CRAFTING COMMUNITIES LEADER

Hello, and welcome to 2023. How it’s nearly March already is anyone’s guess….

In putting together this issue, it was a pleasure - as it always is - to be able to speak to breweries separated by geography, differentiated by the styles they produce and by the time they’ve been in business. But equally, bonded by their mutual love of brewing and the community their breweries have helped nurture and contribute to.

One such brewery is Microbrasserie de Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul. 25 years young in 2023, Microbrasserie de Charlevoix has made an indelible mark on Canada’s brewing fabric. Co-founded by Frederick Tremblay and his wife Caroline Bandulet back in 1998, Tremblay has seen much change yet much stay the same in that time. In this piece, he looks back at those early days but also how the brewery and industry has involved in the quarter of a century since starting out.

“My doctor says I’m too excited, and I should be less so! It’s so integral to remain energised and enthused, and that’s why after 25 years we are planning an expansion rather than slowing down. For us, stability is key,” Tremblay tells us.

Some 5000km northwest of Microbrasserie de Charlevoix is NWT Brewing Company, a brewery of a very different kind. A mechanic turned brewer. There have been a few… But how many have helped set up the northernmost brewpub in Canada? That’s exactly what Fletcher Stevens and his wife Miranda Stevens did back in 2015.

Located in the spirited town of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, the duo have taken local beer fans on a journey in craft beer. But in 2023 and beyond they’re looking to spread the good word of NWT Brewing Company even further afield, too.

Fletcher and Miranda has have encountered, and overcome, many challenges during their time in business. With some of those very hurdles threatening the very viability of that operation. But thankfully, they’ve come out of it stronger on the other side.

I love it here in Yellowknife. That’s why I’ve been here pretty much my entire life,” he says. “I want to let our story be known because, do you know what? It has been a journey.”

And elsewhere in this issue we caught up with Alan Norman and Jerrica Kennedy, the founders of Tire Shack Brewing in Moncton, New Brunswick. A little more than three years after opening its doors, the business, was crowned ‘Brewery of the Year’ at our very own Brewers Choice Awards at the end of 2022. And although accolades are always welcome, for Norman and Kennedy, their focus is on giving the community somewhere to call their own and some fantastic beers to enjoy along the way.

So on that note, a huge well done to all the winners and nominees of the 2022 Brewers Choice Awards, and a massive thank you to the support from Charles Faram, Brew Ninja, Carefoote Beverage Solutions, Jenrey, Northkeg, Top 5 Solutions, Vessel Packaging Co, Brewery Trader and BSG.

Enjoy the issue.

Tim Sheahan Editor