haven’t gone to brewing school yet, but I am planning to go to school in the fall. I’m planning to start at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling based in London, which is all done online so I can do it from home.

Kim: Tell me about the start of The Bakery Brewing? I understand it was previously a bakery?

Roxanne: Yes, the building was originally an Italian bakery. At Moody Ales, we started using the space for storage a few years before and we always referred to it as the bakery. So when we decided to open a second brewery, we decided to stick with the name The Bakery Brewing. Besides, beer is pretty much liquid bread, so the name just stuck.

Kim: The Bakery Brewing is known for experimentation and flavour exploration when it comes to beer making. Can you tell me more about this?

Roxanne: We are a very small batch brewery. We have a five-hL brewhouse, a little electric one. We typically brew 600-800 litre batches. Since we don’t do any wholesale beer, we are able to keep rotating through lots of different beers. We do have staple beers like our IPA and Lager, but even with our IPAs, we like to change up the hops or malts. We like to keep learning and having fun. We get to try so many different styles and combinations of different ingredients. We’ll make a plan for a beer and try it. The nice thing is that we can change things on the fly depending on what happens during the brewing process.

As an example, we made our first-ever watermelon sour. As we tasted it during the brewing process, we realized that it needed a little something more, so we ended up adding fresh cucumbers. Sometimes it takes some tweaking to the recipe. We do make some customer favourites as a repeat, but otherwise, we are creating a new recipe every time.

Kim: How do you come up with so many different beer recipes?

Roxanne: Often we’ll start with a homebrew recipe, or I will make up recipes as I go. I do a lot of research on a certain style. Once I decide on a specific style I want to make, then I create a recipe. I reference ingredients I’ve used in the past. For the watermelon sour, I had used cucumbers in the past, so I had an idea of how it would work when adding them to the watermelon sour.

It’s a bit of a risk because we really are experimenting and we don’t know how it’s going to go, but we have a good handle on ingredients and how they work well together. And, if at the end, something needs to be added, we can do that. It’s definitely a different model than most breweries. But this brewing style works really well for me.

Kim: How big is your brewing team?

Roxanne: There are just two of us on our brewing team, Emily and me. She came out of the Kwantlen program last year. We work really well together. We have a really well-balanced team dynamic. We both give ideas and we both brew beer. Emily comes from the quality control side, so she does more of our yeast management. I do more of our overall brewing management including managing inventory and batch planning.

Kim: What is it like being a woman in a predominantly male industry?

Roxanne: The whole time I’ve been in the craft beer industry, I’ve always felt very supported. Generally speaking, I find that women in these positions do get paid less than our male counterparts, and I find that sometimes we have to prove ourselves more. Overall though, I find people in the industry have been really good to work with and very supportive. Sometimes I find that customers assume women don’t know much about beer. I often get asked how I know so much about beer when I start talking about how a beer was made.

Kim: How do you manage to balance your brewery life and your personal life?

Roxanne: Balancing brewery life and personal life is really challenging. There is so much work to be done, especially in a small brewery. We were so busy opening up The Bakery and then, shortly after we opened, the pandemic started. I remember at this time last year, I was working 80 hours a week all by myself because we had to let a number of people go. We were in survival mode. I just kept thinking that I have to do this to keep this brewery in business. But through this last year, I have had to learn how to balance my life better. I wasn’t eating well. I wasn’t getting enough sleep, and I was really stressed. I really felt the impact of this, and now I am trying to get more balance in my life.

Kim: When I interviewed Chloe and Cédric, Chloe mentioned that the last time she saw you, you were literally putting out a fire. Tell me more.

Roxanne: Chloe came to the brewery to see me, but I didn’t get a chance to speak with her because I had an electrical fire I had to deal with. I felt so bad because I hadn’t met her before, and I wasn’t able to speak with her, but I was watching the wires melt in front of my eyes. Thankfully we were able to find the breaker and turn it off, and everything turned out okay in the end.

Kim: What do you love most about the craft brewing industry?

Roxanne: It’s such a vibrant industry. There is always so much fun stuff happening all of the time. You’re never bored. Even during the pandemic and with all of the closures and restrictions, everyone is so creative and so resourceful. It’s so great to see. And of course, the beer festivals are so much fun. I’m so excited to get back to beer events again.

I think we’ll all be so much more grateful to have beer events back again at some point in the future.

Kim: How has your brewery been impacted by COVID-19?

Roxanne: It’s been a real challenge for all breweries. For us, it was really tough because we had just opened, and so we had a lot of opening costs. Then we went right into the pandemic, which was really challenging. We are still hanging on, but we want this to be over. I appreciate our lounge staff because they are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It’s been a real roller coaster. Our first summer was so great. We packed the patio and made lots of great beer and it was so much fun. But we just keep going on, making beer, and hoping we’ll get through this sooner rather than later.

Kim: What are you most proud of at The Bakery?

Roxanne: When the pandemic hit, our owners closed the doors because we didn’t have enough packaged product to stay open. At that time, we only had three beers in bottles. We had an online store, but with layoffs, we didn’t have the staff to manage this.

However, we had planned a fruit beer event and we had 20 different beers almost ready to go. So, I suggested that we bottle all of these beers and sell them online. We ended up releasing a new beer every week even though we were closed. Within a couple of months of the pandemic, we had 20 different beers in bottles. I was so happy I could help get us through a very tough time.

Kim: How did you pivot at The Bakery?

Roxanne: We’re a small brewery with a lot of manual processes. When we first started, we didn’t plan to do a lot of packaged product. But with the move to having more packaged beers, we ended up buying a label printer.

We create our own labels, we print them in-house, cut them, and manually stick the labels on the bottle.

We even brought a filler out of retirement, and we fill bottles on a 2-head filler, which is a very manual process. This allows us to be very flexible when putting out a number of new beers. We can print out 100 labels if we need to. There are pros and cons to this. It’s time-consuming to do everything manually and on such a small scale, but it also allows us to be very flexible.

We’re hoping that when the pandemic is over that we can buy some more equipment. That’s the plan.

Kim: What do you have planned for this summer for The Bakery?

Roxanne: We’ll be releasing some fun new beers for the summer. We’ll also be bringing back some customer favourites. We’ll be bringing back our Boysenberry Pie Sour and our Pink Lemonade Radler. It came out right before the closure and people loved it, so we plan to bring this one back again.

I’m also really excited to release some delicious barrel-aged beers that we have been aging. We recently released a Wild IPA in 750ml bottles. It is made with one of our favourite brett strains that is nice and fruity and juicy with light funk.

We aged it in one of our flex tanks, then we dry-hopped it with Azacca and Mandarina Bavaria. It’s easy-drinking, but it has a wild side that I really enjoy. It’s refreshing but funky.

Kim: You have five breweries located closely together on Brewers Row in Port Moody. How do you enjoy this?

Roxanne: I really love it. It’s such a great community. It’s great not only for the customers but also for all of us that work at the breweries. We’re all friends. We have a Slack channel for all of the breweries. The lounge teams in particular use it. We are always lending and borrowing stuff. It’s just like going to a neighbour to borrow a cup of sugar.

Kim: What do you love about Port Moody?

Roxanne: When I first started working at Moody Ales I lived in Burnaby, but I fell in love instantly and moved to Port Moody. I love being right on Burrard Inlet. The gorgeous ocean is right at our doorstep. We have the beautiful Shoreline Trail that goes all the way around.

It’s getting busier as more people learn about us, but it’s still a small community. My husband Phil and I have paddleboards, so we go paddleboarding quite a bit. We see the seals when we are out on our paddleboards. I live on the other side of the inlet so I walk the trail to get to work and it’s so gorgeous.

I’ve been in Port Moody for six years and I just love it. I can’t imagine leaving here.

Kim: Tell me about some hidden gems in Port Moody for when we can start travelling again?

Roxanne: When I first moved here, I discovered that there are lots of amazing lakes and hiking trails right behind us up in the mountains. There are trails all around the lakes. There is a kayak rental place right in the park so you can rent a kayak and explore around the bay. There’s a great place that has handmade ice cream in the park called Rocky Point Ice Cream. There are some breathtaking views of Indian Arm and Vancouver if you are willing to climb up high in the mountains. One time we rented sea kayaks and paddled from Port Moody up Indian Arm to the very end. We camped there, and then paddled back. It was 9 hours of paddling each way, but it was incredible.

Kim: Do you have any final words?

Roxanne: I would love for people to know how small our brewery is. A lot of people think that all breweries are the same. But we have a really small brewhouse with really small equipment. We are basically making micro-batches of beer and it’s a very manual process. This is part of what makes The Bakery Brewing so special. It keeps our customers coming back and it keeps them excited.

We know that it can be a bit scary for some customers if they aren’t adventurous with their beer styles. But we always have lagers and IPAs and a variety of fruit sours. Fruit sours are such a great choice for people that think they don’t like beer. We always try to have a pink beer on tap because it’s so appealing to people.

I find the psychology of beer fascinating. I like seeing how the beer name and the colour make people feel. There is so much more to beer than just American light lagers.

Kim: Who else in the craft beer industry do you find interesting and why?

Roxanne: I have a really good friend, Marinna Perry, the lounge manager at Strathcona Beer Co. She’s been in the industry for quite a long time and she’s just lovely. She knows so many people in this industry and I’d love for you to interview her next.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of the Hops Among Friends blog series, where I speak with Marinna from Strathcona Beer Co. on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail. Until then, cheers!

The post Hops Among Friends: Roxanne Cartwright of The Bakery Brewing appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Ever since the Skytrain expanded to the Tricities (Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam) in 2016, Port Moody has become a very accessible and popular day trip destination — particularly for craft beer lovers. Murray Street (a.k.a. Brewers Row) is home to five breweries:

• Twin Sails Brewing
• Yellow Dog Brewing
• Parkside Brewery
• The Bakery Brewing
• Moody Ales

All are unique and just a 10-minute, mountain-view stroll from Murray Street station. (And if you checked out this 2020 brewery openings blog, you know that Fraser Mills Fermentation Co. will be joining the Port Moody Ale Trail soon!) 

Prior to moving to Victoria a few years ago, my partner, The Brit, and I lived a few stops away from Port Moody and it was brilliant. We’d go for a walk along Rocky Point Pier and have a pint (for him) and a flight (for me) at one or two tasting rooms. And eat tacos. But I’ll get to that in a minute.

We’re actually moving to Port Moody next month, so on our recent weekend home-hunting trip — with success! — we took some time to explore a bit of our new neighbourhood and popped back onto Brewers Row for some date night brews.

Come rain or come shine in Port Moody

In true Lower Mainland fashion, it was bucketing with rain on the Friday night. But here’s the thing about Metro Vancouverites: weather doesn’t stop us when we need or want to be somewhere. When we popped into Yellow Dog Brewing the growler-fill and tasting room business were brisk. But we snagged my favourite seats that face out onto the outdoor patio. I love to see the trains go by, and the people watching is fantastic when the patio is open. I’d also forgotten how much I enjoy their Shake a Paw Smoked Porter. They also had nitro Shake a Paw and coconut porters on tap, so guess what was in my flight?

Speaking of patios, they are a great feature at all the breweries along Murray Street, and they are also dog-friendly. Which is amazing in the summer, but especially popular on a coveted sunny winter’s day. We went back to Murray Street the next afternoon and all the patios were full. Everyone was bundled up, determined to enjoy the sunny day until the sun went down. 

Come to think of it, The Brit and I have previously enjoyed a pint and a flight on the Moody Ales patio after a snowfall and we weren’t upset about it. Nor were we the only ones!

Shake up your flight at The Bakery 

When I was back on the mainland in November, a friend who lives in Port Moody and I wandered down to the newly opened The Bakery Brewing. Aptly named, the brewery used to be an Italian bakery. I love the experimental, barrel-aged flavours they are creating, and the Raspberry Stout is FAB. They were sold out (no!) this past weekend — but the Blackberry Sage Saison swooped in to round out my flight with its lovely colour and kombucha-like quality.

When you’re feeling peckish

Whoever approved the licensing for food trucks in Port Moody probably feels quite smug every time they visit a brewery. Because if you’re feeling peckish for something aside from a delicious soft pretzel, there is usually at least one food truck serving up savoury “take-out” (it’s really take-in) at each brewery. But if you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal, the Boathouse is down by the pier and my personal favourite, Taps and Tacos, is up around the corner. Yes, I’m back to the tacos! You’re welcome. 

I found Taps and Tacos on a Google maps search a couple years ago. The Brit and I accidentally ended up in Port Moody one afternoon, and decided to stay for lunch and a pint. (How does one accidentally end up in Port Moody? A story for another day, but I will say you need to pay attention when you take the train…) They have Port Moody and other local breweries on tap and their food menu is full of fresh, creative options. We go every time we in Port Moody — and since that’s going to be our new town, I foresee more yam tacos in my future.

Other tasty delights within vicinity of Brewers Row include: Gabi and Jules for breakfast and pies, Pajos for fish and chips, and Rocky Point Ice Cream for (well, do I have to tell you what they serve?)

Port Moody is also home to other restaurants, beautiful hikes and many other things The Brit and I look forward to re-discovering (rain or shine!) when we move to the Port Moody Ale Trail. If you have any Port Moody recommendations, feel free to DM me on Instagram @westcoastcitygirl. And you can click here more info on the Port Moody Ale Trail.

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