Page 34 - 04-June-2024

FAMILIA
BREWING 26 VILLAGE DR, WESTEROSE
JUAN MONTERROSA WANTED THE NAME
of his brewery to reflect his Latino roots, but still be inclusive. “I wanted to make sure that it didn’t have two Rs,” he says, saving non-Spanish speakers the trouble of trying to roll them. Familia did that and more.
This tiny taproom, extended by a deck
in summer, sits at the corner of a collection of shops and cafes at Pigeon Lake, the area where Monterrosa grew up after his parents arrived as refugees from El Salvador’s civil war. He remembers home as “vibrant, it smelled delicious, there’s music playing all the time.” Familia, just over two years old, evokes that. It’s comfortable but lively (“staff make fun of me for how much I play Bad Bunny,” says Monterrosa with a laugh), and scented by warm grain.
That sense of welcome is in the beer
too. Monterrosa is a veteran homebrewer who appreciates simplicity. Core offerings include a crisp golden ale, a savoury pale ale,
and a hoppy but mild New England pale ale. And, of course, there’s a cerveza.
“Every country in Central America has their national beer,” says Monterrosa. Costa del Sol, named for his favourite El Salvadoran beach, is clean and cheerful.
For those less familiar with craft, “I feel like our beers are made to be a low barrier to entry,” says Monterrosa.
But he still enjoys getting creative. Add the likes of a dry-hopped sour or an IPA made with pastry from Holey Grail Donuts & Bakery to your samplings before retiring to the quaint Village Creek Country Inn across the street.
Spa packages are available, Monterrosa adds. Golf courses are nearby. Ma-Me-O Beach is up the road. He sees the brewery as enriching visitors’ experience of Pigeon Lake. Maybe his, too. “I love going in on
a busy day and you get the energy of the people,” he says. “It feels like family.”
GOLF COURSES - MA-ME-O BEACH
IN THE AREA
↖
PIGEON LAKE
JUAN MONTERROSA
109 KM
FROM EDMONTON
WHERE TO STAY
VILLAGE CREEK COUNTRY INN
34 EDify. JUNE.24