Earlier this week, Molson-Coors Canada announced that it is re-launching Calgary Beer in Calgary for the first time in years. This announcement may be of fleeting interest to anyone not from Calgary (and even to those in Calgary), but I think it has some significance.
But before I discuss its significance, I need to explain what Calgary Beer is. In short, it is one of the oldest beer brands in Alberta. A.E. Cross opened Calgary Brewing and Malting in 1892 – one of the oldest breweries in the province. His beer, and the buffalo logo he designed, quickly became quite popular in frontier Alberta. Operating continually for decades (it survived prohibition by exporting its beer to Mexico), the company thrived in the growing province. It bought up a couple of other Calgary breweries and the Northwest Brewing Company in Edmonton (in 1953), renaming it Bohemian Maid. Its iconic buffalo and horseshoe logo became famous across western Canada.
Calgary Brewing was purchased in 1961 by E.P. Taylor’s Canadian Breweries, later to become Carling O’Keefe. Carling kept operating the Calgary brewery. When Carling and Molson “merged” in 1989, the Calgary brewery was declared surplus and closed. In 1985, Carling discontinued Calgary Beer in Calgary, but continued to sell it in Saskatchewan. Molson kept up the practice.Twice before it returned Calgary Beer to is home market – around the 1988 Olympics and a single batch in 1992 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Calgary Brewing.
Apparently this latest incarnation is a trial run for now., with a possibility of more continuous availability. For the record, Calgary Beer is now brewed at the Vancouver Molson plant, since Molson does not have a plant on the prairies.
Aside from historical curiousity, I still see this as a small but interesting move by Molson. I always found it odd that Calgary Beer was available in Regina but not Calgary. It seems a no-brainer to try to connect the city with its namesake beer. Personally I vacillate over seeing this as a mild PR reclamation effort or as a cynical marketing ploy. Remember, this is the same company that closed all its prairie breweries in a fifteen year span of brewery-cide. It has made no efforts to preserve or protect the historical heritage of the regional breweries it purchased. The beer brewed today has no connection, other than the name, to the Cross original, much like the sad evolution of Alexander Keith’s. So it feels a bit rich for Molson to proclaim their great attachment to Calgary when they do very little for the city these days.
However, I am trying to keep the cynical side in check, and allow this to be a small moment of correction. Calgary Beer belongs in Calgary. Even if it isn’t a Calgary beer anymore.
November 26, 2011 at 9:31 AM
This guy used to send the ALES club emails about 2 years ago, ranting and raving about various things. I eventually got him to admit that he wanted Molson to give him rights to the logo so that he could use as a promotional/marketing tool for some other project. http://mycalgarybeer.ca/
When I was more active in the underground music scene (10-15 years ago), the bands from Calgary ALWAYS drank Calgary beer when they played in Regina. The last decent underground music club in Regina (the Manhattan Room) always had Calgary on special, so it was consumed in massive amounts. Sorta became the “hipster” beer of choice for struggling punk rock musicians, similar to PBR in the states. It is marginally better than the rest of the Molson portfolio, very similar to Bohemian, quenches your thirst when blasting out rock n roll under hot stage lights, but that is about it.
Here I am tipping back a Calgary at a DOA show about 3 years ago – http://alesclub.com/media/images/Profiles/mheise.jpg
March 19, 2012 at 12:27 AM
Dear Mark. As I recall, the initial email I sent you was in regards to my website that promotes the return of Calgary Beer to Calgary. I recall you responded by dismissing the importance of bringing the beer back, and then questioned the motives behind my campaign. I do remember discussing the importance of marketing the Calgary logo on a variety of products, and that Molson was missing the oportunity of doing so. There was no ranting and raving, and I don’t recall you getting me to admit to anything except that selling products with the logo on it would help facilitate the beer’s popularity. In the end, what I set out to help achieve eventually happened. Calgary Beer was once again sold in Calgary. Sincerely, This Guy.
April 11, 2012 at 10:06 PM
Hey Darren, Don’t know for sure if your effort to bring the beer back was what got it here, all though it was just a short time, but it did come back. So i will say thanks for the effort. Lets hope we all drank enough to convince the bean counters at Molson that it would be a worthwhile endeavor to bring it home. I know I drank my share, didn’t even save any. Its just too bad that bud has the Stampede beer sales wrapped up. Hope that wasn’t the last of the buffalo, again.
November 30, 2012 at 4:20 PM
From my Calgary-raised Grandmother I inherited a pair of Calgary Brewing Co. commemorative beer glasses. They are nicely etched with the brewery logo and name, but have nothing on them indicating a date of manufacture; they could be as new as 1968, (i.e. the CBC 75 year anniversary), or perhaps they are significantly older. Familiar? They are a three-part glass – that is they have a foot, stem, and narrow slightly fluted bell, about 18 cm (7 in) tall and about 7 cm (2 3/4 in) across.
August 7, 2013 at 4:42 PM
I have a dozen of Heidelberg beer bottles made in Calgary by Carling Breweries. I’m trying to find out if these are worth anything.
Thanks for you help.
Menno
August 7, 2013 at 8:44 PM
Menno,
I am not an expert in historical artifacts, but I strongly believe that old beer bottles are not worth much. The main problem being that they are fairly available. They may not be currently sold with beer, but there are enough floating around to make the category fairly non-valuable. So, while they are great bottles, i don’t think you can make much from them. Jason
August 19, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Caskapalooza – September 1st, 2pm – 6pm
We are celebrating the glory of the cask! With 8 great breweries each brewing an exclusive cask just for us, CRAFT Beer Market is excited to share these treasures with you! Tickets cost $20 which include an 8 oz. sample from all 8 casks, some interesting beer education and a guaranteed great time. Come be a part of our inaugural celebration!
http://caskapalooza2013-eorg.eventbrite.ca/
August 27, 2013 at 2:28 PM
I have many artifacts from Calgary brewing as my father worked there in the 60,s he passed away and now I have them unique pieces if anyone knows the value please contact
February 15, 2014 at 10:12 PM
Hi Mona,
Check out Mantiques antiques in Calgary 403-235-6325. They can help you with value for your Calgary Brewery items.
Don
March 3, 2014 at 12:52 PM
Hi Mona will purchase all your items .587 433 7199 tahnks
September 3, 2013 at 11:51 AM
I have a “Calgary Export Ale” plastic rectangular sign that lights up in different colour sequences..original and it also says on it “Imported from Canada”
April 20, 2014 at 2:08 PM
Hello Derek, I am interested in the sign. Could you text me a photo if possible? Thanks Mark 403.605.5533
September 3, 2014 at 7:11 PM
Actually the Molson Brewery closed in Calgary in 1994 five years after the merger in 1989. I know because I worked there.
September 28, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Can anyone tell me if Calgary Brewing & Malting 24 pack metal cases are worth anything, or somebody that would be interested buying them.I have 2
April 2, 2015 at 4:01 PM
Hi Bob. Still waiting for your call. Thanks Brian 404 614-5091
February 9, 2015 at 8:17 PM
Always looking for old examples of Calgary brewery history. Looking for signs ,kegs ,siphons ,most items from the old brewery . Also wanted chairs ,with buffalo heads carved in the back that were used in the Brewery in the meeting rooms. WILL PURCHASE OR TRADE AS I HAVE TRADER LABELS ,PURCHASED OFF A LONG TIME COLLECTORS ESTATE.
March 5, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Hi, Gerry I have 2 metal Calgary Brewering & Malting 24 pack that i would like to sell if you know anybody that might be interested in purchasing?
March 25, 2015 at 5:20 PM
Bob
Interested in purchasing one of the metal 24 pack cases.
Cheers
Brian
March 26, 2015 at 10:18 AM
Hi Brian ,what are you asking for them ,thanks Gerry
March 26, 2015 at 4:37 PM
Hi, Brian send me email with a contact number and I will call you. Thanks Bob
March 26, 2015 at 4:41 PM
gerry frost 587 4337199
March 26, 2015 at 5:32 PM
Bob
403 614-5091
Cheers
Brian
March 27, 2015 at 12:46 PM
Hi Bob. Call me. 403 614-5091. Cheers Brian
April 2, 2015 at 4:06 PM
Hi Bob. Still waiting for your call. Thanks Brian 403 614-5091
April 4, 2015 at 8:38 PM
I have a Calgary Buffalo Brewing Company Wooden Crate. Anyone know what it is worth?
July 1, 2015 at 9:53 PM
Hello I also have a wooden crate box from Calgary Buffalo Brewery & a silver serving tray that were owned by my grandfather who worked his entire life at the Calgary Brewery. He got a gold watch at his 50 yrs working there. I will sell items if anyone interested.
July 2, 2015 at 10:39 AM
Hi Lori. I will purchase all your items. Thanks my phone is 5874337199
July 27, 2015 at 3:45 PM
Hi Lora Have you sold your items. Will purchase all. Thanks
Brian. Phone 403 614-5091
August 3, 2015 at 10:08 PM
Hi I have a Calgary stampede brand Amber lager 750ml never been sealed and I was wondering if anyone would know how much it would be worth? Please leave a comment if you know thanks
September 13, 2015 at 5:21 PM
I just purchased a small oak beer keg which is stamped with Calgary
Br on the underside. Are these fairly common or not? The antique
dealer here in BC said he hadn’t seen one of these ever in his 40
years of business .
September 14, 2015 at 8:42 AM
Awesome. Would like to see a picture of it to see if it the same as mine. Maybe you can text me a pic. 403 614-5091. Thanks Brian
September 14, 2015 at 12:26 PM
Hi Brian still a good piece I have had 14 total in my collecting and selling time. They show up in Calgary once in a while. Cheers
September 14, 2015 at 5:46 PM
Hi Jerry. Got mine out of Edmonton but they came from Calgary originally. They have no bongs and I have no idea if there is even a original wood one around. You may know. Could send you a picture of the keg if it would help. Thanks Brian
September 14, 2015 at 6:22 PM
Hi Brian
I just sent you two photos of the little keg. It is only 16 inches tall and about 13 inches wide. Why would the brewery use such a small keg? I’m not sure how much it holds….. would have to fill it up with water and see.
Sally
September 14, 2015 at 8:27 PM
The brewery put out the small kegs ,nick named pony kegs for picnics small and small gatherings. Every brewery in western canada used them In Calgary the mountain spring brewery ,silver spray and big horn brewery had them in Calgary. I am not sure if the golden west brewery that shut down during prohibition had the small one
September 15, 2015 at 7:36 AM
That is very interesting. I had no idea. My family owned a brewery in England in the 1800’s until 1946 or so. We have old crocks and bottles. They used large oak kegs of course but I have never heard of a pony keg. Is this a Canadian thing only?
My keg is missing the spigot and bong. Anyone know where I might find these?
October 5, 2015 at 12:16 PM
Hi all, My dogs have been digging around the Lilac bushes for shade and to cool off and for a while I’ve been noticing the butt of a bottle. Just today I managed to unearth it and it’s a clear Calgary beer bottle. It’s not in the greatest shape but I was surprised the paint is still all there, with a little more cleaning…
On the bottom it’s raised, V- 1492.
Pretty sure it’s not old enough to have come over on the Mayflower, but it sure looks like you guys know more about it.
October 17, 2015 at 9:01 AM
Hi Webber, The bottle you found is a common one I belive. The V 1492 is the mould number. The number to the right, a single didgit, would be the year. The letter on the left would be the month or if it is after 1952 it will have a line or two or three or more. This is the progressive box code they used to date the bottles.Most of these type of bottles will have a small raised dot under the diamond at the bottom. The dot designates the manufacture plant. The one you have is from Redcliff AB i would bet.These are fairly easy to date once you know the date code set up. Unfortunatly these are only worth about $10.00 in decent shape.Hope this helps.
October 20, 2015 at 12:35 AM
I inherited from my grandfather a Calgary Brewery bar sign. My grandfather was a city policeman in Calgary who walked his beat in downtown Calgary. The Royal Hotel on 8th was being demolished and he retrieved the bar sign complete with its brass holder before the hotel was brought down. The brass ring to which the glass bar sign attaches to has a patent date of 1903 on it. The bar sign is meant to be hung with a bulb in it. The sign is white with the red horse shoe and the word “CALGARY” inside the horse shoe. The buffalo head is below the horse shoe & the buffalo is a side portrait. The word “BEER” is in black below the buffalo head. The sign is in exquisite condition with no chips or cracks in the porcelain and no paint chips.
I also have a 1930 long neck Calgary beer bottle in very good condition. The label still has vibrant colours with no tears or marks on the label. I also have a 50’s wooden serving tray with Calgary beer on it. I also have a small Calgary beer glass which looks like a small pint glass. I dont believe its old.
I dont know if I would sell this bar sign as its a family heritage piece and my sort of tie to Calgary – my birthplace.
I am curious to know if there are other similar signs that others have seen before & maybe a value?
I posted some pictures on Instagram on my account under neksnave1960.
My email is neksnave1960@gmail.com if anyone can shed some light on the sign & perhaps a valuation.
Regards
Ken
October 20, 2015 at 10:42 PM
Thanks Duaine,
Hey, my dogs can dig up $10. bottles all day long. Actually it seems this is the only one. While clearing ground for a greenhouse I found the old farmers bottle depot. Unfortunate I broke many in the discovery but I still got a pretty cool collection of 1940, 50s bottles. They have to at least be worth a dime each…
October 26, 2015 at 10:25 PM
If anyone is interested in Calgary Brewery collectibles and you are a member of Facebook, we have a great Facebook group that has over 1,000 images posted in 26 different albums. If you are on Facebook search for “Calgary Brewery Collectibles” and it will be the only group that comes up. Click join and I’ll add you to the group. We’re always happy to find new members that want to share their photos or information they have regarding anything and everything to do with Calgary Brewery collectibles. If you are a new collector or just interested in Beer related items this is a great place to see what is out there. Lots of interesting posts and some very knowledgeable collectors to answer any of your questions. Cheers!
March 13, 2016 at 9:37 PM
The logo design was created by W.M. Kitchener, to add a correction to your story. My wife’s family still hold some of the original artwork.
March 14, 2016 at 4:15 PM
Hi Dave, Now that is something any Calgary Brewery collector would love to see! Original artwork! If you ever want to show it off to people who would appreciate it, I know a whole bunch of people that would line up for the opportunity to see it, including myself. Even to see photos of it would be awesome if you ever want to share!
September 19, 2016 at 11:08 AM
Hi Dave
Do you know anything about the buffalo head? I would say cast aluminum?
Thanks Jenny
April 8, 2016 at 7:45 PM
I have some crazy cool Calgary Stampede Beer cardboard boxes I just found in on old barn!!! they are so amazing but what the heck do you do with them check my instagram for photos @ xbarstar
April 11, 2016 at 10:25 AM
Hi. Would like to purchase if possible as I’m a Brewery collector. Thanks in advance.
403 614-5991
April 11, 2016 at 10:27 AM
correction: 403 614-5091
April 30, 2016 at 11:03 AM
Hi there, if anyone has the old style cast iron stout beer opener, I’d be interested in purchasing! 587-644-1323
June 25, 2016 at 2:06 PM
I have, what appears to be, an old bottle of beer from Calgary Malting and Brewing Company, i.e. with beer in it. I have no idea how old it is or if it is worth anything to anyone. I could send photos of it if anyone in interested.
June 27, 2016 at 9:20 AM
Hello Barry, Always interested in Calgary Brewery bottles. If it’s no trouble send me a photo at my email waebli@moxies.ca. Thanks! Wallace
June 27, 2016 at 11:51 AM
On its way Wallace.
June 27, 2016 at 12:19 PM
Hi Barry would it be possible to get a photo of the bottle at hardeboy@telus. net Thanks Brian
October 13, 2016 at 4:13 PM
I have a Calgary Brewery pitcher made by John Maddock & Sons (England) Does anyone know the value?
October 13, 2016 at 5:54 PM
Hello Millie,
There are a few different sizes and versions of what you are talking about. If there is a buffalo in the horseshoe logo it’s worth more than the one with just the horseshoe. The largest jug is obviously the most valuable. Realistically it would be somewhere between $75 and $125, more if it has the buffalo. I believe there is one for sale right now at Mantiques in Calgary but I can’t remember what the price on it is. Don at the store would tell you what it would be worth as well. If you are in Calgary and are interested in selling or trading it I would be interested if it’s one I don’t already have. aebliw@shaw.ca is how you could contact me. Cheers! Wally
April 8, 2017 at 12:37 PM
is there any way I can post a photo to this site? I found an old Calgary Beer bottle opener this morning when I was metal detecting a neighbour’s yard. I wondered if anyone could tell me anything about it.
April 8, 2017 at 9:49 PM
Kevin,
There isn’t a way to directly post a photo in the comments section, but you can do links, so if you post it somewhere you can link to it. Otherwise, you can send it to me and I can see what I can do.
April 8, 2017 at 10:00 PM
Hey Kevin send me a photo to gerryfrost@hotmail.com I know a bit about Calgary brewery srtifacts
April 12, 2017 at 12:14 PM
Hello
I have a full bottle of an old Calgary Stampede beer. How do I find out how old it is or if its worth anything? I also have a can of Harley Davidson beer from the 50th anniversary of Sturgis is that worht anything. Does anyone know who to ask or I could send a pic to?
April 13, 2017 at 7:38 PM
Need to know which one it is. Can you send a pic. 403 614-5091
August 6, 2017 at 10:42 PM
I’m writing on behalf of my uncle. He has a collection of ~ 100 beer bottles that he’s interested in selling. All are empty, except one unopened bottle of Calgary Beer with a right side facing buffalo. He also has another right facing empty. How does one go about selling such items? And any idea of the worth? Thx!
August 16, 2017 at 2:10 PM
Hi Colleen, I would be interested in purchasing them, please cal 403-235-6325. Ask for Don
August 23, 2017 at 3:22 PM
Hi Colleen, I would also be interested in purchasing the bottles. I’m a private Calgary Brewery collector. Call 403 614-5091. Thanks. Brian
June 20, 2018 at 5:33 PM
Hey Brian,
Since you are a collector, I was wondering if you perhaps would know the value of my drinking glasses.. they are about 5 oz and super thick glass. They look to be no younger than 1970s somewhere, but could be older. they are like a highball glass or something but narrower, and taller abit.. if you feel like telling me what you know, I would really appreciate it! Especially how old they are.. I am not looking to sell them, I use them and they are super awesome, I am just really curious. 🙂
February 17, 2018 at 2:33 PM
What’s on the basement???? Does the bow river run under the brewery,, is this place haunted???
July 27, 2018 at 11:58 PM
does anyone have any history on this bottle? https://gyazo.com/7bf610b44b3394ce8d4d9e027b1a7f62 (copy and paste into web bar))
April 8, 2019 at 11:57 AM
Can you tell me who wrote this article and how I can get a hold of them via phone.
Regards,
B Guthrie
July 22, 2019 at 9:19 AM
I have a six pack case of Calgary beer. Unopened but the case is rather ragged.
July 22, 2019 at 7:12 PM
I need a Calgary stampede green beer bottle and cap