Craft Beer Culture in Nanaimo

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The world's biggest Oktoberfest might have just finished in München Germany but far away from Bavaria in Nanaimo, our own city is celebrating the festival. The Nanaimo-Daybreak Rotary Club will be hosting their own Octoberfest on Saturday, October 21st at the Beban Park Social Centre. 

This got me curious about the state of craft beer in our city and the sense of community surrounding it.

The Nanaimo Craft Beer Society hosts a variety of events, but is especially known for Nanaimo Craft Beer Week, which it hosts every spring. Today I speak with Marie Hopwood, current president of the society and professor at VIU about craft Beer in Nanaimo and her research in ancient beers and how she is giving them a new life.

Nanaimo is also currently home to three different breweries. Wolf Brewing, White Sails, and Longwood. Each brewery brings its own style to the table, and twists on craft beer favourites.

I had the opportunity to speak with Brewmaster Harley Smith, from Longwood Brewery over the phone. I also visited Wolf Brewing, where I spoke with Brewmaster Kev Ward. I spoke with both of them about what it’s like to work in craft beer today.

Transcript:

Transcription Incoming.

Report Transcription errors by emailing production@chly.ca.

Guests:

  • Marie Hopwood— President of the Nanaimo Craft Beer Society and Professor at VIU

  • Harley Smith— Brewmaster from Longwood Brewery.

  • Kev Ward — Brewmaster from Wolf Brewing.

Program Team:

  • Lauryn Mackenzie — Host and Producer.

  • Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

  • Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Theme Music:

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Lauryn Mackenzie