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.
