In Alberta, Canada, where some of the world’s best malting barley is grown, the 2024 harvest has just begun. The weather has not been ideal this year and the crop is less than perfect, though not as bad as in other recent years. Sterling Hilton, president of Origin Malting & Brewing Co., comes from a long line of farmers and together with his family, manages 17,000 acres of land. The Hilton family farm supplies malting barley to global malting companies that cater to breweries worldwide. However, they reserve the best barley from about 1,000 acres for Origin’s local customers.
In 2017, the Hilton family took a significant step by vertically integrating their operations and creating Origin Malting & Brewing. This move set them apart as one of the three breweries in North America that not only grows barley but also malts and brews it, with Origin being the largest in scale. The decision to move towards value-added products was a pivotal moment for the family, as it allowed them to have a direct connection with the end users of their barley, an aspect they had been missing when selling to a marketing company previously.
The transition to crafting their own beer had a profound impact on the Hilton family. Meeting breweries like Lagunitas, who used their barley in their beer, and receiving positive feedback directly from the consumers was a game-changer. The shift from being suppliers to being actively involved in the craft beer industry revitalized their passion for agriculture. Craft beer was evolving in Alberta, and Origin Malting & Brewing was at the forefront of this transformation.
The decision to set up their malthouse and brewery in Strathmore, a town that celebrates agriculture, was a testament to their commitment to the community. Being able to face their customers and engage with the local population brought a new level of satisfaction to the family. The venture not only added value to their farm but also opened up opportunities for more family members to participate in the agricultural operations.
Origin Malting & Brewing not only produces a core line-up of eight beers but also offers seasonal brews made exclusively from Hilton-grown and Origin-malted barley. Moreover, they supply malt to around 40 other craft breweries, enabling them to support local agriculture and provide transparency in their ingredients sourcing. This approach not only underscores the importance of connecting beer back to its agricultural roots but also establishes a direct link between the Hilton family and the craft breweries that appreciate their malt.
The tagline “We grow beer” encapsulates Origin’s mission to connect beer enthusiasts with the land where their favorite brews originate. The true grain-to-glass story that Origin embodies serves as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and brewing. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of traceability and sustainability in the craft beer industry.
Origin Malting & Brewing is not the only brewery embracing the farm-to-glass concept. In Alamosa, Colorado, Colorado Farm Brewery utilizes barley malted at the associated Colorado Malting Company, made from barley grown on their farm. Similarly, Locality Brewing in Langley, British Columbia, goes a step further by growing, malting, and brewing with their own barley, as well as cultivating hops on their premises.
The trend of farm-to-glass breweries is gaining momentum, with more brewers opting to grow their barley and produce their malt. By prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and fostering a direct connection with consumers, these breweries are redefining the craft beer landscape. While some breweries continue to rely on third-party maltsters, the shift towards self-sufficiency and sustainability is a significant leap for the industry.