Mates on Crates Feat. David Varga
G’day,
Those in the know, know where to go.
We’re excited to have just launched our latest episode of Mates on Crates, featuring David Varga, Co-Founger and Brewmaster at Shaketown Brewing Co. in North Vancouver. Opened in 2022, Shaketown is a neighbourhood brewery in the Lower Lonsdale Brewery District, known for its award-winning beers, relaxed tasting room, panoramic views, and welcoming atmosphere. The brewery has earned recognition at the World Beer Cup, with a range of beers from hazy pale ales to crisp pilsners and lighter lagers. Guests can settle in with a pint, enjoy some snacks, catch a game, or spend an afternoon on the patio.
Varga has been brewing beer since 1990’s, when he began his career at Whistler Brewing Company after studying microbiology at UBC and discovering a passion for fermentation science. His brewing career has included time with Brewsters Brew Pub in Calgary, the Mark James Group, Red Truck Beer Company, and 33 Acres Brewing Company before joining Shaketown. He began brewing at Shaketown in January 2022, helping establish the brewery's phenominal beer program. Drawing on decades of experience, Varga champions balanced, highly drinkable beers that let quality ingredients speak for themselves.
It was a pleasure to sit down with David to chat about his brewing journey, the evolution of BC’s craft beer scene, the story behind Shaketown’s beers and tasting room, and all of David’s favourite spots.
Each time we do a Mates on Crates interview, our guests share up to twenty of their favourites with us. For each episode, only a handful of those favourites make it into the final two minute cut. In order to highlight all of our guest’s favourites, we are happy to share the full list of favourites right here.
David’s favourites at Shaketown:
Beer: Pre-Prohibition Pilsner
Pairing: Enjoy a pint with the brewery’s selection of snacks
The FULL LIST of David’s Local Favourites:
Coffee: Nemesis Coffee
Distillery: Copperpenny
Dying to Try: Autostrada Britannia Beach and Raisu
Hidden Gem: Loam Bistro
Neighbourhood Spot (North Vancouver): The Gull
Pizza: Farina a Legna, King Taps, Nook, and Scratch Kitchen
Ramen: Ramen Danbo
Sushi: Hamaei Sushi, Oku Izakaya, Octopus’ Garden
Take an Out of Town Guest: Farina a Legna
Outside of Vancouver: Rocky Point Ice Cream (Port Moody)
Thanks for joining us, David!
Watch David’s full Mates on Crates Episode below.
