Origin Malting & Brewing Co., located in Alberta, Canada, is a fifth-generation family farm that has recently delved into the world of craft brewing. The Hilton family, who farms 17,000 acres of land, decided to vertically integrate in 2017 and create their own value-added products. Growing some of the world’s best malting barley, Origin has been able to supply malt sought after by breweries around the globe. With the ability to carefully select the barley that best suits the needs of their local customers from a portion of their acreage, the Hilton family has seen success in creating a unique grain-to-glass experience.
Unlike many traditional grain farmers who sell their products to marketing companies and lose sight of the end consumers, the Hilton family has established direct relationships with craft breweries. Meeting with breweries like Lagunitas, who use Origin’s barley in their beer, has given them valuable feedback and praise for their product. This newfound connection to the beer consumers has been a game-changer for the Hiltons, igniting a passion for craft brewing.
With the foundation laid by their farming legacy, Origin Malting & Brewing Co. has embarked on a new journey in the craft beer industry. Origin boasts a core line-up of eight beers, all made from Hilton-grown and Origin-malted barley. They also supply malt to about 40 other craft breweries, enabling these breweries to support local agriculture and provide traceability to their ingredients. This unique approach not only sets Origin apart but also serves as a reminder that beer truly comes from the land.
The transition from traditional farming to craft brewing has engaged multiple members of the Hilton family who were not previously involved in the main agricultural operation. The ability to produce value-added products such as malted barley and craft beer has brought a new level of excitement to the farming community in Strathmore, where Origin is based. This community, with its deep roots in agriculture, has embraced Origin’s efforts to celebrate and showcase the connection between farming and beer production.
Origin Malting & Brewing Co. is not the only player in the field of grain-to-glass brewing. Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa, Colorado, and Locality Brewing in Langley, British Columbia, are also making waves by growing, malting, and brewing their own barley. These breweries, along with a handful of others, are changing the narrative of beer production by emphasizing the importance of sourcing ingredients locally and telling a story through their products. By connecting consumers back to the soil and the farmers behind the beer, these breweries are revolutionizing the beer industry.
Origin Malting & Brewing Co. represents a shift towards a more sustainable and interconnected approach to craft brewing. By cultivating their own barley, malting it on-site, and brewing it into unique beers, Origin has set a new standard for the industry. The commitment to quality, traceability, and community engagement has solidified Origin’s position as a leader in the grain-to-glass movement. As more breweries follow suit and prioritize local sourcing and production, the future of craft beer looks bright and promising.
Napsat komentář