As a wayward young man from Lethbridge, Big Rock founder Ed McNally studied and practiced law for some years until he saw his way to becoming a barley farmer. But he soon found that an honest day's work whips up a thirst, and the local beer of the time was anything but satisfying.
Thus, over pricey imported ales, Ed would get to pondering deep questions on long summer evenings. Why was he growing some of the best malting barley in the world and selling it as cattle feed? In a region known for crisp, hard mountain water, why were local brewers producing lagers (which require soft water) rather than ales (which thrive on hard water)? And more than anything, Ed just wanted a good local beer.
So he opened a brewery.
Hear Ed, his family and friends reflect on the Big Rock legacy, the secrets of success and giving back to Alberta and Canada.
Follow Ed’s story from his early beer making experiments in a Lethbridge rooming house to realizing his vision of a world-class brewery on the Great Plains.
Step inside the Big Rock Brewery to get our take on the age-old process of turning malted grain, water, yeast and hops into fine beers.
You must be of legal drinking age to enter the brewery.
I'm of legal drinking age in my province/state.
