Big Rock Urban Brewery

This is something that we noticed immediately upon walking through the doors of their new location at 310 West 4th Ave. The venue is divided into two sections: tasting room complete with growler fills, retail beer sales and merchandise on the right, and a 150-seat restaurant on the left. Both areas are spacious and well laid out, in that it was easy to move around in even with the large number of customers, patrons and staff going about their evenings. The Eatery area was clean, inviting and perfectly lit – lending an ambiance that was cozily lit, yet not so dark as to feel closed in. The room itself is aesthetically very pleasing, but it is at the far back wall of the room that especially shines.A large viewing window encompasses at the rear of the room, allowing patrons to view the brewery on the other side, and if you haven’t yet seen it, know that it is gorgeous. The layout of their hardware suggests thoughtful planning, and the equipment itself is beautifully detailed with gleaming copper and steel. Having seen dozens of brewing areas, I did not expect to find one that stood out so boldly. To say I was impressed is an understatement, and a testament to someone’s great taste. Make sure you come take a look when you visit, and you’ll see what I mean.

The beer itself is a quality addition to the city’s offerings. They’re producing a diverse range of styles with flavours that are on point. Their Citra IPA is punchy, easy drinking with a juicy bouquet. Being partial to stouts as I am, their Chocolate Malt Stout was my favourite and made a great first impression. It’s smooth, rich and just the right balance between cocoa and espresso; the bitterness of each finding a harmony that is too-seldom seen. With many of Big Rock’s beers brewed out-of-province in Alberta, special attention should be given to their inaugural locally-brewed release, the Hollow Tree Pacific Northwest Red Ale. Brewed on-site and sold exclusively in British Columbia and featuring a bitter hop profile that is rounded out in the back with a wonderful maltiness. It makes for a fine locally-brewed launching point for both Big Rock and their customers alike. Stay tuned for more locally-brewed beers coming out of the new facility.

Visitors will also be pleased to know that the food – in addition to being simply outstanding – is prepared with locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. Everything that our table ordered arrived fresh and well-plated, and our server was knowledgeable about each dish, and was able to describe very accurately the qualities of the beers in our flights. The restaurant also contains a stage area for live music, which you can count on being able to enjoy every night, which lends beautifully to the arts-heavy focus in the neighborhood.