We all know that beautiful British Columbia is known for its gorgeous mountain landscape, our big city by the sea and our lovely rainy weather, well it’s also known for the most delicious craft beer.
Throughout the entire province but specifically in Vancouver, we are lucky enough to be treated with a very long list of local breweries. Like some say you may see a Tim Hortons on every street corner in Vancouver, well you also may notice a craft brewery.
It’s no secret that Vancouver has reigned the title of the craft beer capital in Canada. With a list of 80 plus breweries in Metro Vancouver and that list is just continuing to grow.
Now, if you’re not a craft beer enthusiast, you may wonder “what’s the big deal with these dang breweries and why are they suddenly so popular?”. Well let me be the one to tell you! There are many reasons why there has been a recent surge in popularity over local craft beer, so let’s dive in.
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- People Love to Support Local
The trend or movement of supporting local businesses has been growing immensely over the past few years. People no longer feel as good about supporting mass corporations and instead want to see businesses, restaurants or breweries in their community thrive. Especially with the pandemic, lots of people have invested in themselves to start their own small business. You may already know someone who has their own business and instead of buying from big corporations, you want to support your friend in theirs. With the pandemic, the local economy took a big hit and now more than ever, people feel compelled to support their community and any small businesses there. Even the local craft breweries are doing their best to support other local breweries by showcasing a guest tap or collaborating to make a limited-edition batch.
- Constant Innovation
With most craft breweries, new beers are always in production. Their teams are constantly experimenting and trying to bring new and unique flavours to their beers. Unlike larger beer corporations, the beers are always changing. Craft breweries are always pushing the boundaries of beer making and bringing something fun and funky to the table. One key marketing point that lots of craft breweries use is their unique graphic design on their labels. Customers are drawn to the colourful packaging that stands itself out from other popular beers.
- Exclusivity
With the constant innovation of beers brings a feeling of exclusivity. Most of the beers released from local breweries are limited edition or seasonal so most costumers feel they got to get their hands on some before the next release. This is where larger beer brands lose their edge as their beers are never changing and always available. Most of the beers created by local craft breweries are not mass produced so portions are limited and made in smaller batches. With this exclusive edge, lots of customers like to collect glassware or merchandise from their favourite breweries.
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- A New Experience
What I have recently found is that I not only love the taste of a cold craft beer but even more, the experience of trying a flight of beers at a local brewery. Unlike drinking a simple pint over dinner, breweries bring more of an experience to it. You get to pick out a few beers and sample them to find your favourites. I have found this is a more fun and social activity amongst friends. Lots of breweries give you details on each of their beers to give you a better understanding of what flavours, hops or kind of beer that you enjoy the most. I have even been to some breweries that offer a way to rate the beers you have tried to help you remember which ones you’ve enjoyed but also as a way to give them feedback to better help them formulate their beers.
- Fresh or Local Ingredients
Many craft breweries also do their best to support local as well by using locally grown ingredients. In the summertime, BC’s Okanagan Valley is home to many orchards and craft breweries often use these fruits in some of their sweeter, fruit flavoured concoctions. There are also some breweries like Dogwood Brewing, that commit to using local and organic ingredients to make more sustainable beers. Dogwood in particular, only uses organic hops grown in Lillooet.
- A Wide Variety
Even if you’re not the biggest beer fan, most breweries offer a wide variety of options, so you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy. I can for one say that breweries have opened me up to beers or flavours that I may have never tried or even thought I would’ve liked.
- Creating a Unique and Fun Atmosphere
Most breweries that I have visited do their best to offer a unique and fun atmosphere that will provide something a little more than your average pub does. Lots provide live music or activities like trivia and arcade games that keep you coming back for more. I recently enjoyed a festival put on by a brewery in my community that offered live music and a variety of food trucks.
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The popularity in craft beer is only continuing to grow and I am here for it. When looking at your weekend plans, consider checking out your local craft brewery, you might be supporting your neighbour and you might just happen to find your new favourite beverage.