Friends, it’s no secret that fall is arguably the best season for B.C. beer. Patio drinks and summer festivals give way to beer halls and endless Oktoberfest events; tank tops and shorts are swapped out for lederhosen and dirndls; crisp, light lagers step aside for the malty goodness that is dark lagers, märzens, and festbiers—and best of all, it’s fresh hop season!
There’s a lot going on in B.C. beer at the moment, so I’ll forgo the lengthy preamble I had planned (read: love letter to fresh hops), and get right to it:
News
Hot Off the Press: Our New Issue is Here!!!
Our brand new Fall/Winter 2025 issue dropped this week!
Highlights include:
- The hotly anticipated results of our 7th Annual Growler Craft Beer and Cider Readers’ Choice Awards, aka, the Growlies!
- Thirsty Writer, Joe Wiebe, explores beer tours around the world.
- Our resident Beer Historian, Noëlle Phillips, does a deep dive into your options for beer education and certification.
- Matt Poirier continues his series on the good, bad and ugly flavours in beer. This issue’s focus: yeast.
- The features you know and love like Brewer vs. Brewer, Style Snapshot, recipes, fun B.C. beer facts, and more!
- And, as always, a complete list of every brewery and cidery in B.C.!
Click here for a list of where you can get your hands on a copy.
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RIP House of Funk
North Van’s beloved House of Funk appears to have quietly closed.
Our sibling publication, North Shore News, reports that a note taped to the inside of the brewery’s front door reads: “Closed. Sadly we have made the decision of closing our doors. We hope that this is not the end, but it is the for-now. We love you all and appreciate all the love and support and good times you have given us.”
The business, which opened in 2019 and became famous for funky and experimental small batch brews before briefly (and somewhat bafflingly) becoming House of Pandemonium this spring, is now listed for sale.
Read the whole story here.
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Suspect Charged in Devastating CrossRoads Fire
A suspect has been charged following a devastating fire at CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery’s 508 George Street location. The Prince George business, which opened in the city’s downtown in 2017, was engulfed in flames shortly before 3am September 5th.
A social media post from owners Daryl and Cindy thanks firefighters, first responders, fellow breweries, and the community for their support before continuing: “CrossRoads has been a passion of ours for the last 8 years. It has been more than just a business to us – it is part of our connection to the Prince George community. Downtown Prince George is where we flourished and grew, and we plan on continuing to do so. We hope to resume production as soon as possible with the assistance of our fellow breweries. Our story has not ended.”
According to a media release on the city’s website, the estimated building damage from the fire is $1.8 million.
The College Heights location remains open at 5224 Domano Blvd.
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Say Hello to Brass Monkey Brewing Co!
After 13 years, Victoria’s Moon Under Water has rebranded to Brass Monkey Brewing Co., with plans to open as a brand new brewery within the week!
Owner, Brewmaster and Distiller, Clay Potter told the Growler via email that he’s very excited about what new partners Morgan Watson and Jason Clifford bring to the table as Hospitality Manager and Executive Chef, respectively.
The space has been completely renovated inside and out, with an emphasis on the music scene.
Potter says that all beers will continue to be made with locally sourced ingredients such as grains grown by Field 5 Farms, ”but [we] will be branching into some new, more modern styles.”
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Old Yale Chilliwack Temporary Closure
Old Yale’s Chilliwack location will temporarily close for renovations and “reimagining” at the end of September.
According to the project’s Q&A page, “We’re not just renovating the space—we’re reimagining it. We want to create and environment that better reflects who we are, how far we’ve come, and the community we love so much. A space that feels intentional, welcoming, and worthy of every guest who walks through our doors.”
The space is expected to reopen in spring 2026. The Abbotsford location remains open.
Events
Whistler Village Beer Fest — September 13, 2025
Last call for the 12th annual Whistler Village Beer Festival, presented by Gibbons Whistler!
The festival features 40+ craft beverage makers pouring 80+ varieties of beer, cider, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, live music from local favourites The Zummers and Fresh Cut Grass, and Oktoberfest at Longhorn Saloon!
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Another Beer Co. Closing Party – September 13-14, 2025
Join ABC for its final party this weekend!
Party Saturday with original beers and one-off collabs with friends like Dageraad, Changing Colours and Barley’s Homebrew. Then come back Sunday for a breakup brunch!
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Brewloops — October 3-4, 2025
BrewLoops Craft Beverage & Music Festival offers live music, food trucks, beer and craft beverages, local vendors, and tons of fun at MacArthur Island Park in Kamloops. This non-profit event supports local arts and culture through partnerships with Western Canada Theatre and Rotary West, contributing over $75,000 to community causes to date.
Get your tickets here.
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Plus, Oktoberfest Everywhere!
Be sure to check the socials at the brewery nearest you for all of the fun details! Prost!
Mix Pack
The Patch X Maple Ridge: New Traditions Fresh Hopped IPA
One of the many privileges of being a professional beer nerd, is taking advantage of weird opportunities. I recently had the opportunity to help the fine folks at The Patch in Maple Ridge pick hops with community members!
The fresh cones of Cascade (and maybe a tiny bit of Willamette) went into the brew of the New Traditions Fresh Hopped IPA. Expected to be a nice subtly fruity traditional IPA, the malt bill uses 100% Laity grown malt.
Expect this release in the coming weeks on tap exclusively at the brewery.
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ABC X Dageraad: ABC Is D
A draught only release, ABC is D is one of the many one-off collab brews made with friends to toast ABC’s legacy at its send off this weekend. This is reportedly a super dry and crushable IPA, with a small wave of phenolic spice and light sweet fruit notes. Try it exclusively at ABC this weekend!
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Have something you think we should include in our next round up? Email editor@thegrowler.ca for consideration. Cheers!
