FFWD REW

CAMRA Alberta dreams big

There’s beer and then there’s real beer — at least according to members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Originally launched in St. Albans England in the 1970s as an advocacy group for “real ale” community pubs and consumer rights CAMRA has gone global in recent years as interest in craft beer and homebrewing has grown around the world.

In Canada the CAMRA Society of B.C. was incorporated in 1990 and for years Calgary had its own CAMRA branch run by Artisan Ales co-owner Mike Tessier. But with recent changes in provincial legislation making things easier for just about any homebrewer to set up a brewery if they are so inspired Calgary-based craft beer enthusiasts Natasha Peiskar (of Hoparella fame and winner of the Deep Cove University Brew-off Competition) and Jeremy Foster decided it was time for the province’s beer drinkers to start thinking big.

“We wanted to see a growth in the craft beer culture in Alberta; specifically with supporting local breweries based out of Alberta” says Foster. “We were inspired by the fantastic events and culture that had grown and been supported by CAMRA Vancouver.”

On Monday June 16 several dozen craft beer enthusiasts including local craft brewers from Tool Shed and Last Best Brewing headed to Kensington’s Midtown Kitchen & Bar for the launch of CAMRA Alberta. Within 30 minutes more than 60 people had signed up for memberships. By the end of the week more than 85 members had signed up. The Calgary branch has been integrated into the provincial branch which Foster says will take over the annual fundraiser for the Foothills Hospital burn unit.

At just $20 a year membership has its benefits. There will be member-exclusive pricing on events in the future including cask events education and beer dinners says Foster. CAMRA Alberta members will also receive discounts at some local establishments including: Oak and Vine Vine Arts 5 Vines Silver Springs Liquor Store and Midtown.

Although the organization is still in its early days it’s already set a number of goals for the coming year. In addition to working to promote existing craft beer and cask ale events so that people can meet others who are passionate about beer CAMRA Alberta aims to encourage the brewing and responsible consumption of cask ale and craft beer.

But beyond that CAMRA’s Alberta branch aims to educate all consumers about craft beer regardless of their level of awareness. “We are by no means an exclusive society” says Foster. “Anybody is welcome whether they are a craft beer novice or expert. Through this society we hope to educate members on and encourage responsible consumption of craft beer.”

Which ties in to the non-profit organization’s final goal: to “create a pub culture that is somewhat reminiscent of the incredible camaraderie/community that exists in the CAMRA B.C. branches” says Foster.

So whether you know the difference between an IPA or a DIPA or you want to test-ride your taste buds on something beyond the realm of the ordinary Foster encourages you to come out and see what the buzz is all about.

CAMRA Alberta is so new they’re still building their website. Until that’s up and running you can follow them on Twitter @CAMRA_Alberta.

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