Tool Shed Brewing expands nationally with WestJet exclusive partnership
Starting July 15, all WestJet flights with paid food and beverage service will carry three Tool Shed signature brews: Local Legend, People Skills and Golden Hour.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tool Shed Brewing Company toasted a major expansion Tuesday—its beers are now the exclusive provider for WestJet's in-flight beverage service.
Beginning July 15, all WestJet flights with paid food and beverage service will serve three of the Calgary brewery's signature brews: Local Legend light craft beer, People Skills blonde ale, and Golden Hour hazy pale ale. The partnership runs for five years and could significantly scale Tool Shed's production.
Founder and president Graham Sherman said the agreement represents vindication after years of struggle. "It's horrifying trying to get a business up and running, and so this is one of those moments where it was all worth it. It was worth the battle," he said.
Sherman explained the drink selection targets every type of beer drinker. Local Legend offers something light with low alcohol. People Skills showcases Albertan ingredients in an easy-to-sip ale. Golden Hour serves "craft beer aficionados" who want extra hops. The first shipment included 6,000 flats of beer—and production could double or triple.
"We're actually pretty excited and also a little bit scared at what those factors could look like," Sherman said. "We're ready to go, this brewery is built for speed."
The partnership builds on Tool Shed's existing presence in WestJet's Elevation Lounge at YYC Calgary International Airport. WestJet vice-president for loyalty and partnerships Steve McClelland said the feedback from the lounge made this expansion a "natural extension."
"We understand what it's like to have to go through the various stages of growth as a company," McClelland said. "Our roots are here in Calgary, our roots are entrepreneurial."
Tool Shed started in Sherman's backyard tool shed in February 2012. WestJet travellers can receive a 15 per cent discount on all food, beverage and merchandise at Tool Shed's taproom when they show their boarding pass 24 hours before departure or after arrival.