It would be an understatement to say that spring arrived early to Fernie this year. Despite a more than tricky winter for the usual powder haven that is small-town Fernie, locals and visitors alike have seemingly embraced the early change in season, and all the excitement that comes with it. From biking to townie riding, hiking to trail running, flip-flops to shorts. Not to mention beers on the patio.
Indeed, the spring of 2015 is officially here and Fernie Brewing Co. (FBC)has a number of new tricks up their sleeve. After their 2014 rebrand, when the time comes to launch new products, the process is increasingly fun. First comes the choosing of the beer style, closely followed by the naming of the brew (which generally requires some censoring, voting and subsequent re-naming). Then is the design work, from colour picking to illustrating, and everything in between.
Slingshot Session IPA is FBC’s newest brew, and a lower alcohol alternative IPA. “Regular IPA imbibers will not be disappointed with our selection of traditional and some of the newest hop varieties available, including Australian Galaxy and North American Citra and Mosaic varieties, providing a citrusy, tropical fruit and some pine flavours and aromas. Resulting in a refreshing and easy drinking Session IPA,” says Brewmaster Gord Demaniuk.
A canned product, in bold colours, with a catchy name and mountain town appropriate illustration, FBC hopes it will indeed, be right on target this summer, and beyond. Slingshot is gradually firing its way onto shelves throughout BC – Government and Private Stores and Alberta. With an increasing number of draft accounts giving it a shot, as spring takes a firm grasp.
Meanwhile, a firm favourite which launched and ran for just three months summer of 2014 has rolled back into town. Kickstand Honey Kolsch, is an easy drinking and refreshing Honey Kolsch, made using organic honey and its own distinctive yeast. A proven perfect addition to FBC’s summer lineup, this time around it is available April – September, and is currently rolling into stores throughout BC – Government and Private, Alberta and Manitoba.
Another fan favourite is FBC’s Summer Craft Collection. A new product selection and packaging is out this year, and this popular 12-pack is fast filling shelves throughout BC – Government and Private Stores, Alberta and Manitoba.
With sampler packs being a hot commodity, FBC this week launched a second pack, this time a 6-pack. Fernie Brewing Co.’s Hop Trick Mixer Sixer is exactly as it says – three refreshing brews, all with a little hop to them! It’s currently making its way to BC Private Stores and Alberta.
Aside from new products, FBC is continuing their in-house developments, both to Production and Tasting Room, with plans in the works for a picnic area in coming weeks, where visitors can enjoy FBC packaged product on-site. Whilst their charitable tasting program, “Cheers to Charity!” continues to benefit local charities and organization, with all $5 taken for a paddle of four beers, going straight to a local beneficiary. The most recent recipient was the Fernie Nordic Society, receiving $3,653, with FBC donating just shy of $10,000 since December 2013. FBC gives a huge “cheers” to all regular and visiting tasters, for helping make a difference to so many! Your current tasting efforts benefit the Elk Valley Hospice. Cheers!
