Tucked away on the border of East Vancouver sits Terminal City Brewing, Vancouver’s first, and one of the finest, ferment-on-premises establishments. More than just a U-brew spot, it’s a treasure trove for at-home brewers, offering everything you need to craft beer, cider, and an impressive variety of wines.
Why not sign up to their newsletter and stay informed?
Located in a nondescript warehouse, with the front entrance right off a busy the street TCB gives you the chance to roll up your sleeves and create something truly your own. Parking is offered in back, so you’ll have no problems loading in.
No upping your noses!
Now, before the purists out there roll their eyes at the idea of a U-brew, hear me out. I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur, and still shop the local eclectic stores for the differing varieties offered outside the BCLiquor stores, but, I love a good U-brew for a few reasons.
Reasons I’m sure many of you can get behind:
- It’s seriously fun.
- You get a ton of product.
- The variety is wild.
- And, let’s be real, saving money is always a win. You’ll find the ever important price breakdown is listed for each, worth looking at.
That’s just scratching the surface. Home crafting is something more folks should dive into.
And here’s the kicker, it doesn’t take as long as you might think. Pick your brew, pay the bill, and they’ll handle the heavy lifting. All you’ve got to do is come back and bottle it. Even that can be a great time, there’s a solid chance you’ll end up chatting with fellow brewers across the bottling table.
So, how long are we talking?
Wine starts at a quick-turnaround 4-week batch, then steps up to 5, 6, and top-shelf 8-week ferments.
Ales? Ready in just 2-3 weeks.
Lagers & Pilsners take a little longer, around 4-5 weeks.
Ciders? Packed with real-juice for better flavour are good to go in 3 weeks. (Heads up, depending on the season when the apples are harvested, they might look cloudy. Totally normal, and easily cleared with a shot of pectic enzyme if you want that crisp, clear finish.)
The Selection? Vast.
- Ales: 16 varieties, both local and international.
- Lagers & Pilsners: 11 options, also ranging near and far.
- Ciders: 5 choices+, including a hopped cider for the adventurous.
- Wines: Honestly? Almost too many to count, reds, whites, and even a 4-week rosé.
ABV ranges across the board:
- Ales, Lagers, Pilsners: 5-6%, with IBU ratings noted for hop-heads.
- Ciders: 4-6%, depending on the style.
- Wines: 8.5-13.5%, with detailed tasting notes to help you pick your perfect match.
Skip the tax
And here’s a fun fact: U-brewing skips the alcohol tax. Yep, I didn’t know that either.
I had a chance to chat with Bryn Hughes, the owner, and let me tell you, this guy lives for this craft. He walked me through everything, from the subtle differences between a 4-week wine and an 8-week “top-shelf” batch to how ingredients and aging impacts flavour.
For those wondering how long to wait before popping that first bottle:
- 4-week wines are drinkable fast, white or red, but reds tend to mellow out nicely after a few months.
- 5-week wines get better with a little patience, white after a month, red after 2-3 months.
- 6-week wines (especially reds) love a longer rest, think 3+ months.
- 8-week wines? These are the crown jewels. Let them cellar for at least 6 months, and you’ll be rewarded.
I chose to go with a 5 week batch of an Italian Pinot Grigio, that’s dry, no oak, and a light body. I also opted for a Californian Syrah that’s dry, medium oak and full body. I’m looking forward to letting some of these bottles stand a little longer, and let the red Syrah mature even more.
Next up, I’ll be trying an Italian 8 week-red, that’s a heavy oak, full body and dry. I love a great, old world type wine that has a strong flavour profile. This one I’m looking forward to cellaring for some time.
Bottom line?
If you’re looking for a hands-on brewing experience with massive variety, solid pricing, and the chance to craft something truly your own, Terminal City Brewing is calling your name.
Now you’ve got the inside scoop, go grab your bottles, pick your brew, and get crafting.
