Big Rock Brewery
1985 was a simpler time. Beer was either “lager A” or “lager B”. But noted beer fan Ed McNally was thirsty for a real choice. And rather than complicate matters by tracking down established import brews, Ed took the “easy” way out and started his own brewery. We’re driven by a passion to bring better beer to Canadians every day, everywhere. We’re handcrafted in a high-volume world, and we’re proud of it. We believe today, as our founder Ed McNally believed in 1985, that to raise one glass is to raise an entire industry. The rest is a part of Big Rock Brewery history. 
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
