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How To Get Your Way Through Hyperbole, Half-Truths and Spin (And Money)

So Beer Canada got its way, partially. In yesterday’s federal budget, the government announced that for this year it was capping the increase of the federal excise duties on beer at 2%, rather than the planned 6.2%. This comes after… Continue Reading →

Why Do Breweries Continue to Dump Bad Beer into Alberta?

I knew it was a mistake when I did it. I found a four-pack of tall boys from a B.C. brewery (whom I won’t name) selling for a couple of bucks under the average price at Sherbrooke. It was on… Continue Reading →

Fitzsimmons Closing, Situation’s Future Unclear

I always prefer to announce the opening of new breweries on the prairies. Alas that has been a bit thin recently (although there are a handful in the final stages of preparation). But sometimes I have to announce closures. In… Continue Reading →

Did a Robot Make Your Beer?

These days it seems like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is invading every human activity, from self-driving trucks, to apps that can write your history essay and imitate the work of famous artists. But craft beer must surely be immune, right? Right?… Continue Reading →

What Bob & Doug (And Beer Canada) Aren’t Telling You About Rising Beer Taxes

New radio ads began airing last week featuring the voices of Bob and Doug McKenzie, the iconic fictional beer-loving duo played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. The two hosers are demanding the federal government “freeze the beer tax”. The… Continue Reading →

Beer in 7-Eleven: Bad Drinking Experience, Even Worse Public Policy

One of the under-reported stories of 2022 was that a handful of 7-Eleven convenience stores were granted licenses to sell beer and wine for both in-store consumption and take away (they have also set up delivery through online delivery apps)…. Continue Reading →

Alberta Beer Loses One of Its Most Passionate Builders

You have likely heard the news. Co-founder of Village Brewing in Calgary, Jim Button, passed away on January 19. He was 59. His life and contributions to community deserve to be recognized. Others who knew him better than I may… Continue Reading →

Alberta Beer Industry Past, Present and Future

I appreciate my last couple posts have been, well, a bit depressing. Highlighting brewery closures is not my favourite part of the job. In the new year I hope to offer up the flipside and talk about some of the… Continue Reading →

Scratching Toward the Finish Line: Craft Beer in the COVID Era

Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic a number of beer writers talked about how the pandemic would take a toll on craft breweries, myself included. More recently some of the corporate media have been speculating about what will become of… Continue Reading →

Mixed Results for Prairie Breweries at Inaugural Canada Beer Cup

A couple of days ago the results of the first annual Canada Beer Cup were announced. And while it was a mixed night for prairie-based breweries the launching of this new beer competition is a welcome addition to the Canadian… Continue Reading →

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YEG Hidden Gems Beer Pairing Dinner

November 7. The craft beer scene in Edmonton has been exploding in recent years with many new breweries and interesting beer being created. Come try a few of the city’s hidden beer gems, curated by beer writer and educator Jason Foster. Each beer will be paired with a dish specifically designed for the beer by Underground’s executive chef. It will be an evening of exploration, education and enjoyment!

Book an Event

Looking for a new and original fundraising idea for your organization? Want to offer something a little different to your clients?