(This article is sponsored by community partners.)

Vancouver doesn’t get its reputation as Canada’s craft-beer capital for nothing. That kind of status takes years of work, and passion, and pints. Before everyone else jumped on the brew-loving bandwagon, Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW) was launching its now famous celebration of craft beer and cider. That was 10 years ago.

Since its humble beginnings as Canada’s first-ever craft-beer week, the 10-day citywide celebration has evolved into a cultural engine showcasing music, food, art, and, of course, craft beer. Visitors from across the country and beyond descend on the city to enjoy a packed schedule of events and programming.

This year’s VCBW, taking place May 31 to June 9, starts with the Kickoff Party at the Beaumont Studios (316 West 5th Avenue) on Friday (May 31) and ends with the VCBW Festival taking place at PNE Fairgrounds on June 8 and 9.

To celebrate, we’re raising a pint to a few of B.C.’s beer businesses.

Cheers!

Hoyne Brewing 

Since first opening its doors in 2011, Hoyne Brewing has been making its beer with the best ingredients available—including European grains for its Pilsner and British malts for its Dark Matter. It’s all part of Brewmaster Sean Hoyne’s commitment to crafting the highest quality beer possible and giving craft beer fans something they can truly appreciate. To keep that commitment to quality going, Hoyne is now offering several of its beers in six-packs of bottles, so you can share and enjoy them wherever you like. Find them in stores throughout B.C.! 

Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.

Phillips was born in 2001 to a pile of credit card debt and the audacious principle that quality ingredients and a little creative flair can produce great beer.  After 18 years, a couple of address changes, and a beer-flood, its commitment to crafting quality beer continues to remain at the heart of everything it does.

Steamworks

The Steamworks Summer Mash Up is the perfect twelve pack to take with you on any adventure this summer. Featuring four of the bestselling beers, this mixed pack has something for everyone. Quench your thirst with a Steamworks Pilsner, Pale Ale, Summer Ale, or North by Northwest IPA. Available widely in liquor stores throughout B.C.

Strathcona Beer Company

Strathcona Beer Company is driven to provide a premium, fresh, and high-quality product. It was founded by an impassioned group of friends with deep-rooted connections to their neighbourhood and an appreciation for local and international beer.

It is proudly located in the heart of Strathcona, Vancouver’s oldest and most diverse commercial and residential neighbourhood. The world-class brewing facility produces a modern style of traditional beer, coupled with unique offerings to tempt the palate of the most discerning beer drinkers.

Strathcona Beer Company values social development, individual creativity, and the encouragement of positive and meaningful contributions to the community. The founders’ collective interests in art, music, skateboarding, and design have influenced all aspects of the brand as they strive to push the boundaries of the craft beer industry in order to offer customers a collaborative community space where great beer, fresh locally sourced food, and good friends come together.

Eat and Drink Like a European

Eat and Drink Like a European…in Europe! Since 2005, Craig Bresett, homebrewer and historian, has brought Europe to life for his guests on his exciting and authentic trips through Europe. Forget everything you’ve ever heard about group tours. Craig has completely reinvented small group European travel—a pure joy from start to finish. Best of all, unlike most group tours, your food and drink experiences are not just an afterthought. You’ll never regret taking one of these trips. Actually, your only regret might be that you didn’t do it sooner. Life is short—go for it!

Details at www.EatandDrinkLikeaEuropean.com

For a complete list of up-to-date events, more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the VCBW website. Follow the event’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter feeds and share your experience using the hashtags #VCBW #VCBW2019 #tenyearsofVCBW.