A new craft beer collective that supports local artists has launched in Vancouver, just as people are looking for stylish sips to flaunt at one of the public parks where drinking is allowed. 

In late July, a small group gathered at Slow Hand Brewery to crack HYPHA project’s debut beer, dubbed Inceptional IPA and featuring art by local artist Taka Sudo. Founded by Cris Ohama and Ben Regan of beer agency UnTapped Craft Supply, and Chris Charron of Slow Hand Beer, HYPHA will plans to regularly release limited edition small-batch beers, with cans designed by local artists.

Aside from the live painting demonstration by Sudo, the gathering would have looked like a backyard barbecue. It’s a feeling the founders say they had hoped to emanate, and the trio seemed genuinely excited while mingling with the first people to experience Hypha’s new product. 

They named their double hopped IPA by joining two words that describe both the beer and the brand—inception and exceptional. “Inceptional” felt fitting to the artist who designed the label as well, as the can’s design was inspired by the goslings Sudo passes while cycling to his studio. For anyone who lives in Vancouver, seeing goslings roam around marks the beginning of spring. The Inceptional IPA, however, perfectly fits the summer beer vibe. Hopped with mosaic and vic secret hops, the hoppy beer is drier than a typical northeast, but still easy drinking to enjoy at a party. 

After years of home brewing, and a community founded through backyard barbecues and a passion for beer, Omaha and Regan decided it was finally time to put their name on a brew. Omaha had met Sudo at an art gallery eight years ago, and recruited the artist as their debut can designer, as well as the collective’s official curator. 

While the passion project has been in the works for a while, it didn’t have a name until brand strategist Pat McNinch came across the name and its meaning. A “hypha” is a branch of mycelium in fungi which form a complex, underground network which is exactly what the project is aiming to do. HYPHA is driven by a passion for beer, art and community, as well as for life and seeing where this project goes. 

The debut beer is available for purchase and delivery through The Beer Van, and their next one, “The New Normal” IPA is set to launch September 11. While launches will be kept small due to COVID-19, the goal for HYPHA is to have bigger, block party type of events.

Give them a follow on Instagram and check in on their website, where you can sign up to receive updates for more information about when their next launch will be, which artist will be featured on their can-vas and other exciting things in the works.