Dan’s Homebrewing Supplies is a Vancouver icon formerly located on Strathcona’s Heatley Block of East Hastings and recently relocated across the road. Every homebrewer in Vancouver knew Dan and so it is with great sadness that we learned of Dan Small’s passing. The homebrew “scene” in Vancouver is growing rapidly and craft-beer fans wanting to make beer exactly as they like (and save a few dollars) have been packing Dan’s homebrew since he took over a struggling U-Brew in 1991.
The impact of his homebrew shop can be tasted in every beer made by a brewer from the lower mainland. Both homebrewers and professional brewers, many of whom started as homebrewers, owe Dan a debt of gratitude. And so does CAMRA BC, without the interest in craft-beer spurred on by Dan’s Homebrew I doubt we would have anywhere near the growth in quality and quantity of local craft-beer that we enjoy today. Thriving homebrew groups like Vanbrewers and university clubs at both UBC & SFU show that more and more people are learning about the joy of beer making.
We recently interviewed Dan about the past and future of his business as well as his favourite things about craft beer and CBC’s early edition interviewed him in 2012.
The CAMRA BC – Vancouver Chapter executive and members send condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Here are a few of the comments left on our Facebook:
- RIP Dan. You taught us all how to brew. Let’s name the CAMRA beer of the year award after Dan
- I will toast Dan with malt, hops, yeast, and equipment, all from his shop. To Dan!
- My heart goes out to your family and those you loved. I raise a glass in your honour.
- RIP Dan. Making and teaching craft beer well before the term was even coined. Big loss.
- Very sad news. RIP Dan. The godfather of Vancouver homebrewing.
- RIP Dan. I’ll always remember all the newb questions – and the direct, to the point answers – I asked you when I started brewing.
- Thanks for getting me started, Dan.
- RIP Dan-you touched so many Vancouverites.
- So sad, great friend
- You started it all Dan. Thank you.
- RIP Dan, it’s where we started.
- RIP Dan. I’ll be stopping by tomorrow to pick up a recipe. I think a brew day is just the thing.
- RIP Dan. I only had the pleasure to meet you once but it was a very memorable visit to your place and a few fine brews to go with it.
- RIP Dan Small: the biggest figure in Vancouver homebrewing. We miss you already.
- Very sad news! Thoughts are with his friends family and colleagues. RIP Dan.
- A sad tale indeed. Dan was always so very helpful. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say I wouldn’t be home brewing if he didn’t have his shop! Cheers Dan!!!
- Very sorry to hear this. When I first started brewing Dan was very helpful, he answered a lot of stupid questions, which he had probably heard a thousand times before, and he never made us feel dumb for asking.
- Will most definitely raise a glass for him.
- Terribly sorry to hear of Dan’s passing…I started at Dan’s, like so many others. Deepest condolences to the family. Slainte.
Leave a Reply