DISTILLERIES, BREWERIES & SPECIAL ACTIVITIES challenge you, so head to ALBERTA!

1 September 2019

Ready to dive into the world of beer, whiskey and other spirits? Alberta is on the way to fame for its amber gold, while distilleries are well established across the province. As for breweries, they continue to multiply with an offer to delight even the finest palates. Alberta Tourism reveals a few good addresses for this booming industry.

Distilleries

Although the manufacturing processes are similar, the master distillers manage to create products with subtle aromas that distinguish them from the competition. Their secret: to be inspired by first quality local ingredients. In addition to discovering a range of 100% Alberta elixirs, you will be enchanted by a personalized visit where passion and craftsmanship are one. Cheers!

Try Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co‘s Ultimate Caesar Vodka, which contains dill grown at the local Muriel Creek ranch. Its wax seal only makes it more desirable! By way of Edmonton, stop necessary at Strathcona Spirits Distillery, the capital’s very first distillery which will make you appreciate gin with their Badland Seaberry Gin made from juniper from lands rich in fossils along the Red Deer River. To balance it all: a touch of tangy blueberries picked in Edmonton.

Let’s continue our tour in the municipality of Camrose where the company Back 40 Distillery awaits you with its famous Ol ’Apple Betty – an aromatic liqueur reminiscent of the apple pie your grandmother made for you. No worries: it is gluten-free and naturally sweetened thanks to locally grown sugar beets.

Favorite in Calgary: the recently inaugurated Bridgeland Distillery – one of whose owners is French-speaking, presents a whiskey, a brandy and a grappa distilled in their copper still from top quality Alberta grains and fresh water. of the Rockies. The experience would not be complete without a jump at Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley. Savor their Parlor Gin made with ripe Saskatoon berries.

The list is long, but among them are Black Diamond Distillery in Saint-Albert, Raw Distillery & Brewhouse in Canmore, Park Distillery in Banff, as well as Krang Spirits in Cochrane.

Breweries

Favorite places to relax and socialize, breweries are popular in Alberta. Savor a sumptuous ale or lager in good company in one of Alberta’s many pubs – or enhance the experience by ordering a tasting tray. What would an aperitif be without a generous plate to share? Pubs offer a variety of quirky appetizers, including hot pretzels, lightly breaded pickles, and garlic and parmesan fries.

For a quick stay, opt for safe values. Visit Village, Big Rock or Brewsters, all three well known in Calgary. On the Edmonton side, try Blind Enthusiasm, whose products are also available at the associated restaurant Biera. In the Rockies, The Grizzly Paw is on the route to Canmore, then Banff Ave Brewing Co. and Jasper Brewing Co. in Canada’s national parks.

If time permits, dare the regions. Avoid the traffic and hassle by heading south to Lethbridge to visit Coulee Brew Co. or Medicine Hat at Hell’s Basement Brewery. In the north of the province are well-kept secrets such as Fat Unicorn in Plamondon and Dog Island in Slave Lake. The warm welcome from the locals will be worth the trip, we promise!

Passing somewhere between Calgary and Edmonton? Why not take the opportunity to discover Troubled Monk in Red Deer, Snake Lake in Sylvan Lake and Blindman in Lacombe? Follow them on social media to be on the lookout for their latest news.

Thematic activities

Head to One 18 Empire in downtown Calgary to taste some of the 300 whiskeys, ryes, bourbons and scotches offered on site in a cozy atmosphere. Much more than a restaurant, an epic adventure awaits you!

Join the party at The Mashing Edmonton or any of the festivals organized annually by Alberta Beer Festivals to discover a host of exclusive products, as well as joining a hyper-dynamic community.

Wherever you are in Alberta, there is something to awaken your senses thanks to experienced entrepreneurs who are proud to share their expertise. Tours are offered by reservation at most of them *.