Listen Now

Host:Mark KondratOwner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.comLMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.comGuest:Jeff DemaniukBrewery Operations Manager of Fernie Brewing Co.Website: https://ferniebrewing.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-demaniuk-47b5b856/

Host:Mark KondratOwner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.comLMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.comGuest:Craig WoodFounder and Co-Owner of Wild North Brewing Co.Website: https://www.wildnorthbrewery.ca

Host:Mark KondratOwner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.comLMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.comGuest:Matthew HendriksOwner of ByHendoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hendriks-238564104/Website: https://www.byhendo.com/products

Host:Mark KondratOwner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.comLMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.comGuest:Scott HergottExecutive Chef for PursuitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hergott-08398972Website: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com

Meet Dave, the dedicated marketing manager of Big Rock Brewery. Having been with Big Rock for 8 years, Dave primarily roles are partnerships, sponsorships and events. One of Dave's favourite events is the Big Rock Barn Burner, an annual summer concert held right at their brewery! Prior to Big Rock, Dave worked with a funky hat company, evolving from a kiosk to a storefront. The growth of this company sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. Shortly after, he jumped into the craft beer industry and got the opportunity to showcase his creativity and drive marketing for Big Rock. Dave discusses his love for involvement in the growth and success of Canada's largest craft brewery, and looks forward to what's to come for Big Rock Brewery!Tune in to learn more about Dave and his craft beer adventure!

Meet Sean Pronger, Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Dryden, Ontario. Sean played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks, Penguins, Rangers, Kings, Bruins, Blue Jackets and Canucks. Tune in to the full podcast for endless hilarious stories about his experience in the NHL and his brother, former NHL player Chris Pronger. Sean is also the author of Journeyman, a book decided to his story and a behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be in the NHL! Buy his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Journeyman-Many-Triumphs-Even-Defeats/dp/0143181025

Meet Jane, the owner and founder of Jane Bond BBQ. What started off as a food truck has turned into 2 locations in Calgary, AB. Jenny could not be more excited to share her Texas-style dishes and atmosphere with Calgary, keeping her mission at the heart of every customer experience: “To give your tastebuds a flavour bomb sensation.” Jenny can also be seen on Fire Masters Season 3, showing off her BBQ skills and undeniable passion for cooking exceptional food.

Meet Helen and Brad, owners of 4th Meridian in Lloydminster, Alberta. Helen and Brad discovered their love for craft beer after visiting Wild Rose Brewery in Calgary, AB. Once they got a taste of what it would look like to be more involved in the industry, they decided to open up the first ever Lloydminster brewery in 2017.Since then, they have been successful with growth and expansion :beers: As of most recently, Brad and Helen decided to purchase Ribstone Creek Brewing. They plan to keep this brewery as is, carrying on the vision initially intended by the original owners.

Meet Lyle, the co-founder of Rocky View Brewing Co. located in Bearspaw, Alberta. Lyle enjoyed sharing his homebrew creations with family and friends so much that in 2016, he convinced his wife to expand into a commercial-scale operation so that his brews could be shared with others who enjoy drinking innovative local beer! This family-owned brewery has since expanded their product distribution across Alberta and opened a Taproom in Downtown Cochrane in 2021. Celebrating his wife's Cree heritage, Indigenous ingredients are often incorporated into their brews. Tune into the podcast to learn more about Lyle and his Rocky View Brewing Co. journey!

Our guest on this week’s episode are Geoff and Ty from Two House Brewing Co. This brewery just opened their new location in downtown Calgary in July, 2022. The beer is currently only offered in-house, providing an exclusive beer experience for guests!This revamped location also incudes an in-house Italian pizza restaurant, Acme Pizza, operated by an experienced Italian chef. This makes the perfect spot for a lunch/dinner beer & slice! 

Our guest on this week’s episode is Rhys, the co-founder and director of Omen Brewing in Edmonton, AB. Rhys has a background in electrical and renovations, explaining that he was able to transfer those skills into the building of the taproom and brewery equipment set-up. He discusses how this family-run business started, beginning with primary dark beer to fill the void in the market. Eventually, they expanded into new beers, including a gluten-free beer that has become one of their most popular sellers. 

Meet Cole Boyd, the co-owner of Bent Stick Brewing Co. in Edmonton, AB. Cole discuss the breweries growth, challenges overcome, and plans for the future!

Meet Cameron, the co-owner of Alley Kat Brewing Co. located in Edmonton, AB. Cameron bought Alley Kat in 2020, ensuring to continue the brewery's proud legacy through an aligned passion for premium-quality Alberta-made beer.  Cameron discusses his expansion plans for the brewery's future, while remaining a fresh and innovative force in the industry. Tune into hear more about your favourite Alberta brewery!

Meet Raymond, the owner of Bredenhof Hop Farms! Raymond started the farm in 2015 with only 6 acres of hops. After years of upgrades and expansions, they are now the largest distributor of Canadian grown hops. Tune in to hear more about his incredible story! 

Meet Jason Foster! Jason is a CBC Beer Columnist, BJCP Beer Judge, and owner of ‘One Beer’. In summary, he’s the most knowledgeable beer guy in Alberta. You won’t find another person in the entire province that appreciates brews more than he does. Jason discusses the beer industry in Alberta, what captivated him to become involved, and how he uses his knowledge to help shape Alberta’s craft beer industry.Learn more about Jason Foster and Alberta craft beer at: https://onbeer.org

Meet Hans, Shane and Kirk from Blindman Brewing! They share how their brewery has grown and succeeded since they were last on the ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ podcast. Blindman Brewing has come far since their last appearance on the podcast, winning the “Best Brewery in Alberta” award at the 2022 Alberta Brewery awards. They explain how they transitioned from being mentored, to mentoring new and upcoming breweries. Tune in to hear about how Blindman Brewing has climbed to the top, and what makes them Alberta’s favorite brewery!

Meet Bart Watson, the Chief Economist of the Brewers Association. Bart discusses the craft beer market and industry trends, predictions, analysis, and more! Tune in to learn about how the craft beer community in Canada has evolved and how it will continue to develop and expand

Meet Doug, the head brewer at Blind Enthusiasm Brewing in Edmonton, AB.! Doug discusses the brewery’s unique barrel-fermented beer program, dedicated to melding beer with the flavors of wine and spirit barrels. The Monolith is one of a handful of facilities in North America dedicated to this unique style of brewing.  Doug explains how he applies both the art and science of brewing to create beers that can age for years and compete with the finest wines.

Meet Troy Wassill, the co-owner and head brewer of Longroof Brewing Co. In this podcast, Troy discusses how he transitioned from dedicated homebrewing to owning a successful brewery on 72 Ave NW, Edmonton. Troy is most passionate about the people in the industry, from the customers that have become friends, to the Edmonton breweries that have become family. Tune into the podcast to learn more about Troy’s journey and the evolution of Longroof Brewing Co. 

Meet Mason and Ryan, the founders and owners of Ale Architect, an upcoming brewery opening in December on 76 Ave NW, Edmonton (Happy Beer Street).  Mason and Ryan discuss the beer culture in Edmonton, the growth, the community, and what they have brewing for the grand opening. After 4 ½ years of planning, their dream is finally becoming a reality. These hands-on founders have completed most of the design and construction of the brewery all on their own, creating a taproom design that mirrors a living room inside of a brewery. Visit www.letsmeetforabeer.com for more podcasts!