Jakob loved almost everything about Canada. But if he was being honest with himself, the beer here was no good. He missed the Bavarian brewing traditions of his home country and was determined to do something about it. 

He partnered with a fellow ex-pat, Buko von Krosigk, and began a grand plan to bring better beer to the Okanagan Valley – and maybe even beyond.

Jakob and Buko tasked Okanagan Spring’s original brewmaster, Raimund Kalinoswki, with creating a Bavarian-inspired brew that used only Canadian ingredients. The result was a delicious success and a welcome change from the big beers on the market at the time. Okanagan Spring’s brews deviated from the mainstream, pioneering craft brewing in the region. 

On New Year’s Eve 1985, the first bottles of Okanagan Spring Brewery’s Premium Lager were sold to thirsty customers from a rail-side beer store - the same location where the brewery stands today. The beer was a hit and gave the brewery early success.

Not that brewing was without its challenges. 

The first batch of beer they bottled faced unexpected temperature issues that affected the fermentation process. The team used chainsaws to cut chunks of ice from nearby Swan Lake and haul them to the brewery to cool the bright beer tank and save the batch. The unusual move worked, and production stayed on track.

Jakob’s sons each took an interest in the business and continue to work there today. 

Stefan started out cleaning the stainless-steel parts that would be used to build the brewery’s original equipment. He eventually headed to Germany to earn his credentials as a brewer before returning to Vernon. Andy started out gluing cases together and is now an inventory control specialist. And after earning his license, Markus got behind the wheel of the summer delivery truck and has been moving Okanagan Spring beers ever since.

In 1996, John Sleeman, then president of Sleeman Breweries, was exploring ways to build on the success of his Ontario-based Sleeman Brewery. He approached the owners of Okanagan Spring about purchasing their operations. 

“As we were looking at expanding, one of our salespeople in BC said that Okanagan Spring had great products and a really loyal following in the West,” says John. “They had good beer, good people, and a good location. One of their biggest strengths is that they understand their customers.” 

A deal was struck, and the acquisition of Okanagan Spring Brewery created today’s national Sleeman Breweries.

John understood that the team at Okanagan Spring knew what they were doing and were the key to the brewery’s success. As part of Sleeman Breweries, the team maintained a thriving operation, producing their well-loved craft beers and using the brewery’s extra capacity to produce Sleeman products for fans in the west.

This year, to celebrate 40 years of brewing at Okanagan Spring, the marketing team launched a special heritage edition of the brand’s packaging. Munich Wheat Ale, 1516 Lager, and Extra Special Pale Ale are available in bold retro packaging that embraces the brand’s original 1980s esthetic. 

"As the pioneers of craft beer in BC, it is absolutely worth celebrating 40 years!”  says Candace Potter, Brand Manager for Okanagan Spring. 

The retro branding is a throwback to the brewery’s early days. Candace explains, “We used one of the brewery’s early logos, which allowed us to leverage the nostalgia megatrend we see with our consumers. Then, we worked closely with Stefan to deliver his family's story to the province, all while making the brand appear bolder and stand out more than ever in market." 

So far, the strategy is working, and fans of the beer are eager to get their hands on the heritage cans.

If you want to enjoy 40 years in this business, you need some talented people to help get you there. Okanagan Spring has been such a success because of its skilled and hard-working employees. “We’ve got a fantastic team here,” says Russel Larnder, Director of Operations at Okanagan Spring. “We owe a lot of what we are to who our employees have made us into.”

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the team gathered at the Vernon Sunshine Festival in June – a local celebration that kicks off the summer season.

Employees enjoyed a beer and a bratwurst with coworkers and, despite a grey day, had fun listening to live music and toasting the brewery.

Most employees at Okanagan Spring Brewery have worked there for more than a decade. Stefan holds the title of the brewery’s longest serving employee with 40 years of service. When asked why Okanagan Spring has remained a local favourite for so long, Stefan says “We were always quality based and consistent – that made us stand out.”

Lab technician Devon Tether is Okanagan Spring’s newest employee. Devon says, “I have been working at Okanagan Spring Brewery for about three months now and have enjoyed every minute so far. Everyone has been very welcoming and friendly, creating a wonderful environment to be a part of.  I cannot wait to see what the future holds while working here!"

Jakob Tobler knew exactly what the BC beer scene was missing and met the needs of folks who just wanted really good local beer. Forty years later, we’re proud to continue his legacy. 

Cheers to many more decades of brewing outstanding beers in Vernon!