Local

It's been a couple of weeks without a post - not that we haven't been drinking beer - just not at a brewery! Today we didn't have much time and we were feeling bad about not having promoted the local businesses so we stayed within 5 minutes drive of our house in New West. No pics from our first destination as a certain someone forgot to load the charged battery into the camera.

Our first stop was Central City Brewery in Surrey.  It has been relocated from its humble beginnings in the Surrey Place mall to a brand new facility (first left after the Patullo Bridge).  This place is definitely an example of big business brewing. The production facilities are large.  There are two tasting areas and the largest array of clothing-for-purchase of any facility we have visited so far. Most of the clothes, and quotes on the wall pertain to cycling and ties into the Red Racer brand as well. The C-Fox music is loud and there is a t.v. in the larger tasting room.

This brewery produces ready-bottled beer as well as growler refills and on-site pints and flights.  In addition to beer and apple cider they produce gin and vodka. We tried the Saison, Hoppin' Mad Cider, Copper Ale and ISA (described as a beginner IPA).  We would have bought a growler of the Saison but they do not have screw caps available so if you only have this sort of growler, bring your own screw cap. We went home with a bottle of the Saison, the legendary Maple Bacon Breakfast Ale, some cider and Gollum Precious Pils.

After a bite to eat we visited Steel and Oak 1319 Third Avenue, off Stewardson Way in New Westminster. This brewery is on the major bike route into Vancouver so it is a nice destination. And if you are too tired or tipsy for the ride home, you can take the Skytrain back from New Westminster station. It is a small tasting room but pleasant - music is jazz on vinyl and no t.v. They try to book a food truck Thursday - Saturday.  This brewery is involved with the local community, doing fundraising and tasting events.

We tried the Smoked Hefeweizen, Dry Hopped ESB, the Projekt 0002 and the Marzen. We filled our growler with the latter; it was my favourite. The brew master here was trained in Germany so all the beer has a German feel to it.

Just around the corner from Steel and Oak is one of the best kept secrets in the Lower Mainland - the Pacific Breeze Winery. They make great wine although it is not inexpensive.  You can taste on site and the folks are friendly.