Last week Edmonton’s Vue Weekly offered its first ever Beer Issue – an extensive look at the state of Edmonton’s beer scene. (I suspect most Edmontonians have seen it already – I have been out of town and hadn’t got my hands on a copy until today). It is, I believe, the latest sign that good things happen to good beer in this town. It is an acknowledgment that people WANT to read about beer options – and given the response I have received via email since its release that is undoubtedly true.
The section starts with an opening piece by yours truly, looking back at the last few years in beer in town, and how quickly it has grown. I contrast my experience with that of an acquaintance who made similar efforts a decade ago, with much less success.
Dish Editor Bryan Birtles adds a little beer history lesson and tosses in a quickie six facts about beer. He does a good job of the history in such a short space, and so I will put my geeky hair-splitting on mute.
The core of the section are short features on each of Edmonton’s craft brewers: Alley Kat, newcomer Yellowhead, Amber’s and Roughneck. The Roughneck piece even offers up a juicy bit of news (which my foray out east caused me to miss – although I had heard rumours before my departure) that Roughneck’s Terry Cameron is now also the brewmaster for Amber’s Brewing. I am curious how that alliance will play out.
Even the wine guy got into the beer act, with an article on the only wine worthy of the label “beer” – barley wine. And to wrap things up – and demonstrate the growing desire for beer appreciation in town – a profile on the new beer appreciation club, Beer Geeks’ Anonymous, which now meets monthly at Wunderbar.
So, Edmonton beer folks (and visitors to Edmonton), feast your eyes on the scene and be sure to soak up all the great craft beer you can in a responsible manner.
July 20, 2011 at 10:40 PM
I was a little disappointed that Brewsters wasn’t part of the local breweries featured in the issue.
July 21, 2011 at 3:40 PM
I wasn’t part of the decision making on that part, but I suspect the exclusion of Brewsters was due to its status as a chain. Vue is a big supporter of local, independent business. And while Brewsters is regional, it may not fit their definition of “local”.
Cheers.
Jason
July 21, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Question regarding Brewsters in Alberta: Anyone know what their house yeast strain is? The Regina location uses a dry yeast that they source from Australia, and I personally find it unappealing, so curious if they use the same in AB.
July 21, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Mark
The Brewster’s beers in Alberta are vastly different than Regina. Brewster’s in Alberta use a large amount of Liquid yeast cultures for their beer. The Pilsner and Curly Horse IPA have been my faves of late.
July 22, 2011 at 7:55 AM
I thought Brewsters was founded in Edmonton – am I wrong?
July 23, 2011 at 11:38 AM
That was a good issue. I liked reading about our local beer culture and where its been and may be going.
July 23, 2011 at 5:03 PM
Hoser, that is what I figured. In Regina, they only use liquid yeast in their Farmer Tan witbier, which is quite good.