Brad Goddard – Big Rock and Bowties

You know the name. You’ve heard about the beer. Big Rock Brewery has been a pillar of Canadian craft brewing since 1985, founded by Ed McNally, a Calgary-based lawyer, farmer, and visionary who was fed up with boring mass-produced lagers and decided to do something about it (attaboy, Ed). From just three original beers Traditional Ale (TRAD), Porter, and Bitter to trailblazing brews like Grasshopper Wheat Ale, Big Rock helped kickstart not just Alberta’s craft beer scene, but Canada’s. 

Today on the pod, we’re heading west. To the land of big rocks, big hats, and, apparently, bowties. I’m joined by none other than Brad Goddard, Vice President of Innovation, Business Development, and Government Relations at Big Rock Brewery. He’s also the Chair of the Coalition of Canadian Independent Craft Breweries (CCICB) and the Alberta Small Brewers Association. If anyone knows what’s brewing - politically, economically, or in the tanks - it’s Brad. 

We’ll chat about Big Rock’s roots and its role in shaping the Canadian craft scene, the challenges and opportunities facing independent brewers today, and how Brad went from chasing acting gigs in Toronto to pulling off a legendary twin switcheroo at Steam Whistle (yes, we’re telling that story). And friends, Brad is an excellent storyteller!  Thank you for tuning into the #BetweenTwoFermenters podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on whichever platform you get your podcasts at and be sure to follow GreatLakesBeer on all social channels. greatlakesbeer.com. Supporting local never tasted soooo good! 

Hosted by Troy Burtch, Between Two Fermenters, a podcast brought to you by Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery, is your go-to deep dive for all things craft beer from an insider perspective.