Dog Mountain Brewing
Founders Andy and Robin decided to move to Vancouver Island from Edmonton with the goal of opening their own brewery. Robin obtained a Biological Science degree at the University of Alberta, where she managed a yeast biotechnology lab. When they moved to BC, she augmented that foundation by taking Simon Fraser University’s Craft Beer and Brewing Essentials course and then got her feet wet at Russell Brewing before they moved to Port Alberni to build the brewery in the historic Uptown. Since launching Dog Mountain, Andy and Robin used to brew as a team, but now the brewery has an all-female brew team consisting of Robin and her lead brewer, Melissa.
While the brewery does have a tasting room inside, the highlight here has to be its rooftop patio, which is covered and heated, and holds over 100 people and pours 14 taps. It offers sunset views of the Alberni Valley and the Alberni Inlet, and definitely will become one of your favourite spots to drink a beer on Vancouver Island.
You can also listen to this Cascadian Beer Podcast episode featuring Dog Mountain Brewing.