THE DARK SIDE OF ALBERTA’S CRAFT BREWING INDUSTRY OMEN B EWING S potlight on Business recently caught up with Rhys Oswald and Tony Oswald of Omen Brewing, to find out how this father and three son team with decades of combined experience as elec - tricians decided to try their hand at brewing craft beer. It is hard to chat with Tony and Rhys (father and son) without having a flashing back to when Darth Vader told Luke Skywalker, “Come to the dark side… together we will rule the galaxy.” by Christi Rideout
The Oswald family has roots in Germany, and they have all travelled extensively in Europe. While visiting many of the pubs and drinking holes in Europe, the men developed a love for dark beer. However, they never imagined that one day they would be creating their own dark suds. The Oswald’s share that their interest in the craft beer industry was sparked by an experience the three brothers had ten years ago. While out shopping, they purchased a discount home brew kit from a liquida - tion store on a whim. Perhaps it was an omen that the kit was $13 and too hard a bargain to pass up. When they got home, they mixed the kit ingredients and placed it in the bathtub and a few weeks later trans - ferred their creation to bottles. Rhys says the brothers were thrilled and a little surprised to realize that “the beer was actually good.” Soon after, they became hooked on experimenting with new recipes and Spencer, one of the brothers created a 50 L pilot system that they continue to use at the brewery today. It took a bit of time for the brothers to convince their dad to join them in their endeavor. After working for 45 years, the family patriarch feels like he was “forced into it, not by gunpoint, but close.” He quickly adds, “Building this business has required many hours and now that I’m retired, I’m working harder than I ever have before. But none of us are strangers to hard work and long days and it gives me something to do.” He admits that he’s still getting used to them all being equal partners and not being the boss. Omen is a fitting name for a brand created by the four (O) swald men. It was also chosen because the men were excited to play around with imagery using the word omen. Omens can symbolize occur - rences or phenomenons that are light or dark, just like the creation of light or dark beer. However, usually omens are associated more with dark or ominous feelings, and Omen brewery focuses on the creation of beers for the dark beer enthusiast. “We are trying to convert people to the dark side and so far it is going well,” says Tony.
The Oswalds may not rule the galaxy, but what this family does rule is Edmonton’s dark craft beer scene. In our conversation we learn about their fam- ily-owned and operated brewery in Edmonton’s East Central Brewery district. How it was born out of a love for home brewing and a passion to help Alber- tans overcome their fear of the dark side of the craft brewing industry. “Don’t be Afraid of the Dark,” quip Rhys and Tony Oswald.
Spotlight on Business recently caught up with Rhys Oswald and Tony Oswald to find out how this father and three son team with decades of combined experience as electricians decided to try their hand at brewing craft beer.
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JUNE 2020 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JUNE 2020
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