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| Local Beer Blogs of Interest | |
The above blogs have a primary focus on craft beer in Vancouver and British Columbia. These blogs present commentary of our local craft beer scene, and as such, contain content and opinions that CAMRA Vancouver may not share. We welcome your comments or suggestions.
Know of a local beer blog that you think should be added to our list? Email communications@camravancouver.ca
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| Advocacy Initiatives |
BC Liquor review "CAMRA BC fights for craft beer and consumers" updated Sept 18/13 Updates coming soon.
FUSS
Aimed at getting licensees to comply with the law by posting their serving size-price lists and by urging the LCLB to enforce the law to help protect the consumers of BC.
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Membership
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The count as of today for active (paid up to date) members in CAMRA Vancouver is over 1000 individuals and 121 corporate supporters. The more members, the louder the voice!
Membership has its benefits and is open to everyone. We offer single, joint and corporate memberships.
Join us in support of Craft Beer!
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Volunteer Opportunities
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CAMRA Vancouver Volunteers
Would you like to be on our list of volunteers for future events? Perhaps you're interested in getting involved with advocacy or education?
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| "What's Brewing" Nov/Dec | |
CAMRA BC Newsletter November/December 2013 issue. It features articles submitted by local bloggers on all things craft beer.
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Please note:
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"The information in this Newsletter is collected and broadcasted for the benefit of all CAMRA members and readers. CAMRA Vancouver, while making every effort to ensure accuracy and a timely delivery, assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. "
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Hello Everyone,
Today was another big day in the BC Liquor Policy Review process! CAMRA Vancouver President Adam Chatburn writes: "Premier Clark today announced that Farmers Markets will be permitted to sell locally produced craft beer and wine, something that CAMRA BC has been advocating all year. This is a tremendous step forward for BC and shows that the liquor review has listened to the people. I would like to express my gratitude to the hundreds of people who joined in our Farmers Market campaign and signed letters, this is your victory and a victory for a common sense approach to alcohol sales. Let's hope we see more positive changes like this in the new year!" View the full press release: Liquor changes plant seed for tourism, economic growth.
Christmas is just around the corner and I'm sure a few of you are thinking "What do I get my  favourite craft beer lover for a gift?" Here's a few options: BC Craft Beer News sells out everywhere within days of release however you can get your copy ahead of everyone else by getting a subscription for only $25 per year. Another thought: There's been some pretty spiffy collectible growlers turning up at your local breweries like Brassneck, 33 Acres and Bridge Brewing lately. How about a brewery tour? Wildside Vancouver and Vancouver Brewery Tours offer some fantastic local trips. Wait! I know! How about beer school? From one night classes offered by us at CAMRA to full programs offered by Eureka Beer Guide and Serious Beer. There you are! Easy.
Not in the Christmas mood yet? This will do the trick! YVRBeerTweetUp's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Volume 2 - tomorrow night at Score on Davie from 8pm until midnight. Prizes for best ugly sweater, photo booth and a special cask from Parallel 49 - "Fugly Sweater" and beer cake from Loveyourcake (think gingerbread milk stout).
The Red Truck Beer Christmas party is on Saturday night at the Media Club. Craft beer, live music, burlesque and more!
Craft Beer Around the Web
NEW Trappist Brewery!
Spencer Trappist Ale, from St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, officially became an Authentic Trappist Product as of yesterday, December 10. "At a meeting yesterday of the International Trappist Association in Brussels, the Spencer Trappist Ale was awarded the 'Authentic Trappist Product' designation," François de Harenne, Commercial Director of the Orval Trappist brewery, told me in a message today. "The decision was made after several controls made on the premises during the last weeks," Harenne stated. "We also were lucky enough to taste the beer yesterday," he remarked. via Belgian Beer Specialist
Growler Wars: The Pros, Cons, Best and Worst of 640z Beer To-Go Containers. via The New School
Cheers,
Monica Frost
CAMRA BC and Vancouver, Communications Director
communications@camravancouver.ca
  Recent past issues of our Newsletter can now be found here on our website.
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CAMRA Vancouver Executive Update
CAMRA Vancouver Members save the date! Our Annual AGM will be on February 6th at The Biltmore from 12 - 3pm. Full details and how to RSVP here. CAMRA Vancouver Members will be getting a formal notification by email this week.
Update from our President, Adam Chatburn
It was at this time last year I considered running for the CAMRA Vancouver Executive. Sure I was busy (aren't we all) but then I thought about all the time I spent watching those "must-see" TV shows and disappointing Hockey games and realised that I should put some time aside to get involved. It's so easy to lapse into drinking craft beer at home and chill-out on the couch (especially this time of the year) but then I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't even know about or have these craft beers without groups like CAMRA. I had volunteered at a few events so I knew that the people on the Executive were really good fun so I decided to contact them to see if I could help out...Read the full article here.
I put the call out to you, do you want to get involved supporting craft-beer? Experience helps (but clearly isn't essential) but if you've got a few hours each week to make a difference and join in with some of the most dedicated and passionate people I've ever known then why not stand for election? All the positions are up for election and you can see the job descriptions here.
Update from our Education Liaison, Danny Seeton
Beer History 101 - Jan 28th @ 7pm. Beer is the stuff of civilization. Without it we might still be living in caves and probably be consigned to drinking only wine. Guest presenter: Ken Beattie, Vancouver's resident Prud'homme® Beer Educator. (Previously postponed) Tickets on sale NOW!
Beer and Food Pairing 101 - Feb 8th @ 7pm. Wine has long been held as the beverage that compliments food perfectly. This is a conspiracy. Beer is in fact a superior partner to food. This class will teach the basics of how to pair beer with different foods and even how to incorporate beer into your food. Guest presenter: Chester Carey, Canada's first Certified Cicerone®, a Sommelier, homebrewer, and award winning BBQ'er (Check out Re-Up BBQ) Tickets on sale NOW!
A bit about Danny Seeton, CAMRA Vancouver's very own Education Liaison; he's an award winning homebrewer, a National rank BJCP beer judge, and has been lecturing about beer history and brewing at UBC and for the VanBrewers homebrew club for the past 4 years.
Visit our YouTube page for videos of past classes.
Please email education@camravancouver.ca if you have any questions.
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CAMRA Vancouver Corporate Spotlight 
The Spotlight is a series of interviews with organizations who support CAMRA and the craft beer heroes behind them.
This week we chat to James Walton, chief mad scientist, owner, head brewer and delivery driver at East Vancouver's Storm Brewing.
Please visit our website for our list of Corporate Supporters and the Member Benefits available to you.
Note: We are in the process of reviewing our Corporate Supporter program and therefore effective immediately we are not accepting any further applications for Corporate Supporter until further notice. We'll get back to you in early 2014 with an update.
Cheers, Sammie Gough CAMRA BC - Vancouver Branch Corporate Liaison corporate@camravancouver.ca |
Events 
*New Events Listing*
December 11th - 23rd
The Best of Flemish Ales at the Tangent Cafe with Bravo Beer Co.
The Tangent Cafe is delighted to feature the best Flemish Ales: Duchesse de Bourgogne and Echt Kriekenbier. Savour the beer, take home the beautiful glass, and enter for a chance to win tickets for a Vancouver Canucks game!
December 12th @ 8:00PM - Late
Being held at the Score on Davie once again, the YVRBeer Tweetup guys are holding the 2nd Ugly Christmas Sweater filled with prizes, ugly sweaters and a special cask from Parallel 49 Brewing - 'Fugly Sweater' - Kraken soaked juniper berries, cinnamon, and nutmeg!
December 13th @ 5pm
Featuring two casks. Red Truck Brewing Black IPA and Howesound Brewing Christmas Espress Stout.
December 14th @ 8:00PM - 2:00AM
It is back, and better than ever. With Modern Limits, The Sparklepussies Burlesque, and other special guests. Tickets are $12 and includes a free Red Truck Beer before 9am! To get tickets contact Sam directly or email Info@redtruckbeer.com. Hurry this event is selling out fast!
December 17th - All Day
Beer specials, Whistler Brewing on-site, giveaway, prizes. For more details follow them on 
December 22nd @ 6pm
The event itself will be a cask festival / Xmas toy drive. We will be working with a local charity to collect toys and monetary donations for underprivileged kids. We have 6 casks lined up from many of the local breweries. Notably, one from Conrad at Brassneck! Entrance will be an unwrapped toy or monetary donation and will get you one free drink. More information and exciting details will be up on an event's page on Facebook in the next few days, but look forward to awesome beer and festive activities. Here's a fun tidbit. The Cobalt will be opening its own Tap House in the New Year with 24 taps!
Jan 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Feb 1st @ 3pm
East Van Craft Brew and Culinary Tour
Vancouver Brewery Tours is partnering with local culinary tour company Off the Eaten Track to create a tour that celebrates all things craft beer & food. Created exclusively for Dine Out 2014, the tour combines two breweries and three food stops in East Vancouver for one delicious tour.
To learn more about the East Van Craft Brew and Culinary Tour, please visit the Dine Out 2014 website to book a tour and for more information. $65pp
February 6th @ 12pm - 3pm
CAMRA Vancouver AGM at The Biltmore
Elections for the 2014 executive will take place at the CAMRA Vancouver AGM on Sunday, February 16th, 2014 at The Biltmore Cabaret, located at 395 Kingsway. To be eligible to vote, you must be a paid up CAMRA member and attend the AGM in person. (You can join/renew at the AGM or via our website http://bit.ly/amKEO5) CAMRA Members will be receiving a formal notification via email shortly. Please RSVP if you'd like to attend.
February 8th @ 12:00PM - 4:00PM
More and more people are finding themselves gluten-intolerant and that can make enjoying craft beer difficult, however more and more gluten-free options exist, such as most ciders and the increasing number of gluten-reduced and gluten-free craft beers. Join us at CiderWISE to try some of these unique and delicious alternatives. We'll be showcasing ciders and gluten free beers made locally and from the US. Tickets are $20.00 for CAMRA Members and $25.00 for non-members and go on sale soon!
If you would like your event listed in our newsletter, Facebook or Twitter, please email your info to Jill.
Jill Plotnikoff
media@camravancouver.ca
Communications and Newsletter Support Team
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Seasonal Releases, Reviews & Tastings
Upcoming Releases:
Alexander Keith's - Galaxy Hop Ale
Fernie Brewing Company - Black Mammoth Winter Ale
Granville Island Brewery - Barley Wine
Dead Frog Brewing - Super Fearless Imperial IPA
Lighthouse Brewing - Imperial Desolation Imperial Oyster Stout
Granville Island Brewing & Joey Restaurants - Urban Legend IPA
Phillips Brewing - Trainwreck Barley Wine
Spinnakers BrewPub - Into the Dark Saison
Spinnakers BrewPub - Sooke Sour Plum Ale
New At Your Local LRS:
Alameda Brewing - Stubs Old Crow Hazelnut Porter
Muskoka Brewery - Winter Beard Double Chocolate Cranberry
Two Beers Brewing - Heart Of Darkness
Elysian - Valhalla Red
Unibroue - Raftman
Bridge Brewing Company - The Grinch
Prohibition Brewing - Smuggler
Whistler Brewing - Winter Dunkel
Scuttlebutt Brewing - 10° Below
Upright Brewing - Saison du Blodget, Late Harvest
Phillips Brewing Co - The Hammer Imperial Stout, The Hammer Barrel Aged
Breakside Brewery - Wanderlust IPA
Tree Brewing - Spiced Reserve Ale
Hoyne Brewing Company - Gratitude
Steamworks Brewpub - Blitzen
Burnside Brewing Company - Thundarr the Bavarian
Ninkasi Brewing - Sleighr
Münchner Kellerbier - Anno 1417 from Hacker-Pschorr
New Belgium Brewing - Accumulation
Deep Cove Brewery - Craft Vodka
Ommegang's Game of Thrones Take the Black Stout
Parallel 49 Brewing - Toques of Hazzard, Braggot
Big Rock Brewing - Lumber Jack Pack
Coal Harbour Brewing - Woodland WitBier
Burnside Brewing Company - Sweet Heat
Granville Island Brewing - Burly Goat
Barley Mowat: Parallel 49 Braggot, Sahti Claws and Toques of Hazzard Mike's Craftbeer Blog: Bridge Brewing Cask of The Grinch with Vanilla and Whiskey Tastings at your local Liquor Stores:
Legacy Liquor Store: Winter Beer Tasting: Dec 12, 2013 4-8PM Scuttlebutt Brewing Beer Tasting: Dec 15, 2013 2-6PM Lighthouse Brewing Beer Tasting: Dec 18, 2013 4-8PM Parallel 49 Brewing Beer Tasting: Dec 21, 2013 2-6PM Granville Liquor Store: Craft Beer Tasting: Dec 13, 2013 4-7PM Gluten Free Beer Tasting: Dec 14, 2013 4-8PM BC Craft Beer Tasting: Dec 14, 2013 4-8PM Craft Beer Tasting: Dec 20, 2013 3-7PM Efes Beer Tasting: Dec 29, 2013 4-8PM Our new "beefed up" Seasonals section courtesy of Cathy who just joined our Communications Support Team. You can email her your submissions at editor@camravancouver.ca Cask Updates Follow us here  for updates daily on what's coming up. Not on social media? Visit our website and you can view the twitter feed there with the cask information. Craft beer establishments - email us your CASK info! Shawna has also just joined our Communications Support Team and taken over all things CASK. Please email her your intel at info@camravancouver.ca Attn: CASKS |
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Homebrew Happenings
To Cellar, or Not To Cellar, That Is The Question...
With all of the Porters, Stouts, Barely Wines, Imperial, and Barrel Aged beers being released these winter months, cellaring some of these beers is a great option! But if you are not sure about which beers are made to be cellared, and which ones are not, check out Draftmag.com's awesome article: "How to Cellar Beer". Remember, cellaring isn't just for commercial beers. If you have a homebrew that's ABV is 8+, store a few bottles away and try them at different times. Make notes about your beer's profile when you first try it, and then compare your findings with the different bottles when you open them. Cellaring beer is a fun new way to experience your beer. Try it!
VANBrewers
 Looking to connect with other homebrewers? VanBrewers hold monthly meetings. They welcome new members to the meetings, so join in if you are a homebrewer or are interested in getting started. They host a lively Facebook Group where you'll find discussions on all things home-brew. Membership to the club costs $20 a year.
Hops Connect
Hops Connect - Hop Trading Company Ltd is Canadian-owned and operated, centrally located in Pemberton  B.C. and dedicated to connecting brewers, U-brew retail and home-brewers with the best hops from the best growers. Whether you're looking for wholesale or retail, we've got it all. Visit their Online Store. Supplies are limited so don't miss out. Sign up to become a 'Brewers Club' member and receive a 5% discount everytime you order (no minimum).
Barley's Homebrewing Supplies
101-455 East Columbia St, New Westminster 604.553.1941
For a full list of their hop inventory, please click HERE
Dan's Homebrewing Supplies
New location 835 East Hastings St. The new shop
is bigger and less than two blocks east on the side of the street where you can park between 3:00 and 6:00! They are now on Twitter too. Check it out!
Would you like to share a story, a homebrew recipe or an event? Please email Jill at media@camravancouver.ca
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