And Edmonton’s Best Brewery Is … A bar?

I woke up this morning to the annual Edmonton Journal Readers’ Choice Awards choking up the space in my Monday paper. (Yes, I still subscribe to the hard copy edition – call me old because, well, I’m old.) Normally I… Continue Reading →

A Hop Association is Born

On Saturday afternoon Alberta witnessed the creation of something that I am pretty sure almost none of us coming a few years ago. I had the privilege to attend the launch of the Alberta Hop Producers Association. The group has… Continue Reading →

Beer Tent Blues and How to Cure Them

Having completed my post-Edmonton Folk Festival recovery 2017 edition, I have had some time to contemplate the state of beer at one of Canada’s largest and most successful folk festivals. I appreciate the Folk Fest is mostly about the music,… Continue Reading →

2017 CBAs Full of Surprises; 17 Prairie Medals

Over the weekend the results of the 2017 Canadian Brewing Awards were announced (see the full winners’ list here). I can honestly say they were full of surprises. Lots of new names on the list and a fascinating equality between… Continue Reading →

Big Rum from Big Rock

Big Rock has quietly launched a barrel-aged beer series with currently two releases under its belt. The second and most recent release is a rum-barrel Barley Wine. Their barley wine was aged an impressive 8 months in rum casks from… Continue Reading →

Changes Coming at Big Rock?

My CBC beer column last week centred around the news of the resignation of Big Rock CEO Bob Sartor. It was somewhat surprising news and it got me wondering what might this mean for Alberta’s oldest and largest craft brewery…. Continue Reading →

Prairie Breweries Score Modestly at CBAs

The results of the 2016 Canadian Brewing Awards were announced Saturday night in Vancouver (see the full results here). As usual, B.C. breweries won an disproportionate number of medals, with Ontario falling second. However, perusing the list I was pleasantly… Continue Reading →

B.C. Lowers Mark-ups, Saskatchewan Privatizes

A couple of interesting news bits this week.Thought I would offer a quick rundown on both and what they might mean in the region. B.C. Lowers Mark-Ups Last Friday the B.C. government moved to reduce the mark-ups on craft beer… Continue Reading →

April Showers Bring May New Beer

Someone really should tell prairie breweries to chill their heels and stop being so darned busy and productive. Just kidding. But I am constantly amazed these days at just  how much stuff is going on with craft beer in the… Continue Reading →

Calgary Brewers Band Together for Fort Mac Evacuees

Within hours of the news that Fort McMurray was being evacuated, Mark Zemlak of Boiling Oar was on the phones and email talking to other Calgary breweries trying to work out ideas of how they could help. They had talked… 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?