Open for business: East Vancouver Brewing Company, with your pourers Emma and Paul. Shawn Conner photo.
What does East Vancouver need more of?
If you said artisanal pickles and craft beer, then you’re in luck.
Earlier this week—Monday, Nov. 6, to be precise—East Vancouver Brewing Company opened its doors. The opening was unceremonious, by social media standards. A grand opening is in the offing, however, once
It’s been a long time coming, as the city’s brew aficionados have been wondering for months when the latest addition to the neighbourhood’s craft beer scene would be welcoming visitors. So, what’s pouring?
First, we’ll note that the interior design reflects its industrial surroundings. Grey cinder-blocks, reclaimed wood (including a couple of oversize cable spool tables), and burnished metal accents envelop the spacious tasting room. A lone pinball machine, AC/DC-branded, holds pride of place on the main floor, next to a stairwell that leads to an upper level (for offices and storage).
EVBC is located smack-dab in the middle of craft-brewing central, at 1675 Venables St. It’s mere steps away from Luppolo, Bomber, and Off the Rail, and only minutes away from Powell Street Craft, Callister, Storm, and Strange Fellows. (Doan and Parallel 49 are a little further east, but still neighbours.)
It’s also on the south side of the bike route that connects East Van with downtown, which makes it another convenient stop for cyclists en route to from work.
Beer fans have been waiting for the brewer to open since last spring. That’s when owners Steve Jennings and Andy Agnesini took possession of the building. The 6000-square-foot multi-level space has a 66-seat tasting room.
The good news: East Van Brewing is pouring seven beers. We were particularly taken with the Unholy One Stout, a rich, milky libation that comforted us as the rain poured down on a recent Thursday evening. But we also enjoyed the Wheelbite IPA and the System Jitters XPA, a mild ale.
According to an Oct. 31 preview piece published at scoutmagazine.ca, James Labbe is the head brewer. Labbe is formerly of Steamworks and Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers. The bar features 12 taps, including a couple reserved for nitro-charged versions of the regular beers.
For food, the brewery offers the usual carb-rich choices, like pretzels and chips, along with calzones and strombolis (Italian pizza pockets) from nearby Bianca Maria Italian Foods. Also on offer: items from local picklers Kaylin and Hobbs. Bring your allowance, though; each is $3 a pop, which is more than a 4 oz taster.
Speaking of tasters: East Vancouver Brewing Company offers the usual flight-of-four (for $6). But it’s also offering a “cross”—a flight of six, which is delivered in a wood carrier shaped like a cross. In fact, the iconic East Vancouver cross is a bit of a theme—besides the cross-shaped flight, a version made out of bicycle chains sits atop the beer fridge.
To keep up-to-date with East Van Brewing Company, check out its Facebook page.
