The Fernie Brewing Company has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings packaging products in a shed nine years ago.
In 2007 the brewery tripled in size when it moved to its current location at 26 Manitou Rd. just off the highway on the east side of Fernie.
Demand for the brewery’s craft beer has been steadily on the rise. The company recently landed several draft accounts in Vancouver.
“We are struggling at the moment with logistics of having enough kegs to ship out to keep up with demand,” said Office Manager Abi Moore. “We are growing a little bit too fast, but that’s a good thing.”
The brewery, which can package up to 500 litres per hour, has begun expansion on their new digs to increase storage space.
Different seasonal products are featured throughout the year.
“Right now we’ve got the Lone Wolf, an IPA, which is doing really well for all the hop heads,” said Moore.
The end of summer features the return of Sap Sucker, an award winning maple porter, which will replace Lone Wolf. Halloween marks the arrival of Pumpkin Head, a pumpkin infused brown ale.
The brewery features a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
“The Fernie water is very mineral filled which is great for drinking but for making beer it is not ideal,” said Moore, who’s been with the company almost two years. The close relationship between the employees keeps her there, said Moore.
“It’s awesome. It is a pretty dynamic business for how small it is and we are constantly growing. It is family run which is really nice because everyone has a vested interest and really cares about the business.”
The brewery is heavily involved in supporting local events, setting up shop at the Wednesday Summer Social beer gardens as well as the Wapiti Music Festival.
Last winter, the company started selling their products in growlers, a 1.98 litre refillable glass jug. “The growlers are $10 and just short of a six-pack. They are a sustainable way of buying your beer. It is kind of a hippy way to drink,” said Moore.
Public tours are held every Friday at 3 p.m. for $7, which includes a tasting of all their products. Private tours are also available.
People can purchase products from most liquor stores around the province, some in Alberta, or directly from the brewery on Monday to Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.