Discovering the Unique Charm of Ursa Minor Brewing
Nestled on the serene shores of Ootsa Lake, three hours west of Prince George, lies Ursa Minor Brewing, a gem for craft beer enthusiasts. This remote brewery offers a haven away from the hustle and bustle, providing visitors with a unique taste of seclusion. With its stunning natural backdrop and family-owned operation, Ursa Minor demonstrates how small-scale brewers can thrive in today’s competitive market, embracing sustainability and community spirit amid challenges.
Ursa Minor Brewing perfectly embodies the essence of craft beer tourism, inviting adventurous spirits to explore the wide-open spaces of its Little Bear Ranch setting. As you sip on their expertly crafted ales, you’ll sense the brewery’s dedication to integrating its operations with the natural environment, a commitment rooted in innovative practices and a passion for sustainable brewing.
A Family Legacy of Brewing Excellence
Owned and operated by Nathan and Gwyn Nicholas, along with their daughters and Nathan’s mother, Ursa Minor is a testament to how family and tradition can craft extraordinary beer experiences. The Nicholas family first acquired their expansive land in 1957, transforming it from a rugged homestead to a bastion of beer tourism. Nathan, originally drawn away to culinary school in Seattle, felt the call of the family land, inspiring him to merge his love for brewing with his culinary expertise.
In 2017, amidst a booming craft beer scene in British Columbia, Nathan and Gwyn chose to pivot from cattle ranching to beer crafting, utilizing their skills to create brews that reflect the land’s unique terroir. Their innovation transformed a small hangar, once a home for a vintage aircraft, into a cozy taproom and brewing hub, officially opening to the public by June 2020.
Sustainability at the Heart of Brewing
At Ursa Minor, crafting beer isn’t just a business—it’s a sustainable lifestyle choice. Nathan and Gwyn are committed to creating flavors that resonate with their local environment and culture, fostering relationships with local Indigenous groups like the Cheslatta Carrier First Nation. A vital aspect of their operation is responsible water usage, an essential element given brewing’s water demands.
Water from nearby Ootsa Lake, which is channeled through a local filtration system, serves as the cornerstone of Ursa Minor’s unique flavor profiles, producing lagers, dark ales, and malt-forward IPAs. The brewery’s environmental consciousness extends to nearly zero waste production, ensuring that even challenging conditions like frozen waterlines are met with innovation and resilience.
From Land to Lager: Local Ingredients Shine
Ursa Minor’s dedication to local sourcing means their ingredients champion regional flavor. While hops may not thrive in large quantities on their farm, they procure quality hops from Chilliwack, supporting nearby farmers. Nathan’s talent for experimenting with local adjuncts—from haskap berries to juniper branches—creates diverse and exquisite beers that pair beautifully with food, a nod to his culinary past.
A visit to Ursa Minor Brewing isn’t just about tasting beer; it’s about experiencing the harmonious blend of nature, family, and craft. The beers here promise more than refreshment—they offer a taste of the land’s heart and soul, reflected in every pint.
A Journey Worth Taking
An escape to Little Bear Ranch means more than a simple brewery visit; it’s an immersive adventure into sustainable living. Whether enjoying a stay in the charming 1960s cabin, feeding Willy the brewery pig, or indulging in Nathan’s culinary creations, guests witness the seamless integration of brewery, farm, and environment.
Ursa Minor’s brewing philosophy and secluded locale offer a rare experience, encapsulating the spirit of a community-supporting craft beer movement. It’s a journey every beer lover should undertake for a little taste of this truly wild place.
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