The business of brewing began with ranching roots in Senlac

SENLAC — A new brewing business that made its way to grassroots production is now operating out of Maple Creek, owned, and operated by former Senlac residents, Ryan and Teresa Moncrieff

Rafter R is a cattle brand. Ryan said he used it to brand his woodworking projects. When the couple were at the naming stage for their brewery, they felt it was an obvious choice being they grew up on farms/ranches, as well as Maple Creek historically being known as Cow Town. Rafter R Brewing Company was born.

However, opening a business just months into a worldwide pandemic may have put panic in the hearts of existing business owners, it did not deter the Moncreiffs’ desire to own and open their own business doing something they loved. Their perseverance could be attributed to their understanding of challenges and potential setbacks from growing up on farm families, however that same background also had them believing in the old adage that “choose a job you love, you will never work a day in your life”

The Moncrieffs said they took the plunge and opened their doors to the public in the midst of the pandemic, July 29 of 2020. They had a business plan that works with what they envision for their business and are happy to say they are hitting that mark. While they have a few keg accounts, they mainly sell their beer right from the taproom. They are also on tap at Pile O’ Bones in Regina, Ivan’s Restaurant in Cypress Hills and Lakeview Grill at Cypress Hills.

Ryan and Teresa Moncrieff both grew up on farms at Senlac. Their family farms were only a mile apart, “as the crow flies” chuckles the couple. Ryan’s dad, Grant Moncrieff and his grandfather, Emmett Moncrieff and Teresa’s dad, Blake Holden and Grandpa Holden have been neighbours their whole lives.

The couple attended Senlac School from kindergarten to Grade 9 then moved to Unity Composite High School for Grades 10 through 12, graduating in 1996. Ryan worked in the oilfield while Teresa took three years off after high school before studying massage therapy in Saskatoon. The couple married in 2000 and have four children, Avery (19), Holden (17), Lily (15) and Olivia (13).

Asked what inspired them to open a brewery, Teresa responds, “We were living in Chauvin, Alta. and Ryan was working for the town when an ad for an assistant brewer at Ribstone Creek Brewery came out. Ribstone Creek Brewery is in Edgerton and was a short 15 minutes west of Chauvin. Ryan applied and got the job. He learned a ton of stuff from the head brewer, Aaron Hogarth, and Ryan took over as head brewer when Aaron went on to start a malt company in Olds, Alta. Ryan was with Ribstone for about six and half. In that time, he started dreaming of opening his own brewery where his love and passion for beer could really shine.”

Ryan brought up the idea to his wife, who responded with a laugh saying, “No way, we can’t start a business at our age.,” but Teresa says clearly, she was convinced otherwise.

Moncrieff looked for towns that could support a brewery, which was set up to sell their beer mainly onsite from a taproom. Maple Creek checked all the boxes. The Moncrieffs say it is a small town but big enough to have local support year-round. Southwest Saskatchewan has a big tourist industry and Maple Creek sees many people travelling to Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh, Eastend, Sand Hills at Leader and those travelling east to west and vice versa via the Number 1 highway which is just a few miles north of Maple Creek. There is also a draw from hunters and fisherman. Maple Creek also has an abundance of interesting businesses which draw people to the community.

At present the business is run just by the Moncrieffs, however they are considering adding a few staff in the next couple of years so they can experience a little time off.

Recently the couple’s business was awarded Maple Creek Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. They also won a silver award at the 2021 Canadian Brewing Awards for their smoked ale.

As a local Saskatchewan business, they recommend their customers order food for delivery or pick up from one of Maple Creek’s eating establishments and they also choose to support community events and services with donations of merchandise, beer and cash for prizes.

Surprisingly, the couple say that the pandemic was not their biggest challenge however the side effects of the pandemic — increasing costs of supplies ingredients and shipping — has been challenging to their growing business. Their biggest takeaway “Don't get too set on a plan. Operating during a pandemic has reinforced the point that we need to stay flexible and have the ability to roll with the punches.”

Overall, the Moncrieffs say despite some of the initial pandemic challenges that hindered their plans for a grand opening, one-year anniversary and some other events they are happy with their first two years in business.

The couple say they have found everyone from back home in Senlac and surrounding area are incredibly supportive and interested in their new business, even though it is further away from family and friends. They follow the business on social media and happily share their updates. Teresa says, “On occasion, we have been known to deliver 200 to 300 litres of beer to family and friends back home.

The business has seen glowing reviews on social media and other sources regarding their product and service.

Rafter R Brewing Ltd.