CREATE - The Podcast

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast I met up with Dr. Ranjan Kumar with Delta Brewstillery in Calgary, Alberta.  Ranjan started Delta and produced beer as a contract brewer for several years. In the spring of 2021, Ranjan and the team at Delta opened a large brewery focused on distribution across Alberta with plans to ship across Canada and Internationally soon.

Ranjan was born and raised in India and came to Canada to continue his post-secondary education.  He received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary and is proud of the contribution he has made in the community as a doctor.  

Ranjan’s decision to stay in Canada was based on the vast opportunities he realized were available here.  As a young boy, he had a desire to be an entrepreneur - a dream he has realized by opening Delta Brewstillery.  His passion in the field of neuroscience remains strong and he has plans to continue practicing as a doctor in the future - which we discuss in detail on the podcast.

Dr. Ranjan Kumar is a passionate and optimistic person and it was fun connecting with him to learn more about his journey.  He has made a positive impact in our world and has big plans for the future - I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Delta Brewstillery : website | twitter | instagram 

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast I met up with my friend Rieley Kay, owner of Cilantro & Chive in Lacombe, Alberta.  We discuss the craziness of the past year - not only has Rieley navigated through the pandemic (which is chaos enough for most people) he has also opened a second location in Red Deer! 

Rieley started washing dishes in a restaurant when he was 13 and has been involved in the hospitality industry ever since.  After High School, he attended the cooking program at SAIT and has also completed programs at Red Deer College in Food & Beverage Management and Accommodations & Marketing Management to ensure he has a deeper understanding of the industry.

We discuss the challenges facing hospitality and what he is doing to address these issues within his restaurants.  “The restaurant industry is a badly broken and damaged industry across North America.  We can’t change an entire industry, but we can change how we do business. We ensure our team is looked after, and our guests and community are cared for.”

Over the years Cilantro & Chive has won a number of awards and we discuss what Rieley believes makes them unique.  His goal is to recreate “Grama’s kitchen table - to be a place where conversation and connections happen. People can enjoy good food, good drinks, and some good company.”  It was great to connect with him and share his story -  I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Cilantro & Chive : website | twitter | instagram 

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast I met up with my friend Geoff Allan, the General Manager Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub in Calgary, Alberta.  Bottlescrew Bill’s is a family-run business and Calgary Institution - they’ve been serving beer for over 40 years!  So when you want to get a historical perspective on how crazy things are these days it seems logical to ask Geoff.

Geoff and his sister Jennifer manage the pub that their parents opened in the early 1980’s.  As a family, they have seen a lot of booms and busts in this town - so it was great to see where this chapter in our history compares to the other struggles we’ve faced.  Obviously, we discuss the challenges of COVID, but we also discuss the “hollowing out of the downtown core” due to the economic instability that Calgary already faced prior to the current pandemic.

We discuss Geoff’s mentors who have inspired him and how becoming a dad has changed his perspective on work and the world in general.  Despite the craziness that we live in, Geoff has an incredibly positive outlook and is grateful to work alongside his family and many staff that have become family over the years.  

Bottlescrew Bill’s isn't going anywhere and Geoff has learned to enjoy the journey.  As he put it, “You can’t get it all done in one day, and you can’t control everything.  I need to respect that.”   I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Bottlescrew Bill’s : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Lane and Kelsey Gibson, co-founders of Buffalo 9 Brewing Company.  We discuss their journey in the beer industry - from homebrewers to commercial producers.  We also talk about the challenges of building a business during a pandemic and why they are still optimistic about the future of craft beer.

Why the military theme?  Lane and Kelsey have had family members serve in both WWI and WWII - so the theme it holds great importance for both of them. Kelsey’s father was also a Fire Fighter and she grew up within this brother/sisterhood.  “We choose this theme for our brewery to pay honour and respect to veterans and first responders both past and present, and to keep the education of Canadian War history alive.”

A major goal of theirs is to build a brewery soon where they can grow camaraderie around their beer and in their community.  Lane and Kelsey are very passionate entrepreneurs and it was great to connect with them to share their story - I hope you enjoy!

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Buffalo 9 Brewing Company : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Big Rock Brewing’s very own Brad Goddard.  I’ve known Brad for a long time and was excited to connect and get his thoughts on the Craft Beer Community that he has been a part of for 20 years now!

Brad was born and raised in Lucan, Ontario and grew up wanting to be either an actor, minister or politician (I’m still convinced those are all the same profession).  He studied Theater in University and taught First Year Acting at The University of Waterloo until moving to Toronto to pursue a career in acting.

True story - When Brad moved to Toronto, his identical twin brother Chris (who was also an aspiring actor) had a job working for Steam Whistle Brewing.  One day, Chris had an acting audition and they thought it would be a great idea to have Brad take his shift at the brewery.  When the brewery boss found out what was happening he thought it was hilarious - so instead of Chris being fired they decided to offer Brad a job!

20 years later - and a move across the country - Brad is still passionate about the Craft Beer Community.  He has made Calgary his home where he is married with three young kids!  It was great to meet up with him for a beer - I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Brad Goddard, Big Rock Brewing : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Mark Freeland, Founder of Two Rivers Distillery in Calgary, Alberta.  Mark is a passionate artist who has played music professionally for over 30 years.  As a distiller, Mark applies the same passion to his new craft of distilling spirits.

On the podcast, we discuss Mark’s journey as an entrepreneur that has been very challenging over the past couple of years.  Two Rivers Distillery had opened just months before COVID shut them down, and like many small business owners, Mark was worried that he may have to close his doors permanently.  

We also discuss what makes Two Rivers Distillery unique and how Mark is creating a whole craft experience for his guests.  “My music background has taught me to look at the entire picture when it comes to the customer experience.”  Mark has distilled an amazing list of vodkas and unique gins - with barrels in the back aging whiskey that he’s already excited for!

If you want to support passionate local businesses make sure to add Two Rivers Distillery to your “bucket list” of places to visit.  It was awesome to connect with Mark on the podcast - I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Two Rivers Distillery : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Jenny Burthwright, Founder of Jane Bond BBQ in Calgary.  Jenny started Jane Bond BBQ as a food truck and has since added a brick-and-mortar location.  Despite the challenges that our economy and COVID-19 have thrown at her, Jenny continues to grow and has big plans for the future!

Jenny has always been a creative force and studied Advertising at Centennial College in Toronto before moving to Calgary.  Through the restaurant, Jenny’s purpose is to touch as many lives with her passion for food as possible. “We offer an experience. Above the food, our environment is aimed to transport guests to a southern culture tour.” 

Jenny is also committed to making her restaurant a place where everyone can feel welcome.  “From our team members to all of our guests, we amplify acceptance and kindness. These are our values as a company.”

It was great to have Jenny on the podcast and I’m happy to share her story.  I hope you enjoy!

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Jane Bond BBQ : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Don Saviak, President of All Beef Catering & Smokehouse.  From living the life of a musician to being an entrepreneur and proud father, Don has an amazing life.  On the podcast, we discuss the challenges of being a small business owner and how he has managed to survive through the past year of COVID-19.  Oh - and I asked a mutual friend, Craig Sorette, to join us on this episode to lighten the mood.  

Don has always been a hard worker who meets challenges head-on and seems to find a way to adapt and survive.  When COVID-19 forced people into isolation, Don was hit especially hard as the demand for catering disappeared overnight.  It was scary to think that someone like Don,  who had worked so hard to build a business, might be forced to close down for good.  But as you will hear on the podcast, Don has taken this time to restructure his company, and plans to come out of this stronger than ever!

Don’s advice to young entrepreneurs?  “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. From mistakes, you learn. From learning you grow.”  It has been amazing to watch him grow as an entrepreneur and I’m grateful to share his story.  Enjoy.

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

All Beef Catering and Smokehouse : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Faye Warrington and Marty Lastiwka, Co-Founders of Skunkworks Distillery in Calgary, Alberta.  We discuss the wild adventure of opening a distillery right before a global pandemic, the lessons they have learned, and their vision for the future.

Where does the name come from?  Faye and Marty are energy industry workers - Faye is a geologist and Marty is an engineer, thus the science and technology theme to their brand.  “Skunkworks” is the name of Lockheed Martin’s advanced engineering group, where top secret, high-tech ideas are born and realized.  Skunkworks Distillery is Faye and Marty’s Skunkworks project.

The distillery is located in the Barley Belt District in Calgary and focuses on distilling moonshine.  As Marty explains, “Our product is first class but simple, and our branding is fun.  This combines to make something unique but approachable for everyone.”

COVID-19 has presented many challenges for the team at Skunkworks.  Being forced to close their tasting room for most of 2020 made it difficult to connect with consumers directly to share their stories.  Their hope is that 2021 will be the year to share their passion with consumers, finally, attend The Calgary International Beerfest as vendors (their words not mine), and make the term “skunks n soda” a part of our culture!

“Do it well, have fun, be nice” is their company motto.  It was great to connect with them and share their story.  I hope you enjoy.

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Skunkworks Distillery : website | twitter | instagram |

For today’s episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast, I met up with Troy Kamphuis-Finnigan (Founder, Rapid Ascent Brewery) & Michael Wood (President, Rok Glacier Water).  We discuss how all of the pieces of their really cool puzzle fit together - Fortress Mountain, KPOW Cat Skiing, Rok Glacier Water, and Rapid Ascent Brewery.

Troy has over 20 years of experience in the beverage industry and established Rapid Ascent Brewery in 2016.  He built the brewery with a long-term growth strategy in mind - his goal was to “create and build quality brands that don’t chase trends but provide quality, value, and consistency.”

Michael Wood has degrees in forestry and environmental science - so he knows a thing or two about water!  He also loves skiing and is a director at Eagle Pass Heliski in Revelstoke.  Mike connected with his friend Thomas Heath, Managing Director of Fortress Mountain, to commercialize their unique water source available to the resort through Rok Glacier Water.  

After researching how to properly package the water they partnered up with Troy who joined the Rok team as a director.  Their focus is now on distributing the purest water (and beer) in the world to consumers with a focus on sustainability.  One example of this - their choice to package the water in aluminum cans, rather than plastic bottles, due to the infinite recyclability of aluminum.

Their motto is “flows here - not flown here”.  Rok Glacier Water is creating local jobs using environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.  Revenue from the water, and the craft beer produced with the water, will be used to fund the redevelopment of Fortress Ski Resort, ongoing land reclamation efforts, educational grants and more.

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Rapid Ascent Brewery : website | twitter | instagram 

Rok Glacier Water: website | twitter | instagram