Origin Malting & Brewing Co., located in Alberta, Canada, is more than just a brewery – it is a fifth-generation family farm that has deep roots in agriculture. The Hilton family, who farms 17,000 acres of land, has been supplying malting barley to global malting companies for years. However, in 2017, they made the bold decision to vertically integrate and create their own value-added products by establishing Origin Malting & Brewing.
For many years, beer had become an industrialized product, far removed from its agricultural origins. The Hilton family used to sell their malting barley to a marketing company, with little connection to the final product or the consumers who enjoyed it. However, with the dissolution of the marketing company, the Hiltons gained a direct line to their end users, leading to a shift in perspective.
Origin Malting & Brewing Co. found its home in Strathmore, a small agricultural town that celebrates its farming roots. The Hilton family’s passion for agriculture is evident in their deep connection to the community, where they face their customers and engage with the local beer enthusiasts. This sense of community involvement has not only enriched their journey but has also brought more family members into the agricultural operation.
One of the key selling points of Origin Malting & Brewing Co. is their grain-to-glass approach. By growing, malting, and brewing their own barley, they ensure that every step of the process is done with care and attention to detail. This commitment to quality extends to the 40 craft breweries they supply malt to, allowing them to tell a story of supporting local agriculture and providing traceability to their ingredients.
Origin Malting & Brewing’s tagline, “We grow beer,” encapsulates their mission to reconnect beer lovers back to the land. In a world where mass-produced beer dominates the market, Origin serves as a reminder that beer is a product of the soil. By forging relationships with craft breweries who appreciate their malt and beer lovers who savor their creations, the Hilton family has successfully revived the connection between the farm and the glass.
Origin Malting & Brewing Co. is not alone in their farm-to-glass approach. Breweries like Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa, Colorado, and Locality Brewing in Langley, British Columbia, have also embraced the concept of growing, malting, and brewing their own barley. This growing trend highlights the importance of transparency and sustainability in the craft beer industry, as more breweries aim to create a direct connection between the farm and the pint glass.
Origin Malting & Brewing Co. stands as a shining example of the farm-to-glass movement, where the passion for agriculture and craft brewing converge to create a unique and authentic experience. By staying true to their roots and forging meaningful relationships within their community, the Hilton family has not only created exceptional beer but also revitalized the age-old connection between the land and the pint.