A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Beer Brief, Vol. 44

A bulleted briefing of beer news for your at-home and socially-distanced pleasure, compiled by Thalia Stopa.

Beer Brief, Vol. 43

A bulleted briefing of beer news for your at-home and socially-distanced pleasure, compiled by Thalia Stopa.

New North Vancouver Winery Poses the Question, “What Happens Now?”

The new wine brand has released five bottles since launching in August with a second batch slated to drop in November.

Beer Brief, Vol. 42

A bulleted briefing of beer news for your at-home and socially-distanced pleasure, compiled by Thalia Stopa.

When Miller Tried to Get America to Drink Light Beer Using Subliminal Messaging

"Hi (your place), would you like to join me for a Miller Lite? (Your treat) It's on me."

A Massive Wave of Beer Once Washed Over a London Slum, Destroying Homes and Killing Eight

In the Fall of 1814, a massive vat of porter exploded in a London brewery, causing a 15 ft high wave of beer to wreak havoc.

Canadian Sommelier Sips Taco Bell’s New ‘Jalapeno Noir’ Red Wine, Reacts Predictably

The wine is made by Queenston Mile in Ontario's Niagara region and is meant to pair with a "Toasted Cheesy Chalupa".

Understanding the ‘Smoke Taint’ Threat to Local Wineries and How to Detect It in Grapes

As climate change increases the chances of smoke taint in wine grapes, there's a rush afoot to detect and prevent it.

Understanding How the Very Existence of Wine Was Threatened in the 19th Century

The History Guy loop us in on the close call and how disaster was ultimately averted to allow for the wine world we know today.

Beer Brief, Vol. 41

A bulleted briefing of beer news for your at-home and socially-distanced pleasure, compiled by Thalia Stopa.

Sneak Peek Inside Strathcona’s New Superflux Beer Company (Launching This Weekend)

The highly anticipated new brewery is set to open its retail frontage and tease its hotdog menu with takeout orders.

Beer Brief, Vol. 40

A bulleted briefing of beer news for your at-home and socially-distanced pleasure, compiled by Thalia Stopa.

A Bookish Way to Stash Two Bottles of Whisky

Turns out you can hide two bottles of Bulleit and a small glass inside a big old book if you have a laser cutter and some time.

Beer Brief, Vol. 39

A bulleted briefing of beer news for your at-home and socially-distanced pleasure, compiled by Thalia Stopa.

The Best BC Ciders to Enjoy This Summer

We've mapped out well over a dozen local cideries and detailed their most interesting sips and suggested pairings.

How Local Drink Enthusiasts Are Using a Uniquely BC Spirit This Spring

Such creativity should not go unappreciated with Spring slipping by, even if such drinks won't pass our lips any time soon.

How Crystal Head Vodka’s Beautiful Skull-Shaped Bottles Are Made

This quick video from a thousand years ago (2012) is short on details, but it nevertheless reveals enough to satisfy my curiosity

The Strange Satisfaction of Watching People Who Don’t Know How to Open a Bottle of Wine

Witnessing a fresh hire try this basic table service task is kind of like watching children learning how to walk. Baby steps...

Vancouver’s Take-Out Beer Options, Mapped

Here's a guide for those on the hunt for delicious - and honestly much-needed - beer to help wash down their self-isolation.

What You Need to Know About the Vancouver Craft Beer Week Postponement

The 2020 edition of Vancouver Craft Beer Week - scheduled for June - was postponed yesterday afternoon with new dates pending.

Beer Brief, Vol. 38

A bulleted briefing of beer news and imminent events, mapped for your crawling pleasure by Thalia Stopa.

From Tree to Bottle, This Is How Wine Corks Are Made

In this fascinating short video, YouTuber Jamie Goode visits the Cork Supply factory in Portugal and finds out how it's done.

We’ve Been Making the ‘Vancouver Cocktail’ Wrong for 15 Years…

Local barman/educator Alex Black traces the history of an enduring mystery that bartenders believed was solved over a decade ago.

Beer Brief Vol. 37

A bulleted briefing of beer news and imminent events, mapped for your crawling pleasure by Thalia Stopa.

Meet Allan Cukier, Head Brewer of Vancouver Island’s Imminent Ucluelet Brewing Co.

Opening day for the highly anticipated brewery is set for Friday, February 14th with a special evening launch from 5-10pm.

Picking Grapes With Rachelle Goudreau of Strathcona’s VV Tapas Lounge

This week we put our Picking Grapes questions to the Sommelier / Manager at a popular East Hastings wine bar.

Beer Brief, Vol. 36

A bulleted briefing of beer news and imminent events, mapped for your crawling pleasure by Thalia Stopa.

Getting to Know Shawn Dalton, the Talent Behind BC’s Own Marrow Vermouth

We recently had the opportunity to speak with the fellow behind Penticton's creative Marrow Vermouth brand.