October 18, 2014

It Takes a Village

The vision was a community brewery in Calgary. Seven beer guys with a combined brew experience of 150 years came together in 2011 to make Village Brewery a reality. They also have a group of 50 investors known as “The Barons”. These are like-minded Calgarians who share the vision of Village’s original founders. Brew master Larry Kerwin came to the Village with more than 40 years of brewing experience. Larry has shepherded an earnest group of brewers, with their sights set on liquid excellence. Andrew Bullied graduated from the Niagara Brewmaster program and cut his teeth at Jasper Brewing Company. Jeremy McLaughlin began as a brewer at Picaroons out of Fredericton, N.B.. Jeff Demaniuk put in seven years at Big Rock and Phillips before joining the team.

In early 2012 they produced their first two beers, the Village Blonde and the Village Blacksmith, available only in kegs. By the summer, they added a third, the Village Wit. From the beginning, the bulk of their ales have been available in unique large format growler bottles. By the fall, Village began bottling in six packs. They also started their seasonal brew program. Some of their most exciting beers have been their small batch ales. Local ingredients have gone into everything from their Village Gardner to Prairie Oyster Beer!

Village’s vision included not just brewing outstanding beer, but making a contribution to the community. They contribute 10% of their bottom line to local charities. They also support dozens of local initiatives, with a strong focus on the arts.

From the beginning, Village Brewery’s philosophy has been keeping it local; local talent, local ingredients, local support for the community. This also includes local consumption. Village beer is only available in Calgary. Visitors can tour the brewery just about any time. Call ahead to make reservations. Or rent their tasting room for events.

Location: 5000 12A st. S.E., Calgary.
403-243-3327 [email protected]
Products: Village Blonde, Village Blacksmith, Village Wit,
Seasonal Ales include the Village Maiden, Village Monk.

Availability: Better wine shops and restaurants throughout Calgary.

This article was posted in Production and tagged: Alberta beer Calgart local Village Blacksmith Village Blonde