Ed McNally, the founder of Big Rock Brewery, has died at the age of 89.

McNally started the Calgary-based independent craft beer brewery in 1985.

A statement from the company said McNally "leaves behind a legacy larger than life."

"His aim was simple — to make great-tasting all-natural beer — and he was often quoted as saying, 'To create a masterpiece, no compromise may be tolerated,'" said the statement.

Before founding Big Rock, McNally was a lawyer and barley farmer.

McNally was awarded both the Order of Canada and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and was inducted to the Calgary Business Hall of Fame in 2009.