The Nelson Brewing Company turned 30 years-old this month. The legendary brewers have grown right alongside the boom in craft brewing here and south of the 49th parallel.

Lead brewer Simon Barna stopped by Kootenay Morning on May 14 to fill KCR on how the little brewery that could have grown in one of the beer mecca’s of the world.

Barna said 70% of the craft market revolves around India Pale Ale’s. Hops were originally added the beer kegs aboard British ships bound for the colonies as a preservative, and not a flavour additive.

Have a listen here: