{"id":1778,"date":"2022-07-02T15:17:53","date_gmt":"2022-07-02T22:17:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/?page_id=1778"},"modified":"2022-07-03T22:45:54","modified_gmt":"2022-07-04T05:45:54","slug":"jm40","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/jm40\/","title":{"rendered":"OFFICIAL JOHN MITCHELL TRIBUTE ALE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF CRAFT BEER IN CANADA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Source: What’s Brewing<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SURREY BC, June 17th 2022 \u2013 <\/strong>A special new commemorative beer is brewing! Forty years after craft beer was first officially served in Canada, BC\u2019s Russell Brewing Co.<\/strong><\/a> is set to release John Mitchell Signature Cascadian Dark Ale.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beer has been brewed in collaboration with staff, students and alumni from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)<\/strong>\u2018s Brewing & Brewery Operations Diploma program<\/a>, in order to raise funds for a cause that directly benefits the BC craft beer movement: a brewing school scholarship in Mitchell\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project was initiated by, and has the approval of, John Mitchell\u2019s longtime associate John Ohler. Before Mitchell\u2019s passing in 2019, Ohler was formally entrusted to act as Steward of Mitchell\u2019s craft beer legacy. This first fundraising project is also a means of introducing newcomers to the Grandfather of Canadian craft beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHEERS TO FORTY YEARS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 1982, Alexander John Mitchell sparked a national beer revolution by founding Canada\u2019s first craft brewery at Horseshoe Bay, BC. By spurring needed changes to legislation, Mitchell and his partners spearheaded an economic and cultural awakening in Canada\u2019s brewing industry. From that one pioneering location, the Canadian craft beer industry has now grown to boast over 1000 enthusiastic breweries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of today, June 17th 2022, it has been exactly four decades since Mitchell\u2019s first Horseshoe Bay Brewing<\/strong> creation, Bay Ale<\/em>, was sampled by a select few at Mitchell\u2019s nearby Troller Pub. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, on July 6th, it is 40 years to the day since the brewery and ale was officially launched with a ceremony at the Troller Pub, officially birthing Canada\u2019s craft beer era. In celebration, a ceremony will likewise be held at Russell Brewing\u2019s just-opened tasting room in Surrey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PAYING IT FORWARD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Proceeds from the new John Mitchell Signature Collaboration will benefit the John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship<\/strong>, open to students in the Brewing & Brewery Operations Diploma program at BC\u2019s Kwantlen Polytechnic University. KPU\u2019s program was of particular significance to John Mitchell, who personally visited its Langley BC\u2013based facility in order to meet students representing the future of brewing excellence. The current scholarship was established in 2019, after the passing of its trailblazing namesake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis John Mitchell 40th anniversary collaboration highlights the legacy that John created for craft breweries and brewers in Canada,\u201d remarks Dominic Bernard, instructor and chair, KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program. \u201cHe paved the way for the industry to become what it is today and for our students to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and choose a career they\u2019re passionate about. It\u2019s an absolute honour for KPU to be involved with this special project and exciting to see so many of our brewing alumni participate in this historic collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With four KPU alumni and students on staff, Russell Brewing was the ideal choice to serve as home base for this special fundraising project, and was indeed recommended by KPU for the honour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A HIGHER LEARNING COLLAB BREW<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On June 8th, approximately 20 participants gathered at Russell Brewing for a collaborative brew day. KPU was well represented by staff, students and alumni working at a number of other local BC breweries, including Bomber Brewing<\/a>; Curious Creatures<\/a>; Dead Frog Brewery<\/a>; Farm Country Brewing<\/a>; Five Roads Brewing<\/a>; Northpaw Brewing Co.<\/a> and Patina Brewing<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

KPU Brewing chair Bernard notes, \u201cIt\u2019s a proud moment seeing our alums at Russell Brewing lead this brew\u2014especially Mark McBride, who developed the anniversary recipe based on John\u2019s original recipes. We love how the industry has welcomed our grads since the KPU program started in 2014 and continues to support our students\u2014future craft brewers\u2014with the John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell\u2019s Head Brewer Graham Kenny notes that it\u2019s great to have the influx of young, eager and highly trained brewing students and grads from KPU. \u201cMark has been an amazing addition to our team at Russell. He seems like he always has his finger on the pulse and is excited to fire up the test batch system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kenny continues, \u201cRebecca is a fantastic brewer, too. Then we also have recent graduate Mike & first year student Tom. Their well-rounded knowledge has come in handy on more than one occasion. Basically, I\u2019m the only non-KPU member left on our team!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About The Beer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wondering what the 40 Year tribute beer is like? Here’s a page about the beer, with tasting notes.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A number of BC beer community members including staff at Russell Brewing Co. and KPU have volunteered their time to enable this tribute beer project. As well, Canada Malting<\/strong>, Coaster Factory<\/strong>, the BC Craft Brewers Guild<\/strong>, Central City Brewing<\/strong>, Line49 Design Group<\/strong> and What\u2019s Brewing <\/em>magazine are recognized for their generous contributions and support of this special non-profit project. Acknowledgements also to Spinnakers Brewpub and Trading Post Brewing<\/strong> for their founding Scholarship donations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those interested in partnering to support the current project, or sponsor a future John Mitchell Signature Collaboration Ale, may reach out to John Ohler at reeb.llehctimnhojobfsctd<\/span>@ofni<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Media Contact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For media or sales enquiries, contact Mr. John Ohler
John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship
T: 360-201-5140
E: info@johnmitchell.beer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media assets<\/strong>: johnmitchell.beer\/media<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship was established in 2019 after the passing of its trailblazing namesake. It is open to students in the Brewing & Brewery Operations diploma program at BC\u2019s Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Inspired by Canada\u2019s Original Craft Brewer, its mission is to help keep the future of Canadian craft brewing strong. Learn more at <\/em>johnmitchell.beer<\/em><\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Based at five campuses across Richmond, Surrey and Langley, KPU offers a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Learn more at <\/em>kpu.ca<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About KPU Brewing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The KPU Brewing & Brewery Operations Diploma is the only program of its kind in BC, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University was the first Canadian institution recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas for a standard of excellence in brewing education. KPU is recognized as one of the top brewing schools in North America, placing first in 2019 and second in 2021 overall in the US Open College Beer Championship. KPU was awarded Brewery of the Year at the 2019 BC Beer Awards. More recently, a student team won bronze for their Signature Series beer at the 2022 Canadian Brewing Awards. Learn more at <\/em>kpu.ca\/brew<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Russell Brewing Co.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1995, Russell Brewing Co. is Surrey BC\u2019s longest-operating brewery. Fanatical about beer, Russell Brewing believes that passion and quality come through in the taste of their products, which are 100% natural, never pasteurized and with no preservatives. Summer 2022 marks a new era for Russell with the long-awaited opening of a public tasting room. Learn more at <\/em>russellbeer.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Source: What’s Brewing SURREY BC, June 17th 2022 \u2013 A special new commemorative beer is brewing! Forty years after craft beer was first officially served in Canada, BC\u2019s Russell Brewing Co. is set to release John Mitchell Signature Cascadian Dark Ale. The beer has been brewed in collaboration with staff, students and alumni from Kwantlen Polytechnic University…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1786,"parent":0,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/JMCollage3-750x563.png",750,563,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Dave Smith","author_link":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/author\/dave\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1778"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1778"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2026,"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1778\/revisions\/2026"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/johnmitchell.beer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}