Oh, boy…anyone else have whiplash? Things in B.C. beer seem to be moving faster than I can type! Closure announcements followed by ominous social media posts/recanting, opening updates, events, and more!
Let’s get into it.
NEWS
Connector Brewing Announces Closure
West Kelowna’s Connector Brewing announced last week via social media that its last day of service will be February 21st, citing the now all too familiar challenges shared by many small businesses.
After years of planning, the two-level tasting room that featured a plant-based food menu opened in May of 2024. The space was intended to connect the community, a mission that the brewery says they succeeded in before the first kegs were even tapped.
“Connector was never just about beer. It was about connection,” reads the post. “It was about the folks who painted walls with us before we ever poured a pint. The friends who built tables and chairs by hand. The brave souls who showed up on opening day not knowing what to expect. The regulars who walked in as customers and somehow became family…you built this place as much as we did.”
The brewery will close just shy of its second anniversary.
•••
Old Abbey Ales Closure Amongst Uncertainty
In what felt like a hastily written post that has since been revised/removed, Abbotsford’s Old Abbey Ales announced its abrupt closure at the beginning of the month. The original post read: “Due to poor management and bad calls made, we are now shut down with no plans of reopening. On behalf of cam [sic] and Zach we’d like to thank everyone that continued to support us, and come in to see us. We apologize for that shity [sic] inconvenience but this came from above us…”
Hours later, a revision was made that reads “Old Abbey Ales are [sic] switching new management. On behalf of cam [sic] and Zach we’d like to thank everyone that continued to support us, and come in to see us. We will be back with new management shortly.”
This will mark the second time in the brewery’s history that it has changed hands since opening in 2015, the last time in 2018 following the sudden passing of founder Don Piccolo.
It is unclear at this time what’s next for Old Abbey. Stay tuned for updates.
•••
Boltage Brewing Development Application Approved
On a much brighter note, council has officially approved the development application for Squamish’s Boltage Brewing!
The proposal at 37781 Cleveland Ave includes a two-storey brewery with a restored railway car as an additional (and very cool) lounge space. We can’t wait!
Can’t wait to try Boltage’s beer? Head to the Squamish BCL or Eldorado Liquor Store.
EVENTS
Beer 101: Learning With the Ladies — February 21, 2026
Join Ladies of the Pint (aka, our very own resident Beer Historian Noëlle Phillips and Eye of the Beerholder, Alaina), for the launch of Beer 101: Learning With the Ladies. Noëlle and Alaina are both Certified Cicerones® and Beer Judge Certification Program ranked beer judges, with a passion for sharing beer knowledge and history in a fun and approachable way.
Get your tickets here and get to know what’s in your glass.
•••
International Women’s Day Tap Takeover — March 8, 2026
Join Farm Country Brewing for its annual International Women’s Day Tap Takeover, featuring 9 beers and one cider brewed by the women and non-binary members of Langley’s craft beer community!
Proceeds to Ishtar Women’s Resources Society & Pink Boots Society Canada.
•••
North Island Craft Beer Festival — March 28, 2026
Support the Campbell River Community Foundation with a day filled with delicious brews, tasty bites, music, and more!
Get your tickets here before they sell out!
Have something to share? Shoot us a DM on the socials for consideration. Cheers!
