Ms. Brenda Sgaggi reports

BIG ROCK BREWERY INC.: KISS MY KVASS

Big Rock Brewery Inc. has released Ivan the Fermentable, a Russian-style kvass, the company's newest Alchemist Edition beer.

Leftover bread could be fermented in the kitchen with water and yeast to create low-alcohol refreshment. In 16th century Russia, uneaten food would never be left to spoil. Big Rock's brewmaster Paul Gautreau was inspired by this early resourceful triumph of sustainability.

Evolving from this is a unique easy drinking beer made from dark rye bread. Why go to a baker for the bread when Big Rock has an entire team of eager contributors right here at the brewery?

From the start, Big Rock's kvass always had a community feel to it and after a few test batches, the company sent 22 of its Big Rock comrades to their home kitchens to mix, knead and bake. Big Rock collected 155 loaves of home-baked heavy dark rye bread with raisins and cinnamon, sliced and heavily toasted.

This beer was as difficult to co-ordinate as it was to brew. Formulating, searching out ingredients, baking, toasting and brewing were all completed by a thirsty and enthusiastic team.

The result: Ivan the Fermentable. Big Rock's version of a Russian-style kvass. Only 3,000 bottles are being produced, making this 2.5 per cent brew one of Big Rock's more limited releases. Available in a 650-millimetre bomber bottle, Ivan the Fermentable makes its appearance on Nov. 7, 2014, in Alberta. To find out where you can get a bottle, visit the Big Rock website, or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates.