Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you and your current job?
I’m Mike Doan and I am co-owner of Doan’s Craft Brewing in Vancouver, BC.
What was the inspiration behind your brewery?
My brother Evan and I first had the idea to open a brewery after tasting some well-crafted beers and taking a shot at home-brewing them. It quickly became a passion and obsession! The likes of Phillips, Howe Sound, Driftwood, Dogfish head and Elysian were all inspirations.
Can you give us a tour of your beer scene?
The Vancouver scene is maturing nicely. There are now two very solid neighborhoods that you can tour around by foot or bike. Our neighborhood is dubbed Yeast Van or the East Van Brewing District. We also call the walk around to see the 8-10 breweries in the neighborhood the Hop Circuit. Within a maximum 15 minute walk, you could enjoy the beer, food, and entertainment of 8+ breweries. Each on offering something different and fabulous beer!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a brewery?
If you are looking to start a brewery now consider everything carefully and seek advice from a number of local breweries if you can. The scene is maturing, so the opportunities may not be there like they were even 2-5 years ago. The location is important, the beer is absolutely critical and must be either the highest quality, innovative, branded well or a combo of them all. Love beer, become a member of the brewing community and have a great product and you can have success.
facebook.com/doanscraftbrewing
