Parallel 49 Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Vancouver, British Columbia, known for bold, flavorful beers that reflect the city’s vibrant culture. Founded in 2012, the brewery combines innovative brewing with a strong local identity, making it popular among craft beer enthusiasts for both its core lineup and experimental brews.
What is Parallel 49 Brewing Company?
Parallel 49 Brewing Company was established in 2012 in East Vancouver by founders who wanted to create beers that stood out for their distinctiveness and adventurous flavors. The name "Parallel 49" comes from the 49th latitude line running through Vancouver, symbolizing their connection to place and community pride. From the start, their goal has been to craft beers that push flavor boundaries while remaining approachable and fun. This balance between experimentation and local involvement has shaped their brand and brewing philosophy.
What kinds of beers does Parallel 49 Brewing Company brew?
Parallel 49 offers a broad range of beer styles, including hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, and seasonal creations. Their flagship, Gypsy Tears Pale Ale, is a balanced, flavorful pale ale well-liked by locals. They are especially known for hazy New England-style IPAs, featuring juicy, tropical flavors and a soft mouthfeel, aligning with current craft trends. The brewery also explores barrel-aged beers, sour ales, and unique collaborations, often releasing limited editions. For example, they have brewed coffee stouts aged in whiskey barrels and bright sour ales with unusual fruit additions. This variety shows their willingness to experiment with different brewing methods and ingredients while maintaining quality.
What makes Parallel 49 Brewing Company unique among craft breweries?
Parallel 49 stands out because it combines bold, original flavors with accessibility, welcoming both seasoned craft drinkers and newcomers. They maintain consistency in their core beers while using specials and limited releases to keep their lineup fresh and exciting. Community involvement is a key part of their identity—they actively participate in local events, support charities, and collaborate with Vancouver artists and businesses. Their taproom offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with art displays and live music, encouraging visitors to engage with the brewery and each other. Their branding is distinctive, featuring playful and sometimes irreverent imagery, clever beer names, and eye-catching labels that distinguish them on shelves and taps.
Where can you find Parallel 49 Brewing Company beers?
Parallel 49 beers are widely available across British Columbia, especially in Vancouver-area liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. Distribution has expanded gradually, so you might find their beers in other Canadian provinces, though availability outside BC varies. Their East Vancouver brewery and taproom is open to visitors, offering the full range of beers, including limited releases not sold elsewhere. They also sell merchandise and provide growler fills on site. While they don’t typically ship beer directly to consumers online, their website and social media channels provide updates on special releases, events, and festival appearances where you can sample or purchase their beers.
What are common misconceptions about Parallel 49 Brewing Company?
A common misconception is that Parallel 49 only produces hop-heavy IPAs, but their portfolio includes malty ales, stouts, sours, and experimental brews as well. Another overlooked fact is how deeply connected they are to their community; they’re not just focused on beer but also on supporting local arts and charities. Some people assume the brewery is new or small-scale, but it has grown significantly since 2012 and operates a sizeable facility with equipment that supports diverse brewing projects. There is also occasional confusion about the name—"Parallel 49" refers to Vancouver’s geographic latitude, symbolizing local pride rather than a specific neighborhood or address.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in craft breweries with a strong local character and a taste for bold, creative beers, Parallel 49 Brewing Company is worth exploring. Whether you try their flagship Gypsy Tears Pale Ale or a limited seasonal brew in their East Vancouver taproom, you’ll see why they’ve become a respected name in Canadian craft beer. Watch for their new releases and events to discover what fresh ideas they bring next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Parallel 49 Brewing Company offer tours of their brewery?
They occasionally offer tours or special events at their East Vancouver brewery, but these are not regularly scheduled. Check their website or social media for the latest information on upcoming tours or open houses.
Are Parallel 49 beers available outside of British Columbia?
Their main market is British Columbia, but some bars and retailers in other Canadian provinces carry their beers from time to time. Availability outside BC depends on your location and local craft beer outlets.
Do they have non-alcoholic beer options?
Currently, Parallel 49 does not offer non-alcoholic beers. Their lineup focuses on traditional craft styles with alcohol, though this could change in the future.