From waterfront decks and mountain-view taprooms to urban patios tucked into vibrant neighbourhoods, brewery patios offer some of the best places to gather, unwind, and enjoy the flavours of BC. Whether you’re meeting friends after work, sharing a meal with family, or spending an afternoon with your dog by your side, these outdoor spaces help make the most of the season.

With so many exceptional brewery patios across the province, narrowing down a list is no easy task and this list was created by polling you — our BC Ale Trail fans. This collection highlights some of BC’s most memorable brewery patios, each offering its own unique atmosphere and scenery. These are brewery patios worth adding to your summer plans. 

Barnside Brewing

Situated amongst the fields of hops, cranberries, and grazing sheep, Barnside Brewing’s four-season patio is one of the best places in BC to experience craft beer, conversation and community, according to craft beer fans. The dog-friendly space welcomes everyone in for award-winning craft beer, tasty eats and great company.

Originally built as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the patio was a way for the brewery to welcome customers while taking advantage of relaxed rules around outdoor service.  Since then, the space has evolved to include a covered, heated patio that’s cozy in all seasons, plus a grassy area perfect for soaking in the sun in a lounge chair with a cold craft beer in hand. Barnside won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2023, and the feature blog is well worth a read to learn more about the brewery’s origins and the team’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and community.

But perhaps Barnside’s fans say it best:

“It is a place where hops have swagger, meals have personality, and time seems to lean back in its chair!” – @tamarastanderwick via Instagram

Find Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Locality Brewing

Locality Brewing has a truly unique outdoor space. Located on McInnis Farms, the brewery itself is housed in a converted barn, and is surrounded by spaces for visitors to enjoy – including a skate park! Sit overlooking the pond – complete with a floating stage in a natural amphitheatre – or nestled amongst the hop vines. Walk the trails to get a look at the ripening barley, and watch the progress of the hops growing next to the brewery. On rainy days, take advantage of one of the mini a-frame structures, or maybe a converted grain silo, each with its own heater or fire pit. Or, enjoy the sun at one of the many tables or benches around the farm. The new lounge area is the perfect shady spot to kick back and relax on hot summer days – comfy, covered, and made for sipping something cold. There’s a food truck on site serving up juicy bison burgers, and Locality is now producing its own cider as well! Locality is kid and pet friendly, and a great destination for that weekend ride or Sunday hike.

Find Locality Brewing in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Lillooet Brewing Company

The patio at Lillooet Brewing Company offers some of the best mountain views around, with the mighty Fraser River flowing right past — it’s truly a one-of-a-kind setting. Keep an eye out for the Rocky Mountaineer to go past as well! They’ve got a huge, pet-friendly space with sun protection and misters to keep cool on hot summer days, games, and a cozy fire pit for the colder months. The patio is open year-round and perfect for a pint in any season. When voting, many fans also made sure to note the tasty snacks available at the brewery, plus the Sowilo Food Truck that’s on site and open on weekends from May to October.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company in Lillooet, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

The Patch Brewery

One of the newest additions to the BC craft beer community, The Patch Brewery has quickly become a fan favourite! Joining the small number of farm-based breweries in the province, they use their own barley in the brews, along with farm-grown ingredients in the kitchen that currently serves up artisan pizzas.

From the Beer Barn (the outdoor bar) to the picnic benches, the Patch’s spacious picnic-style patio features plenty of room for groups of all sizes to relax and enjoy the season. With exciting new menu additions on the way, it’s the perfect spot for friends, families, and beer lovers to gather, unwind, and soak up the community atmosphere over great food and fresh craft beer.

Find The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge, BC, on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Driftwood Brewing

The Driftwood Brewery patio has organically become a bustling community hub in Esquimalt. Featuring 16+ taps of fresh beer, including one-off releases and pilot experimental beers, local cider and wine, and Driftwood Spirits crafted cocktails, plus a full menu from Dumpling Drop. The folks at Dumpling Drop work out of the Driftwood kitchen, serving a Thai-inspired menu featuring their famous hand-rolled dumplings and bao buns. Open year-round, the patio is always buzzing with regulars, visitors, and, of course, patio pups.

Find Driftwood Brewery in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Camp Beer Co.

Camp Beer Co’s patio is the basecamp for good times in Langley – a laid-back space surrounded by greenery, picnic tables, string lights, and a fire pit that makes it feel like camping without leaving the city. With live music on the Camphitheatre stage, a retractable awning, glass walls for colder nights, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, the patio pairs perfectly with friendly table service to deliver craft beer adventures year-round.

Camp also won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience award in 2022 – it’s safe to say that their relaxing vibes and welcoming atmosphere make for the perfect urban escape.

Find Camp Beer Co in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

Farmhouse Brewing Co.

Farmhouse Brewing Co. is another of BC’s unique farm-based breweries, with an expansive outdoor space perfect in any weather. Choose from the covered and heated patio – the firebowl is the perfect place to cozy up in the winter or during a summer rainstorm – or enjoy the tented picnic area in summer, or drinks-only tables by the chicken coop. The regular picnic area includes umbrella-covered tables and a wood fire pit, ideal for cozying up in the evening. Whether you want full shade, to soak in the sun, or something in between, there’s a table that’s perfect for you – and best of all, they’re all pet-friendly.

Bring the whole family – kids and dogs: there is a family-friendly picnic area conveniently located near the professional putting green, full-sized playground, and greenspace. Farmhouse is a perfect place to unwind, in sunshine or rain.

Find Farmhouse Brewing Co. in Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Fern + Cedar Brewing

Built from the ground up in downtown Qualicum Beach, Fern + Cedar Brewing isn’t just a spot for great beer; it’s a full-on community hangout. A little sanctuary where dogs are welcome, friendships are fuel, and craft runs deep. And the patio is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Heated when it’s chilly, wide open and bright when it’s sunny. Good tunes, yard games, fire pits with lounge chairs, and a vibe that says “you’re exactly where you need to be” are what you’ll find every time you stop by. Bring your whole family (including your dog), your friends, or just your thirst for something local and delicious. Every pint and plate at Fern + Cedar is a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality and community. “Come for the beer, stay for the comfort.”

Find Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

Abandoned Rail Brewing Co

Abandoned Rail’s expansive field- and trail-side patios offer a variety of options for you to relax in. There is a grassy area set right beside the brewery’s barley field with classic beer fest-style tables and lounge chairs. You could also opt to sit in the shade under the plum trees or the rows of cherry trees. You’ll also find a mini climbing wall and slide for the kiddos in this space. Lastly, there is the patio attached to the tasting room, equipped with its own bar and misters to beat the Okanagan summer heat.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

Field House Brewing – ABBY

The Field House ABBY Patio is a slice of backyard bliss where cold beer, fresh food, and laid-back vibes meet under the open sky. Every Thursday, the lawn comes alive with Field Sessions: live music from local artists that turns an evening into a community gathering. Kick back in lawn chairs, stretch out on picnic blankets, or grab a spot at one of the rustic tables. With a covered, heated patio for those “summer-ish” days, and a family- and dog-friendly setup, it’s the perfect space for slow hangs, sunset beers, and all the fresh air goodness.

Find Field House Brewing ABBY in Abbotsford, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

The Beer Farmers

The patio at The Beer Farmers brewery is a serene gathering spot tucked into the heart of the Pemberton Meadows farming community, with a view that just can’t be beat. Another of BC’s unique farm-based breweries, it’s located on a fourth-generation family farm. Guests will be surrounded by fields full of potatoes, barley, highland cows, hops, veggies, flowers and other amazing locally grown crops. Enjoy a glimpse of the country life as locals and tourists alike arrive by horse, bike, and tractor. Pemberton is well known for its hiking trails and extensive cycling opportunities – from challenging mountain biking to easy off-road trails. And cold beer on a patio with spectacular views after your hike or ride – what could be better?

Find The Beer Farmers in Pemberton, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2025 and was based on a compilation of audience submissions and recommendations. It has since been updated to reflect current information and provide a more comprehensive guide to some of BC’s best brewery patios.

The post Patio Perfection: The Best Brewery Patios in BC as voted by you! 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Port Coquitlam

Taylight Brewing

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

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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.

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Chilliwack

Sidekick Brewing

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

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Pitt Meadows

Foamers’ Folly Brewing

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

‘Ale Trails’ is a doc-style mini-series looking at the intersection between mountain biking and local craft breweries, and how both work to support and enhance their community.

Join us, as we explore part of BC’s interior, showcasing Penticton,  and meeting the proud, passionate locals who call this tight-knit community home.

For years, Penticton was a hidden little gem in the south Okanagan sitting in a tranquil valley between Okanagan and Skaha lakes with orchards and vineyards stretching to the horizon. Behind the relaxed vibe, groups of passionate locals were quietly crafting large networks of trails for mountain biking and one of the most robust beer scenes with the highest brewery per capita ratio in Canada. With fuel-free initiatives – biking and supporting local are integral cornerstones of the carbon-neutral community.

Coined ‘the craft beer capital of Canada’ by Lonely Planet, there are more breweries in Penticton today than there were in all of BC when Tin Whistle and Cannery Brewing opened in 1995 and 2001, respectively.  As “craft beer missionaries”, the pair of breweries put in years of work converting traditionalist beer palates to the cosmopolitan flavour explosion that Penticton’s breweries are serving up. Rounding out that list includes Highway 97 Brewing, Barley Mill Brew Pub, Abandoned Rail Brewing Co, Neighbourhood Brewing and Yellow Dog Brewing. With such density, competition could be fierce, but the collaborative spirit between the breweries is what really sets the Penticton beer scene apart.

The biking is just as diverse as the beer. Cycling has a rich, interdisciplinary history in Penticton – from hosting Ironman competitions since 1983 to cycle touring the wineries and the endless single-track options for mountain biking, Penticton’s early spring season is a great time to enjoy adventures on two wheels when a lot of the province is still locked in snow. The terrain varies from dense forest of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine opening into grasslands and rock slabs descending to Okanagan Lake.  No matter your style, there’s something for everyone to complete the perfect combo of bikes and beer.

‘Ale Trails’ is a collaboration between Mountain Biking BC, Visit Penticton, and the BC Ale Trail, and produced by adventure filmmakers Ben Haggar and Mike Gamble / Cold Salt Collective.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY 

Members of the BC Ale Trail are committed to ensuring their beers are promoted and enjoyed responsibly by those adults who choose to consume them. No one should drink alcohol, even in moderation, before operating a motor vehicle or engaging in other activities that involve attention and skill or physical risk. 

The post From Berms to Brews: Penticton’s MTB and Craft Beer Scene appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

The South Okanagan is well known for its sprawling orchards, scenic vineyards and many renowned wineries. Situated just north of Oliver, BC, “Canada’s Wine Capital,” is a brand new idea for BC and Canada: The District Wine Village, a one-stop-shop for all things wine — and now beer, thanks to Langley-based Trading Post Brewing, which has just opened a new location there. 

In what was originally a field on the side of the highway, the District Wine Village, located on Osoyoos Indian Band land, now showcases a brewery and eatery to go along with 13 wineries and counting. With the gorgeous scenic background of nʕaylintn, a unique rock formation resembling a First Nations Chief, the District Wine Village itself is an island of buildings in a circular shape with a plaza nestled in the centre for events, markets and celebrations. 

“We learned about District Wine Village during our inquiry about our sister company, a winery called Valley Commons, which will also be joining the village,” says Lance Verhoeff, Co-Founder of Trading Post Brewing. “While discussing opportunities with the developers of the District Wine Village, they mentioned they were considering having a brewery and eatery involved, and a lightbulb went off. We thought it would be an awesome spot for Trading Post.”

Trading Post Brewing first opened in Langley, BC in 2016 and just celebrated its 5-year anniversary. The Trading Post team has since opened eateries in both Fort Langley and Abbotsford. Now, the first location outside of the Fraser Valley has officially opened in Oliver, as both the only brewery and eatery in the Village.

“We saw an incredible opportunity at District Wine Village. Beer and food is what we do, and curating that with a great experience is our wheelhouse.” – Lance Verhoeff

The brewery has eight taps offering four core beers, including the Helles Lager, SMASH Saison, Amber Ale and Best Coast IPA, with the remaining taps dedicated to fresh and exciting seasonals, collaborations and guest taps, while the neighbouring eatery serves delicious locally sourced farm-to-table pizzas, salads, charcuterie and snacks. 

The new brewery is “quite cozy” (extremely small) and has a 10-HL brewing system that will be put to work by Jason Armitage, the Head Brewer for the location. Having formerly worked in the Langley brewery location with Tony Dewald, brewmaster of 30+ years, Armitage has a good idea of what Trading Post is all about: quality and consistent beer, with well thought out recipes and unique twists. He already has plans for a collaboration with Oliver’s other brewery, Firehall Brewery, and is being bothered by staff members for various fruit beers and wine hybrids. 

“It’s a unique opportunity that no brewery in this province had ever seen,” says Armitage. “We get to tap into the local ingredients and I get to work with a talented team. I also get to compare and contrast techniques with our neighbouring winemakers. And of course the scenery is gorgeous,” he adds. 

“Just as shocked as I was to learn that not everybody likes beer, it turns out that not everyone likes wine, even in Oliver!” Verhoeff says, laughing. “The brewery and eatery are both very approachable and warm. It is a casual experience and a great place to unwind. We bring chill vibes among the whole wine-tasting experience and we’re sharing that energy with the whole Village.” 

“We are also so excited to work with our community of wineries in the Village to create one awesome experience together,” says Verhoeff. With 13 wineries directly neighbouring Trading Post Brewing, there will be endless opportunities for collaborations, wine and beer hybrids, and excellent access to barrels. 

With this new Oliver location up and running now, Trading Post Brewing has ambitious plans for growth. “We will also be opening a brewery in Calgary and we are looking for more Canadian cities that will not only work with our brand, but allow us to make a small positive community impact,” says Verhoeff. 

Penticton is already well known as an incredible craft beer destination, but be sure to carve out some time to drive 20 minutes south to check out Trading Post Brewing’s new location at the District Wine Village in Oliver.

Travel in BC

BC has now entered Step 2 of BC’s Restart Plan; travel throughout the province is now encouraged. It’s time to #exploreBCnow as #newexperiencesarebrewing. Book your summer getaway now (at exploreBC.com) and let the BC Ale Trail be your guide for your next Ale-venture. Travel safely and responsibly this summer. For those outside of British Columbia – we look forward to welcoming you soon.

The post Trading Post Brewing Expands to the South Okanagan’s District Wine Village appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Cannery Brewing has a compelling enthusiasm for the Penticton community and craft beer industry. As craft beer evangelists for 20 years, founding owners Patt and Ron Dyck brewed that same commitment into their family and staff. So much so, their son Ian and lead brewer Ross Thompson joined the ownership team, bringing a fresh generation of ideas to their initiatives.

Beer Beginnings

The name Cannery Brewing pays homage to where its first beer was brewed back on April 1, 2001. The Naramata Nut Brown Ale was brewed at the old Aylmer fruit and vegetable cannery in the historic Cannery Trade Centre.

The Cannery Brewing Company was born in 2000 when the original Brew Master, Terry Schoffer, came across some brewing equipment and was able to convince Ron and Patt, “two like-minded and equally brewing-enamoured folks,” to share his dream. Ready to explore a different direction, the three of them were culinary mavericks operating the pilgrimage-worthy Country Squire Restaurant in Naramata for some 23 years.

You have to maintain a good sense of humour to run such a food and beverage establishment, so brewing the first batch of beer on April’s Fool Day was a great fit. Plus, practical jokes persist within the corporate culture despite how seriously the quality of brewing is taken. At the time, there were about as many breweries in all of BC that are in Penticton alone today.

They continued to operate the restaurant for a few more years as Cannery Brewing got some legs under it. Beer was brewed and sold in kegs for local restaurants, pubs, and clubs. Then, Cannery learned pigs do fly when they introduced 8.5 litre Party Pigs of beer that flew out the doors. (Alas, the Party Pigs have retired.)

In those early years, Ron hit the trail across the province in Skruffy the cube van with one-litre EZ cap Grolsch-style bottles – those old bottles in which many early craft beers debuted. The heavy load that resulted and Skruffy’s propensity to break down on major hills and every difficult stretch of highway gave way to Cannery’s decision to package in 650ml amber bottles. On the other hand, Ron never missed an opportunity to spread the gospel of Cannery’s brews, so those breakdowns often resulted in craft beer converts.

Tailgate tastings may or may not have introduced many to a fine quaff of ale!

Beers, Cans, Growlers, and Leadership Evolve

In 2006, Cannery brought canning back to the Aylmer cannery when the Anarchist Amber Ale rolled out in 355ml six-packs. Much to the delight of the team and customers, the Naramata Nut Brown Ale also hit the canning line in 2007. The micro-brewery was becoming increasingly known for its fine ales and lagers and never compromising flavour, “a result of wonderful combinations of premium quality malted grains, carefully chosen hops, and carefully selected and scrutinized ingredients.”

Growlers, too, became popular and flew out of the brewery faster than the Party Pigs.

Cannery was part of Ian’s life as he grew up. He was only 12 or 13 when he first accompanied Ron on those epic Skruffy road trips. After pursuing Business Management at Camosun College in Victoria and cutting his teeth selling for Peller Estates and a few other jobs, it’s not surprising he returned to Cannery and ultimately became an owner. Both Patt and Ian are known to have incredible palates that can distinguish subtle flavour profiles.

Ross grew up in the north and had been drinking Yukon Brewing Co. since high school, which is where he developed his preference for craft beer. He had travelled south with his then-girlfriend, now wife, AJ. When he went to the Naramata Pub, he naturally ordered a local craft beer: a pint of Naramata Nut Brown Ale. AJ was working at Kettle Valley Winery at the time and asked for suggestions where her boyfriend could find a job. He went to The Tin Whistle Brewing Company first, then to Cannery, where Patt interviewed him.

About a week and a half before Okanagan Fest of Ale 2009, he got the job at Cannery.

He augmented his practical on-the-job training with professional development. He completed the Diploma in Brewing Science through the Siebel Institute of Technology – a Chicago vocational school with a focus on brewing education and brewing services since 1868.

Cannery’s marketing, too, has evolved from tailgate tastings. As the BC liquor industry has developed, Cannery has adapted and, on many occasions, helped lead the change. Some 14 years ago, Kim Lawton was added to provide strategic marketing consulting. She has been integral in rebranding and helping spread the word about Cannery over the years. Her long service, as well as that of other staffers who have stayed with Cannery, speaks to the brewery’s employment practices.

An employee named Jill, for instance, babysat Ian when she was 13 and is now a long-time employee at the brewery. Another named Geoff started working with the family when he was 13. Then there’s Jeff, who’s has been on staff for some 11 years, Ellie over 10 years, their microbiologist Scott for almost 10 years, Jess 7 years, Kelly and Landon for 6 years, Max their taproom manager for over 5 years, and Darcy for almost 5 years.

As Ross noted, “Not a bad track record for an industry not known as high paying given the required skill set.”

Craft Beer Forward Taproom

In its former location, Cannery had jerry-rigged equipment and popped out about as many walls as possible. As it outgrew its facility, the younger generation was adamant it had to offer more than a small tasting room to try the selections. Ross points out, “Penticton needed places appropriate for going on a date.”

Thus, the gruelling task of building a new brewery got underway in October 2014. Through the transformation of ANJ Automotive, 198 Ellis Street, the Taproom arose out of the metal scraps and sawdust. Alongside, the brewery was constructed and, by mid-Spring, tanks were moved and the production facility had a new home.

Here, too, having played such a critical role in handling the transition to the new space, Ross fulfilled his “goal of owning his own business and becoming self-employed.” Ross appreciates the leap of faith by the Dyck family to include him in the ownership of the brewery. “They’ve always been collaborative within the industry and are still so helpful. I’m proud to be part of a company that has amazing owners, great product and cares about local.”

“We had a person in Ross that we did not want to lose,” Ron says. “The best thing was to make him part of it.” Patt adds, “Ian and Ross are a matched pair with unique skill sets that complement each other.”

By mid-June 2015, doors opened on the taproom equipped with 12 taps, fantastic bar snacks and, as of 2016, is now home to live music performances and many special events. This gave “date night” an exceptional venue and the neighbours arrived in droves! At the family-friendly taproom, in addition to free music on Sunday evenings, there are old-school board games to enjoy.

Witnessing the production through the taproom windows, it’s clear Cannery is a craft beer-forward taproom rather than a restaurant that makes its own beers.

20th Anniversary Festivities Thank the Community

While the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions have deeply impacted operations and plans for a 20th anniversary celebration, Cannery has navigated those rough waters with creativity. Accordingly, the 20th Anniversary will be marked with style amid “an abundance of caution”. On April 1st, there will be two new beer releases available in 473ml cans at the brewery and throughout BC later in April.

For those wishing to say cheers in person, there will be an experimental beer, anniversary beer pricing on all Cannery beers, and bubbly selections available from community partners Blue Mountain Vineyard and Creek & Gully Cider to enjoy on the patio. Penticton’s own Buy The Sea will also have shucked and unshucked oysters for take out from 3-7pm. Patio seating is limited.

“There’s history in those relationships, too,” Patt smiles. “The Country Squire was the first customer for Blue Mountain. Anders and Annelise and the Simonsen family of Creek & Gully have been connected to our family their whole lives. Anders and Ian went to school together, and Annelise worked with us at the brewery.”

Future

A new tier of beer will allow Cannery to add fresh ideas and bring back some old favourites. Wherever possible, local ingredients will be used. For this tier, you’ll see distinct designs by Skyler Punnett and Paul Higgins from local design company Super Deluxe Creative, who worked closely with Cannery on rebranding three years ago.

Cannery will continue to adapt with ingenuity as unforeseen challenges present themselves, just as they did for the hop shortage of around 2005/2006, bottle shortages, and the Covid-19 pandemic. It’ll continue to be deeply rooted in the community and will support local whenever and in whatever manner it can.

I’ve been a fan since I arrived in Penticton full-time in 2009 and learned more about them on a media junket in 2012. Much of what I learned about craft beer can be attributed to Cannery’s encouragement and advocacy.

As to future leadership, Ian and Ross have started families of their own and you’ll find their lively youngsters onsite quite regularly. The zeal and joy of the ownership is palpable, so I wager Cannery is in good hands for the next 20 years and beyond!

Cannery is known for its community work and has consistently been an active participant in so many of the region’s flagship events. On the other hand, it is Cannery who truly celebrates this community. Patt notes, “We want to emphasize how grateful we are for the absolutely amazing community support that we have received over all of these years.”

Whether you are in Penticton or beyond, grab your favourite Cannery beer and say cheers to 20 years.

Support Local, Stay Local:

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: Like you, we’re passionate about exploring BC on the #BCAleTrail. But now is the time to stay local and support local businesses with just your immediate household or core bubble.⁠

BC’s breweries are strictly adhering to recommended COVID-19 safety protocols to keep both guests and staff safe. They are ready to welcome you for on-site tasting or pick up your favourites to go.

For now, please remember to stick close to home and be a Considerate Craft Beer Consumer. Let us each do our part now, so we can explore BC again, soon. We’re all in this together.

The post Cannery Brewing: 20 Years as Craft Beer Evangelists appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Earlier this year, travel giant Lonely Planet named Penticton as Canada’s Craft Beer Capital, which is an incredible recognition for this small Okanagan town. The City of Penticton has officially proclaimed October 16-24 as Penticton Beer Week 2020. To celebrate, Penticton’s seven craft breweries are working together to showcase Penticton’s exciting and dynamic craft beer scene.

Visit Penticton is offering special “Sip, Suds & Sleep” Craft Beer Packages for people who would like to plan a getaway to Penticton.

If you can’t make it to Penticton, join the BC Ale Trail’s Penticton Beer Week Virtual Event, hosted by the Cascadian Beer Podcaster, Aaron Johnson, and me.

Meet the people of the seven Penticton breweries, learn about the special collaboration beer, The Penticton Seven, and find out more about why Lonely Planet named Penticton as Canada’s Craft Beer Capital. Each brewery will showcase one of their beers during this live event.

The Penticton Seven

Penticton’s seven local breweries have joined together to make a special limited edition fundraiser beer called The Penticton Seven. A portion of the proceeds from this beer will be donated to the BC Hospitality Foundation, a charity that raises funds to support workers in the hospitality industry facing financial struggles due to a health condition. The beer is a hazy pale ale that will be available on tap at each of the breweries and select local restaurants during the week. It will also be available in 4-packs of 473ml cans at private liquor stores in Penticton and throughout BC during the month of October.

The Penticton Seven includes:

• Bad Tattoo Brewing
• Barley Mill Brewpub
• Cannery Brewing
• Highway 97 Brewery
• Neighbourhood Brewing (opening soon!)
• Slackwater Brewing
• Tin Whistle Brewing

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Penticton Beer Week events and theme days include:

• October 16 – Black Friday at Slackwater Brewing
• October 17 – Sour Saturday at Cannery Brewing
• October 17 – New Reality Beer Launch at Highway 97 Brewery
• October 20 – Tuesday Night Trivia at Slackwater Brewing
• October 21 – Live Virtual Event hosted by Aaron Johnson and Joe Wiebe
• October 22 – Work Boots, Beer and Bacon Happy Hour at Barley Mill Brew Pub
• October 22 – Beach Vibes, Beers & Bites at Slackwater Brewing
• October 23/24/25 – Bad Tattoo Brewing tap takeover at The Station Public House
• October 23 – Bottle Release Jūra at Slackwater Brewing
• October 24 – Oktoberfest at the Barking Parrot

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Cascadian Beer Podcaster, Aaron Johnson, recently visited Penticton and interviewed two of its oldest breweries, Tin Whistle Brewing and the Barley Mill Brewpub. Check out his podcast here.

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If you plan to attend any in-person events, make sure to look up important information about the area you’re visiting and check on cancellation policies. Practice safe and respectful travelling as you explore the communities in our wild backyard that are open to visitors and make sure to be a considerate craft beer consumer while you’re out and about.

The post Celebrate Penticton Beer Week October 16-24, 2020 appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Aaron recently travelled to Penticton in the Okanagan Valley.

In recent years, this region has seen a major boom in new craft breweries opening, but there are a couple that have been around for decades: Tin Whistle Brewing and The Barley Mill Brewpub.

Listen to the episode here:

Some facts that Aaron discovered on his visit include:

• Tin Whistle just celebrated its 25th year!
• The Barley Mill only started brewing beer in 1997 even though it opened in 1982.
• Tin Whistle won a Canadian Beer Award for a beer not many people could try.

Celebrate Penticton Beer Week – October 16-24, 2020

The City of Penticton has officially proclaimed October 16-24, 2020 as Penticton Beer Week. The second annual Penticton Beer Week is a special celebration of Penticton’s local craft beer industry. Penticton has a vibrant and growing beer scene with seven craft breweries including some of BC’s oldest breweries and some of BC’s newest breweries.

The Penticton Beer Week events and theme days include:
October 16 – Black Friday at Slackwater Brewing
October 17 – Sour Saturday at Cannery Brewing
October 17 – New Reality Beer Launch at Highway 97 Brewery
October 20 – Tuesday Night Trivia at Slackwater Brewing
October 21 – Live Virtual Event hosted by Aaron Johnson and Joe Wiebe
October 22 – Work Boots, Beer and Bacon Happy Hour at Barley Mill Brew Pub
October 22 – Beach Vibes, Beers & Bites at Slackwater Brewing
October 23/24/25 – Bad Tattoo Brewing tap takeover at The Station Public House
October 23 – Bottle Release Jūra at Slackwater Brewing
October 24 – Oktoberfest at the Barking Parrot

The post Cascadian Beer Podcast: Tin Whistle Brewing & the Barley Mill Pub & Bistro appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

My most recent Hops Among Friends interview was with Aaron MacInnis from Iron Road Brewing in Kamloops and when asked, he recommended I interview Chris Vandenberg next. Chris is the head brewer and co-owner of newly opened Slackwater Brewing in Penticton, in the heart of the Okanagan. Slackwater Brewing is also about to join the growing and dynamic Penticton Ale Trail.

As I live in the Okanagan, I’ve had many opportunities to hang out with Chris since he moved to Penticton a few months ago. Having said that, I was really excited to learn a lot more about Chris, his brewing background and his goals at Slackwater Brewing.

KL: Tell me about how you got started in craft beer?

CV: I met my partner Cleo about 10 years ago. She was living in a punk house at the time and was making her own cider. Together we discovered home brewing beer and enjoyed learning to make our own beer. At the time, we were both mental health workers on the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver.

I was ready for a change and I decided to pursue one of my other passions, and that was craft beer. So, about seven years ago, I got a job at Parallel 49 Brewing working in the warehouse and over time, I slowly started working my way up. I started out making mix packs and then driving a forklift. After that, I worked on the bottling line. I took over this role, we bought a new bottling line and that became my area of expertise. I really enjoyed learning about the mechanical aspect of brewing. I love tinkering, so this was a really great experience.

In 2015, I had the opportunity to move into brewing at Postmark Brewing. I was really excited to be able to brew under Dominic Giraldes, who was such a great leader and a really great teacher. Over time, I decided I wanted to pursue an opportunity where I could brew some interesting beers such as sours, wild ferments and barrel aged beers. Dave Bowkett at Powell Brewery was looking for a brewer, so I took a job there. I was at Powell for about two years. It was a great place to work, and I would have stayed there a lot longer, but then I met Liam and Kelsey, and the Slackwater Brewing dream began.

KL: How did you meet Liam and Kelsey?

CV: Well it’s a funny story. Liam sent me a message on Facebook about 1.5 years ago which I actually ignored because I thought he was trying to sell me something. Then Liam called me and asked me to meet him for a beer. I learned that Liam had been asking around for recommendations for a brewer for their new brewery, and my name came up three times. Our meeting over a beer quickly turned into about five beers and things clicked right away. We started working on this project on evenings and weekends and became friends really quickly.

Before you know it, I was a partner in this new brewery. I was really happy to be able to bring Jason Mathews in as a partner too. Jason was our Operations guy at Postmark and also a financial consultant. When we were working on our business plan for the new brewery, I brought Jason in as a consultant. He’s a financial genius and he knows everything there is to know about liquor laws. Eventually, Jason came in as the fourth partner in the business.

KL: What do you love most about craft beer?

CV: Community, more than anything. Since I’ve worked in the craft beer industry, I’ve met such friendly and interesting people. People are always willing to help each other in this industry. There is a lot of hard work and a lot of stress, but at the end of the day, we are inspired by each other to keep the industry growing. When I think of my own experience, I worked at three different breweries, all within a few blocks of each other. People don’t get upset about moving from one brewery to the other. They encourage it as a learning experience.

KL: Tell me about one of your beer accomplishments to-date that you are most proud of.

CV: Well, there are the Canadian Brewing Awards, the BC Beer Awards, and World Beer Cup. The one thing I’m most proud of to-date, however, is the Traditional Dark Mild I brewed at Postmark. I received an email from a gentleman who had tried this beer and he told me in the email that it made him cry. He said he hadn’t had anything like this beer in 25 years since he moved from England. This is one of the memories that sticks out for me the most.

KL: It’s pretty exciting times for you with the opening of Slackwater Brewing. What is your beer philosophy at Slackwater Brewing?

CV: I like to use only premium ingredients and I take my time on things. I have a sensitive nose and I want to ensure that I don’t rush a beer just for the sake of a production schedule. I want to be proud of what I am making. We’ve already changed our grains because I want to keep making better and better beers. I’m using my own ingredients and my own recipes and making these beers my own.

KL: Tell me something you are brewing right now.

CV: We just brewed our first sour beer. It’s a dry hopped sour with Idaho 7 and I’ve been a fan of this hop for a couple of years. I love making kettle sour beers. The equipment here is different than what I’ve used in the past, and I was really excited to try brewing my first kettle sour here. My brew day started at 6 am today. I checked and the pH was 3.3, which is what I was looking for, so now it’s ready to go. This will be released shortly after opening day.

KL: What can we expect to see beer-wise from Slackwater Brewing, both in the short term and in the long term?

CV: I want to see a constantly evolving beer menu. We’ve got four single sized fermenters in the brewhouse. I have the opportunity to experiment and make new beers and my plan is to brew lots of seasonal beers so there is always something new to try when you come in. We’ve got bigger tanks for our core beers. Our core beers will include:

• Tight Lines Lager, which is a traditional German-style Helles lager that is clean, crisp and crushable
• Anglers Tale Pale Ale, a hybridized English meets North American pale ale
• What the Fog IPA, which is a true to form NEIPA. It has a rich oat body, and it is a hazy and huge juicy beer. We actually have two different recipes for our What the Fog IPA, one featuring El Dorado hops, and one featuring Galaxy hops. We’ll see which recipe people love best. We’ll also try other new hops in this beer going forward
• Serenity Saison is our summer seasonal. It’s a traditional French Saison brewed with local honey and organic chamomile. We’ll adapt this saison by the seasons, so we’ll have a darker style saison in the fall/winter

Plus, I’d say we’ll likely have at least four rotating seasonals which will likely only be available on tap here. We want to make sure that we keep the tasting room exciting with new beers. We are only brewing 1,000 litres at a time, so there won’t be enough volume to package these beers. I also want to do a mixture of barrel aged beers using both new barrels and wine-used barrels from local wineries. We have our Saison ageing right now in two 30 litre gin barrels from East Van’s Odd Society Spirits.

KL: What else can we expect out of Slackwater Brewing?

CV: We’ve got 9,000 square feet here in this building. Our seating capacity is 278 people, including the sidewalk patio. Our brewery is the main focal point in the centre, with bar seating, high tables, low tables, a lounge/bar area with booths, plus a rooftop patio and a street front patio. We will have live music and entertainment. It will be a space to come and meet new friends, hang out, and enjoy a beer. We have 12 taps. We’ll have eight of our own beers, and we’ll always have a couple of guest beers, a couple of ciders, and bottled wine. Plus, we have a cask engine, so we’ll regularly have cask beers.

In terms of food offerings here at Slackwater Brewing, we are looking for good times all around. Chef Ben Overland is a genius and he’s been experimenting as we’ve been building the brewery. He’s baking sourdough bread with our What the Fog IPA and it has beautiful floral aromas. Chef Ben really thinks outside the box – think spruced-up pub fare. Not too fancy, but interesting twists with fine attention to detail. One of the things I really respect about Ben is that he cooks the way I brew. He focuses on attention to detail and each individual ingredient.

KL: You’ve already got a ton of community support since winning People’s Choice best beer at both the April Okanagan Fest of Ale and then again in May at the Great Okanagan Beer Festival. How are you feeling about this?

CW: The community support has been incredible. People walk by in the alley and poke their heads in and keep asking for updates. Really, the community support in Penticton has been incredible. We’ve found that the local businesses are happy to help. Our contractors are excited. Our family and friends keep going the extra mile. The folks at City Hall have also been great and they know us by name.

Because this space has a history as The Mule, everyone is really interested to see what is happening with this space and that has given us an advantage. We want to show the community that we’re not losing nightlife, we are just changing it. By the time we were at Okanagan Fest of Ale, so many people had heard about us and were very excited to try our beers. Word of mouth has been the most important part of our marketing to-date.

KL: You’ve been a brewer at a couple of great breweries, and now you have been a part of starting one from scratch. One that you are a partial owner of. What are you most excited about? What are you most afraid of?

CW: What I am most afraid of? Everything. I’ve never been in a position where everything that could go wrong is on me.

I’m most excited about making a name for myself. I want my beers to shine. This is both exciting and scary. I want to brew what I want to brew. In the past, I was able to make my own beers including seasonals and I was so proud of those. Here at Slackwater, from day one until the keg gets sold, I’m probably the only person who touches it.

KL: When did you move to Penticton? What are your early thoughts on living here in the Okanagan?

CW: I moved here in November and it already feels like home which caught me off guard. I grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario. One of the reasons I was excited about moving to Penticton was that community feel and support. It’s been great so far. We got really lucky because we found a long-term rental right away. I had this opportunity from a career perspective, and my partner Cleo got work right away so it’s been a really easy transition for both of us and it’s such a great area.

KL: Like many of us that live in the Okanagan, you’ll likely get lots of company visiting you this summer. What are you most excited to show them?

CV: I can’t wait to show our friends and family all of the breweries. I like doing a walking tour of the downtown breweries. Plus, I really like to hike and be out in nature. I’m a big walker and Cleo and I have been swimming in the lake since May.  I guess I would say beer first and nature second. My favourite spot to hike is on the KVR. We are also really excited to get out and go camping in the area.

KL: What do you love about the craft beer scene here in Penticton?

CV: I love that there are so many breweries so close together but with such distinct personalities. We like to go for our after-work beer at alternating breweries because there is something different happening everywhere. Some have patios, some have food, and some have extended hours. You’ll always find me with a pint of beer in my hand, so for me, Penticton is the place to be.

I also love how much the breweries support each other. We got our tanks from Ripley Stainless in Summerland and they built my dream brewhouse for me. Ripleys is also where Bad Tattoo got their tanks from, so they invited me over to do a test batch on their system. Ross from Cannery Brewing is always around to answer my endless list of brewing questions.

KL: What else do you love about where you live, outside of the craft beer experience?

CV: It’s so nice to be in tune with nature. Everyone seems to really embrace nature. You see people out jogging, mountain biking, gardening and eating local. We love being able to pick up our groceries at the Penticton Farmers’ Market and I love that living in a small town you know your grocer, your butcher, and your local beer maker. I’m excited to have four seasons again. These are the things I miss about living in Niagara Falls, so I’m excited to have found them again here in Penticton.

KL: What is your favourite beer style going into the summer?

CV: It’s a toss-up between sours and saisons for the patio. I find dry hopped kettle sours the most refreshing. I really enjoy good farmhouse saisons, but I like a kettle sour for summer.

KL: What are your predictions for craft beer this summer?

CV: I think craft lagers are going to come back. I’ve been predicting some exciting things for lagers for a while now, and I think we’re going to see it.

KL: What are some of your favourite craft beers right now?

CV: It’s really exciting to drink my own beers again. I also enjoy the Strange Fellows Popinjay Sour. It’s one of my favourite beers and it only comes around once a year at this time of year, so I always get excited when it comes out. It’s a beautiful dry-hopped sour. I also really enjoy the Cumulus Lupulus dry-hopped tart session ale from Powell, the Sunblink Berry Sour from Cannery Brewing, and the 2 Doors Down Kveik IPA collab from Bad Tattoo and Neighbourhood Brewing.

KL: If you aren’t drinking craft beer, what are you drinking?

CV: Cider. I love cider. I drink as much cider as I drink beer. I really enjoy Nomad Cider out of Summerland. They are doing some really interesting stuff. I also like what Dominion Cider is doing with natural ferments and barrel-aged ciders. I’d love to collaborate on a cider.

KL: What else do you want to talk about that I haven’t asked you?

CV: One of the things I’m most curious about in brewing is the microbiological side. I’ll borrow a quote from Azlan Graves who I worked with at Powell. “Brewers make wort. Yeast makes beer.” I like the science of brewing. I like looking at things in the microscope. There are so many grains and hops in the world. But the yeast is really what makes the beer.

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

CV: I think the breweries in northern BC are doing really incredible things. Things are harder to come by there in terms of ingredients and equipment. So that makes what they are doing there even more incredible. Cam McKeigan is a partner and the head brewer at Smithers Brewing. I knew him from when I lived in Ontario. I’m so inspired that he can live off the beaten path, yet he’s creating a great culture of interesting beers in a more remote location.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the Hops Among Friends blog series, where I chat with Cam McKeigan from Smithers Brewing, up on the Northern BC Ale Trail, Until then, cheers!

The post Hops Among Friends: Chris Vandenberg of Slackwater Brewing appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Plus there are fantastic craft beer and cask events where we go and try an incredible selection of these beers.

But behind all of these breweries and events are the inspiring, passionate people who live and breathe craft beer.

They don’t do it for the money, they do it for the love of the craft. And they do it together. It’s a collaborative community of people working toward the collective goal of showcasing the very best of BC’s craft beers.

This Hops Among Friends series introduces you to these people. The people that make up the craft beer scene on the BC Ale Trail.

As the marketing director at Cannery Brewing in Penticton, I thought I’d kick off this series with an interview at my home brewery, and then we’ll hop along the BC Ale Trail from there.

So first off, let’s get to know Ross Thompson, head brewer and co-owner at Cannery, part of the newly launched Penticton Ale Trail in the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley.

How did you get into the craft beer industry?

RT: I tried [Cannery’s] Naramata Nut Brown Ale at the Naramata Pub [just north of Penticton] in 2008 and fell in love with the beer. So I bugged one of Cannery Brewing’s owners, Patt Dyck, weekly until she finally caved and took a chance on a kid who knew nothing about craft beer. I completed a one-year online diploma in brewing science from Siebel Institute based out of Chicago. Over time I was promoted to head brewer, and when we built our new brewery in 2015 I joined Patt, Ron and Ian Dyck as one of the owners. The rest is history.

What do you love most about craft beer?

Drinking it, of course! Oh yeah, and I love the creativity and also being able to share what we do at Cannery Brewing with people.

What are some of your favourite craft beers right now?

I am really digging craft lagers and pilsners. Not just because it is summer, but because of the time and effort that goes into creating these styles that are clean, refreshing and crushable. Right now I’m enjoying the Dawn Pilsner from the Parkside Brewery [Port Moody] as well as the Craft Lager from Parallel 49 [Vancouver].

If you aren’t drinking craft beer, what else do you like to drink?

Rum or bourbon. Usually in a cocktail. Also the occasional shot of good tequila.

What do you love about the place where you live?

The breweries, of course! Having five different breweries in Penticton allows for a lot of thirst-quenching options. Oh, and the roughly 170 wineries in the valley are pretty awesome as well. I love the Okanagan Fest of Ale, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, plus the great climate and lifestyle here in Penticton.

What do you love about the craft beer scene where you live?

We are all trying to accomplish the same goals, which leads to great co-operation and collaboration. We share resources and information because we don’t see each other as competition. Instead we just want to spread the good word of craft beer.

Who else in the craft beer industry do you find interesting?

One of the things that makes this industry so amazing is how eclectic and interesting absolutely everyone is. From beers to personality we might be the most diverse group of people, so it’s hard to just pick one. But if I have to pick one, I would pick Paul Hadfield from Spinnakers [Victoria] because he is one of the key originators of craft beer in North America.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the Hops Among Friends series, where I chat with Paul Hadfield from Spinnakers. Until then, cheers!

The post Hops Among Friends: Ross Thompson of Cannery Brewing appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.