A trio of new craft breweries have opened their doors in B.C. in recent weeks, and have had to promptly shut them due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
It should have been a time of celebration for Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam, V2V Black Hops Brewing in Langford and Jackknife Brewing in Kelowna, all of which had their grand opening in the past two weeks. However, the recent order by the provincial government to close all establishments with primary liquor licences means they, along with every other craft brewery, are unable to serve customers in their tasting rooms.
Brad Tomlinson, owner/brewer at Jackknife Brewing celebrated the opening of his new brewery with little fanfare yesterday. Currently the tasting room is closed and the brewery is offering canned beer and pizza to-go.
“It’s the worst,” says Tomlinson. “I just ordered a stack of crowlers and a seamer and blew a bunch of money we don’t have just to make a few dollars. We fired up the pizza oven and slung a few pies yesterday. I feel like there’s total shutdown coming up here.
“These are strange times.”
Patina Brewing Co. in Port Coquitlam was at least able to have a grand opening party two weeks ago before having to shut its doors a week later. The brewery is currently offering canned beer to go, as well as southern-style barbecue from its kitchen.
V2V Black Hops Brewing in Langford has taken over the former Axe & Barrel Brewing space. The brewery raises money for military and first responder veterans’ programs and has set up a drive-thru beer store, as well as beer delivery all over Greater Victoria, delivered in former military vehicles.
“We were just about to open the doors to our tasting room when the whole COVID-19 thing hit,” says V2V Black Hops owner Graeme Hafey. “It is really bad timing, to say the least. Opening a business is risky enough, but with this pandemic we are stuck paying expenses and scrambling to find ways to generate revenue.
“Essentially, we need support and people to buy our beer or we may not be around very long.”
- The Spring 2020 issue of The Growler is out now! You can find B.C.’s favourite craft beer and cider guide at your local brewery, cidery, select private liquor stores, and on newsstands across the province.
