Brewing on the Edge of the World: Canada's Arctic - Part II

[Hunky]

I thought I had it hard up here at 64.5 degrees north in Nome, AK. Basically shipping costs, lack of local stock, high energy cost (half of yours) and running a hose for water to the neighbors (challenging at sub-zero temps) - but I'll not complain. Seems I've got it pretty danged easy. Interesting challenges - thanks for sharing.

 

[unionrdr]

More like REAL " adventures in homebrewing" to me! That's a lot of money & herculean effort to brew some good beer! Great story of hardship. We had it bad on top of that mountain in PA, but this is a new extreme! Our water lines froze in winter, coming from the cistern on top of the hill behind the house. We had a wood cooking stove to cook & heat with, as the furnace couldn't keep up with 12' ceilings in the old house. It was pegged together out of solid white oak in 1853! We hunted & fished for meat, as pop was still back in Cleveland working during the week. The nearest town was 8-10 miles away. So I understand some of what you're going through. I hope you make it south ASAP!

 

[drumuglyknuckles]

great story, thank you

 

[Black]

@Venari
I don't understand why some people denigrate whatever are your life choices. I am currently (temporarily) in Iqaluit and I can tell you, while probably easier than Igloolik, brewing here would be a PITA. As for the alcoholics downtown, I'm with you. Glad you didn't get your keezer stolen by now.
Some people on here don't realize what it is to rely on a undependable water truck to get something to flush your morning glory with, even less getting outside at -60 in a blizzard. So unless you've lived in the arctic, please refrain from commenting how much sense Venari's decisions make to you in your comfortable bungalow down south. You have no idea what it is up there. Really.
And how would you expect someone to live in an Innu village where half of the year is in the dark without something to pass time like, say, a computer? You must be the kind of people that bitch in november when the sun sets at 16:30. Come on.
Rant done. Smarten up, people.
Congratulations on homebrewing in such conditions and cheers to you buddy !
Martin

 

[Goont]

Clap clap clap clap...
One of the best article i read here

 

[Melana]

I read every word of your article and want to thank you for taking the time to share your life.

 

[GHBWNY]

Great story! One suggestion: I think your Mom and her drinking buddies should pony up for the keezer. Kind of a "deferred payment" for the 100s of gallons of beer that, only by your diligent efforts and at your expense, made their life in the arctic exponentially more bearable. Just sayin'.

 

[Venari]

It's unlikely it's going to be sold.
If it's not sold by the time I leave town, I'll just abandon it here. It's quite the investment, but I value my sanity more than I value the money I sunk into it.

 

[LostBoyScout]

That is some incredible hurdles to have overcome. Not sure there is more well-earned homebrew out there!
The tendency for indigenous peoples not being able to ration their alcohol has been something the 'settlers' have used to their advantage far too much throughout history, so kudos for steering clear of that one.

 

[matc]

Hi venari ! I'm an all grain brewer who flies all around the canadian arctic. In fact, I was in igloolik a couple of days ago. I fly for kudlik, you might know our company ? Anyway, It's cool to know that someone from igloolik is brewing ! I also met a guy from pond inlet that does the same as you. You'll definitely enjoy brewing in ottawa, much much easier for sure haha

 

[dwhite60]

Great story! Thanks for sharing!
All the Best,
D. White

 

[Venari]

I'd like to thank all the generous donors who've contributed to my campaign to go home.
I'm in Ottawa now, and more or less settled in. Those donations made a huge difference with the costs involved in the move.
I've de-activated the GoFundMe, and am now currently looking for work

 

[passedpawn]

GoHireMe? .

 

[wyccad915]

Very inspirational. If you can homebrew, so can I

 

[Nanuk-O-Dah-Nort]

@MMJfan wrote:
Dude, (MagicMatt) this guy is making beer under some pretty hard circumstances and you're nitpicking about some 'inconsistencies' in his writing?
MMJfan, I'm very new here, but in the short time I have been reading and learning, I've noticed MM is OFTEN posting like that.... Some folks feel "Bigger" if they belittle others! I hope (s)he get some meds so is able to move on.
Oh, and I'm looking for the "Ignore" list