Ski Jasper Alberta News

Brewery Brings Mountain to Whistler Bars

The Columbia Brewery, B.C.’s mountain brewery, announced that it will provide British Columbia’s beer drinkers with the perfect pour of award-winning Kokanee beer from its new, innovative Glacier Draught System.

As part of the launch, Kokanee Beer drinkers, the Garibaldi Lift Company, and Whistler Blackcomb, the Columbia Brewery’s mountain partner, will help raise awareness and funding for the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA).

The Glacier Draught System is Canada’s first draught tower to possess not just the look but the feel of a glacier-peaked mountain, reflecting Kokanee’s roots in the Kootenay mountains where every drop of Kokanee is brewed. The mountain-shaped draught tower forms a layer of ice on its upper half or “peak,” by actually condensing and freezing the vapor in the room, to ensure every glacier-fresh pint is served perfectly ice cold. It will be available in more than 100 bars and restaurants in B.C.

“The Glacier Draught System is innovative beer pouring technology for an innovative brand like Kokanee. We’re very pleased with the results, and we think Whistler beer drinkers will be too,” said Dave McAnerney, Brewery Manager, Columbia Brewery. He added: “Throughout its history, the Columbia Brewery has produced high quality beers using an all-natural brewing process and the finest ingredients available. Our new draught serving technology enhances the overall quality experience for Kokanee beer drinkers, strengthening the authenticity of the beer, while providing the same great tasting beer as before, pour after pour.”

For every Kokanee draught that was ordered at the Garibaldi Lift Company on March 27 through March 28, the Columbia Brewery donated $1 to the CAA. The Garibaldi Lift Company and Whistler Blackcomb will match the Columbia Brewery’s donation dollar for dollar. The proceeds will support a variety of CAA initiatives, including the expansion of the Public Avalanche Bulletin program. The CAA promotion is also supported by point-of sale materials featuring avalanche awareness information that will be displayed in participating bars throughout B.C.

“We are committed to promoting avalanche awareness in B.C. mountain communities. By working closely with the Canadian Avalanche Association, our mountain partners and participating bar sponsors, we can reach beer drinkers and outdoor enthusiasts on a grassroots level to deliver the CAA’s snow safety messages,” said McAnerney. “The Columbia Brewery has a tradition of supporting the BC mountain lifestyle and is a long time sponsor of the CAA. Thanks to the support of Whistler Blackcomb, the Garibaldi Lift Company and B.C. beer drinkers, we’re proud to continue those efforts with this special program in 2004.”

“With the increased popularity of backcountry skiing and riding, public awareness and education is a necessity. This partnership with the Columbia Brewery enables the CAA to connect with our target audiences and help drive awareness,” said Clair Israelson, Executive Director, Canadian Avalanche Association.

The new draught pouring system is the latest in a series of packaging and brewing innovations the Columbia Brewery has recently made to provide Kokanee beer drinkers with the highest quality product. In January 2004, the Columbia Brewery introduced its Signature Mountain Series - 12 million specially labeled Kokanee bottles featuring one of seven B.C. ski mountains, including Whistler Blackcomb - and last year the brewery introduced the “Mountain of Beer” - a mountain-shaped, specialty 18-pack case of Kokanee.

Built in 1959, the Columbia Brewery is located in picturesque Creston and is part of the rich brewing tradition of British Columbia. The brewery traces its heritage to the Fort Steele Brewery, established in 1898. The Columbia Brewery began brewing its award winning Kokanee lager in 1959 and was purchased by Labatt in 1974. Sourced exclusively from the Columbia Brewery in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains, Kokanee lager is an authentic domestic specialty beer and a true taste of British Columbia. In addition to Kokanee and Kokanee Light, the Columbia Brewery also produces Kokanee Gold, Kootenay True Ale, and Kootenay Mountain Ale.