About us
Memorable experiences are key to what we do
We understand that the best times are those that you don’t want to end, especially when you’re having on a refreshing drink. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy what we make, but even if you are, we’re convinced you’ll like what you try.
Every one of our brands is built on two principles: satisfaction and affordability. We hope you appreciate our drinks as much as we do.
Our Story
Pacific Western Brewing (PWB) believes that as a company supporting our people and the community where we live and work is important. From the beginning, PWB has invested in activities and projects that make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of our community.
1969
First malt liquor in Canada After a series of beer releases, great success was achieved through the launch of the “Uncle Bens Malt Liquor.”
1978
Prince George Breweries Ltd. took over the brewery New company headed by PG businessman Bob Naismith and his partner Nelson, started its operation. However, the brewery was taken over by Old Fort Brewing in 1981 and there were several ownership changes throughout the 80s.
1982
First dark mild beer in Canada Canterbury Dark Mild was launched to pay tribute to Britain and the Canterbury Cathedral.
1982
Strange Brew filmed on location Strange Brew was filmed at Pacific Western Brewing’s headquarters. This film was a 1983 Canadian comedy starring the popular SCTV characters Bob and Doug McKenzie (portrayed by Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis who also served as co-directors) as they get jobs at the Elsinore Brewery, only to learn that something is rotten with the state of it.
1988
First dry beer in Canada
1991
Kazuko Komatsu became seventh owner of the brewery The brewery really started to claim its place as a stable, job-sustaining, quality-focused, community-oriented cornerstone in the Prince George business community.
1993
First ice beer in Canada
1995
First malted herb beer in Canada
1996
First lager/lime beer in Canada After experimenting with flavored beers, the Dude Lime beer was launched.
1996
Improved quality Became the inaugural brewery in North America to adopt the certified ISO 9002 quality assurance standard.
1997
First certified organic lager beer in Canada
2005
First Canadian Gold Medal Winner at the Industry International Awards in Munich Germany
2008
Silver award for the American-style dark lager
2013
Improving technology PWB installed a 10 hectolitre (HL) small batch pilot brewing system in 2013 that allows the brewery to develop new leading-edge recipes and offer one-off beers and seasonal releases. The equipment complements PWB’s existing production system that is responsible for the brewery’s entire product lineup with annual production in excess of 150,000 HL.
2015
Sponsoring the Canada Winter Games PWB sponsored the 2015 Canada Winter Games in the city and supported a number of charities including the Prince George Foundation, the three Prince George Rotary Clubs and others.
2017
60th anniversary of brewing on the banks of the Nechako in Prince George The words of the first brewery’s president, Donald Lauder of Vancouver, echo back through the decades: “We are more firmly convinced than ever that the company’s choice of Prince George as its home was its soundest step.”
2017
Helping the forests A team of more than 90 tree planters plants 100,000 seedlings on Crown land that had been scorched by the devastating Elephant Hill forest fire.
2018
Improving the brewery The brewery invests $4 million in technological upgrades.
2018
New beer release Release of the first batch of Pacific Free: A “gluten removed” lager for a discerning, health-conscious generation of beer lovers.
2019
Cariboo Genuine Draft wins bronze trophy Pacific Western Brewing’s Cariboo Genuine Draft was awarded a bronze trophy in the “light lager” category at the Canadian International Beer Awards in Edmonton, Alberta.
Our
Company
Our Vision
Achieving sustainable company growth.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be Western Canada’s best beverage manufacturer through innovative ownership, a talented team, and solid brands. We are an established company that gives back by bringing families together to support the community, exceptionally dedicated to British Columbia, and 100% committed to conserving the standards of our products.
Our Values
Genuine
We are honest, truthful, and always transparent with both our team and our clients.
Respect
We are committed to being inclusive of various points of view, ideas, stories, backgrounds, and offerings, as well as learning from one another wherever possible.
Accountability
Although actions speak louder than words, we hold ourselves accountable for both in order to complete a task.
Customer-Centric
The market may change, but we remain committed to providing value, knowing and solving needs, and actively listening to our customers in order to effectively serve and assist them.
Sustainability
We know the world can be better, and we want to be one of the many people who are making a difference by supporting sustainable environmental organizations.
Our team
We support sustainability across BC
Climate change is happening, but we’re not going to sit around and wait for the end. We’re taking on initiatives and supporting organizations that help protect and clean up the environment.