Port Moody’s craft beer renaissance

East Van isn’t the only brewery hub. Check out Brewer’s Row

Anyone with even a passing interest in the craft beer scene knows all about “Yeast Van” by now, and there’s an equally impressive boom taking place—albeit one without quite so catchy a name (Mount Pilsner?)—in Mount Pleasant. But there’s a burgeoning beer ‘burb out in Port Moody, where four craft breweries (Twin Sails, Yellow Dog, Moody Ales and The Parkside Brewery) have set up along a two-block stretch of Murray Street. The fourth one to join so-called “Brewer’s Row” came from Sam Payne and ex-Granville Island Brewing guru Vern Lambourne, who just launched The Parkside Brewery. It’s located (as the name suggests) across the street from Rocky Point Park, and they officially opened their doors in June.So far, they say, the reception they’ve gotten has been encouraging. “The four breweries meet together,” Payne says, “and we’ve already done a collaboration beer together supporting the Port Moody Arts Centre. Beyond that, we’ve already talked about getting lined up at events so we have our own little Brewer’s Row at trade shows and that kind of thing. We’re all love—it’s all high-fives and celebrating beer.”For those looking to join in, it’s a reasonably quick trip from downtown Vancouver out to Port Moody on the West Coast Express, which just happens to deposit riders a short walk from Brewer’s Row. And once the Evergreen Line is finally completed later this year, it’ll be even more accessible to beer lovers across the region. As to whether Brewer’s Row can handle another member? “The more, the merrier,” Payne says.

See our Craft Beer Awards winners here >>