This Pint Has 20 Ounces

Calgary’s craft brewing industry is often applauded for its strong focus on collaboration and cooperation over competition, which was a massive inspiration for this week’s guest, Byron Brooks of Builders and Brews. Byron tells us of how after being contracted for some construction work at Annex Ale Project he was inspired to create this collaborative spirit into his own industry. A carpenter by trade, Byron has worked on a massive range of products across his career, from furniture to high rises, and most recently custom homes and commercial construction including breweries and taprooms. While helping to set up Annex’s taproom he saw a few guys from their neighbours Banded Peak pop in to help set up a piece of equipment so Annex’s founders Andrew and Erica didn’t repeat a mistake they’d made in the opening of their own brewery the year before. It seemed a little weird to Byron since he knew they were competitors but didn’t think too much of it. A couple days later some guys from another brewery would come by