East Vancouver Brewery Taps - part 1 (Storm Brewing)

On Saturday 1 October, 2016, I caught a 135 bus from Burrard Station towards SFU (Simon Fraser University). The eastward route passes through Downtown Eastside and then along East Hastings Street.

After stopping opposite the Ovaltine Cafe, soon after the Main Street junction, the 135 bus runs non-stop to a stop near the Commercial Drive junction, which is where I got off.

The choice of which brewery to visit first was easy as signs for Storm Brewing were visible, a short distance north on Commercial Drive.

Inside the brewery, a metal sign explains the history and serving approach at Storm Brewing - 'Welcome to Vancouver's oldest independent craft brewery - est 1994

No pints & flights

6 samples per person

cash contribution in tip jar

one sample at a time

hold onto your cup

no repeats'

After placing an appropriate note in the tip jar I was given a plastic branded cup and chose my first beer to sample 'Chai Ale' (5% ABV), from the 'Brainstorm' (weekly rotating beer creations) taps on the right side of the bar, which are set up for dispensing into cups or take out growlers.

Apple Ginger Pilsner sample

The other beer I sampled which I rated as highly was Apple Ginger Pilsner (5% ABV) another 'Brainstom' beer with interesting flavours, something that Storm Brewing is renowned for.

My other favourite beer was from the 'Mainstays' range - Hurricane IPA (7% ABV).
This is a 'no frills' taproom where customers do not have the luxury of seating but some may find a barrel top surface to rest their Storm beer cup on. The laid-back and friendly staff add to the unique atmosphere of a place that is hard to forget even after the briefest of visits.

Customers are also close to brewing vessels and associated pipework and equipment which is functional rather than aesthetic in appearance.

James Walton - Storm Brewery

Before leaving the brewery, I offered a copy of Ullage, the West Berkshire CAMRA magazine, to the bar staff and was rewarded with a chance to meet James Walton, described on the Storm Brewing website 'the team' page as 'Brewer / Owner / Delivery Truck Driver / Mad Scientist' who was just about to leave the premises. James helpfully suggested visiting Callister Brewing Co next as it was a short walk away, heading east along Franklin Street, back towards Downtown Vancouver.

For anyone visiting Vancouver breweries for the first time my recommendation would be to visit Storm Brewing first, something which I managed to do without deliberate planning but thanks to the placing of bus stops!

Storm Brewing, 310 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
Check the brewery's 'Contact Us' website page for current daily opening hours which are generally daytime, with closing time extended to 8pm at weekends.