History ofBig Rock

It started with a thirst.

Ah 1984, a simpler time when Alberta beer drinkers had the choice between “lager A” or “lager B”. Choice was what noted beer fan Ed McNally wanted. Rather than complicate matters by having to track down established import brews, Ed took the “easy” route of starting his own brewery.

By 1985 he had found a small space to set up shop, “imported” our first brewmaster Bernd Pieper, and started creating the beers that he wanted to drink. The original three. Back then, Ed was quoted as saying that his plan was, "...to make the beers that I want to drink, not what will be popular.” That goes a long way to explaining why our first three beers were Bitter, Porter and Traditional. Of the three, Traditional was an instant hit, and continues to win converts today. As for the others, well Ed really liked them. 

Citius. Altius. Beerius.

The 1988 Olympics are renowned for a few high points including Eddie The Eagle and Jamaica’s bobsledders. However, some of the fondest memories for the international spectators and athletes were their encounters with our European inspired brews. Soon, media on the other side of the pond were reporting about our craft beers, that they couldn’t believe came from, well Alberta. And the international attention helped encourage a few more local beer drinkers to give our craft brews a shot.

What’s with the name?

In an industry filled with names that reflect Teutonic traditions, alpine splendor, or brave woodland predators, our company is named after a multi-tonne granite glacial deposit located outside of Okotoks, Alberta. This big rock in the middle of the prairie is known as an erratic, we think it fits.