EDGERTON, Alta. — One of Canada's top brewmasters is putting his faith in the upstart Ribstone Creek Brewery (RCB).
Earlier this year, brewmaster David Beardsell began helping out the RCB team as they developed their vision for a large-scale rural brewery to be constructed in Edgerton, Alta.
Beardsell — the former president and CEO of Bear Brewing — was offering guidance to the Ribstone Creek project as a paid consultant, but has now accepted an invitation to join as a founding member.
"Quite simply, I like the guys and I liked the concept," said Beardsell. "It is an economic stimulation for a small town, which makes sense rather than all industry being placed in big centres."
Beardsell has been a professional brewer for the past 15 years. He studied the trade in Europe, attending schools in both Germany and England. He is also very versed in the business side of the brewing industry — knowledge that will come in handy as the Ribstone Creek Brewery finds its legs.
"This brewery will be properly costed out and will be set up within a careful budget," he said. "The product will be what the investors and founders want ... not what a brewmaster wants to make.
"My goals are simple: make some beer, make some friends and make some money. This won't likely become the next Molsons, but it can become a very viable industry for the Edgerton area."
