Kahnawake Brewing Company wins silver
The Canada Beer Cup Awards Gala recently celebrated the best in Canadian brewing, and Kahnawake Brewing Company brought home silver for their English-style extra special bitter (ESB) pale ale, Hard Day’s Work. The award recognizes not only the quality of the beer but also the dedication of the first Indigenous-owned microbrewery located on Indigenous territory in all of Canada.
“We opened back in 2018, and it’s been growing,” said Drew Stevens, director of operations at Kahnawake Brewing Company (KBC), who noted the award gala is the only one of its kind in the country.
Hard Day’s Work holds special meaning for Stevens. “This is actually one of my old homebrew recipes before we started this operation, so I’m very happy to see this classic get recognition on a national scale,” he said.
Hard Day’s Work takes home silver at the Canada Beer Cup Awards Gala. Courtesy Kahnawake Brewing Company
“It’s definitely a beer that we’ve focused on for a good number of years. It finally scored, so we’re very proud,” said Stevens. “Even the people that serve it every day were very happy to see one of our classic beers, one of the core four that we’ve had on tap for a long time, get a national prize.”
Stevens noted the cultural roots and communal spirit that define the brew.
“When I was homebrewing, I liked more English-style beers. In England, it’s kind of a thing to do after work to hang out with friends or family at the local pub. The inspiration was to have a nice, full beer for people to enjoy while having great conversations. It pairs well with the food we create too. It’s more like a beer for conversation.”
Kahnawake Brewing Company’s philosophy underlies their products.
“Our focus is on drinkability and high-quality beer. We work hard to source the best ingredients, locally and globally. We want people to enjoy their beer without thinking about it too much. Focusing instead on the company they’re with,” said Stevens.
Community support is a vital part of the brewery’s success, he added. “We wouldn’t be open this long without our local customers, many of whom really enjoy Hard Day’s Work. Local collaboration goes both ways.”
This approach has earned positive attention in the beer world.
“Kahnawake are such a great example of building a community around craft beer,” said Craig Thorn, who hosts a craft beer podcast called BAOS. “What they’ve done in the area has been phenomenal. From hiring within the community and spreading the gospel of craft beer authentically, it’s been amazing to watch,” he said.
“Hard Day’s Work is a fantastic take on an English-style bitter and very much deserves the win at the Canada Beer Cup,” Thorn said. “Drew, Keegan, and the team consistently knock out fire beers of all styles, and hopefully this win puts them on the radar of beer nerds everywhere.”
Looking ahead, Stevens said that the brewery is always innovating. “We’re always coming up with new beers and fun things for customers. We’re a family restaurant that brews its own beer and wants to grow with the people. We even have non-alcoholic options, so everyone can enjoy something when they walk in.”
For Stevens, the best part of the job is seeing happy customers and dedicated staff.
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“Seeing smiles on customers’ faces, new and returning, is the best part of my day. And seeing our staff working hard but also having fun, enjoying our creations, because if you don’t enjoy your own creation, how are you supposed to sell it?”
