Victoria’s so-called “Brewery Walk” along Government Street could soon have another tasting room.
Following in the footsteps of Phillips Brewery, Vancouver Island Brewery has been given a green light from Victoria Council to add its own 40-seat tasting room.
The brewery still needs approval from the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulatory Branch, but if approved, the company would be allowed to serve guests a full 12-ounce glass of beer, as opposed to the current four-ounce restriction.
“It would be a true tasting room,” says David Nicholls the General Manager of Vancouver Island Brewing.
In 2017, the island brewer renovated its current tasting room, however, customers could only purchase 12 ounces of beer. The brewery, which is located between Phillips Brewery and Driftwood and Hoyne Breweries on Bridge Street, believes the upgrade will allow it to become more of a destination for craft beer fans.
“We believe that this experience entails more than just buying a 6-pack from a brewery. Having the option to sit back and enjoy multiple samples while watching the brewers work in the brewhouse, or talk to the Operations Manager as he’s passing through the area are experiences that our guests are currently missing,” says Nicholls.
The brewery’s license would allow it to operate from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but the company says it plans to request longer hours.
Earlier this month, Victoria council approved the brewery’s rezoning request to operate the tasting room. Despite the approval, the brewery says its primary focus will remain manufacturing its various products.
While the tasting room plans to offer various meat, cheese, and cracker options, it says it does not plan on becoming a dining destination.
There is only a handful of tasting rooms operating in the city of Victoria, including Phillips Tasting Room, Île Sauvage, and Whistle Buoy Brewing Company.
Joe Perkins
