waut de schissjat (WHAT THE HECK) IS A BLUMSTEIN?

“Blumstein” was a name given to the rural school district no. 502 in southern Manitoba, established in 1887.  It is here where a dairy farm was built the Mennonite way - up at the crack of dawn, chores to do, cows to milk and feed, followed by more chores, and finally at the end of a hard day’s work one would open the secret cellar and crack open a cold beer, so long as no one else was looking.  You wouldn’t dare get caught drinking or dancing on a Mennonite farm!  Today, this dairy operation is now a craft beer brewing operation, no more hiding - unless, of course you want to.  Your secret’s safe with us.

WHO WE ARE

JUST A COUPLE MENNO BOYS, MAKING BEER

Dairy farmer turned brewery business operator, Milt and wife Tash still grain farm in the district known as Blumstein (RM of Stanley). Milt loves helping out, being involved in various boards like local food cupboards and co-ops (don’t get him started on co-ops, or maybe do - it’s a great conversation).

MILT OLFERT

PRESIDENT/OWNER

MARK VON RIESEN

Mark has a background in charity work, the restaurant industry, and entrepreneurial self employment - which now includes 2 craft breweries. He loves the culture of craft beer, the process of combining art and science to create it, and sharing it with others.

BREWMASTER/OWNER

HONORABLE MENTIONS

  • Tash Olfert (bookkeeping)

  • Warren Dyck (renos)

  • Kevin Earl (delivery)

  • Andy Martens (delivery)

  • Taryn Olfert (admin)

  • Lyle Suderman (R&D)