The Spotlight is a series of interviews with the craft beer heroes behind local organizations who are helping grow the beer scene in our fine city. This week’s spotlight is on Fuggles and Warlock Craftworks NOTE: The information in this post was correct at time of publishing. Since then Fuggles & Warlock has left Big River and is opening their own brewery
If you’re anything like me and you’ve always looked for a craft beer haven for the nerd inclined – look no further than Fuggles and Warlock Craftworks. These guys have taken nerdy and put a whole new craft spin to it! There is a theme for everyone. Final Fantasy Fan? There’s a Shiva White IPA for that. Doctor Who? Exterminate Red Rye Saison will suit you well. The list goes on! One thing that has really placed certain craft breweries apart form others is their commitment to a culture, whatever it may be. People not only want good beer, but want the right atmosphere to drink it in. I can think of no better setting for myself than drinking a Raiden Black Rye IPA while watching a wicked fatality in Mortal Kombat Trilogy.
You may laugh, but that’s the plan.
Last week, I visited Big River Brewing Company, where Fuggles and Warlock Craftworks is currently brewing. Dan “Fuggles” Colyer told me of their plans to turn Big River Brewing into full-scale nerd central. This proposed brewpub would be complete with video game competitions, board games, and anything our geeky minds can think up. Finally, we nerds can come together drink good beer and discuss why Han Solo shot first and not second!
Now if you’re reading this and wondering about the beer – do not worry! I got a chance to sample some early incarnations of the brews to come and there is plenty to be excited about. If you’re a fan of Citrus and wheat based beers, you will love the Shiva White IPA! Sitting at 64IBU, this is heavily hopped for the style but has a tone of grapefruit flavor giving it a delicious aroma and balance throughout your drink. The Last Strawberry Wit is one of the more creative beers available. It consists of a Strawberry Puree combined honey and blended with a belgian style Wit. Mr. “Fuggles” tells us that he has put this thick desert beer on cask before, which really brings out the wit beautifully. The Raiden Black Rye IPA has a bold Citrus nose, but has a smooth, light bodied and almost creamy mouthfeel. Understated pepper give this a nice finish making it my favourite beer I sampled in my visit – and not because I grew up playing Mortal Kombat. The last two aren’t available for the public yet, but will be so if you haven’t had a chance, head out to Big River Brewing Company and check it out. Why not come on out this Saturday, July 26th starting at noon where they are tapping a special cask of Super 8-Bit IPA dry hopped with Citra, Amarillo, and Simcoe. If you thought an 8 hop beer wasn’t enough, you gotta come check out the added layer! At the very least, follow them on twitter @fuggleswarlock or on Facebook to be up to date on all the changes happening!
Cheers,
David Perry – @davidjp87
CAMRA BC – Vancouver Branch Communications Team
Leave a Reply