Graphic Courtesy of Vue Weekly

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.