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 Strange Fellows Brewing.
I really didn’t know what to expect when I met Iain Hill for the first time. Iain recently joined forces with Aaron Jonckheere, a very well spoken man with a strong home brewing background and an insatiable passion for the creative aspects of beer making. Before co-founding Strange Fellows Brewing Company, Iain worked his way into BC Brewing lore when he was brewing for the Mark James Group at Yaletown Brewing Company and produced his “Oud Bruin.” With its sour and rich fruity front and a distinctly funky finish it became a must-have and a staple for Sour Beer lovers in the Vancouver area. In fact, Shawna, a member of our communications team, actually told Iain while we were chatting : “It changed my life. I remember it so vividly. I was drinking it at Alibi Room and I thought ‘this tastes like candy, but it’s not candy.’ It really did start my own craft beer revolution.” Pretty high praise! Sometimes, when you know some of a person’s history, it’s hard to know what you are going to get in an interview. Lucky for me, I got a quirky guy, with a sarcastic sense of humour, eating a sandwich! (I’m sure people that know Iain are nodding in agreement saying “Yeah, that sounds about right!”)
Of course, my first question was about THE beer, as many people are wondering (and almost expecting him) to brew it again. “I am definitely making some Oud Bruin. I would like to make other sours though: Lambic Styles, kettle sours – one that is coming up is similar to a Berliner Weisse.”,said Iain. I can certainly attest to the piles of barrels sitting behind Iain as he said this. There are a lot of very exciting aged beers to come. Including one Russian Imperial Stout done in collaboration with Brasserie Trois-Dame in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. Brewed with tangerine peels and fennel seeds, it is definitely going to be something special. If you are interested to learn more about beers brewed by Iain’s partners in Switzerland, check out Brewery Creek as they often have good stock of Trois Dames Beer.
But, as we all know, sours and stouts take time. What can we expect on opening day? Well, the first four beers being moved into production are Bayard, a traditional European Saison; Talisman, a dry-hopped pale ale; Nocturnum, a dark IPA; and Jongleur, a Belgian Witbier. Strange Fellows’ branding is heavily rooted in worldwide folklore, legend and superstition. Which is where the idea for their “Strange Days” series came from. As Aaron Jonckheere said, “We are celebrating Strange Festivals from all over the world as an allegory for the differences between each of us. We are all different. We have different viewpoints, ideas, opinions, tastes, preferences, dreams and even different ways of life. At Strange Fellows we respect and celebrate these differences at all times. What binds us together is a love and passion for craft beer. So really, these strange festivals are a way for complete strangers to come together, share an experience and celebrate the big and the little things in life.”
The branding was designed by Iain’s wife, graphic designer Christine Moulson who, in addition to creating by hand all the images and artwork associated with the brand, has created a beautiful calendar. For example, in January they have a Northern Style Stout called “Guizer” which is named after a Scottish Pagan Fire Festival which finds it’s roots in the Shetland Islands. The calendars are available to purchase in the taproom, and they indicate what to expect each month with an in-depth explanation of the festival. Very cool! Very Strange!
When I asked about why they feel the need to be so different in how their brewery is being executed, Nick Black, who is running the tasting room with Kayin Fields, was quick to explain: “I don’t know that it’s absolutely necessary do something consciously different, just do what you want to do. Just do what feels good. Do what you believe in.” To which Iain added, “that’s how I feel about beer, mostly!”
If you thought that was a lot to expect, just wait, there is more! Strange Fellows plans to open an Art Gallery next to their tasting room which will take submissions and showcase artists of their choosing. They will also have a special VIP group called “The Fellowship” which, as Iain explains, “is a club that we are still working out the details on. But it will come with perks. For example, we will be buying some Foudres (oak vessels) to brew special batch beers. Members of the fellowship would have first access to those and other barrel aged sours.” Being a sour fan myself, I may have to join!
All this should be open before Christmas if the stars align properly. When I was there, the rustic looking tasting room was just about complete.
P.S. If you haven’t done it yet, be sure to check out their blog that chronicles their journey to this point
David Perry – @davidjp87
Community Liaison – CAMRA BC, Vancouver Chapter
[ls_divider type=”dotted” color=”grey”]
In the coming weeks we should see an official announcement from Strange Fellows via their Twitter and Facebook announcing their doors opening. Of course, keep your eyes on CAMRA’s social media as well as we will be letting you know when the date is official. Once the doors open, head on down to: 1345 Clark Drive and give the Strange Fellows some love, and of course, some money!
Leave a Reply