E-Malt.com News article: Canada, BC: Forbidden Brewing Co. launches in Courtenay

Forbidden Brewing Co, the third microbrewery in the Comox Valley, has opened its doors. Forbidden Brewing is the smallest of the three breweries in the area, Comox Valley Echo reported on July 30.

It all began when CEO, Michael Vincent found a U-Brew that was going out of business in Victoria, BC. Vincent dismantled and packed the contents of the U-Brew into a 5 ton truck and drove it up to his home in Courtenay. The equipment was transferred into a SeaCan container on his property and there it sat while he considered what his options were.

Long time friend, Aaron Bible was very interested in the project. Vincent and Bible worked together opening the Saltwater Waldorf School in Tintown.

They formed a partnership and began looking for a location for a brewery. Vincent had a strong relationship with the General Manager of the Westerly Hotel, Anna Martin and he approached her about a vacant space in the hotel. After striking up a lease, Vincent began the long road of building the lounge area and installing the brewing equipment.

"It has been a real challenge to do this within our budget. This has been my fulltime job for the past year but without the pay cheque," joked Vincent.

Along the way, Vincent and Bible saw a need for additional skills in their business. Nicholas Williams, an avid home brewer, joined the business, along with Michael's wife, Natasha Richardson. Williams began working on recipes and testing brews in his basement and Richardson, who holds a Masters Degree in Tourism and currently runs a five star resort hotel in Victoria, began working on the financials and marketing plans for the brewery.

Finally, Sarah Neufeld, a member of the Grammy Award winning band, Arcade Fire, who grew up in the Comox Valley, also joined the team.

Forbidden Brewing Co. is the known underdog in the Comox Valley brewing scene, brewing on a nano sized system.

"We are really proud of the quality of the beer we are producing," says Bible.


31 July, 2015