In 1862, New Westminster was granted the third brewery license in BC, and from then on, the city has had a proud tradition of brewing. New West even had what I would call a “Beer Baron”, in Nels Nelson. Nelson consolidated the brewing in New West and was even granted a special exemption during prohibition to brew beer for export (much of which was illegally sold in New West anyway). That, along with a special brewing license granted after prohibition was lifted, helped Nelson become one of the richest and most influential figures in the city. You can still see the mansion he built in 1913 at 127 Queens Ave.
Eventually, Nelson sold his business and over time it transformed until we ended up with a Labatt brewery at the corner of Columbia and Brunette. And that didn’t last forever, either, as it closed in 2005, bringing to a close the brewing tradition of New Westminster.
Enter: Steel & Oak Brewing Co.
I first heard about Steel & Oak on October 1, 2013, when they tweeted “#CraftBeer is coming to #NewWest!”. I was, shall we say, excited. And that was even before I found out they’re a mere 5 minute walk from my place.
Fast forward 8 ½ months and countless brewery building pictures on Instagram, and S&O is getting ready to open their doors.
I had the opportunity to meet with co-owner Jorden Foss a few days ago for a chat and tour of the brewery. (more…)
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