Fuggles & Warlock – Keeping beer weird in Richmond
I recently ventured out to Fuggles & Warlock’s newly-opened taproom in Richmond, B.C. I’d only tasted their Destiny IPA thus far, which is fantastic, so I was excited to see what else they had to offer.
As soon as I walked in to the taproom, all I could think was “wow, this place is cool”. There are some interesting features to their taproom which add the to the beer drinking experience. Customers can peer through two large, glass-less windows on both sides of the taproom into the actual brewing area. I find this to be a neat, behind-the-scenes peak into the brewing process, and a chance to see some the equipment that goes into making their beer. They also have two small TVs rigged with hundreds of old school arcade games – all free for customers to enjoy.
Fuggles & Warlock play ode to geek culture in their branding, as their motto “Keeping Beer Weird” suggests. Their lightsaber tap handles further perpetuate their brand, and are some of the most uniquely designed versions I’ve seen to date.
Currently, Fuggles & Warlock are in the process of receiving their lounge license, so each customer is only allowed 12 oz. by law. I spoke briefly with lead brewer, Tony Iaci, and he assured me that the “one beer per customer” is temporary, with their full license on the way. Both halves of Fuggles and Warlock, Dan (Fuggles) and Tony (Warlock), were in the tasting room answering customer questions and pouring beer, which was great to see.
Anyways, lets get down to why we’re here…the beer. I was able to grab a flight of four beers, and was impressed by not only the quality, but the range of diverse options available.
The lineup
“The Last Strawberry” Strawberry Wit – 4.9% ABV, 8 IBU
Cloudy, fruity and light. Hello summer patio drinks.
“Raiden” Black Rye IPA – 6.4% ABV, 75 IBU
A dark, hop bomb. Buckle up.
“Super 8-Bit” IPA – 7% ABV, 68 IBU
Delicious, experimental IPA featuring eight different hops (as per F & W’s Facebook page): Green Bullet, Vic Secret, Citra, Amarillo, Ella, Galaxy, Nugget, & Columbus
“Hikari” Imperial Dry-Hopped Sour Weisse – 7.2% ABV, 15 IBU
A collaboration with Powell Street Craft Brewery, this brew is tart, delicious and highly palatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed each beer I tasted, and would recommend them to any craft beer goer. The standout for me was the Strawberry Wit – I may have been influenced by the warm weather – so if you see this on tap, don’t hesitate to give it a try.
In terms of where you can find Fuggles & Warlocks on tap and in stores, as their website states, “cans/bottled beers are currently available in over 300 private liquor stores and on tap in the lower mainland, Vancouver island, the interior, Edmonton, Calgary, South Korea”. Yes, you heard that right…South Korea!! Tony also mentioned that they will be attending all major craft beer festivals in B.C. this summer, so keep you eyes peeled for the Fuggles & Warlock tent.
Next time you’re in Richmond, make sure to stop by their tasting room for a flight and some good times. They’re open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday.
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