The Home Brew Revolution
Words l Lucas Tait
Relax, it’s just the craftiest homebrew you’ve ever seen. My friends Neil and Dave have been making beer in an apartment for the past few months. That’s right, true homebrew – and it’s delicious. Dubbed ‘Relax Brewing,’ their laid-back collaboration puts beer first and everything else on the back burner. So far they’ve created three unique, tasty and incredibly local brews.
The project started with the aptly named IP ReggAe, a hop-forward IPA style beer with a relaxed feel and taste for days. Spoiler alert, they have not yet introduced any ‘special hops’ to the recipe, but it’s been discussed and there’s always time for experimentation. The IPA movement is taking over and I’d place the IP ReggAe up there with greats like Fat Tug from Driftwood Brewery and Philips Hop Circle. Some might say bitter is better; those people need to try this beer.
Next in the creative process was the Pirate Pale Ale. This amber-bodied beauty has a kickass name and a much more balanced flavour than its Rastafarian sibling. Amber in colour, it boasts a touch of sweetness and a generally rebellious nature. Pairs well with beaches, mountains, surf, snow, great people and anything else you can do while appreciating a crafty brew.
After producing a few batches of the IP ReggAe and Pirate Pale Ale the Relax Brew Crew decided to throw a ‘winter is coming’ bottle in the mix. A few short weeks ago, after many late nights of research and development, the Astute Stout was born. Staying true to its name, this dark and delicious stout is crafty and sharp, boasting a rich and strong flavour that fills your mind with thoughts of warm fireside conversations with a pint glass. We’ve all been there.
The guys at Relax brewing are the epitome of the craft brewing movement. They aren’t doing this for money, fame or forward progression. The sole motivation behind their mission is the creation and sharing of unique, awesome beer. Nothing is for sale; it’s all shared among friends and fellow beer enthusiasts. They have plans to create a holiday mixer pack that will feature all three of the Relax brews alongside a few locally-made food items – talk about the perfect Christmas gift.
BC has been called Canada’s ‘King of the Craft Beer Scene.’ We should be proud to live in a province where craft breweries are making a move on the bigger, older companies that have dominated the market for decades. The smaller scale of the craft mission allows brewers to be much more creative with their recipes. Lower production demand gives these taste makers the power to try whatever crazy ideas they dare to invent. It’s been said that with great power comes great responsibility. Luckily, in the beer world, even the craziest type of ale or lager is sure to be appreciated by somebody. It’s important that guys like Dave and Neil keep pushing the beer recipe limits.
There’s something to be said for the real grassroots movement that Relax Brewing has begun in the last few months. The selfless pursuit of malted magnificence runs deep in these guys, and the future is bright. Relax enthusiasts are always excited to see, smell and taste the next big thing in beer. For those of us lucky enough to have friends like these, it’s always happy hour.
The Relax Brewing Co is proudly championed by Neil MadIll and Dave McEwen. If you want to get in the know you can check out their blog – you’ll notice they’re kind of into poutine… and beer. Sadly, the brews aren’t for sale, but if you meet these fine fellows they’ll be happy to share.
Words | Lucas Tait
@luc_vancity
IP ReggAe The Pirate Pale Ale Astute
Relax, it's just poutine... and beer. 