Interlake Brewing co-founders Kristin McCary and Graeme Mclean tapped their first keg of Rainy Daze Earl Grey Wheat Ale four years ago at Oak Hammock Marsh.
The married couple, and owners of the Interlake’s only craft brewery, will be returning to where it all began at Birds and Beer Flights on Aug. 29. The event gives beer lovers a chance to sample products from up to 22 local breweries and take in the nature around them by observing the start of migration season for geese at Oak Hammock Marsh.
“It’s a sentimental event for us,” McCary, the chief marketing officer for Interlake Brewing says. “This event was the first time people met us and tried our products so it’s very special. They were truly trying the first product from a brand-new local company.”
“This event definitely jumpstarted things for us; it’s almost like an anniversary,” Mclean, the chief executive officer and brewmaster, added. “It was our first step into the industry. I don’t even think we had cans on the market yet.”
Both McCary and Mclean have historical and familial ties to the Interlake area. They relocated to Gimli with their young family about three years ago, a year after starting the company. While they considered starting their brewpub in the big city, they decided to keep it close to home.
“We love the lake and realized that if we were going to do this in Winnipeg, we wouldn’t be able to go to the lake ever again,” Mclean says. “We eventually found a space in Gimli on 1 Ave., thought it would be a perfect fit for this business model, and decided to go for it.”
“We have a young family now and wanted to set down roots,” McCary added. “We love that we have this and also access to family and nature.”
At this year’s Bird and Beer Flights, Interlake Brewing will be serving Sunny Days (Earl Grey lemon ale), Hoppy Pelican (Dry hopped pale ale), Wild River (Wild Rice red ale), and Day Tripped (Rye IPA.)
Oak Hammock Marsh marketing and communications coordinator Jacques Bourgeois says the event has been a hit since it started in 2018.
“The setting makes it completely unique,” Bourgeois says. “It’s out in nature, and it’s very wide open. You can walk along the boardwalk or the trails and watch the geese while sampling some amazing beers from local breweries.”
“We sold out in under 48 hours this year despite more demand for tickets, which is a good problem to have.”
Bourgeois says the laid-back nature of the event is something both vendors and attendees appreciate.
“People tell us it’s their favourite event of the year,” he says. “It’s very casual, and a heavy emphasis is placed on sampling beers rather than overindulging.”
“It’s also sponsored by the DrinkSense program, so we also have tickets for non-drinkers or designated drivers who can sample some non-alcoholic options.”
That aspect of the event also appeals to McCary and Mclean.
“At some other events, it can get very crowded, and you just kind of serve a beer to the customer, and they go on their way,” McCary says. “With this event, we get more one-on-one time with customers, which allows us to build relationships with them and talk to them about our products and our space in Gimli.”
“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy an adult beverage while taking in nature.”
Bourgeois says the best way to keep an eye out for tickets in future years is to subscribe to the Oak Hammock Marsh newsletter. They have considered expanding it to accommodate more people in the future but haven’t developed a plan for that yet.
He added that they are also considering a wine event for the spring when the birds return.
You can stay informed on upcoming events at oakhammockmarsh.ca.
