So, beer fans, I have great news! Regular readers will know that in a post a few weeks ago I lamented Edmonton’s lack of a cask ale tradition. Well, we have done something about it. Alley Kat and hip beer cafe Sugar Bowl (with a little midwifery from yours truly) have teamed up to host Edmonton’s first ever Cask Ale Evening. It will be Thursday, May 20 starting at 5:00 at the Sugar Bowl (10922 – 88 Avenue).

There will only be one keg available, so don’t be late! Insider info suggests that the first cask beer served will be a Full Moon Pale Ale dry-hopped in the cask, served using the traditional beer engine acquired by Alley Kat a few years ago. Sounds irresistable!

For those of you unclear about cask ale, it is a traditional British approach to beer. The ale is not filtered or artificially carbonated and served fresh directly from the cask (these days a stainless steel keg). Its carbonation is lower and it should be served at cellar temperature (10-15 degrees Celsius). The result is a fuller flavour and fresher mouthfeel. Other cities in Canada do this on a regular basis, and they are big hits.

The hope is that this will become a monthly event. But for now drop on by on May 20 and be one of the first to sample the first 50 litres of cask ale in Edmonton.