Mount Pleasant’s Craft Beer Revival Begins: 33 Acres is Now Open for Growler Fills and is On Tap Across Town

(Originally Published August 1, 2013 on my BC Beer Law 1.0 blog)

I had the pleasure of popping by 33 Acres Brewing Co.’s brand new digs at 8th and Ontario yesterday to have a chat with Josh and Dave and to take a look at their tasting room and brewing facilities. Josh’s background in design is clear as soon as you walk through the door, and the thoughtfulness and attention to detail that he put into creating a such an impressive space seems to be infused in everything that he and Dave are doing. If you haven’t had a chance to pop by and check out their tasting room I’d highly recommend it. The space is clean, with a large communal table, plants tastefully spread throughout, and what sounded like Ma Rainey playing through the speakers when I popped by. The aesthetic carries through the back to the brewery floor (where the music is also piped). Josh is clearly passionate about what he does, and has put a great deal of thought into every aspect of his new business. From the importance of creating a welcoming community space that both customers and employees will want to share and enjoy, to his appreciation for the history and traditions of craft brewing, 33 Acres is a great example of the movement that I discuss above.

Against the backdrop of a culture of disposability and detached indifference, craft brewers like Josh and Dave represent a welcome return to sincerity, idealism and a traditional respect for hard work and honest craftsmanship. Josh clearly understands the value that an interconnected community sharing their local and handmade goods can bring, and I have no doubt that his tasting room will soon become an important community meeting place.

But enough about the space and the business. What about the beer, you ask?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try either of 33 Acres’offerings at the brewery yesterday as I had to run after chatting with Josh and Dave. However, I did manage to grab a few pints of their 33 Acres of Life California Common at the Whip later in the day, and I’m happy to report that, like everything else Josh and Dave are doing with 33 Acres, a great deal of thought and care went into this beer.

33 Acres of Life California Common is a distinguished, complex beer with well rounded malt characteristics and mild hints of floral, spice and citrus. It’s balanced and full of subtle character, displaying a nice copper and amber colour. Caramel and toffee notes are also present, and it has surprising body for a beer of its kind. Although coming in at 4.8% ABV, it reminds me of a session ale in that I could drink it all day long (and well into the night). I’ve recently been enjoying Anchor’s Liberty Ale, Golden Badger’s Champion Ale and GIB’s Uncle Monty’s Best Bitter, as all three are easy drinking ales full of subtle character that go down very nicely on a hot summer day. 33 Acres of Life California Common fits squarely into this group, and I look forward to going back with one of my growlers soon - a perfect addition to our great summer.