ELECTRONIC BREW
Ale and Lager Enthusiasts of Saskatchewan co-president Kevin Federko demonstrates how an electric brewing system works in an ALES member’s basement
Curiosity combined with a love of beer, plus a desire to create, are all one needs to become one of the growing number of Saskatchewan’s homebrewers.
Kevin Federko, co-president of Ale and Lager Enthusiasts of Saskatchewan (ALES) club, knew nothing about the craft of creating beer before he tried it — now he’s helping others build their own brewing systems.
Eight months after joining the club he learned enough about homebrewing that he decided to give it a shot.
“It was on Good Friday, but it wasn’t a good Friday,” he said about his first attempt.
However, his interest was piqued in homebrewing, now he’s the copresident of the club.
When he joined ALES in 2011 there were 35 members. Today there are 180 members, but there is always room for more, he said.
One of the ways to stir up interest in the craft is through its 24th annual ALES Homebrew Open.
Federko said it’s Canada’s biggest and longest-running homebrew competition, which attracts entries from across the country.
The beer gets shipped in from the homebrew clubs and from independents and judging begins on Monday and lasts until Saturday.
Federko said at the end of the competition 91 medals will be handed out in 30 different categories.
Although the judging portion of the competition is closed to the public, there are two events open to the public.
The first event is the Cask Festival hosted by ALES and Rebellion brewing.
“It runs Friday afternoon until the beer runs out,” said Federko. “Last year, the beer ran out midafternoon Saturday.”
This year, there will be 14 casks served up during the festival from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta breweries.
Federko said the craft beer scene continues to grow in the province.
This year, ALES received 556 entries.
“We just want to attract as many entries as we can and as many judges as we can,” said Federko. “Really, it’s all about fostering the beer culture and letting it grow.”
He joined ALES because he loved beer and although his love is still strong, things are different now.
“I’m kind of ruined, because it’s hard to enjoy just a regular beer,” said Federko. “It just changes your palette and expands your horizons for new flavours. The essence of craft brewing and home brewing is discovery and experimentation.”
On Saturday, after the awards ceremony, the public is invited to attend the Bushwakker’s Brewers dinner, which consists of a fivecourse meal and each course is accompanied by a 12 oz. brew.
This year, ALES is featuring a couple of guests — Gary Glass, director of the American Homebrew Association (AHA), Brian Joas, Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)’s North Regional Representative, and Bruce Buerger, BJCP’s Education Director — who will be judging Thursday-Saturday.
Federko said it’s an exciting time for beer lovers and homebrewers because new beers are always being made.
Anyone can join ALES, which meets the first Wednesday of every month from September until June. The first step is by liking the Ale and Lager Enthusiasts of Saskatchewan (ALES) Club Facebook page.
Federko said one of the best things about the club is being surrounded by veteran beer enthusiasts who are willing to share their knowledge with novice members.