Straight to the Pint taps those on the frontlines of our booming local craft-beer industry for stories about biggest brewing successes, dream vacation spots, and which brand was always in the family fridge.

Who are you

David Varga, head brewer for 33 Acres Brewing Company.

Your dad’s favourite beer

My father wasn’t very picky, to be honest; it was usually something fairly inexpensive. I remember a brand my dad drank called Uncle Ben’s, in the stubby bottles. Ben Ginter was the owner of a brewery in Prince George before it became Pacific Western. We used to joke and call it “Uncle George” beer, as the picture of Ben Ginter kind of looked like my uncle.

First go-to brand

I remember drinking Canterbury Ale and Black Wolf by the pitcher at the Pit Pub at UBC on a fairly regular basis. I somehow managed to drink from pitchers and get away with it. No idea how I managed to do it.

Life-changing beer

BridgePort IPA blew my mind the first time I tasted it. Still think it is a great cask beer; ticks all the boxes in my book.

Dream destination

I always felt if I ended up visiting Spain, I would never leave. I’ve been to Japan a couple times, and I really like it there, too. Basically, if it has great cuisine, I’d be pretty happy.

First beer brewed

Whistler Brewing Premium Lager. Did not really do much home brewing that I would be proud of before then, so this was the first beer I brewed as a “pro”.

Crowning achievement

Marrying my lovely wife. Sounds corny, but it is true. Those who have met her understand—she is a gem! On a professional level, I am proud to be brewing craft beer for almost 20 years. I am also very proud to have worked and trained with some great people through the years, some who are still in the industry and I hope will be for a long time. Oh, I managed to turn lead into gold once. Forgot to write down how I did it… pity.

I’d love to have a beer with

My grandfathers. Never met one of them, and the other passed away before I could get my act together as a younger man. Would be very happy to see them.