Hello and welcome to another instalment of News and Notes—the monthly column where we brief you on everything you need to know about what’s happening in B.C. craft beer and cider!
First and foremost, some shameless self-promotion: our Spring/Summer 2026 issue is out NOW! If you have inexplicably yet to get your hands on a copy, click here for a complete list of where you can find it, or, cut out the middleman entirely and subscribe here.
Now that that’s out of the way:
NEWS
“Awooooo” and Congratulations to Howl Brewing!
In case you missed it, Howl Brewing soft-opened its Esquimalt tasting room over the weekend!
Established in 2018, Howl moved from its North Saanich location into the new space at 1209 Lyall Street in 2024. A true nano-brewery, Howl specializes in obsolete and historical beer styles, with a focus on showcasing local ingredients.
For now, Howl’s capacity is limited to 10, with snacks, flights and small pours or growler fills, and cans to go. Open Wednesday 3-6pm, Friday 3-7pm and Saturday 12-5pm. Congrats, team—can’t wait to stop by!
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Last Call for Russell’s Tasting Room, But Not for Russell
After just a few years, Russell Brewing’s Surrey tasting room poured its final pints April 12th.
The tasting room opened on 80 Ave in 2022—27 years after Russell was established. The legacy brewery stands as one of the original 10 in the GVRD.
Luckily, according to tasting room staff, Fuggles Beer has now taken over production, which means that we’ll still get to enjoy the classic recipes we’ve come to love such as Wee Angry Scotch, the Blood Alley ESB and the delicious Cream Ale for years to come.
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New Faces at Beard’s Brewing Co.
Fort St. John’s first craft brewery has officially changed hands.
Stephen and Amy Beard poured their first pints in 2017, after a home brewing system that Amy gifted Stephen for Christmas somehow led to him trucking in a brewhouse from Rossland. Hey, it happens! They posted in March that they were looking for “the right next owner.”
Enter Kendall and Val, briefly introduced via social at a recent event. We look forward to seeing what’s next for Beard’s!
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Farmhouse Abbotsford is Hiring!
And opening soon! Presumably. Watch the socials for Kitchen and tasting room positions April 20th.
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EVENTS
World Beer Cup — April 22, 2026
The most prestigious beer and cider competition in the world is back! Stream the ceremony live from the Craft Brewers Conference in Pennsylvania here. Go, Canada!
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Main Street Brewing Fourth Annual Canucks Autism Network Fundraiser — April 27, 2026
Join Main Street Brewing for a night of door prizes, music, caricature art, a silent auction, raffles, and, of course, delicious craft beer! This annual fundraiser supports the Canucks Autism Network; previous events have raised over $35,000.
Tickets here.
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Cannery Brewing’s 25th Anniversary Bash — May 2, 2026
Cannery is a quarter-century old! Celebrate this milestone birthday with a festival style party. Tickets are sold out, but you can join the waiting list at the brewery.
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Dig and Drink Vinyl Record Show — May 23, 2026
Attention audiophiles! Dig and Drink is ON at Five Roads with Matterhorn Records! Expect an expertly curated selection and some hidden gems, as well as DJs, BBQ and more!
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MIX PACK
Cannery Brewing: 2026 Babe Brew
This 5.5% Tropical Hazy Pale Ale features Australian Galaxy hops, with passionfruit and guava terpenes.
Released at Fest of Ale, partial proceeds from Babe Brew goes to Beer Babes Family, which supports women working in the beer industry through grants. Available at the brewery as well as your favourite local bottle shop.
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