Edmonton Craft Beer Guide
Edmonton's craft beer scene has exploded over the past few years. From Bent Stick and Sea Change to Alley Kat and Blind Enthusiasm, there's so many to try! Not sure where to start on your self-guided Edmonton brewery tour? We've got you covered with our short guide to the city's hopping beer scene.
Bent Stick Brewing
Proudly brewing a rotational line-up of beers 400 litres at a time, Bent Stick nanobrewery brings high quality, unfiltered real ales to north Edmonton. Scott Kendall, Kurtis Jensen, Patrick Gaudet and Ben Rix focus on crafting beers that are smooth and easy to enjoy pint after pint. There is a sense of wizardry that comes with their entirely hand-crafted brewing process; a blend of art, science and skill.
Come for: B.S. Wit, a spiced Belgian-style wheat ale.
Stay for: The friendly, down-to-earth staff.
Town Square Brewing Co.
You’ll find big flavours in small batches at Town Square Brewing Co.’s cozy and laid back tap house. With community at its core, Town Square is a centre for gatherings—Whether it’s a family outing or a night out with friends, all are welcome with open arms. Guests can indulge in bites that incorporate spent brewery grains into as many dishes as possible, and brews that push the boundaries with twists on traditional tastes.
In just under two years, Town Square has gone from a five-gallon pot at home, to brewing 1500 litres and winning two Alberta brewing awards.
Come for: 11 rotating beers on tap, and 2 guest brews.
Stay for: The warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sea Change Brewing Co.
Sea Change Brewing Co. is named after founder Ian McIntosh’s family boat. It means “a profound transformation” which is exactly what the brewery aims to do in Alberta’s brewing community. They recently collaborated with Fruit Loop (a non-profit that supports the LGBTQ+ community) to create the Prairie Fairy beer where 10% of all gross sales go to LGBTQ+ initiatives. No snobbery here, just great beer and good company.
Come for: 5 core beers: Session Ale, The Wolf (New England Pale Ale, 2019 gold medal winner at the Alberta Beer Awards), Prairie Fairy (Blackberry Raspberry Wheat Ale), Irish Red Ale and the Blonde Ale.
Stay for: The chance to admire the use of local elements used throughout the space. Keep your eyes open for unique touches such as tabletops made with wood from the old Cloverdale bridge, and posters of past Edmonton bands and music venues.
Yellowhead Brewery
As one of Edmonton’s oldest craft breweries, Yellowhead Brewery was once known for its only beer—its flagship lager. Now after nearly 10 years in business, Yellowhead is recognized for its new flavours, historic location in downtown Edmonton, and wildly popular Drag Brunches. Beer lovers can take a seat in the tasting room and admire a venue that carefully pays tribute to the history of both the city and space.
Come for: The flagship Highway 16 Lager, their fresh take on an Edmonton Classic.
Stay for: The stunning historical venue.
Alley Kat Brewing Company
Alley Kat, founded in 1995 by Neil Herbst and his wife Lavonne, is the 4th oldest brewery in Alberta. As a self-proclaimed beer enthusiast, Herbst began as a home-brewer while in college, and turned his hobby into one of the strongest micro-breweries in the province. Located on Edmonton’s southside, Alley Kat focuses on creating high-quality, freshly brewed beer using local products.
Come for: A Hops Crossing passport! Hops Crossing is Edmonton’s Craft Beer Passport experience. Take your passport into any of the seven participating breweries to get your exclusive Hops Crossing branded growler.
Stay for: Their Dragon Series of Double IPA’s.
Odd Company Brewing
What do a couple of chemists, and their beer-drinking friends do for fun? Make beer of course! That’s how it all started for Jared Curle, John Toman, and Brett Loree, who, in 2017 went from homebrewers to brewery owners at Odd Company Brewing. Located in the trendy Oliver Exchange Building, Odd Company has combined their mad scientist skills with the fine art of brewing to create high quality, small-batch beers. Beer drinkers will find approximately 12 beers available at a time, meaning there’s something new with every visit.
Come for: 250 ml, 500 ml and growlers that allow the option to try all flavours.
Stay for: The trendy 106-year-old building.
Situation Brewing
In what was once an old bookstore located just half a block south of Edmonton’s bohemian-spirited Whyte Avenue, you'll find Situation Brewing, the area’s first fully functioning microbrewery. Given Whyte Avenue’s vibrant nightlife scene, owner, Wayne Sheridan, felt there was no better place to “situate” a brewery than where people were already drinking. He and his team have stuck behind the mandate that “beer is not supposed to be snobby"; Instead they've created a space where people can come to learn about beer, the brewing process and Edmonton’s craft beer community. Through a dedication to crafting a rotating lineup of big flavours in small batches, this cozy pub-style brewery is the place where great brews and good company come together.
Come for: The family-friendly atmosphere, kids are always welcome.
Stay for: The full brewery experience, and great beer.
Blind Enthusiasm
This neighbourhood brewpub, located in the ultra-modern Ritchie Market, co-habits with the popular restaurant Biera. Owner, Greg Zeschuk, who you may recognize as the former owner of video-game developer Bioware, prides Blind Enthusiasm on its exploration of flavours and quality of taste. Serving dry-European-inspired brews and traditionally craft beer offerings from pilsners and bitters to stouts and IPAs, this award-winning brewery is a must-try!
Come for: The beer tasting flight.
Stay for: Biera's stellar summer-time patio and delicious bites.