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We like to research how certain styles were historically brewed,” he shares. “We take inspiration from them but add our own little twist. ”
T here’s something unmistakably satisfying about consistency - especially in the unpredictable world of craft beer. At Big Axe Brewery in Nackawic, New Brunswick, consistency isn’t just a production goal; it’s a philosophy rooted in curiosity, community, and an unwavering respect for process. Behind the brewery’s steady growth is President and Owner Pete Cole, who founded Big Axe with a vision of creating not just great beer, but a reason for people to stay a little longer in the small riverside town. “I noticed there were buses of people that would come down to the marina, take a picture of the river and surrounding scenery, and then 10 minutes later, they’re on the bus and gone,” Pete recalls. “I always thought, wow, there should be something here to keep them here longer.” For Operations Manager Krystle Ford, it started simply - with a growler. “I never really enjoyed beer before,” she admits. “I just didn’t find what I really liked. Then I started drinking craft beer and I would get some growler fills at Big Axe.” Her visits turned into a job offer. And a job turned into something much more. Drawn in by the production process, Krystle first joined Big Axe as a server but quickly became curious about what was happening behind the scenes. “I started helping with the brewing, and I really loved it,” she says. “I’m a creature of
habit, so I liked that the process had to be consistent every time. I got good at it - and I wanted to keep learning more.” That instinct for consistency became her calling card. Krystle evolved from server to head brewer and now oversees the entire operation. Her precision didn’t go unnoticed. As Pete puts it, now with Sam as our head brewer, “We finally have the perfect brewing team, if you will, that we all respect each other, the recipes, the procedures, and we will always put out a product that customers could always expect from us to be consistent.” Big Axe Brewery’s story started small - as a bed and breakfast overlooking the Saint John River, owned and operated by Pete Cole. In 2014, he added a one- barrel brewing system and opened a tiny taproom on-site, combining overnight stays with craft beer tastings. The model worked well in the small town of Nackawic, where tourism was key. As demand grew, so did the vision. In 2018, Big Axe moved into a larger cedar log building next door - custom-built to reflect the area’s rural, rustic charm. The new facility included a 10-barrel brewhouse, 20-barrel fermenters, and space to host events and a growing team. The original B&B has since been sold and now operates under new ownership, still welcoming guests just steps from the brewery. The expansion wasn’t just physical - it was strategic. Big Axe became known not only for its award-winning beers like the Shakespeare Chocolate Oatmeal Stout,
Your Winter Retreat for Food, Craft Beer, and Outdoor Fun in Mactaquac Provincial Park
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86 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 3 1265 NB-105, Mactaquac, NB E6L 1B5 506-363-5947 • alehouse@bigaxe.ca
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