75 - Jochen Fahr (Brauerei Fahr)

This week’s guest, Jochen Fahr of Braureri Fahr, joins us this week to discuss his trans-continental history and his award winning beer.

Jochen was “brewed and raised” in Germany, coming from a tiny town of just 300 people in the foothills of the Alps. Growing up (or brewing up?) Jochen had wanted to be chef, but in a radical departure he ended up going to university for bio chemical engineering. Through his schooling he spent a year long exchange at the University of Calgary doing neuroscience work, a decision he made based on the cheap cost of a flight to Calgary!

Following his exchange at the U of C Jochen returned to Germany to complete his thesis before making his way back to Calgary once more in 2008 to start his Master’s in medical science followed by a PhD in bio medical engineering. However, Jochen claims that “PhD” stands for “permanent head damage”, a symptom of banging your head against the wall, which is something that only beer can cure.

In a marriage between his love passion for cooking and his scientific background, Jochen incorporated Braureri Fahr in 2015 after quitting his job and figuring he could be a much better boss than the folks he had been working for. After 10 months of raising funds he started brewing his beer out of Toolshed, and by October 2017 he was brewing out of his own space in Turner Valley.

Since the beginning consistency has been hugely important to him. Consistency in the quality of the beer (which nearly all follows the 1516 Purity Law) which has led to his many awards, and consistency in how he treats his employees and contributes to his community. Jochen is a huge advocate for being a good corporate citizen, with the brewery currently sponsoring a men’s and women’s curling team. He also is an advocate for responsible growth, not growth at any cost, and this is exemplified by his values of ensuring growth comes with rewards for his employees who helped make it possible.

—
Let’s Meet For A Beer: website | facebook

Alberta Beer Festivals: website | twitter | instagram

Jochen Fahr - Fahr Brewery: website | twitter | instagram | facebook