It gives new meaning to the term, “smelling like a brewery.”
Except that, rest assured, there’s nothing but pleasant scents in Sandra Marr’s latest venture in soap making — Shuswap Suds.
In the new line, all the soaps feature ingredients that incorporate locally brewed beers from The Barley Station and Crannog Ales.
Instead of the water added to most soaps, Marr has replaced it with different varieties of beer and in some cases also adds the leftover grain mash from the brewing process.
“No, it does not smell like alcohol,” laughs Marr, who assures clients they will not have problems at RCMP road checks because they use her beer soaps.
What customers will get is a product with some unique qualities.
“I’ve noticed the beer soaps get better lather and beer contains hops, which has skin softening properties. It’s more than just a fun ingredient or a gimmick.”
While one of the soaps is unscented and relies on the natural scent of honey and sweet roasted grain from the beer, others are scented with essential oils that complement the beer ingredient. For example, the Barley Station’s Wit beer is flavoured with notes of orange and coriander, and so the soap’s scent reflects that.
As well, the spent grain is added to some soaps to enhance the texture.
The Shuswap Suds line of soaps will be ready to go on April 10. The Barley Station and Crannog Ales will each be selling their signature products and the line will be available at The Lake Effect on Hudson Avenue.
