Big Rock Brewmaster creates seasonal favourite by adding coffee beans to beer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Big Rock Brewmaster creates seasonal favourite by adding coffee beans to beer.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Calgary, AB – Big Rock Brewery (TSX: BR.UN) is pleased to announce a blend of freshly ground espresso beans and roasted barley malts in its late 2007 seasonal beer: Espresso Stout.

In addition to creating our regular craft beers, Big Rock’s Brewmaster likes to experiment by creating a limited batch of a seasonal beer three times a year. This year for the first time, he’s repeated himself with Espresso Stout; a rich flavoured beer brewed with a combination of roasted barley malts and freshly ground espresso beans. Big Rock made Espresso Stout last year for the holiday season and it was so popular we had to bring it back. Its intense café au lait character is delicious on its own or as a perfect compliment to chocolate or other rich desserts.

Not everyone would think of adding roasted coffee beans to beer, but Big Rock’s Brewmaster, Paul Gautreau likes to mix it up. Producing seasonal beers in small batches gives him the opportunity to stay on top of trends and explore new ideas.

“Making beer is a centuries old art form” says Gautreau. “At Big Rock, we still make beer the traditional way so we are able to try new things and add different ingredients, much as a chef does in a restaurant when creating new menu items” Gautreau explains of his craft. “Plus, it’s fun and we come up with excellent new beers!” The seasonal brews are very popular with customers. Espresso Stout sold out quickly last year and it’s expected to sell fast again this year.

There are three ways to purchase Espresso Stout; in gift sets with 4 bottles, 2 glasses and 1 50g bag of chocolate covered espresso beans from Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut; in 6 packs in liquor stores and as draught at select locations. Espresso Stout is available in limited quantities for the holiday season across the prairies, BC and Nova Scotia.

Big Rock – headquartered in Calgary, Alberta – produces premium quality craft beers and cider. Big Rock’s products are available in draught, bottles and cans. Big Rock products are enjoyed in seven provinces and three territories in Canada and oddly enough, Korea.

For further information please contact:
Jim Button, Vice-President Marketing
5555 – 76 Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2C 4L8
Phone: (403) 203.3737