Tag Archives: Parallel 49 Brewing

BC Beer Baron #154 – Parallel 49/Axe & Barrel Paranoid Oat Wild Pilsner

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For the second consecutive year, Parallel 49 Brewing has joined forces with 12 different BC craft breweries to release a package of unique beers, dubbed Brews Brothers Volume 2. The Sip Advisor figured spending the first chunk of June reviewing these releases would be a great idea. So, let’s get on with things.

Like the first post in this series, yesterday, I wanted to include this beer early on, as I haven’t had a chance to include Axe & Barrel Brewing yet as part of the 366-day BC Beer Baron project. Also, while I’ve certainly tried pilsner brews before, I can’t unequivocally state that I’ve never had an imperial variation (translation: stronger and boozier… or are those the same things).

Parallel 49 & Axe & Barrel Paranoid Oat Wild Pilsner

The Paranoid Oat Wild Pilsner had this beer package going two-for-two in the success category. I really enjoyed the strength of the beer (8.5% ABV) and found that it didn’t overwhelm, which is always a concern when beverages enter “imperial” territory. Brewed with sake and chardonnay elements, no wonder the drink packs a punch. Based off of this work alone, it looks like Mrs. Sip and I have yet another stop to add to our ever-growing Victoria craft beer itinerary.

Each beer is named after a classic rock song, and this one is quite appropriately an homage to the Black Sabbath classic Paranoid. The track appears on a number of greatest songs lists, including spot #250 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

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BC Beer Baron #153 – Parallel 49/Crannog Ales Suspect Device Gruit

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For the second consecutive year, Parallel 49 Brewing has joined forces with 12 different BC craft breweries to release a package of unique beers, dubbed Brews Brothers Volume 2. The Sip Advisor figured spending the first chunk of June reviewing these releases would be a great idea. So, let’s get on with things.

First up, I wanted to take a look at this partnership with Crannog Ales, as I have yet to include the brewery as part of the 366-day BC Beer Baron project and I don’t believe I’ve ever tried this style of beer.

Parallel 49 & Crannog Ales Suspect Device Gruit

The Suspect Device Gruit (which means an herb mixture used to flavour beer) was quite good. This gruit was comprised of a mix of organic heather flowers, juniper and dry-hopped fresh ginger. Dubbed a mild rye ale, this 5.5% drink was full of complex tastes, finished with a boost of boozy strength.

Each beer is named after a classic rock song, but I have to admit this is one of only two tunes among the bunch I’m not familiar with. From the band Stiff Little Fingers (hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland), the punk anthem is actually pretty rocking and reminds me of work from the likes of The Ramones.

For more BC Beer Baron articles, please visit our main page…

BC Beer Baron #135 – Parallel 49 Ugly Sweater Milk Stout

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Looking for a place to share a drink and celebrate the 14th anniversary of our first date, Mrs. Sip and I crossed paths with The Hemingway Public House, in White Rock, which was serving up this Parallel 49 Brewing release, as part of their rotating taps.

For this special occasion, the Sip Advisor received a truly unique beer, as the Ugly Sweater Milk Stout was given the addition of coffee. According to the brewery, only a few kegs of this combo were produced. The stout was smooth with a light coffee flavour. I would have preferred some more carbonation to the brew, but it was modeled after English-style cask releases.

Parallel 49 Ugly Sweater Milk Stout

As for the traditional Ugly Sweater, this seasonal release comes in at 5% ABV and 30 IBUs. The beer is sweetened using milk sugar, resulting in an easy drinking, balanced beverage. The stout can be found in six-packs at various liquor stores.

This is a prime example of why Parallel 49 is such a popular craft brewery. They are very willing to play around and experiment with new beers and even already established ones. They have also worked diligently to get their wares into countless places across the province, growing their reputation and fan base.

For more BC Beer Baron articles, please visit our main page…

BC Beer Baron #104 – Filthy Dirty IPA

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Each month, as part of this 366-day BC craft beer extravaganza that I will be sharing with you throughout 2016, I will highlight a specific style or theme of beers for a whole week of articles. It may have taken some time, but IPA’s now rank among my favourite styles of beer. Let’s take a look at some of the best BC has to offer, among this acquired taste.

Given Parallel 49 Brewing’s ever-growing list of IPA releases, I had to include them as part of IPA Week.

Narrowing down which entry to go with wasn’t easy, but I finally settled on the Filthy Dirty IPA, thanks to its year round availability and strong stats. This 7.2% ABV, 76 IBU offering is nothing to scoff at and is probably better left to the professionals. Featuring fruit, pine and floral aromas, simply moving in for a sip will instantly remind you you’re now entering flavour country!

Parallel 49 Filthy Dirty IPA

The brew is available in six-packs and features great logo work with a gangster pig (certainly of the filthy dirty variety). If this little piggy went to the market, it was merely to rip off as many helpless victims as possible, making them go wee wee wee all the way home.

Parallel 49 seems to have mastered hoppy beers. Other IPA products coming from the popular East Vancouver brewery include Toques of Hazzard (Imperial White IPA); Rye the Longface (Imperial Rye IPA); Hopnotist (One Hop IPA); 187 On An Undercover Hop (Imperial IPA); Corn Hops (Imperial Corn IPA); Robo Ruby (Imperial Red IPA); Snap Crackle, Hop (Imperial Rice IPA); and Mr. Needles (Pine IPA).

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BC Beer Baron #60 – Parallel 49 Mother of Donkeys Pale Ale

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Recently, Mrs. Sip and I treated Pa Sip to a dinner and drinks at Central City Brewpub, as he was living the bachelor life with Ma Sip visiting family in Germany. Amongst a couple beers I ordered was this amusingly named selection from Parallel 49 Brewing.

The Mother of Donkeys Pale Ale (called a “Dark Pale Ale” on the Central City tap list) was a solid libation, which apparently uses three different yeast strains and is an experimental release. I’ve really come to enjoy pale ales and given the name of this brew (one which Pa Sip did a double take over, after I ordered), how could you not give it a shot!? I didn’t find the beer to be that dark, but more of an amber hue. I was kind of expecting what you receive in a dark lager colouring, but that is not the most important element in my enjoyment of a beverage. The issue could be in how the brewpub titled it on their menu versus how the brewery released it.

Parallel 49 Brewing

Oddly, I couldn’t even locate this beer on Parallel 49’s website, despite their beer listings being quite thorough and including a section for rare releases. The brew also has the nickname of ‘Three Amigos’, likely stemming from its production using the three yeast strains.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Parallel 49’s East Vancouver tasting room, but the brewery is so popular that their wares can be found all across the province and particularly throughout Vancouver. If you come across this beer at a local pub, I suggest giving it a sip… it’s the least you can do!

For more BC Beer Baron articles, please visit our main page…

Sip Trips #57: In the Name of Science

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After taking a week off from Sip Trips articles, I’m back with a vengeance. Mrs. Sip and I shelled out the big bucks to attend the Science of Cocktails charity event at Science World and had a fantastic night, albeit a fuzzy one for myself.

Tickets were $145 each (and no, that wasn’t even VIP pricing… those tickets went for $250 a pop), which had Mrs. Sip and I approaching with caution while friends of ours instantly balked at the price. We decided that if tickets were still available in late January, after our credit card rolled over to a new bill cycle, we’d commit. That is sound financial planning, my little sippers!

managing finances

What initially got me excited about the event was the list of alcohol sponsors, including Jack Daniel’s, Chambord, Ardbeg, El Jimador, Hennessy, Ciroc, Tanqueray, Remy Martin, Belvedere, and so many others. Just looking at the list again has me licking my chops. Even Parallel 49 Brewing was there, but this was a rare night in 2016 where beer took a backseat for the Sip Advisor.

Featuring some of the city’s top bartenders, working 25 beverage stations, Science World was transformed into a booze lovers paradise… all in the name of science. Each of the booths set up provided a lesson in molecular mixology, from smoking Ardbeg Scotch fumes to the three different way to consume a Mai Tai, including smoking, eating (jellybeans) and drinking.

The food on hand was pretty good, but some of it ran out very early into the evening. I enjoyed the sushi and poutine booths, while Mrs. Sip feasted at the meat and cheese table. The sushi was too popular, though, and was gone by 10pm, despite the event ending at midnight.

adult lunchables

We didn’t get to check out any of the presentations going on throughout the night, as the general game plan was comprised of receiving a drink at one station and enjoying it while lined up at the next one. My goal of hitting each and every station was moderately successful. We thought we’d hit them all, until referencing the map we were given at the start of the night and realizing we missed a couple of the more hidden booths. We’ll just have to do better next year.

Proceeds from the gala will go to help fund school field trips to Science World, which hosts thousands of students each year. I personally remember attending as a high-schooler and having a really good time, so I’m happy to pay the experience forward.

For the Family Day weekend, the Sip Alliance hit the road for a two-day, 12-brewery expedition, which was a wonderful way to spend a long weekend, while staying local. Our experiences on this journey will largely be documented in upcoming BC Beer Baron articles (tried 86 different beers over the span), but if anyone out there wants itinerary ideas for their own excursions, feel free to hit me up for our routes.

Sip Trips #56: Tapping and Tasting

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While many would hesitate to be out at an all-inclusive beer and cider event on a Thursday evening (especially one where you’re supposed to play Urban Rec volleyball that same night), that’s not a theory Mrs. Sip and I follow. Rather, along with members of the Sip Alliance, we checked out Tapped Vancouver at the Yaletown Roundhouse.

I probably would have balked at the event’s $66 regular entrance fee; however, when the activity came up on Groupon for $30, it was a pretty easy decision to make. For the price, we had unlimited access to all vendors and a souvenir tasting glass (which Mrs. Sip and I have a growing collection of). We did find it odd that this event would be taking place on a Thursday, rather than over the weekend, but the old “it’s for charity” argument won out.

Donate-A-Quarter-To-Charity

The breweries and cideries featured at the gala included: Black Kettle, Parallel 49, Bomber, Driftwood, Howe Sound, Lonetree Cider, Phillips, Whistler, and Russell. To be honest, I think the $30 entrance is just barely justifiable and I feel for anyone who paid the full price. There was absolutely no food – save for one food cart outside – and some beer vendors only brought one option with them, while others gave half pours, even though the event was all-inclusive (ie. fill my damn glass, homey!).

The MVP of the night would have to be Black Kettle Brewing, which had numerous bombers of three different beers and never went stingy with their pouring. Whistler Brewing would have ranked highly too, but their selections were from the brewery’s Winter Party Pack, which I had just purchased days before. I can’t fault them for that… or can I!?

I have to say that I’ve enjoyed both booze events I’ve attended at the Yaletown Roundhouse, having also relished the 2014 Made with Love cocktail competition hosted there. It’s a fun venue and its close proximity to the Sip Advisor offices is much appreciated. Too bad volleyball at the Richmond Olympic Oval didn’t go nearly as well as Tapped Vancouver!

Volleyball Balloon

On Saturday, to celebrate Mrs. Sip’s recent birthday, we put together our own blind wine tasting. Each couple was tasked with bringing a bottle of wine (white or red), which would be concealed in a BC Liquor Store paper bag. Then, the group would sample at will until notes and scores had been entered on each selection, before the final reveal.

We ended up with five whites and three reds, which I think was the perfect balance. My favourite bottle of the tasting was the Pinotage Mrs. Sip and I brought home from South Africa’s Groot Constantia winery. The overall winner was Cappo Shiraz, which Mrs. Sip’s parents won in a raffle through their curling association, of all places.

Wine Tasting Today

The event was a lot of fun for all and gave typically white drinkers a chance to try some reds. If you have a wine lover in your close circle, I suggest doing this for a birthday event. They will love the effort you put into it, as well as getting everyone together to celebrate.

That about wraps January up for the ol’ Sip Advisor and it’s been one hell of a month. When you have a brewery complimenting ‘how you weekend’, you know you’re doing well! Next month doesn’t let up however, as we have a bunch of great activities already lined up, such as the Science of Cocktails and the Family Day long weekend will no doubt include some sort of hijinks!

BC Beer Baron #27 – Parallel 49 Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale

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Each month, as part of this 366-day BC craft beer extravaganza that I will be sharing with you throughout 2016, I will highlight a specific style or theme of beers for a whole week of articles. For the opening month of this project, I wanted to look at some of the flagship and original offerings from breweries around the province.

While Parallel 49 Brewing has grown to have numerous beers on tap in their East Vancouver (affectionately known as ‘Yeast Van’ among beer aficionados) tasting room and available in stores across the province, my original experience with the company was through their Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale, which I still enjoy today.

Parallel 49 Gypsy Tears

“Of all the test batches we did, we found that Gypsy was a clear winner, and thus was part of the launch beers,” said Chris Bjerrisgaard, Marketing Manager of Parallel 49. “It remains popular to this day because it’s an incredibly versatile beer which can please the core craft beer nerd, as well as those who are not even into craft beer. It’s malt and hop balance allow you to drink a lot of them without getting tired of it. All in all, it’s the Swiss army knife of craft beers… it does it all!”

Started by a troupe of home brewers, Parallel 49 has evolved to become one of Vancouver’s most popular craft breweries, featuring an always expanding product line. The team opened a restaurant together in 2008, before focusing on their own brewery, launched in 2012. Over time, I’ve tried countless Parallel 49 beers and don’t know if I could name a favourite. Some have satisfied, a couple have disappointed. Gypsy Tears, a solid brew, may be up there among my favourites from the company.

Mrs. Sip and I have visited Parallel 49’s tasting room on a few separate occasions. Most recently, we went in with Sis-in-Law Sip and ordered one sample of everything they had on tap. While this worked in getting to try their entire menu at the time, we weren’t provided any kind of map or chart of what was what, so we had to play the “guess the beer” game. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, if you ask the Sip Advisor!

For more BC Beer Baron articles, please visit our main page…

BC Beer Baron #8 – Parallel 49 Old Boy Brown Ale

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In recent times, I’ve grown quite fond of brown ales, but sadly, the Parallel 49 Old Boy Brown Ale was not one to make my favourites list. The brew just didn’t hit the spot.

I was served the beer at The Hub, in New Westminster, as part of a tasting flight. Perhaps it was overshadowed by my enjoyment of fellow samples, Ninkasi Vanilla Oatis Stout and Fuggles and Warlock Destiny IPA.

Parallel 49 Old Boy

I will say that it’s an easy drinking beer, which might be right up someone else’s alley. The Old Boy is inspired by traditional English brown ales and if provided with another opportunity to try the ale, I probably would.

I have to commend Parallel 49 for their label work on this beer and most others in their portfolio. There isn’t much that beats the image of a proud pint, complete with monocle, cane, moustache and top hat. It’s like a boozier version of Mr. Peanut!

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Sip Trips #52: Amazing Advent (Part 7)

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Sadly, the craft beer advent calendar Mrs. Sip put together for me has come to a triumphant end. I will greatly miss the thrill that came with revealing each day’s selection and the enjoyment of sharing the experience with Mrs. Sip and all you little sippers. Let’s wrap things up:

Day 23: Parallel 49 Toques of Hazzard

I’ve always wanted to try this beer, but have never got around to it. Parallel 49 is known for their hoppy beers (Filthy Dirty IPA, Hopnotist, Corn Hops, etc.) and so it’s no surprise this seasonal release follows that trend. This Imperial White IPA comes in at a whopping 9.2%, but it’s not overwhelming. You have to love the brew’s name and label, featuring some good ol’ Canadian boys riding a Zamboni, rather than hopping into the General Lee.

Parallel 49 Toques of Hazzard

Day 24: Howe Sound Father John’s Winter Ale

While most advent calendars provide a bigger treat on the last day, Mrs. Sip perfectly placed this one-litre juggernaut in the #24 spot. Howe Sound has a very unique bottle (re-sealable plug at the top, plus wide load, totalling three full glasses) and without even seeing the beer, just by feel, I had an inkling of what it was (perhaps a sad indictment for myself) and turned out to be right. Finishing with a true Winter Ale was also a nice touch, so thanks to Father John, Howe Sound’s original brewer.

Howe Sound Father John's Winter Ale

Final Thoughts:

I can’t thank Mrs. Sip enough for putting this advent calendar together for me. As the story goes, she almost didn’t get it done and was going to save it for next year, but I’m so very happy everything came together just in the nick of time. Always a giver, there are a couple beers from this season, deserving mention, that I’ve picked up for Mrs. Sip. These include the Dead Frog Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout and Whistler Dunkel (the closest thing to drinking a Terry’s Chocolate Orange). There are many other brews on the market we’re hoping to try before they disappear from stores, including Steamworks Winter White Stout, Granville Island Cocoa Loco Porter, and Whistler Chestnut Ale.

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Christmas, full of quality time with family, friends, and your libation of choice!