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 →

Beer Canada Brings Back Bob & Doug to Fan Faux Flames of Beer Tax Ire

Beer Canada has once again employed Bob and Doug McKenzie, Canada’s most famous fictional hosers, to tell Canadians about all the bad things the federal government is doing to their beer. A new set of radio and web-only ads have… Continue Reading →

Counting Quebec: An Addendum to 2023 State of the Industry

As I mentioned in my recent post about the state of craft beer in Canada, the number of Quebec breweries in the database of Canadian breweries I keep has always been the shakiest. This is mostly because of my limitations… 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 →

Where in Alberta Do You Find the Most Breweries?

The other day I randomly got curious about where in Alberta has the most breweries. The cities? Small towns? And where are their the biggest holes? So I jumped on the google machine and pulled out my calculator and starting… 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 →

Alberta’s Breakthrough Year at the CBAs

As I look through some of my past headlines reporting on the results of the Canadian Brewing Awards (CBAs) – you can read some of them here and here – I realize they at times got a bit breathy. Although… Continue Reading →

Alberta Beer Loses One of Its Most Passionate Builders

You have likely heard the news. Co-founder of Village Brewing in Calgary, Jim Button, passed away on January 19. He was 59. His life and contributions to community deserve to be recognized. Others who knew him better than I may… Continue Reading →

Alberta Beer Industry Past, Present and Future

I appreciate my last couple posts have been, well, a bit depressing. Highlighting brewery closures is not my favourite part of the job. In the new year I hope to offer up the flipside and talk about some of the… 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!

Book an Event

Looking for a new and original fundraising idea for your organization? Want to offer something a little different to your clients?