through, head brewer Dave Van Allen admits his favourite beer to make (and drink) is lager. As he explains, “There is something about making a lager of any kind—there is nothing you can hide behind; it shows all the flaws if it’s not done right.” EMBRACING CREATIVITY Van Allen didn’t start his brewing career with formal training, but he was fortunate to work under some original BC craft brewers, who helped foster his passion for brewing. “The craft beer industry is one of those unique industries where we all help each other out and are all friends, and I’m really stoked on that aspect,” he says. “Those OG brewers pushed me to work my way up in this competitive industry and become a brewmaster.” After more than a decade at Steamworks, Granville Island and finally Russell Brewing, he was keen to return to his creative roots. At La Cervecería Astilleros, his bold, flavoured beers made with Mexican ingredients, like Salted Lime Lager and La Paloma Grapefruit Lager, do just that and consistently win industry awards. SALUD TO SUMMER The brewery plans to continue making thirst-quenching and fruity lagers to pair with tacos and other Mexican-focused dishes. They also have other plans. “We’re going to be releasing some new barrel-aged beers,” says Van Allen, “which will be the first of many!” For summer, he suggests his grapefruit lager: “It’s a great patio beer, nice and light and crisp, but it has that slight grapefruit bitterness that pairs well with anything spicy. I’m a big fan of using it in a marinade for shrimp and chicken—it’s great for grilling and in tacos.” Salud to summer!
“I have so many unique Spanish and Mexican
flavours to work with that keep me excited. I’m always looking for that next style or ingredient that makes me say ‘Now this is a vibe!’”
La Cervecería Astilleros La Rosada Grapefruit Lager $15.99 BC Craft 343304 4 × 473 ml Built on a crisp, light, Mexican-style lager base, La Paloma adds fresh grapefruit zest and flaked salt to amp up the fun and refreshment.
Dave Van Allen LA CERVECERÍA ASTILLEROS, HEAD BREWER
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