Central City Brewers & Distillers

Central City Brewers & Distillers is a Canadian producer of craft beverages, including beer, cider, spirits, and ready-to-drink products. Founded in 2003 by Darryll Frost, the company started as a small brewpub in Surrey, British Columbia. Led by brewmaster Gary Lohin, the brewpub's Red Racer IPA became highly successful, helping to establish the hoppy IPA style in Canada and earning the company numerous accolades.

The company's success led to significant growth, and in 2005, it launched a canning line to expand distribution. By 2009, the brewery had reached its production capacity. Central City was named Canada's Brewery of the Year in both 2010 and 2012 at the Canadian Brewing Awards. This success prompted a major expansion in 2013, with the opening of a new 65,000-square-foot facility in Surrey, which increased brewing capacity substantially and added distilling capabilities. This allowed the company to produce a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and whisky under brands like Lohin-McKinnon and Queensborough Gin, in addition to its well-known Red Racer beer lineup.

The business operates through wholesale distribution and retail sales, including a tasting room and liquor store at its main facility. In November 2024, the company entered creditor protection to restructure its business, citing financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2025, it was announced that Central City would be acquired out of creditor protection by Mark Anthony Group Inc., a company led by Anthony von Mandl.

Keywords: craft brewery, distillery, Red Racer beer, Canadian craft beer, Lohin-McKinnon whisky, Queensborough Gin, Surrey brewery, craft spirits, IPA, brewpub, beverage production, liquor distribution, Darryll Frost, Gary Lohin, Mark Anthony Group, alcoholic beverages, cider, ready-to-drink, beer canning, craft distilling