Crannóg Ales Begins a New Chapter in Craft Brewing
In an unforgettable ceremony on a sunlit August day, Crannóg Ales, British Columbia’s pioneering organic farm brewery, transitioned into a fresh chapter under the stewardship of Kyle and Carolyn Nixon from BNA Brewing. The intimate gathering saw former owners, Brian MacIsaac and Rebecca Kneen, pass a symbolic torch to the Nixons, marking the beginning of a new era for this beloved brewery. With BNA Brewing now at the helm, Crannóg’s beers will be brewed using cherished recipes and organic hops at their Kelowna facilities, promising to extend the reach of their unique brews across the province.
The announcement in spring that Crannóg Ales would change hands came as quite a surprise to the many followers of this iconic brewery. Known for its strong ethical stance and commitment to social justice, Crannóg has long been a beacon for inclusivity within the craft beer community. Rebecca Kneen’s memorable blog post introducing their “Auntie Fa Brown Ale” highlighted their philosophy: “Talk politics! Drink a beer! And confront racism when you encounter it.” This unwavering commitment to principles is what attracted Kyle and Carolyn Nixon to the acquisition, ensuring that Crannóg’s legacy would continue with a foundation built on shared values and integrity.
A Legacy of Shared Values and Community Spirit
The Nixons have a deep-seated passion for beer and a heartfelt connection to the craft beer community, which complemented Brian and Rebecca’s vision. Shares Kyle Nixon, “The transition wasn’t about finding the highest bidder but ensuring the right fit for Crannóg’s ethos.” This mutual respect and trust are at the core of the partnership, affirming that Crannóg’s journey is far from over. Instead, it blends the rich history of the brewery with the dynamic energy BNA Brewing brings to the table, creating synergies that echo the spirit of our craft beer community in the U.S.
In a heartfelt speech during the handover, Rebecca expressed that “It’s not the Brian and Rebecca Show; it’s a whole community of people.” The moment was a beautiful reminder of how intertwined beer is with culture, history, and community. As the story of Crannóg continues, so does the story of its historic brewing equipment, which originally belonged to John Mitchell, the founder of Canada’s first craft brewery. This bridge to the past underscores the enduring relationships and community spirit that Crannóg has nurtured.
Creating New Connections in Craft Beer Culture
The handover ceremony was marked by shared laughter, good cheer, and a collective excitement for the future. Old friends reunited, and new friendships blossomed among the assembled Crannóg and BNA loyalists. Amidst archival beer history displays and the warm presence of Crannóg’s Irish wolfhound, Fionnlagh, a sense of camaraderie filled the air in “The Bloody Stump” snug. This spirit of connection and celebration is reminiscent of the vibrant craft beer scenes we find across the United States, where community ties are strengthened over a shared love of good beer.
As Brian and Rebecca step back, they leave their brewery in capable hands. “The beer is in extremely good hands!” Rebecca affirmed joyfully. They express deep gratitude towards the Nixons, hopeful for the future and excited to watch Crannóg thrive under new leadership. This transition not only enriches the story of Crannóg Ales but also contributes to the broader narrative of the craft beer movement, offering inspiration and promise to brewery enthusiasts and supporters across the globe.
#CraftBeerCulture #LocalBreweries #BreweryTours #OrganicBrew #BeerCommunity
