What Parallel 49 Brewing Company Is and What Makes Their Beer Unique
Parallel 49 Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Vancouver, British Columbia, known for its bold, creative beers and distinct brand personality. Founded in 2012, it quickly earned a reputation for producing a wide variety of styles, with a focus on hop-forward brews like IPAs, while also offering stouts, sours, and experimental batches. If you're wondering what makes Parallel 49 unique and where to find their beers, this overview covers their history, beer styles, brewing approach, availability, and some lesser-known facts.
What is Parallel 49 Brewing Company?
Parallel 49 Brewing Company was founded in 2012 in East Vancouver, a neighborhood known for its lively arts and culture scene. The founders wanted to create a brewery that reflected the city’s creative energy by combining quality brewing with a playful and irreverent brand identity. Over the years, Parallel 49 has grown from a small startup into a well-known name in the Canadian craft beer community, while keeping its independence. Being located in Vancouver gives them access to a local market that values innovation and variety in craft beer.
What kinds of beer does Parallel 49 make?
Parallel 49 produces a broad range of beer styles, with a strong focus on hop-forward beers, especially IPAs. Their flagship IPA, known as 'Craft Lager,' balances bitterness with aromatic hops to appeal to both new and experienced IPA drinkers. Beyond IPAs, they brew stouts, sours, and seasonal limited releases that highlight their versatility. Their 'Trash Panda' series features rotating experimental batches that explore new flavors. Seasonal beers often incorporate local ingredients or celebrate specific themes, offering fresh options throughout the year.
What makes Parallel 49 Brewing different from other craft breweries?
Parallel 49 stands out because of its combination of high-quality brewing and a bold, playful brand voice that connects with a younger, energetic audience. They bring creativity not only to their recipes but also to their packaging and marketing, using eye-catching designs and quirky beer names. Their brewing philosophy embraces experimentation and community involvement, collaborating with local artists and other breweries. They prioritize quality ingredients and keep their brewing process flexible to adapt quickly to new trends and ideas. This approach keeps their beer lineup fresh and exciting.
Where can I buy or try Parallel 49 beers?
Parallel 49 beers are widely available throughout British Columbia in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. Their main taproom in East Vancouver is the best place to try their full range, including limited releases and experimental brews not found elsewhere. The taproom also hosts events like beer launches and community gatherings, making it a hub for craft beer fans. Outside British Columbia, their distribution is more limited but occasionally appears in select specialty stores or craft beer festivals. For the latest on availability and events, checking their website or social media is recommended.
What are some myths or lesser-known facts about Parallel 49 Brewing?
A common misconception is that Parallel 49 only produces IPAs, but their portfolio includes many styles beyond that. They regularly experiment with small-batch beers that don’t reach wide release, so visiting their taproom often means discovering something new. Despite the playful branding, the brewery maintains strict quality control to balance creativity with consistency. The name 'Parallel 49' refers to the 49th parallel north, the latitude line forming much of the Canada–US border near Vancouver, linking the brewery’s identity to its geographical roots.
Conclusion
If you appreciate craft beer with character and variety, Parallel 49 Brewing Company offers a lively selection worth exploring. Visiting their Vancouver taproom or finding their beers locally is a great way to experience their creativity. Keep an eye out for their seasonal and experimental releases for something beyond their core lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Parallel 49 Brewing Company offer brewery tours?
Parallel 49 does not regularly offer public brewery tours. However, their taproom is a great place to learn about their beers and meet the staff. Occasionally, special events may include behind-the-scenes experiences.
How can I contact Parallel 49 Brewing Company?
You can contact Parallel 49 Brewing Company through the contact form on their official website or via their social media channels. Their taproom also welcomes visitors during business hours for in-person questions.