Great Beer by Great Western: If You Brew it, They Will Come

Brewing Excellence Meets Prairie Pride: Great Western’s Legacy of Craft, Community, and Quality Beer

These days, we sometimes have to choose between buying local and buying the best; but when it comes to beer, why can’t you have your brew and drink it too? As it turns out, you can, which may explain why the Great Western Brewing Company is one of Canada’s most successful regional brewers and recognized across the globe for its world-class beer. 

Started in 1927 in Saskatoon as Hub City Brewing Company, the brewery was on the verge of closure in 1956 after an amalgamation between Carling O’Keefe and Molson Brewing Company. That’s when 16 brave staff members put down their mugs, put their money where their mouths were, and joined forces to form the Great Western Brewing Company (GW).

“Today, there is only one brewing operation in western Canada, in the heart of barley country, that has been around for over a century,” says Keith Armstrong, retired head brewer at GW. “Our history is closely linked with the Prairies, and Saskatchewan in particular, and that’s special. As a result, our products fit perfectly with the palette of our customers, offering a more flavorful beer than global companies provide.” 

Best of both worlds

While a tiny portion of their specialty malts must be sourced elsewhere, the vast majority of GW offerings come from Saskatchewan barley and malt. Ask Armstrong if the biggest selling point for GW is supporting local or enjoying a better beer, and the answer is simple: “Yes”.

“Not only do we buy from local farmers, but our heritage means that our beers have more barley malt per bottle, can or glass than other beers produced around the world. This results in GW lines that are eminently drinkable and have the flavor to go the distance.”

Creating those lines is no small feat, as current GW brew master Devin Sherling can attest. Throughout his 30 year career in food processing, he has always been interested in working behind the scenes to make the best possible product. That said, he finds brewing to be far more complicated than anything he has ever experienced. 

“There is so much going on, and one small change can wreck everything you’ve done to that point.”

Biggar is better

“All of our malt comes from Biggar, Saskatchewan, and everyone knows that our province produces the best barley on the planet, so we’re very lucky to be situated here. As well, we have so many long term employees who know their jobs well and really care about what they do. Finally, we have the greatest customers you could ask for; they know us, support us, and help us to get better every day.”

In return, GW gives back at every turn, sponsoring junior hockey and curling in cities and small towns across western Canada. The company also supports a vast range of festivals in centers throughout Saskatchewan. 

“Promoting and funding activities that bring communities together has always been a huge focus of our company,” says Armstrong. “Large global businesses prioritize the big affairs with the greatest visibility, which leaves a lot of smaller events underfunded. We prefer to work with local communities, ensuring that they have the resources they need to have fun while enjoying sports and other activities.”

While the customer is the ultimate judge of quality, the wealth of awards bestowed on GW beers is further evidence of what sets it apart. These include medal wins at The Canadian Brewing Awards, the World Beer Awards and the Monde Selection World Quality Award.

Somehow, the Great Western Brewing Company has managed to find the best ingredients close to home, use them to make amazing beer, support local farmers and events, and have fun at the same time, for over 100 years and counting.

It’s a lot of work, but then, if it wasn’t, everyone would do it, and what’s the fun in that?