Discover Port Moody's craft beer scene on Brewers' Row

by Tracey Rayson

B.C.’s thirst for craft beer has finally been satiated in Port Moody, just a short hop away from the breweries of East Vancouver. A former industrial zone along Murray Street has been transformed into Brewers' Row, featuring four microbreweries all within close proximity to Rocky Point Park. The craft beer industry has helped make Port Moody a destination, especially with the launch of the B.C. Ale Trail that positions the city as one of seven beer tours throughout B.C. And with the new SkyTrain Evergreen Extension line running along their backdoor, getting to these microbreweries just got a lot easier.

Here’s everything you need to know about the locally-brewed beers you’ll find along Brewers’ Row in Port Moody. [Photo credit: Tracey Rayson]

This family-owned brewery kick-started the craft beer movement in Port Moody with a canine-theme; the brewery is named after owners Mike and Melinda Coghill's yellow lab, Chase. Not leaning towards any one style in particular, although they're well known for their IPAs and sours, the brewery offers four year-round brews: the award-winning Chase My Tail Pale Ale, Play Dead IPA, Shake a Paw Smoked Porter and Sit & Stay ISBA. An expansion to the facility in 2017 will see 70 more seats added to the current 30, plus extra taps and tanks. "We did have an idea about the growth for sure, but it happened faster than we thought," says Mike. "The community has really supported us, which we really appreciate."

Former IT consultants turned home brewers turned craft brewery owners, Adam Crandall and Dan Helmer brew approachable beers you want to drink every day. The 24-seat tasting lounge at Moody Ales is a relaxing space where locals and visitors sip on year-round beers such as Hardy Brown Ale, Sociable Pale Ale, Chipper Blonde Ale, Affable IPA and Smouldering Smoked Porter. They're always experimenting with small-batch brews, playing around with funky flavours; time it right and you could score a sample. "It's about trying new things or creating a great flavour that doesn't exist," says Adam. "It's the great thing about working in brewing, you can always just make it. Like our twist on our IPA style: it's light, not too bitter and is focused on aromatics."

Co-owners and twin brothers Cody and Clay Allmin have something on tap for everyone at Twin Sails Brewing, which specializes in modern American-style ales, East Coast IPAs, some German beer and European-style session beers. The taps rotate regularly with a lot of variety; in addition to seasonal brews, you’ll find Pilsner and Hefeweizen on offer year-round. "It's fun for people to work their way down the strip and try a whole bunch of new beers from the four breweries," says Cody of Port Moody’s Brewers' Row. "In some communities there's only one brewery and you're having the same thing over and over again. The City is really excited about it too, so they are more than happy to promote beer events and get people out and involved."

The Parkside Brewery is positioned in the middle of Brewers' Row, and is the fourth brewery to open on the street. Co-owners Sam Payne and Vern Lambourne pour four core brands: Parkside Dawn Pilsner, Parkside Graffiti I.P.A., Parkside Dusk Pale Ale, and Parkside Seasons. And just like their logo, the purple martin bird that soars overhead (native to Rocky Point), craft beer newbies and aficionados flock to the family-friendly 110-seat tasting room to enjoy a pint or a tasting flight of four-ounce glasses. "Between the four of us breweries, we all do something slightly different — from beer styles to branding," says Sam. "We're proud to be part of this strong and tight community; we all get along and support one another."

Brewers' Row has it all. Visitors can nosh on gourmet street food from local food trucks, chat with the brewers and learn about craft beer, and get up close to the brewing process while connecting with the local community. Your Port Moody brewery awaits — a communal table is expecting you.