Across the Spectrum



What is a sunny Friday without a visit to a craft brewery or two? This day we sampled from opposite ends of the local craft brewing spectrum, both satisfying in their own way. We started at Storm Brewing 310 Commercial. This is the longest running craft brewery in the area; they began in 1994. They are known for their wild flavour experiments and combinations. We tried Highland Scottish Ale, Precipitation Pilsner, Lavender IPA (weird), Apple Pie Ale (too sweet), Imperial Flanders Sour Ale, Mango Spicy Pilsner (extremely spicy) and Vanilla Whiskey Stout.  We got a growler of the latter - it was as good as it sounds!

The staff were super friendly; the environment was funky but not conducive to lingering. The smell of garbage is quite pronounced when entering the sales floor. No chairs, flights or pints are available but you can get generous free samples to enjoy while standing around. There also may be a fun, furry friend around. Parking is only on the street. They sell some good-looking steel containers - $36 for a litre and $42 for a 1.89 litre. These are better prices than we have seen elsewhere and they have a better seal than the screw cap. Speaking a containers, a chap loading up his brews had a good looking steel container that kept beer cold for an extended period.  He got it from Hydro Flask in the U.S.



Our next stop was Strangefellows Brewing 1345 Clark Drive, This a slick, modern brewery. Parking is easy out front and at busy times food trucks are on hand. Flights are available as well as pints. The tasting room is large, with cool long, high tables an high stools. The number of offerings is smaller. We tried Talisman Pale Ale, The T'wit 2, Goldilox Golden, and Bayard Saison. Although all were drinkable, we didn't fill our remaining growler. I guess that says something...They have a very neat stamping station to identify your purchases.





St. Patrick's day - a good start

Thirsty and enthusiastic, we arrived before the tasting rooms were open so we went off to Uprising Breads, a couple of blocks away, to get some sandwiches to soak up the suds. No food trucks about at this early hour!

Our first stop was Bomber Brewing 1488 Adanac, The tasting room was cozy and inviting.  There are board games available to play and no omni-present t.v. However there is a pull down screen for Canucks games and pints are only $5 on game nights. The staff were friendly and it was a pleasant place to hang out.

Flights were available: we tried East Van. Smash, Pilner, ESB, Irish Stout and Marzen. The latter was our favourite brew of the day; we filled our growler with it and saved $2 because it was a Tuesday.

This brewery is one of six included on the East Village Brewery and Distillery Tour map. Free copies are available on site. If you are not into a self-guided tour, you can hop on the Weekend Brewery Shuttle Service and for $5 per loop visit these six brewing companies:12 Kings, Main Street, Bomber, Parallel 49, Deep Cove and Bridge. For $10 you can ride all night but you may not feel too well in the morning.

Our second stop was just down the street at Off The Rail 1351 Adanac. This establishment has only been open a few weeks and they are experiencing a common start-up problem, limited stock.  We tried Smoked Porter, Irish Pub Draft, English Mild Ale, and Lancaster Cream Ale. We liked the latter best but it was not available to fill a growler. Their licence doesn't allow for flights yet but small glasses are a good alternative. They offer their beer in cans too.

The décor here is modern and bright. It looks a bit more like a coffee bar or tea shop than a comfy place to relax with a few beers. There is a small t.v. but it was not on during our visit.