Today marks a historic event at Surrey’s Russell Brewing. They’ve teamed up with KPU Brewing and other breweries around the province of BC to create a beer that salutes the founder of Canada’s first craft brewery, John Mitchell.

Today, (July 6) marks the 40th anniversary of the day Alexander John Mitchell opened the doors to Horseshoe Bay Brewery that helped launch the craft beer industry in Canada.

Using Mitchell’s original recipe brew as guidance, a new tribute ale called, The John Mitchell Signature Cascadian Dark Ale will be unveiled during an event at Russell Brewing’s new tasting room.

Proceeds from the sale of the beer will go to the John Mitchell Legacy Scholarship at KPU. “The money will help students achieve their dream of becoming the next generation of professional brewers,” Ohler said. “It’s the same dream John Mitchell had 40 years ago.”

Canada Malting donated all the ingredients for John Mitchell Tribute Ale, Yakima-Chief Hops donated whole-leaf Cascade hops, Central City Brewing donated the yeast, and the Great Little Box Company donated labels for the cans.

John Mitchell (right) alongside son Edward at the Troller Pub, 1982

Mitchell opened Canada’s first craft brewery in 1982. He “laid the foundation that has allowed craft beer, and other related industries, to grow into what they are today,” according to Ohler, a steward of Mitchell’s legacy.

“By spurring needed changes to legislation, Mitchell and his partners spearheaded an economic and cultural awakening in Canada’s brewing industry,” Ohler added. “From that one pioneering location, the Canadian craft beer industry has now grown to boast over 1,000 enthusiastic breweries.”

John Mitchell Signature Cascadian Dark Ale will be released in packaged format as well as on draught. A list of outlets carrying the brew will be compiled on johnmitchell.beer.