By Joe Wiebe | December 2011
While the government liquor store chain does offer a solid range of craft beers from BC and elsewhere, Vancouver has several excellent private liquor stores that specialize in craft beer. That is where you will find seasonal and limited releases from BC’s craft breweries that rarely make it into the government chain, along with diverse unique brews from south of the border and all around the world. And the best thing is—these stores are open daily till late.
1. Brewery Creek – 3045 Main Street at 15th
Widely regarded as the city’s best private craft beer store, Brewery Creek has expanded its craft beer section exponentially over the past five years. Located in trendy South Main, the store has a knowledgeable and friendly staff. 10 per cent discount for CAMRA Vancouver members.
www.brewerycreekliquorstore.com
2. Firefly – 2857 Cambie Street at 12th
Firefly has a great selection of craft beers and a well-informed staff that includes CAMRA BC president Lundy Dale, who is the store’s senior ales advisor. Check out their ‘La Table Commune’ tasting series. 10 per cent discount for CAMRA Vancouver members.
www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com
3. Legacy – 1633 Manitoba Street in the Olympic Village
One of the first businesses to open in the Olympic Athletes Village, Legacy is huge, with an equally massive collection of craft beer from around the world. Their Belgian beer collection is particularly extensive. Legacy offers numerous tasting events and has a VIP program that earns points towards free gift cards.
www.legacyliquorstore.com
4. Viti – 900 Seymour Street in the Moda Hotel
Viti is the best private liquor store in downtown Vancouver with a regular tasting series every Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
www.vitiwinelagers.com
5. Darby’s – 2001 MacDonald at 4th
Connected to the Kitsilano pub with the same name, Darby’s Liquor Store is not the biggest in the city, but it has a great selection of craft beer from BC and around the world. 10 per cent discount for CAMRA Vancouver members.
www.darbyspub.ca/lrs
