There are a lot of adjectives to describe Parallel 49s assortment of beers, but conventional is not one of them.
We only make the kind of beer that we want to drink, says Michael Tod, partner and sales director at the Parallel 49 Brewing Company. The result is that well try any style, take interesting spins on traditional styles or stick to traditional styles.
The guys have come up with some unique flavours including the Seedspitter, a watermelon Belgian-style Witbier, as well as Ugly Sweater, a milk stout that will come out on November 1. In addition to some ballsy flavours, Parallel 49 titles such as Hoparazzi and Gypsy Tears Ruby Ale are accompanied by colourful, cartoonish labels that intrigue the senses long before a drop hits the tongue.
We have a lot of fun coming up with names, says Tod, who worked for Central City Brewing Company before Parallel 49. Craft beer should be fun and we have a good time coming up the names. With the labels, we work with a great local artist, Steve Kitchen, who is East Van-based.
The company will be launching a 650 ml-bottle campaign in mid-November, releasing a seasonal beer only that one time. While Tod could not say too much about what beer lovers can expect, he did say they will sell a limited salted caramel scotch ale.
Its really rewarding to see our beers on tap or in a liquor store and starting to see how the whole image of craft beer is changing and how its growing and people are starting to talk about it, he says. You guys gave us a call that wouldnt have happened five years ago.
Tod says it also gratifying to create beers that he enjoys and is passionate about.
Before I joined Central City and Parallel 49, I was always trying craft beers out, he says. If I got into a liquor store, I go straight to that section and I always pick up a couple different ones to give it a try. I think consumers are really starting to look for choice instead of something with a bubble that will give you a buzz.
