Steel & Oak Brewing Co. embodies the modernness of today while remaining dedicated to the craftsmanship of years long past. Materials of strength and durability, steel and oak; house, protect and nurture what we stand for most – exceptional tasting craft beer. Using a mixture of North American, English and German brewing styles, techniques and ingredients, Steel & Oak explores new beer styles while constantly refining and perfecting the classics.more...See more text
A part of the booming Vancouver craft beer scene, Steel & Oak Brewing Co. opened to much acclaim in spring 2014. Beer fans are making the trek to this craft brewery in New Westminster to try unique beers such as the Smoked Hefeweizen, which exemplifies Steel & Oak’s combination of new flavours and traditional European brewing methods.
“The name Steel & Oak plays on how we feel about brewing, the new and old ways, the Old World beers done in a New World style,” says co-owner Jorden Foss. “It’s also a nod to New Westminster’s rich brewing history – the first breweries in the Lower Mainland were here – and to the way the city itself has grown in the past few years. We’re proud to continue that heritage.”
Not to be confused with New Westminster’s “Brewery District” development at the site Labatt Brewery had occupied for decades, Steel & Oak is tucked away in an industrial area just off Stewardson Way. Jorden and his co-owner James Garbutt wanted their business to be in New Westminster, not only tapping into the local brewing heritage but also capturing the modern spirit of the city.
Steel & Oak brews up a storm of flavour in their fine beer, so it’s no wonder taps are pouring their product all across the Lower Mainland. Selections in their tasting room have included everything from a lemonade radler to a red pilsner. They also fill growlers, so you can stop in to do a round of tasting and walk away with a nice batch of your favourite in hand.
Steel & Oak’s tasting room is small and intimate and could be your best friend’s hobby shed, if you squint slightly. That is to say that the new kid on the block of Lower Mainland brewing is friendly, unpretentious and quite charming. So are the brews. Their Smoked Hefeweizen balances the light, almost herbal notes of a traditional Hefe with deep, smoky flavours on the aftertaste. The Red Pilsner is irresistible on a hot day (especially if you cycle to the brewery) – sweet and tangy at the same time.
In the suburbs of New Westminster, Steel & Oak is located on a tiny corner adjacent to the overpass ramp on Third Avenue. Wooden panels and industrial polished steel ornament the space. Friendly beer drinkers make the trek for the full-bodied and crisp Red Pilsner and the refreshingly smooth Royal City Ale.