About the brewery

Crannóg Ales began in 2000 as Canada’s first Certified Organic farmhouse microbrewery, founded on a small organic farm in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. From the beginning, the brewery focused on crafting unfiltered, unpasteurized ales using only organic ingredients—many grown right on the farm itself. Inspired by Irish brewing traditions, Crannóg became known for producing full-flavoured, complex ales that were still incredibly drinkable.

Located in Sorrento, between Salmon Arm and Kamloops, the brewery was surrounded by a region rich in agriculture, recreation, and natural beauty. The Shuswap’s farming community, hiking trails, lake culture, and the famous Adams River salmon run all shaped the character of the brewery and its beers.

Crannóg’s brewing system was small and hands-on—a ten-hectolitre setup with a direct-fired kettle and open fermenters, originally sourced from BC’s first licensed microbrewery, Horseshoe Bay Brewing. Combined with the naturally mineral-rich well water on the property, this approach helped give Crannóg ales their distinctive old-world character.

Today, the legacy of Crannóg continues with brewing operations carried out by BNA Brewing, ensuring these organic ales remain available while staying true to the spirit and traditions that made them special.

The People Behind Crannóg

Few names carry the weight that Crannóg does in BC craft beer. From the beginning, it has been driven by the vision, creativity, and dedication of its founders, Brian MacIsaac and Rebecca Kneen.

Brian MacIsaac is the brewer, co owner, and the artist behind much of the distinctive artwork found throughout the brewery, farm, and Crannóg’s visual identity. Known for his hands on approach, Brian spent most of his time brewing, cleaning (sometimes in that order), and shaping the bold character of Crannóg’s beers. His commitment to organic brewing, honesty in ingredients, and inventive craft helped define the brewery and the ales that so many people have come to love.

Rebecca Kneen is Crannóg’s hops farmer, administrator, co brewer, and co owner. Her work has been instrumental in growing the organic brewing movement in British Columbia, including writing the Small Scale Organic Hops Production Manual, which helped spark the revival of BC’s hops industry in 2004. At the brewery she balanced everything from paperwork to cask building, while also dedicating time to supporting organic farming organizations and community initiatives.

Together, Brian and Rebecca built Crannóg into one of BC’s most respected craft breweries. The brewery became known for its integrity, local ingredients, and socially conscious approach to brewing.

Today a new chapter continues that legacy. Brewing operations are now carried out by BNA Brewing, who are honoured to help carry Crannóg forward. Inspired by the standards Brian and Rebecca set, BNA remains committed to brewing the same iconic Irish ales with the same ingredients and care, keeping the spirit of Crannóg alive while sharing these beers with a wider community.

Just the beer you love, continuing its story. 🍻