Calgary, Alberta has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting beer destinations. Over the past few decades, beer scene has exploded in Calgary. Beer lovers can explore everything from sour ales to IPAs & lagers. There are more than 58 breweries and counting, that offers taprooms & friendly ambience. Whether you’re a local or visiting Calgary for the first time, this guide lists the best breweries in Calgary you should try.
Here are the best breweries in Calgary to try…
Citizen Brewing Company
Situated between the communities of Tuxedo and Highland Park, Citizen is a well-loved brewery. With a massive patio and rotating beer list their taproom provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s ideal for casual beer drinkers and social gatherings — plus, the menu of pub-style food pairs perfectly with their beers. Don’t forget to try the Hijacked IPA (the best one in our opinion), or the Belma and Louise, a NEPA packed with many Belma hops. You can also bring along well-behaved dogs along. Moreover, their exceptional hospitality amazes everyone. Enjoy the happy hours from Mon-Fri from 2pm – 5pm. Citizen has built a good reputation amongst locals and is undoubtedly one of the best breweries in Calgary.
Cabin Brewing Company
Cabin- A craft brewery, tucked away in Calgary’s Manchester brewing area. It has become a local favorite because of its family-friendly taproom and cozy patio. Known for its bold, flavourful beers and rotating seasonal offerings, Cabin is a must-visit stop on any Calgary beer tour. People praise the quality and consistency of their brews. If you are not able to decide on what to choose, go for the flight. Their food menu has pretzel-wrapped dogs and light snacks.
Two Pillars Brewery
Two Pillars Brewery: A smallest commercial brewery located in Crescent Heights, Calgary. and is enjoying life together, helping each other find hope and fulfilment, and inspiring those around them to do the same. Specializing in Belgian-style ales and traditional European styles, Two Pillars brings unique & exclusive beers throughout the year. It’s a beer enthusiast’s favourite for its yeast-forward beers-Golden strong being the first one.
Village Brewery
A brewery that is designed to provide a complete craft beer experience. Their Taproom features 16 beer taps and a full, mouth-watering food menu. This inviting village brewery is open to every body, all ways. You can bring kids as well as furry-friends. You can choose from pints, flights, and growlers to get your fill of delicious craft beer. They have expanded space to gather casual meet-ups, concerts and elegant dinners. Want to know the ins-and-outs of producing delicious craft beer?? They also offer free brewery tours most Saturdays from 2pm-5pm.
Stonyslope Brewing Company
Stonyslope: A smaller craft brewery with big flavours. It is known for its creative often internationally inspired beers. Founded in 1930, Stonyslope was a one-room school house in eastern Alberta. And, now it shares the name of family-founded brewery. Although it has fewer seating when compared to some larger breweries, however, the quality of beer and the inviting atmosphere makes it a worthwhile stop.
Continue reading about the best breweries in Calgary…
Railyard Brewing
Railyard brewing is conveniently located near Calgary Airport, that gives you an experience that goes beyond great-tasting beer. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a lively taproom & archade to have fun for all ages. Railyard Brewing is not just a brewery; it’s a place to relax and enjoy. Know for its craftsmanship, creativity, and graffiti art.
The Dandy Brewing Company
Dandy Brewing is Alberta’s fisrt small brewery opened in 2014. Their tasting room features a restaurant as well. They make the beers in small batches those keep rotating. So, don’t be surprised if you see their beer menu completely different than last time you visited. The Dandy Wild Sour Ale is a peerfect balance of tartness & malt. The atmosphere is friendly and super enjoyable for all ages. Their food menu comes with variety of Pizzas and non pizza options as well. Our favourite snack here is Cucumber & Tahini. Also, there’s a lovely outdoor space that makes it more welcoming.
Last Best Brewing & Distilling
Last Best Brewing & Distilling located at 11 Ave SW, Calgary was opened in May 2015. Last Best Brewing & Distilling is know for making delicious well-crafted beer, spirits and Alberta-inspired cuisine. The most popular pick here is Tokyo Drift Hazy IPA. You can enjoy the Happy Hours Monday-Thursday: 3pm–6pm & 9pm–Late, Friday-Saturday: 3pm–6pm & 10pm–Late & on Sundays all day. All their gins are distilled dry gins, without any sugar and are hand labeled. Their food menu comes with a great variety of apetizers & salads. Kids are welcome until 10pm.
Annex Ale Project
Annex is located in the Manchester neighbourhood of Calgary and is known for experimenting with their products. Their lively tasting room invites their guests to enjoy a pint or a flight to sample their many different beers, ciders and even craft sodas. Annex produces four flagship beers and also have a variety of seasonal beers ready. Don’t miss trying the Force Majeure, a hoppy NEIPA with notes of mango, passion fruit and pine resin. You can order the food from Lil’ Empire during taproom hours. Their smash burgers are mouth-watering.
Tool Shed Brewing Company
The inception of Tool Shed Brewing actually happened in Tool Shed. If you really want to enjoy good food and beers, Tool Shed is one of the best breweries in Calgary to try. It is quite spacious and open 7 days a week. The People Skills Patio Ale is one of the best beers which is both crisp and refreshing. If you are curious to see how and where craft beer is made join their brewery tours. Their food menu is very delicious. Also, you can enjoy happy hours 2pm-6pm everyday.
