Flurry of News Highlights that Changes Are Coming to Alberta Beer

A series of announcements in recent days/weeks have highlighted something I have been saying for months – that the Alberta and Canadian craft beer industry is heading for a tumultuous period of change and instability. The recent news suggests this… Continue Reading →

What Does a Brewery Do When the Water Runs Out?

This week Edmonton and area has been under a mandatory non-essential water ban due to a breakdown of the city’s largest water treatment plant. For most of us, it has only been slightly inconveniencing – I delayed laundry for a… Continue Reading →

The Party’s Over: The State of Canadian Craft Beer, 2023

Craft beer in Canada has been on a pretty good ride in the last decade or so. Across most of the country we have seen big increases in the number of breweries and the size of market share they earn…. Continue Reading →

Familiar Names, New Faces Among Alberta Beer Award Winners

Last night the winners of the 2023 Alberta Beer Awards were announced. The list of winners includes breweries who have become very accustomed to the medal podium and some impressive accomplishments by some newbies to the Alberta beer scene. The… Continue Reading →

A Tale of Two Beer Guys: A Pint-Sized Play about Unity Brew 2023

SCENE: Beerguy’s basement home office, a room with overfilled bookcases, scattered papers and commemorative beer glasses, bottles and other beer-related paraphernalia. Beerguy sits at his desk deleting Don Tse Tweet-puns and plotting revenge against JVR. A can of the 2023… Continue Reading →

Fitzsimmons Closing, Situation’s Future Unclear

I always prefer to announce the opening of new breweries on the prairies. Alas that has been a bit thin recently (although there are a handful in the final stages of preparation). But sometimes I have to announce closures. In… Continue Reading →

2022 Alberta Beer Awards Offer Up Surprises, Head Nods

The 2022 Alberta Beer Awards were announced last night at a gala event in Red Deer. The 5th annual awards celebrate the best in Alberta craft beer, and as usual the results did not fail to surprise. While many familiar… Continue Reading →

The Fall of our Discontent: More Brewery Closures in Alberta

A couple weeks ago I published a post that offered up the comings and goings in Alberta craft beer over the summer (which you can read here). Alas, things have been moving very quickly this fall and there is enough… Continue Reading →

The State of Canadian Craft Beer, 2022

Longtime followers of my work will know that I keep a database of every brewery in Canada. I don’t guarantee that it is perfect, but I trust it is likely the most complete compendium of breweries in the country. Periodically,… Continue Reading →

Big Talk, Less Action on Relaxing Alberta Liquor Rules in New Bill

Yesterday, as part of a sprawling omnibus bill (Bill 80), the Alberta government announced some legislative changes that will loosen liquor rules in the province, specifically allowing homemade alcohol at private events and the creation of “entertainment districts” where alcohol… Continue Reading →

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YEG Hidden Gems Beer Pairing Dinner

November 7. The craft beer scene in Edmonton has been exploding in recent years with many new breweries and interesting beer being created. Come try a few of the city’s hidden beer gems, curated by beer writer and educator Jason Foster. Each beer will be paired with a dish specifically designed for the beer by Underground’s executive chef. It will be an evening of exploration, education and enjoyment!

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