Deadfall Brewing Company in Prince George, B.C., is gaining national recognition after winning six awards at the 2024 Canada Beer Cup, one of the country’s most prestigious craft beer competitions. Despite being in business for just two years, Deadfall took home five gold, silver, and bronze medals, outshining larger breweries across the country.
The brewery’s standout performance included gold for their flagship beer, Succession, and multiple accolades for their innovative brews, including gold and silver for Gloaming, bronze for Basal Brown, Aurora, and Belgian Strong Ale, as well as a silver for Grissette from BC Beer. These wins make Deadfall the top-performing brewery of this year’s competition.
Brandon Baewald, Deadfall’s master brewer, said the victory is a testament to their dedication to quality. “The Canada Beer Cup is quickly becoming one of the highest calibre, best-run competitions in the country. Winning these awards is validation that our hard work is paying off,” Baewald said. He added that while his Basal Brown ale took home bronze this year instead of its previous gold, he’s already fine-tuning the recipe for future competitions. “It can always be better,” Baewald said, echoing his commitment to continuous improvement.
The brewery’s success is even more impressive given its humble beginnings. Owners Erin and Brandon Baewald, along with their co-owners Jane Fowler, a microbiologist, and Will Emery, a future psychiatrist, all met at grad school. The Baewalds, both former home brewers, decided to turn their passion for beer into a business, and in doing so, they created a brewery that has already made its mark on the national stage.
Deadfall’s unique name and branding reflect their approach to brewing. “Deadfall” refers to the process of a fallen tree creating new life by cycling nutrients and providing habitat. Erin Baewald, who also studies bats at the University of Northern British Columbia, explains that the brewery’s aesthetic embraces this concept of life and death. The taproom features expansive art, colorful murals, and symbols of the cycle of life, including mushrooms and skeleton imagery, creating a striking atmosphere.
Erin wanted the brewery to feel like a hidden gem. “I wanted it to feel like when you flip over a log and discover all the cool stuff underneath,” she said, capturing the sense of surprise and discovery that patrons experience when they walk into the space.
Inside, guests are welcomed to explore a variety of craft beers available for tasting. If you’re unsure where to start, Erin is ready to offer recommendations, matching visitors with beers based on their preferences. “If you’ve never been here before, you might stand at the door for a while, taking it all in,” she laughed. “We’re happy to guide you through the process.”
Despite not having a kitchen, Deadfall offers a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere where customers are encouraged to bring their own food. The brewery is also licensed for families, ensuring that all ages can enjoy the environment. “We had a group of ladies come in with a big charcuterie spread, and they just sat, laughed, and chatted for hours,” said Brandon. “It’s that kind of place.”
In addition to their regular beer offerings, Deadfall is known for its community engagement, regularly hosting fun events and supporting local businesses. The brewery also keeps a selection of Northern Lights Estate wine for those who prefer something other than beer, reinforcing its commitment to the local economy and diverse tastes.
Deadfall Brewing’s recent success at the Canada Beer Cup is just the latest chapter in the brewery’s rapid rise, marking a major milestone for the small Prince George brewery with big dreams. As the brewery continues to evolve, one thing is certain: its beers are quickly becoming some of the best in Canada.
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