Mastering the Craft: How to Make Craft Beer 🍺
A Taste of Abby Podcast Mini-Series with Paul Sweeting from Ravens Brewing Co.
I love true craftsmanship.
The art of creating something unique, and paying close attention to every small detail.
I’d describe our guest today as a true craftsman, dedicated to sharing thoughtfully developed beers and spirits.
Paul and Jocelyn Sweeting are passionate about creating delicious drinks that can be enjoyed on hot summer days by the beach, or over a nice warm fire in the fall.
They work hard to source local ingredients to connect customers with their community. Paul Sweeting and I visited a local hop farm only 8 minutes away from his brewery, and showed me the process the crops go through to arrive in his drinks.
Paul explained to me how a lot of the Fraser Valley used to be hop farms, and that it had shifted over the years but some farmers remained passionate about holding onto their roots despite a changing agricultural landscape.
I found Pauls passion for the craft of brew making inspiring, as he started on this journey before it was all the rage and he’s excited about it. So easy it is for us to get into our daily routines, and miss out on the fascinating world around us.
As we prepared for the interview, we were standing in a giant 12,000 foot facility, with complex machinery, and beer all around us. One of the questions I had for Paul, was if he ever saw this coming?
His answer was no. What became clear was that Paul was committed to the journey and innovating.
This came out clearly when I asked him about how the raven fits in to his entrepreneurial journey. Paul has owned Raven’s on the Beach, Whatcom Wines & Spirits which had a raven in the logo, and now Raven’s Brewing Co. It is a staple in all his work. As Paul puts it:
Throughout history the Raven has been considered the trickster or the joker, never taking themselves too seriously. The Raven is incredibly versatile and can adapt to many changing conditions. Ravens are known to be committed to their family groups. Throughout history, the Raven has been part of the culture all over the world. The Raven helps guide our core values of Innovation, Family, Pride, Quality, and Celebration.
Paul’s business has one best beer in the world, which is no small feat. His master brewer and his team work hard to develop unique, original flavours that will be unforgettable to customers.
As we discussed his entrepreneurial journey and passion for supporting local farmers we tried a few of his incredible beers.
First we tried the Chocolate Porter, which is conditioned with cocoa nibs, rich dark chocolate flavours and hints of vanilla. It was absolutely delicious and got me excited for the fall and winter season.
Up next, we sampled the Sumas Mt Lager from Ravens Brewing. I've always loved a well-crafted Lager for its smooth flavor. This particular Lager exceeded expectations, boasting 100% Canadian Malt and Sterling Hops.
I strongly suggest a trip to Ravens Brewing to experience their exceptional craft beer. Their dedication to supporting local agriculture and delivering unique, unforgettable beverages makes it a must-visit for lasting memories.