As we come out of the pandemic, it will be interesting to see if the number of new breweries and cideries opening in B.C. each year goes up or down. So far, it certainly seems like there are still lots of new ones in the works!
Bayview Brewing
Ladysmith (fall/winter 2021) I’ve always thought the pretty town of Ladysmith would be the perfect spot for a craft brewery, and it looks like my wish will come true. Delays in overseas shipping meant they were still waiting for their equipment to arrive at press time so it’s unclear when exactly it will open. Facebook.com/BayviewBrewingCompany
Brookswood Brewing
Langley (winter 2021) Plans are still on track for this new brewery in the Township of Langley—look for it to open in the Brookswood neighbourhood late in 2021. In the meantime the team collaborated on a beer with Bright Eye Brewing in Kamloops. Instagram.com/BrookswoodBrewingCo
Checkerhead Brewing
Shirley (winter 2021) Founded by an ex-professional juggler who used to spend most of his time touring around the world, you can definitely expect to be entertained when you visit this brewery. Its location will be a big attraction, too: Shirley is about 20km west of Sooke as you head out towards Port Renfrew on the south coast of Vancouver Island. CheckerheadBrewing.com
Citizen Brewing
Kelowna (early 2022) This Calgary-based brewery is building a second location in Kelowna. CitizenBrewingCompany.com
Deadfall Brewing
Prince George (late 2021) Look for Prince George’s third brewery to open this winter. Deadfall plans to focus on small batches with a clear emphasis on quality over quantity. DeadfallBrewing.com
Grand Forks Beer Co.
Grand Forks (late 2021) This brewery has been in the works for a long time. The pandemic certainly didn’t help. But now things seem to be on track for an opening this winter. Grandforksbeerco.com
Hornby Island Brewing
Hornby Island (fall/winter 2021) Being located on an island that is two ferries from Vancouver Island, which is another ferry ride from the Mainland makes for some exceptional challenges when it comes to opening a brewery. But it looks like this nanobrewery will finally open by the end of the year. Fingers crossed! HornbyIslandBrewing.ca
Jordan River Brewing
Jordan River (spring 2022) There are undoubtedly many challenges to opening a brewery in this remote community halfway to Port Renfrew on the southern coast of Vancouver Island. It will be quite a destination for beer lovers when it finally opens. JordanRiverBrewery.com
Post & Row Brewing
Dawson Creek (winter 2021) The Post & Row taphouse is adding its own brewery, joining the two Fort St. John breweries in B.C.’s Peace Country. PostAndRow.ca
Rusted Rake Brewing
Nanoose Bay (fall/winter 2021) Plans for this farm-based brewery stalled for a while, but now they are back on track. RustedRakeFarm.com
Small Gods Brewing
Sidney (spring 2022) Joining Beacon Brewing in the same building in Sidney will be this operation led by Chris Bjerrisgaard, previously on the marketing side at Parallel 49 Brewing, Vancouver Island Brewing and Vancouver Craft Beer Week.
Long-term watch list: Counterflow Brewing, Lumberjack Brewing Co., Sundown Beer Co., Tiki Jon’s Tiki Lounge & Brewery.
• Got a hot brewery tip? Let us know at editor@thegrowler.ca
This story originally appeared in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of The Growler, out now! You can find B.C.’s favourite craft beer and cider guide at your local brewery, cidery, select private liquor stores, and by subscription here.
