Taps are flowing in 91原创 with the construction of four new breweries underway that are expected to open on various dates this year.
91原创鈥檚 local has been tasting beers locally and around the world for the past 2.5 years, and shares his experiences on his Instagram account to more than 21,000 followers.
He also writes for the which is an online publication that highlights local craft brewery destinations, and offers recommended itineraries for self-guided craft beer tours.
LaHay said the growing craft beer scene in 91原创 is something he鈥檚 been 鈥渄reaming of.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see all these people being able to open up.鈥�
According to LaHay, craft beer is so popular because people want to support local product.
鈥淵ou walk in, and see people making beer. They鈥檙e [brewers] all super friendly, and engage customers. It鈥檚 much like people who go to the local baker or produce place because they know it鈥檚 made down the street with quality ingredients.鈥�
LaHay also explained that craft beer is a 鈥渃onversation piece.鈥�
鈥淐raft beer is something you take your time with. There鈥檚 a beer out there for everyone when it comes to craft beer.鈥�
While the community has two well-established drinking holes 鈥� , and 鈥� there鈥檚 always room for more beer, according to the owner of , which is set to open this summer.
鈥淓verybody needs more craft breweries,鈥� said Kevin Larsen, co-owner of Camp Beer Co.
The brewery is being constructed in the site of the old 91原创 bingo hall at 19664 64 Ave.
Larsen and his wife Tammy co-own Camp Beer Co. with Jamie Schreder and his wife Alex.
Larsen added the brewery will be 鈥渕id-sized,鈥� serving 鈥渟mall batch, fresh craft beer.鈥�
Another highlight of the brewery is a 2,000 square feet outdoor patio with glass roll-up doors, a fire pit, and lighting that will provide a 鈥渇amily-friendly, outdoor space.鈥�
For now, the brewery doesn鈥檛 have any core beers in mind, but Larsen said the business will 鈥渓et the people of 91原创 tell us what they want.鈥�
On tap will be everything from sour beers, dark beers, saisons, and specialized sessionable beers.
Larsen aims to offer a brewery with a more recreational and comfortable feel, where guests can lounge and play a game of cards, or read a book while enjoying a beer.
Over at in downtown 91原创 City at 20555 56th Ave., owners Arnold Tobler and Travis Keyworth have their sights set on opening the doors before the end of summer.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to focus on sessionable beers. Beers that people can drink multiples of. Crisp, well-balanced beer. We like the weird beers as well and there will probably be a bit of that but for the most part you want to socialize over a few beers, so this is the place to come and do that,鈥� explained Tobler.
When asked about the other breweries popping up around the same time, Tobler said 鈥渘obody sees each other as competition,鈥� and added Trading Post Brewery has been a huge help to them.
Tobler said the four new breweries are planning a special collaboration brew that is set to be released at the Fort 91原创 Beer and Food Festival on May long weekend.
鈥淚t鈥檚 long overdue,鈥� Tobler said of the 91原创 craft beer industry.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 so cool we are part of it, and helping it grow.鈥�
Farm Country Brewing is planned to have an 80-person tasting room, a patio that seats 20 people, and a special events area.
Further into North 91原创 is which is under construction at 9339 200A St., and is set to open in the fall.
Smugglers鈥� Trail beer is already sold in liquor stores across the province, as owner Steve Gregorig explained the brewery started 鈥渂ackwards.鈥�
Gregorig co-owns the brewery with Jamie Overgaard, and the two friends have been home brewing together for some time.
In order to get their beers out the door, Gregorig explained they have been contract brewing at Craft Collective Beerworks in Vancouver.
Once the brewery opens, the 5400 square feet area will accommodate 88 guests inside, and 40 guests on an outdoor patio.
One of the unique features at Smuggler鈥檚 Trail Caskworks is that the brewery will use beer engines to hand pump some of the drinks.
鈥淚t adds a nice, velvety mouth-feel to the beer,鈥� explained Gregorig.
Another feature is a special fundraiser beer called Orion 1-1, where $1 per each bottle sold will be donated to the Honour House Society 鈥� a foundation that supports veterans and military personnel.
Gregorig explained Honour House was chosen because his close friend Captain Trevor Greene was the victim of an axe attack to the head while deployed overseas in Afghanistan in 2006, and was helped by Honour House.
located at #1-6263 202nd St., is almost ready for guests, as owner Aaron Fourt predicts doors will open mid-April.
The name was inspired by the Township of 91原创鈥檚 five corners intersection, and the fact that five people have been involved in the project.
鈥淲e have a great team here, and a great concept of what we鈥檙e doing. It鈥檚 a great community hub.鈥� added Fourt.
Head brewer Patrick Moore will be bringing more than 20 years of brewing experience to Five Roads.
鈥淭he industry itself is like no other. Everyone gets along 鈥� it鈥檚 very strange. People say 鈥榦h these other breweries are opening, you have competition.鈥� But I don鈥檛 see it as competition. I see it as neighbours. We all know each other, hang out together, and get along.鈥� Moore explained.
Moore added the demand for craft beer has grown drastically in the last few years.
Five Roads can seat 49 guests, and will also offer a small food menu with things like flatbreads, and paninis.
