This week, we continue our new series of interviews with organizations who support CAMRA and the craft beer heroes behind them. We’re excited to introduce you to the folks who brew your favourite beers, run your local homebrew store, sling suds at your local taproom, or make sure your liquor store is stocked with craft beer d
eliciousness.
Meet Dan Small, the man behind the venerable homebrewing institution on East Hastings that is a right of passage for every Vancouver Homebrewer. His store is brimming with hops, malt, yeast and brewing equipment, and helpful staff to set you on the right brewing path.
In a nutshell, how would you describe Dan’s Homebrewing?
It’s a full-on home brewing shop. It’s mostly all-grain and intermediate extract brewing, but we have boxed and canned “beer kits” as well. Most beginners these days start at the intermediate level anyway. Even beer-drinking guys know how to cook now. And, as you would expect, for the less beer-obsessed we have wine-making and distilling supplies.
How long has Dan’s been around?
Technically, since 1984. I took it over with my ex on New Years Eve 1991. It was called “The U-Brew Shoppe”, we hated the name so it became “Dan and Kay’s..” and eventually just plain old lonely “Dan’s”.
Why did you decide to start up a homebrew store?
At the time, it was the only way to get home brewing supplies. I was spoilt by a really good shop in Toronto, and when I got here, not only did “The U-Brew Shoppe” have practically nothing, but he was going out of business to boot. So I bought the store. Cheap.
What is the most popular product you sell?
Well, you mean besides malt, hops and yeast? Probably the toys. Big shiny stock pots, kegging gear, really, it’s ingredients.
Why did Dan’s join CAMRA?
I suppose it’s for the same reason you’d climb a mountain. But it’s way easier.
What’s your favourite beer style to brew?
I’m going to say Pale Ale, because of the wide range. You want a light session beer? IPA? It’s all Pale Ale. It’s the perfect beer style. Okay, you caught me. All the recipes in my book are variations on Pale Ale.
What new hop variety are you most excited about?
Centennial. Seriously. It was the first of the super cascade hops, and when it was released in the early 90′s it was as mind blowing as the release of “Never Mind the Bullocks” was in the 70′s. Will anyone remember Citra in 20 years? Or, will there be anything BUT trademarked hops in 20 years? Who knows.
Have you found that with the craft beer boom in BC, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of homebrewers?
Absolutely. Man, in the early 90′s people just didn’t know or care anything about beer. It was tough trying to convince Kokanee drinkers to make stout. Things are much, much better now.
We’re moving to a bigger space in a few months. It’s a block and a half East at 835 East Hastings (we’re 692 now) right in between Tom’s East Vin (wine-making) and Les Amis du Fromage (incredible cheese shop).
You can read more about Dan’s Homebrewing here. If you are a CAMRA member and are interested in home brewing, we recommend you also check out Vancouver’s local homebrew club, Vanbrewers.
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