Even though Omen’s craft creations lean toward being more traditional, these dark beer special - ists always ensure they have lighter beers on tap to appeal to different palates. “Don’t be afraid of the dark, we’ve left a few lights on” is a slogan they often use, and it’s representative of the brewer’s mission. Omen Brewing has five core beers, Spilt Milk (Nitro Milk Stout), Claustrophobic (Black IPA), Knight Rye-der (Roggenbier), Medieval Wheat (Dunkelweizen) and Snowy Owl (American Pale Ale). Seasonal options include Raven’s Head (Black Lager), Blueberry Session Ale, Oh Beehave (Gluten Friendly), Rugged (Brown Ale) and Winter Shaker (Winter Warmer). Their gluten friendly creation Oh Beehave is becoming so popular that they are considering making it one of their core beers. If you are looking to purchase Omen Brewing beers, they are available in multiple restaurants and bars in Edmonton, at many Alberta beer fes - tivals, as well as at the Omen Brewing taproom. The Oswalds encourage beer lovers to come and visit the brewery and they mean it when they say that everyone is welcome, including young families and dogs. You might even bump into some of the family’s grandchildren who often frequent the establishment. TheOswalds are very family-oriented and want people to feel relaxed and enjoy the coffee shop vibe they have fash- ioned. Patrons can order from the bar and then sit at one of the tables, made of electrical spools, that pay homage to their electrician backgrounds.
The Oswalds are proud of the blood, sweat and tears that they put into building the brewery. They share a ‘do it yourself’ attitude and have used their electrician and home renovation back- grounds for all the work on the building that hasn’t required a permit from a tradesperson. Since the doors opened in December 2018, the brewery has drawn in many people who have become loyal patrons. The brewery is located at 9942 67 Ave NW in Edmonton in an area popu - larly known as Hops Crossing. This has proved to be a bonus, as there are seven or eight other breweries within a small radius and people flock to the area to sample a variety of different craft beers. The neighbouring breweries have collabo- rated and created an offer that allows customers to obtain a passport that they can use to collect stamps as they visit each location in the area. This marketing endeavor has drawn a large clientele of new avid craft beer enthusiasts. Craft brewers in Alberta are a tight knit group of business owners who share the same passion. The breweries share ideas and equipment and have realized the potential of marketing that has a more wide-reaching effect. No more prevalent is this than at craft beer festi -
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JUNE 2020 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JUNE 2020
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