Originally from Saskatoon, Passport to Beer’s Marketing Director & Chief Taster, Gabriel Jones attended the University of Saskatchewan before he began his “Western Canadian Tour” as a travelling bartender. His adventures led him to Edmonton, Calgary and Banff before he finally settled in Vancouver in 1997. While experiencing these new cities and pouring beers for travellers from around the world, Gabriel gained a great appreciation for Canada’s many fine beers and for helping people fully enjoy their vacations.

Upon arrival in Vancouver this appreciation grew to a passion. Working at Steamworks Brewpub, nestled between Gastown and the Canada Place cruise ship port, Gabriel quickly became an expert on traveller’s most commonly asked questions about Vancouver and its beer. He also frequently offered advice about the best things do and which beers to drink in many other Canadian cities. More often than not he would send his guests away with lists written on the back of beer coasters.

His love of tourism led Gabriel to BCIT’s Tourism Marketing Management program. Upon graduation and faced with the possibility of a desk job, Gabriel retuned to the service industry – this time at the Dockside Brewpub in the Granville Island Hotel. Once again surrounded by travellers and good beer, he began a vigorous series of after-work, over-beer meetings to come up with a plan for the future.

Inspired by his coaster lists and the realization that advising people where to go while on vacation was his favourite things about his job, he and best friend/long time co-worker Zac Manson brewed the plan for a book. In spring 2004 the two friends quit their jobs and invested their life savings to produce and self publish the first edition of Passport to Beer – a unique combination of a traveller’s pocket guide and discount savings book.

With Passport to Beer 2006 ready to hit store shelves, Gabriel is preparing for a busy summer of beer festivals and sales calls and is spending his weekends testing for their next book – a guide to adventure tourism.