So, I am clearly falling behind in Prairie beer news. There is just too much going on and I have been rather distracted. So, allow me a post that updates folks on various goings on around the flatlands. In alphabetical order, this is what is happening:

Alley Kat Ginger Beer: Alley Kat will be releasing in the next couple of weeks their latest 15th Anniversary Series beer. It is a Ginger Beer, a pale hued beer with a whack of fresh ginger in it. Could be very interesting.

Banff Avenue Brewing: As first reported on onbeer.org a couple of months ago, Alberta’s newest brewpub has now officially opened in Banff. Canada’s second brewpub in a national park, from Jasper beer enfant terrible Brett Ireland, opened up this month to large crowds. Obviously I haven’t been there yet. The beer list suggests the beer are similar to Brett’s Jasper operation, with different names. It is possible the recipes are different, as well. Without tasting I have no way of knowing.

Half Pints Rigamarole Rye: At some point in the next couple of weeks Winnipeg’s mainstay will be releasing their oak-aged rye beer, which is many months in the creation. I suspect it will move fast, so if you are in Winnipeg, or know someone in Winnipeg, move quickly to get your share.

Paddock Wood: Saskatoon’s Paddock Wood has changed its summer beer plans. They are no longer doing the Double Double, but have decided instead to do two different brews. The first is Bramling Cross, an English Ordinary Bitter with 4.5% alcohol and about 28 IBUs and lots of flavour. The second will be a historical dark ale, called Blackfriar, which will try to reflect a 17th century taste, including, possibly, some brown malt. It will be a strong ale at about 8% and should be quite interesting.

Taste 25: Don’t forget that the second annual Taste of Edmonton beer will be available as of July 23 in Churchill Square in Edmonton. Brewed by Alley Kat based on my recipe (which is my conflict of interest in mentioning it) it is the house beer at their beer tent. If the day is hot and you find yourself downtown, drop by for a glass or two. I won’t mind.

Wild Rose Saison: Calgary’s Wild Rose will be releasing its next seasonal at the end of July. It will be a Saison, a remarkably difficult style to brew. No word yet on whether anyone outside of Calgary will get to sample this unique beer.

So that is what I know for the moment. I’ll offer another update when it is worth it.