Tap Handle #508: Garage Sports Bar

July 27, 2015

Tap Handle #508: Garage Sports Bar - Synthetic Pale Ale

Tap size: 9.25"
Rarity: Scarce
Mounting: standard 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

I expect that a tap featuring a gas pump would be very popular with mancave owners, especially those who like items that feature an automotive theme. This tap features a fairly simple design, but has some nice details such as the nozzle hooked to the side, and the hose (which is sculpted) gives the illusion that it is going inside the back the pump. All of the printing, from the Garage Sports Bar at the top, the digits on the top half of the pump, and the Synthetic Pale Ale label on the bottom half, are decals. The glue has given way a bit, causing the decals to wrinkle. This tap is scarce - I have never seen another.

Click through to read more about Garage Sports Bar, their Synthetic Ale, and to see more photos of this unique tap...

The Garage Sports Bar was founded in 1994 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada by Charlie Mendelman. Their Synthetic Pale Ale is contract brewed by Big Rock Brewing, which has several varieties of their own beer on tap in The Garage. The Garage is part of the Eu Claire Market, an open concept mall in downtown Calgary on the former site of the Eu Claire paper mill; the mall is currently slated for redevelopment, which will certainly impact The Garage in some way. Garage Sports Bar is aptly named, as it resembles an old garage, featuring decor such as oil and gas cans on shelves, signs, tools, and a large motor hanging from the ceiling, as well as a classic compact car on the floor. It also boasts 15 pool tables, 15 beers on tap, lots of televisions broadcasting sports (including pay-per-view), and they host private events as well.