Calgary’s vibrant microbrewery scene has been growing and there are no signs of it slowing down any time soon. Over the past few years, a surge of microbreweries has popped up in Canada’s fourth-largest destination. Alberta’s malting barley has a global reputation for being top notch along with the province’s water, soil, and climate all working together to create ideal growing conditions for barley.

While Calgary’s 40-plus microbreweries all use Alberta barley as their brewing base, each one offers beers as unique as their origin stories. Tool Shed Brewery had humble beginnings in a backyard tool shed on a basic five-gallon home-brew system. The newly opened Tailgunner Brewery also has an interesting backstory – the name was inspired by the co-founder’s grandfather, a tail gunner in WWII who was captured and imprisoned in Holland. The drink labels pay homage to him, his flight crew, and the women back home who kept the economy going in the 1940s.

The craft brew trend has also crossed over into innovative Calgary kitchens, too. With the leftover spent grain from brewing, The Mash creates uniquely flavorful pizza dough for their pies. The Heier/Kozloski family, who also own and operate Half Hitch Brewing, believed there was more potential for Brewer’s Spent Grain, which is packed with protein and nutrients that promote healthy digestion.

At The Establishment Brewery – which won Canadian Brewery of the Year award in 2021 – Natasha Peiskar has been spearheading meaningful industry change. In addition to her role as Production Manager & Brewer, she is also President and Co-Founder of Pink Boots Society Canada, which was created to assist, inspire, encourage and educate women and/or non-binary individuals in the industry. Over at Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co., employee Adam Kieran has played a big role in advancing the company’s commitment to inclusivity and giving back to the community. Adam, who is known for his drag persona Valerie Hunt, has performed at the brewery for pride patio parties, dressing up the cis-gendered hetero staff in drag.

The best way to experience Calgary’s many breweries and hear their unique stories is through Tourism Calgary’s new Beers & Cheers Pass. Launching May 3, 2022 and running until the end of June, the Pass is a free “Craft Check-In Challenge” with prizes for users as they brewery hop around Calgary Alberta.

The Calgary Beers & Cheers Pass will guide visitors through the best local craft beverage makers serving up delicious flavours with a story. The more you explore and check-in, the more you can win.

To enter:

Step 1 – Get Your Pass

This mobile exclusive passport is a collection of curated local craft beverage locations offering deals and discounts to redeem during your Calgary visit.

Step 2 – Receive Text

Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately! There is no app to download. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access. 

Step 3 – Redeem

When visiting a participating location, simply check in and record your visit to count towards your prize! You will need your phone geo location services turned on in order to check-in.

• • • Complete 3 check-ins to win a branded can koozie
    • Complete 5 check-ins to win a branded 16 oz beer glass
    • Every check-in receives an entry for the grand prize of an ultimate beer weekend in Calgary in 2023!

For full details, click here.