We’re excited see our latest collaboration is flowing across Wales - one that brought a true taste of Wales across the Atlantic for St David’s Day!
Last month, we teamed up with Vancouver’s Main Street Brewing, owned by Colwyn Bay-born ex-pat Nigel Pike, to create a special Welsh Red Ale. This unique beer is now available in Canada and is also pouring in cask across Welsh pubs as part of the celebrations for our Patron Saint.
The collaboration involved a mighty 4,500 mile journey for the moose to head over to Vancouver to join our new friends at Main Street Brewing to brew the unique collaboration ale.
Speaking of the special experience Lawrence Washington, our Managing Director said:
“This is our first opportunity to take part in an international collaboration like this, and what better time to do it than in our 20th anniversary year? There’s also the small matter that moose are indigenous to Canada—it felt like a natural fit!”
(Pictured: Lawrence, the Moose, Nigel & the Main Street Brewing Team)
Nigel, reflecting on his Welsh roots, added:
“Welsh culture has a strong sense of community, storytelling, and craftsmanship—all things that resonate in brewing. At Main Street Brewing, we respect tradition while embracing innovation, and this collaboration was a perfect way to blend those elements.”
While the core principles of brewing remain the same on both sides of the Atlantic, Vancouver’s craft beer culture often pushes style boundaries by UK standards. Nigel specifically wanted to brew a Welsh Red Ale to honour his heritage—a style rarely found in North America.
Nigel described the experience of brewing together as a highlight:
“There’s always something special about hosting fellow brewers and sharing ideas over a few pints. We wanted to craft something that honoured both traditions while also standing out on its own. The process, from recipe development to the final pour, was incredibly rewarding.”
So how do we think Canadian drinkers will react to a beer celebrating St David’s Day? Nigel is confident they’ll embrace it:
“Canadians and ex-pats have a real appreciation for craft beer and cultural celebrations. Whether they have Welsh roots or just enjoy a great pint, we hope they see it as a fun, limited-edition brew with a great story behind it.”
A beautiful Welsh Red IPA, full of malt-rich flavours and hints of blackcurrant, this beer is bold, balanced, and proudly Welsh. Brewed both in Vancouver & Porthmadog it is available in Wales in cask through our regular outlets (whilst the limited quantity lasts), and will soon be launched in cans for those that want to enjoy Hiraeth at home.
Join us in raising a glass to this special collaboration—whether in Porthmadog or Vancouver! Iechyd Da 🍻
