{"id":26392,"date":"2021-12-14T10:24:38","date_gmt":"2021-12-14T18:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/?p=26392"},"modified":"2022-03-01T21:53:33","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T05:53:33","slug":"meet-richmonds-learn-to-brew-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/meet-richmonds-learn-to-brew-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Richmond’s Learn to Brew Winner"},"content":{"rendered":"
Scroll to the bottom for locations to purchase 442 Squadron on tap or packaged product.\u00a0This beer was brewed in collaboration with Monkey 9 Brewing Co<\/span><\/a>, Richmond, BC<\/span><\/a> and the #BCAleTrail<\/a> as part of the recent ‘Learn to Brew’ contest. (Anastasia Lavrik was the lucky winner!) \u2060The beer is named in honour of the 1951 Royal Canadian Airforce Reserve Fighter Squadron based out of Sea Island flying de Havilland Vampire Jets. \u2060<\/h5>\n
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Recently, I had the pleasure to sit down with Anastasia Lavrik, the winner of Richmond\u2019s ‘Learn to Brew’ contest. Turns out this type of win can be life-changing.<\/p>\n

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Winner of Richmond’s Learn to Brew Contest, Anastasia Lavrik. Photo: Brian K. Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brian: Congratulations on your contest win!<\/h4>\n

Anastasia:<\/strong> Thank you!<\/p>\n

B: Are you from Vancouver?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> No, I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. I moved to Vancouver eight years ago. I studied finance and came here to do my Masters at SFU. Currently, I work at BC Hydro. My interests include bikes, beers, hiking \u2014 pretty much anything outdoorsy. That’s why I am in Vancouver, obviously. I love it!<\/p>\n

B: How did you get interested in craft beer and brewing?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> I love brewing. My only experience so far has been at Fuggles & Warlock<\/a>, which was the \u201cLearn to Brew\u201d contest with Richmond Tourism<\/a>, BC Ale Trail, and Monkey 9 Brewing<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n

B: How did you get that opportunity?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> I won a contest from BC Ale Trail. You had to check-in at the brewery on the app and then write a short answer of why you love beer. Basically, I wrote a pretty long answer saying it allows me to connect to people. I have found so many amazing friends through beer, just through liking beer and going to breweries.<\/p>\n

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Anastasia during Brew Day at Fuggles & Warlock. Photo: Fuggles & Warlock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

B: What is the craft beer scene like in Russia?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> It\u2019s actually growing. I follow a couple of breweries there just to see what they are doing. It is definitely booming now. Of course, it\u2019s very much behind North America \u2014 specifically Vancouver and Portland. I was never into beer drinking back in Russia \u2014 I was still under age. But I have now made up for all those years!<\/p>\n

B: You came to Vancouver eight years ago?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> Yes. I felt like I was on vacation for the first three months. I definitely discovered beer right away. I started with Russell Brewing Company<\/a> and Steamworks Brewing Co<\/a>. When I got my first job, I had this amazing co-worker who was really into beer, IPAs specifically. He introduced me to Superflux Beer Co.<\/a> Back then, in 2015, they were still a very small operation. You had to hunt for those colourful cans. So I have to thank my previous co-worker, Glen, who was also the best manager of all time. From there I tried all styles.<\/p>\n

B: What have you done in the last eight years, as far as craft beer? Before COVID did you go to a lot of beer events and festivals?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> Not really. I have just gone to breweries. Anytime we travel in BC or down to the States, I always try to go to as many as possible. It’s really fun, and you really get to the place where local people go \u2014 because breweries usually are a pretty quintessential local experience, I think.<\/p>\n

B: So what is it about craft beer that attracts you?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> I love trying different ones \u2014 any crazy experiments, like Superflux or Backcountry Brewing’s<\/a>, but I also like staple beers. I like finding a good pale ale, or really good Pilsner.<\/p>\n

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Anastasia during Brew Day at Fuggles & Warlock. Photo: Fuggles & Warlock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

B: Winning the contest, what has the experience given you?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> Well, I got an amazing day with Tony from Fuggles & Warlock. He was making beer and I was basically watching him and turning a few knobs, and helping. I got some first-hand knowledge on how he does it in a big brewery. Part of the prize for this contest was a homebrew kit. I have it sitting in my living room \u2014 our apartment is pretty small so it\u2019s just going to be beer in the living room. I haven\u2019t used it yet, just because I know you need a whole day. I will have to do something about the temperature of the place because it can be unstable.<\/p>\n

B: What type of beer did you make with Tony?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> We made a Rye IPA. I can\u2019t wait to try it.<\/p>\n

B: What did you learn while you were there?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> I learned lots of interesting facts about the history of beer. One of the interesting things was when Tony heard I was from Russia, he mentioned Imperial Stouts that originated because beer was being shipped to Russia. In order for it not to freeze, they increased the alcohol percentage. It became this thick, viscous, very heavy ABV beer. That\u2019s why a lot of imperial stouts are named after Russian Emperors.<\/p>\n

B: Were you surprised that you were making a Rye IPA?<\/h4>\n

A:<\/strong> Not really, I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I\u2019m glad we made something new because it was the first time that Tony was also trying this recipe so it was very exciting. The big difference in the process is in the beginning, when you are adding malt, you are also adding rye at that step.<\/p>\n