Edmonton is home to what is likely western Canada’s best beer store, Sherbrooke Liquor, with its 600-plus types of beer. Of course Edmonton also other well-stocked stores, such as Chateau Louis, Devine Wines and Bin 104. Calgary has Willow Park and Kensington, both impressive. And Saskatoon has Cava Secreta as a burgeoning beer destination. Outside the big cities, however, things get a little thinner.

I often travel to Medicine Hat to visit my in-laws, and while I enjoy myself with hours of bridge and good conversation, I have learned to keep my beer expectations low. The city’s pub scene is dominated by sports bars and lounges carrying the Molson, Labatt, Sleeman troika. Liquor stores are also run of the mill – maybe a few imports to break the monotony. Until recently. While in town last Christmas I discovered Track Side Liquor Store (1031 South Railway St.). Much like Edmonton’s Sherbrooke, it is in a non-descript strip mall with little fanfare to present it. Inside, there are more than 200 beer available, which is decent. What really impressed me, however, is the beer it chooses to stock. All Wild Rose and Alley Kat products are available, plus a good representation of Half Pints, Paddock Wood and some B.C. micros. Plus it carries a handful of Dieu Du Ciel, classic American craft beers and other noted quality brews like Duchess du Bourgogne.

The store seems to work hard to select regional beer and brands a bit more on the adventurous side (of course, sitting alongside traditional imports and such). In addition, they (rather smartly, I think) break many six packs up into singles and allow customers to build their own Track Side Sampler Pack. A bottle of Dieu du Ciel Peche Mortel here, an Alley Kat Kiltlifter there, and so on…

They also have a beer club, which gathers twice a month. For a toonie patrons can get samples from five different beer and some lively beer discussion. I think this is a great way to get more Medicine Hat residents into a wider range of beer.

Track Side has a sister store in the Crescent Heights Area – Eighth Street Liquor – whose selection is not quite as big, but still impressive for a small, neighbourhood store. It feels like The Hat might be turning a beer corner.

Track Side has made my visits to Medicine Hat much more pleasant. Now we have some great beer to accompany our kitchen table bridge tournaments. So, if your travels take you to Medicine Hat, be sure to stop by Track Side to keep your beer palate satisfied until you can get home again.