Vancouver, Washington isn’t your mother’s Vancouver. The nearby Portlanders may refer to the city as “Vantucky” to indicate it’s in the sticks, but now it’s getting cool. The downtown and the waterfront is undergoing a revitalization and it’s cool to hang out in “the Couve”. As a guest, I took a brew tour with a brand-new tour company called “ExoBus Tours”. This innovative tour company visits the close-knit breweries around Vancouver WA. Exobus’ owner and operator Beny has a real passion for Vancouver beers, and it shows.
I was invited on an unpaid press trip to participate on this tour in return for my honest review.
Where Do the Exobus Brew Tours go?
The Exobus will visit 3 locations, with 3 generous samples at each. Locations can be one of any of the 15 Vancouver, Washington breweries or one of the tap houses. There is an opportunity to visit the brew operations of one of the breweries and ask questions to the brewer. Have you ever wondered how sour beers are made? What are the latest trends and innovations in beers? Here’s your chance to learn directly from the brewer. The tour also includes yummy eats at one of the locations.
Where Did You Go on Your Exobus Brew tour?
We visited two breweries and one draft house on our tour.
The first Brewery was Trap Door, a brewery established in 2015 and located in the hip Uptown area of Vancouver, WA. We tried their flagship beers of IPA and hazy IPA, as well as a Mango Lassi kettle sour beer. Trap Door has a great outdoor area with food trucks and a family atmosphere, with board games to borrow.
The second Brewery was Loowit Brewing. Loowit is the Native American name for Mt. St. Helens. Established in 2012, Loowit was one of the first of the new generation of brewers in Vancouver. Flagship beers include the 2-16 Red Ale named after the trail around Mt. St. Helens, but they have lots of creative beers such as a blueberry thyme kettle sour. The backroom brewery is a location for events such as comedy and concerts.
And finally, we visited the Final Draft Tap House. The highest rated tap house in Vancouver is found in an unlikely location – in a strip mall sandwiched between a tanning salon and a Coast Guard recruiting station. This tap house hosts unique community events like writing and storytelling events.
What’s Cool About Vancouver, WA Breweries?
Sure, the breweries are competition but the recurring theme we heard from the local brewers is that the brew scene is tightknit. If one brewery needs a part or ingredients, the others are willing to help. The local brewers hang out and participate in charities, earning $10,000’s annually.
The 15 breweries are participating in a Brewcouver passport – drink at all 15 and get a trucker’s hat or a haircut!
Is the Exobus Vancouver a Party Bus?
No. This is meant to be a tour to learn about the Vancouver beer scene and socialize. The penalty for throwing up on the bus is steep, so don’t do it. If you’re unsure, check out the rules posted at the front of the bus.
What other tours are coming up?
Beny has lots of great ideas for tours. Some of the upcoming and concept trips:
- A DB Cooper themed tour
- Coffee and Cannabis tours
- Brews and views – on Sundays. May include hikes.
- Parents night out – with babysitting provided while the adults are on tour.
- May your own tour – the Exobus is available for private bookings.
Want to Ride the Exo Bus?
Checkout the Exo Bus Website where you can book online!
What to Do After Your Exobus Tour
According to one of my friends who grew up in Vancover, the downtown and waterfront used to be a ghetto, but this has all changed. Vancouver is very walkable, and the downtown is going through an amazing transformation. 2019 will see the opening of the new Columbia River waterfront facilities.
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Where to Stay in Vancouver, Washington
The two best locations to stay are downtown and near the Vancouver Mall. Check Rates and Availability.
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1 comment
This looks like fun. And, I like the idea of the Brews and Views tour. Need to get myself to Vantucky!