A special brewing method using Canadian-crafted specialty barrels, called foeders, will result in a series of quarterly, limited-release beers crafted at Land & Sea’s venue. The foeders are large, wooden fermentation vessels traditionally used by European brewers to imbue beer with barrel-aged flavour. While the technology itself isn’t new, the artisanal technique will now showcase the terroir of the Comox Valley in B.C. and its experimental craft beer scene.

After years of relationship building and research, Land & Sea Brewing’s then head brewer (now brewery operations consultant), Tessa Gabiniewicz, spearheaded the brewery’s procurement of custom-made foeders from the only Canadian company making them. The foeders’ new home on Vancouver Island is the furthest west the Prince Edward Island company, New World Foeders, has ever supplied.

The process of sourcing the foeders required customized specifications. Gabiniewicz leveraged her significant brewing and flavour profile experience to ensure they have been crafted with a bespoke West Coast spin – from the volume and type of wood used to the level of toasting the wood receives before construction and the design of specific recipes that will be enhanced by this method. Each foeder contributes flavour to beers put inside the vessel, as the porous nature of the wood draws qualities from its surroundings, reacting to changes in temperature, humidity and light, as well as the salty air unique to the Comox region. As a result, those who come in to try the foeder-brewed beers will enjoy the truest “taste of Comox” in a beer available.

“What’s neat about having the foeders made here in Canada is that they are made from Canadian oak and will truly express the terroir of our regions,” said Gabiniewicz.

The two barrels will then be inoculated with specific brews. Land & Sea will experiment with the results of aging beer in wood through the foeder method similar to aging fine wine and whisky. The inaugural beer will be a true cross-Canada island-to-island experience, in appreciation for the P.E.I.-based company that inspired Land & Sea’s interest in bringing these unique vessels out west. Gabiniewicz travelled to the small Maritime province, sourcing from the best P.E.I. hop and grain suppliers to curate a craft beer that showcases the province’s exceptional ingredients and community spirit.

Beyond the innovation behind each brew, the addition of the wooden foeders – uniquely secured horizontally, above Land & Sea’s stainless steel brewing tanks in its open and airy venue – will draw the eye of curious patrons appreciative of brewing tradition and Canadian craftsmanship.

Land & Sea anticipates the release of four to six foeder-aged beers per year, with limited quantities of each available in-house exclusively.