There are only a few things that can make Calgary winters bearable: The warm embrace of a beautiful woman; a modest beachfront property in Mexico; and a hearty, robust bottle of winter beer. While you work on the first two, we’ll offer some direction on the third. Here, Calgary’s best local winter brews.
Wild Rose Brewery
There’s no finer way to end a hearty winter feast than with a bottle of Wild Rose’s Cherry Porter beer, which has notes of sweet BC cherries and chocolate.
Find it: Building AF23, #2 – 4580 Quesnay Wood Drive SW, 403-720-2733
Alley Kat Brewing Company
This Edmonton-based brewer earns a spot on our list for its mouth-watering Pumpkin Spiced Ale, which somewhat resembles liquid pumpkin pie. Or try Alley Kat’s Apple Wit, a crisp, Granny Smith apple-infused wheat beer.
Find it: Here.
Big Rock Brewery
From the biggest of the small brewers comes a strong, amber Winter Spice Ale. Spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, get kicked up a notch with a hit of ginger.
Find it: Here.
Brewsters
This brewery offers a new pick each month: November brings the Big Bulge Saison, a fruity traditional Belgian beer with hints of lemon and pepper. Next month is Winter Spice Ale; January is India Pale Ale.
Find it: 834 11 Ave. SW, 403-265-BREW.
The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company
Beer meets coffee in this Canmore-based brewer’s Moose Knuckle Stout, which is brewed with coffee beans.
Find it: Here.
Image courtesy of Eole.
