Brandonites got their first taste of the Black Wheat Brewing Company products Tuesday night. In fact, the beer arrived during a blizzard. What a way to make an entrance!  Who doesn’t love an icy cold beer though? Wrapping gifts and baking cookies was the setting for my first taste of the new beers.  The first one, the one with the cheeky name, Reality Czech, is my favourite of the two introductions. No doubt this one will be popular! It’s a light-tasting, easy drinking Czech-style pale lager. It has a fresh, almost floral finish to it. It goes well with copious amounts of Christmas cookies and fudge. (Or that’s how I tried it, at least!) I look forward to trying it again with some gingerbread cookies, or maybe even a charcuterie tray. Isn’t that what we’re all eating this week anyways?  In my opinion, this great tasting beer would pair well with just about anything. Photo: Cathie Crossin If you like a full flavoured, crisp IPA style lager, then do try the Empire Ale.  It’s got a darker colour and a higher alcohol content. I think it would be well paired with a spicy pizza, wings or sharp cheddar cheese and soft pretzels.  The day after my taste test and introductions, I thought I would share a few by playing secret Santa & delivering a few to the doorsteps of friends. I stopped along the way to snap a few scenic photos. The labels are very attractive and look fantastic. Everyone I spoke to agrees! I stopped to grab a pizza for my last delivery (as I thought it would be a nice touch). Who wouldn’t love a Fast Fired Pizza and a beverage delivered to their door?  (It made for a nice picture too! Sorry if the pizza cooled off a bit.)  Photo: Cathie Crossin Kudos to the brewmaster and brand managers at Black Wheat Brewing Company. I know it’s not easy launching a product, or building a brand in a pandemic. The other thing I know is that the folks of Brandon and Westman are supportive and love local. The future is bright and we certainly look forward to the brewery and taproom opening this Spring. It will be absolutely wonderful when we can sit side-by-side, share stories, raise a glass to toast and actually drink a beer together once again.

Black Wheat Brewing Company will deliver their first beer to Brandonites before Santa arrives next week.  While the brewery is not officially up and running or set to open its doors here just yet, they have coordinated with Barn Hammer Brewing of Winnipeg to produce their first run of beers.  Ted Birch, one of the founding partners of Black Wheat Brewing Co. has announced that the first deliveries will reach Brandon residents on December 22nd.  “We have partnered with Barn Hammer to co-brew this first batch and bring it to market.”  The brewmaster at Barn Hammer, is Ted’s son, Tyler Birch.  Black Wheat Brewing Co. will be the first brewery and taproom to open in the City of Brandon. While Birch, and local partner Scott Johnston (of Centec Electric and Controls) had hoped to open in 2020, the opening date has been pushed back to March 2021.  Initially Black Wheat will offer two beers. Both are available to purchase now, through their website with doorstep deliveries starting December 22nd.  The first signature brew is “Reality Czech” a Czech-style pale lager. The second is named “Empire Ale” an American-style IPA.  Photo: Black Wheat Brewing Company Photo: Black Wheat Brewing Company The brewery plans to offer 4 or 5 core beers, plus speciality and seasonal beers after they open for business officially.  The taproom will seat 75 indoors with additional patio seating next summer.  The brewmaster at Black Wheat Brewing Co. will be Umber Awasthi, an experienced craftsman who has re-located to Brandon from Northwest Ontario. Beer aficionados are eagerly anticipating his blueberry brew, which is slated as the next release.  To get your hands on a beer before year’s end, adults are invited to place an order at www.barnhammerbrewing.ca Look for the link and order form on that home page for Black Wheat Delivery.  Orders must be paid before deliveries will be sent out. ID will be required at home delivery. Logo merchandise will also be available to purchase on-line early in 2021.  Birch is eager to get the ball rolling and get their beer in the hands of Brandonites. “We’re ready to roll this out. We will have about 7000 cans ready for sale and delivery this week” says Birch.  When asked what the people of Brandon could do to show support for this new business, Birch replied, “We just need people to buy our beer and buy our merchandise.”  It’s time for Brandon to get acquainted with its new favourite beer. The brewery itself will be located in the Downtown Hub at 402 10th Street.  Photo: Cathie Crossin Bdnmb.ca will be following this story and has an order in for the first shipment. We will post taste test reviews and offer brewery updates as they become available.

Brandon, Manitoba – Christmas is the true chorus that culminates and commences another year of wonderful opportunities to reach out to those around us.  In that spirit, Sunrise Credit Union is donating over $32,000 to a number of charitable organizations in Southwestern Manitoba this holiday season: Adult & Teen ChallengeBoissevain & District Chamber of Commerce ‘A COVID Christmas’Boissevain Christmas CheerBrandon Regional Health Centre FoundationDeloraine & Area Christmas CheerEveryone Eats BrandonGrandview Christmas HampersHartney Christmas Cheer FundKid Sport BrandonMelita & Area Christmas Cheer BoardReston Pipestone Pastoral ChargeRM of Argyle Heart 2 Heart ProgramRonald McDonald House Charities ManitobaSara’s Pantry Food Bank & Glenboro UCTShoal Lake Healthy Community CommitteeSouthquill Area Food BankSte. Rose Share & CareTreherne Chamber of Commerce Christmas Hamper ProgramUnited Way Brandon & DistrictVirden & Area Food CupboardVirden Christmas CheerYMCA Strong Kids Campaign “The Christmas season presents opportunities to spread peace and joy to those around us.” said Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen, “I hope our donations will inspire other businesses and individuals to remember the true meaning of Christmas and support charitable organizations in their community.” Consistent with our giving throughout the year, these donations are in addition to the $42,000 Helping People of Sunrise Grants that were distributed in April – May 2020 to assist with the health and economic crisis our communities faced at the beginning of the pandemic. (submitted article)

BRANDON, MB – The iconic Patmore forest, located on the Keystone Centre grounds is the site of a new, and unique, outdoor event venue. Clara – Latin for “bright” – is a clear top reception tent capable of hosting groups up to 350 among the 100 year old trees of the Keystone Centre’s most picturesque outdoor space. The event space will be located on a newly installed concrete pad. Limitless Events is currently taking reservations for Clara for spring 2021. Clara is a joint venture between Limitless Events, and the Keystone Centre, intended to bring more events to the Keystone Centre’s outdoor grounds. Perfect for weddings, the venue will also be used for cultural events, receptions, outdoor markets, and any other event looking for a unique, and elegant outdoor venue solution. “The Keystone Centre is privileged to have some of the nicest green space within the City, and we have been looking at ways to make it a more attractive site for events,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre assistant general manager and vice president of sales. “Clara will be an elegant centerpiece for that space, and the versatility means that the Keystone Centre can be home to events that may not have previously thought about hosting on our grounds. ”In addition to being the host site for Clara, the Keystone Centre will also manage all food and beverage arrangements for events held at the new venue. Booking inquiries can be directed to the Keystone Centre sales office at 204-729-3752 or info@keystonecentre.com. (Keystone Centre Release)

Engaged couples looking for a venue for their weddings have a new option starting in 2021. Located just 15 minutes South of Brandon, Oakland Estate features an elegant clear top tent surrounded by beautiful oak trees. Couples and their guests will enjoy the ceremony location, pathway with bistro lights, fire pit areas around the patio and a fully furnished bridal cottage! The venue rental includes tables and chairs, wheel chair accessible washrooms, a bar, caterer tent, clear tent, ceiling drapery with beautiful chandeliers and much more! "Building a wedding venue was always a dream of mine over the past four years, ever since I became a wedding photographer. My husband and I actually started planning and looking for the perfect property in summer of 2019".---owner, Janice Charriere The venue will have a maximum capacity of 200 people. Couples will have the option to hire a caterer of their choice. The transparent tent, with a cement floor for dancing, measures 50’x80’. Take a look at their website for more information, or to inquire about a booking. www.oaklandestate.ca. Facebook link.