Canucks in the Kitchen is a group of 4 friends that love food and drink. They share their recipes, reviews and experiences on their blog. You can follow along on their adventures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
In this ongoing series, we’ll be exploring the ever-growing trend of craft and microbreweries. In the last 10 years there has been an explosion in the number of craft breweries, each offering their own take on this beloved beverage. By now, you’ve probably seen or purchased a growler from one of these businesses. The stories are all unique, but with one commonality: a true passion for brewing beer. Some of these individuals or groups went from home brewers that wanted to take their project in the garage to the market, others have sought education and training in becoming a certified Brew Master. The craft brewing community is incredibly supportive of one another, and while operating individually, they work together at pulling the market from the corporate beer barons.
Photo from Cassel Brewery’s Facebook page.
We interview Mario Bourgeois, one of the owners of Cassel Brewery, found in the small town of Casselman, just east of Ottawa. The railway is at the heart of Casselman and at the heart of the community, so it is fitting that Cassel Brewery takes its theme from such a main part of the town’s culture. Mario was able to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me and tell me what Cassel Brewery is all about.
Mario started brewing his own beer out of his garage in 2007. He started small, as most home brewers do, without much knowledge or experience. He began brewing all-grain recipes, and his passion kicked into high gear. Soon he was making up to 4,000 liters for his friends and family. In 2010, his passion started to transformed as he began the plans that would eventually lead to building Cassel Brewery. With his recipes, and help from his business partner Benjamin, the brewery started construction in February 2012.
Photo courtesy of Cassel Brewery.
I asked him what surprises or difficulties he experienced in his journey. He told me that one of the surprises, as with any business, was how fast cash can be burned. Another challenge was the growth of the industry and supply: you don’t want to limit yourself, but you don’t want to go too big too soon. It’s all about finding the sweet spot and balance.
We also discussed the cooperation between businesses in the craft brewery community. Mario expressed how if they stand apart, the big breweries still dominate the market, but by standing together, small breweries have made an impact. Cassel Brewery now boasts a wide array of options including 9 different beers and rotating seasonal specials, including the addition of monthly specials. Their year-round staples are their Golden Rail Honey Brown, Caboose IPA, and Station Craft Lager. Some examples of their seasonal options are their White Fog Wheat beer in the summer and Black Express Stout in the winter. Their monthly specials reflect the season they come out in: look for some interesting flavours coming out this summer!
Photo courtesy of Cassel Brewery.
What does the future hold for Cassel Brewery?
They plan on continuing to grow, and to change their layout to better suit their needs. They’ll also be growing from a 3-barrel brewery to a 15-barrel. I finished up my sit-down with Mario by asking if he had any advice for home brewers or anyone interested in breaking out into the industry. He replied, “You got to have a supportive wife and understanding kids“. The job is demanding, with no set hours, long days and time away. He also said for financial planning, “If it has a price tag of $50,000, plan for $100,000″. He explained that the costs add up so it helps to have a safe contingency fund set aside.
Cassel Brewery was the 8th craft brewery to open in the Ottawa area, and that brewing community now holds over 30 breweries and is still growing. It was awesome to sit down and speak to Mario and listen to what has made their brewery the ever-growing success that it has become. You can now purchase their beers in many LCBOs as well as local Ottawa restaurants. If you’re ever near Casselman, I recommend popping in and picking up some of their beers that you can only find there. A big thanks goes out to Mario for taking the time to meet with me!
