The Return of Fernie Beer

January 21st, 2003

On November 27, the Fernie Brewing Company brewed it's first batch of Fernie Pale Ale. That beer arrived on December 27 into the hotels of Fernie. The community anticipation was high because they hadn't tasted a beer brewed in Fernie in over 40 years. The brewing of a local beer is the beginning of a new tradition of high quality, hand crafted beers for the residents and guests of Fernie.

"I am very excited at being able to bring a local brewery back to the community. The brewery was a major part of the Fernie identity from 1900 to 1960 and we also plan on having a strong presence in the community. That is why we are a major sponsor of the World Freestyle competition. Our goal is to be a sponsor for most recreational and cultural events in Fernie. We are also putting together an educational program about beer in general and will be offering tours of the brewery to educate people about the brewing process." says Pat Robertson, president.

The Fernie Brewing Company started up again this year as a result of 8 years of planning. Pat, who has a degree in microbiology industrial fermentation, brought on his partner Russell Pask last year and together they have built the brewery on Russell's property, Hartley Creek Ranch.

Fernie Pale Ale is served in all the finest establishments in the area. It is has a complex taste created by the use of six different malts and three noble hops.

"It tastes like more.", says Don Moore, the company's brewing consultant. Don, who was the brewer at Strathcona Brewing in Edmonton, Okanagan Springs in Vernon, and Tree Brewing in Kelowna, has been working with Pat and Russell for the past 3 months to help set up the brewery, develop the Pale Ale recipe, and train them in brewing on the 18 hectolitre brewing system.

With the advent of a locally produced fine ale, you might say that winter just got a whole lot cooler.