FOOD & DRINK
As Montague’s Copper Bottom Brewing continues to dial in their niche on PEI, they’re also getting ready to expand elsewhere. COPPER BOTTOM BREWING COMPANY
Founded in 2017 by Ken Spears and ECMA-nominated singer-songwriter Ashley Condon, the idea of the brewery developed when Spears was working for Propeller Brewing Company in Halifax. “He fell in love with brewing and craft beer and started to expose me to craft beer a bit more,” says Condon, who initially was more of a domestic beer drinker. “I got to love it over the years.” As plans started to develop, and the business itself grew, Condon says they wanted to bring something unique to the brewery; they looked to her background as a musician to help. Since then, the brewery has developed their event programming significantly, having introduced Copper Bottom Presents, a monthly concert series. Copper Bottom Presents has featured several award-winning performers, including Dave Gunning, Catherine MacLellan, J.P. Cormier, and Condon herself. The brewery also hosts songwriting workshops, community events, and a weekly event known as Tunes on Tap, which hosts a rotating cast of fiddlers and trad musicians in the taproom every Sunday.
Copper Bottom Brewing’s passion for good beer and world-class entertainment has not gone unnoticed; they’ve been nominated for Venue of the Year at the 2020 Music PEI Awards in December. “This has really grown, and it has really become a part of our identity, like a grassroots, sort of small-town community- centered place,” Condon says. “It’s like a community hall with alcohol.” Since starting their events, they’ve been well-supported by Montague. “We hosted an event on Levee Day, on January first, and there was anyone from 19 to 90 years old sitting in that room, tapping their toes and listening to music,” says Condon. “For me, I just really feel like that’s showing that I’m accomplishing what I went out to accomplish.” As Copper Bottom continues to build on this identity, they are also getting ready to expand beyond Prince Edward Island. The company’s flagship beer, the Broadside APA, will be available at select liquor stores
WORDS BY Katie Ingram PHOTOS Courtesy of Copper Bottom Brewing Company
▲ Ken Spears and Ashley Condon (Photo Evan Ceretti)
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