The Regional Guide to Canadian Craft Breweries

The Original Nelson Brewing Company was founded 1899. It was still in operation in 1949 when it was swallowed up by the national consolidation of the brewing industry. The new Nelson Brewing Company was founded in 1991 by two men who met at Oxford University and brought with them a taste for dark, English beer. Located in the Kootenay's, Nelson sells the bulk of its product as draught for the local market but it's also available in liquor stores throughout the BC interior. Nelson After Dark, pictured left, has an interesting licorice/coffee flavour. They also produce a lighter and hoppy Old Brewery Ale, the Paddywack IPA and Blackheart Stout. For a virtual tour of the Nelson Brewing Company and to learn more about their fine beers, visit www.nelsonbrewing.com.

Russell Brewing, located in Surrey, is a grass-roots, family run operation which has been producing excellent draught beer since 1995. Founded by Mark and Peter Russell, the brewery has made a name for itself by producing premium, unpasteurized beer for the regional on-tap pub market. According to the Russell Brewing web site www.russellbrewing.com, the brewery is poised to enter the BC bottled and canned beer market. When that comes to pass, their beer may be available for export beyond the borders of British Columbia. Russell Brewing produces four core styles, the Pale Ale (pictured left), Cream Ale, Honey Blonde and a Lager. Russell Brewing also produce some interesting seasonal ales, a summer Lemon Ale and a Christmas Ale.

Located in the False Creek area of Vancouver, R&B Brewing is owned and operated by Barry Benson and Rick Dellow. Between them, Barry and Rick have over 35 years of experience in the brewing industry having worked internationally in the brewing equipment, installation and training business. In addition to supplying Vancouver's pubs with fresh draught, R&B also sell their beer in 650ml bottles. If you're really thirsty, you can purchase their beer in 19 or 50 litre kegs. These come with hand pump dispensers. You can purchase R&B products on-line at www.r-and-b.com although the shipping costs could be prohibitive. R&B currently has three standard brews and one seasonal ale (and they all have terrific names!): Red Devil Pale Ale, Hop Goblin India Pale Ale, Raven Cream Ale and Auld Nick Winter Ale (gotta get me some of that!).