Breweries, Distilleries & Even a Winery…
Making beer and alcohol is a science and it takes a fine hand to create something that not only is cost-efficient to produce and sell at a price point that consumers will accept – this stuff needs to taste good, too.
Our local craft liquor scene is pretty great. While we only have a couple of taprooms, you can usually sample the goods at one of our local Farmers Markets, and they are delicious.
Local bevvies for your consideration
70 Acre Brew Co
This is Strathcona County’s first locally owned craft brewery. We love it because (1) they source their products locally, supporting other local businesses; (2) there is a great vibe in the taproom; (3) their patio is dog-friendly; (4) if you don’t like beer, there are other choices on the menu to choose from; (5) flights are available for sampling onsite; and (6) they have pizza. If you don’t have a gluten allergy, you will love their pretzels (which are sourced local, finished onsite).
Barr Estate Winery
Working sheep and fruit farm, winery tours & tastings are available by appointment - just south of Highway 14, near Sherwood Park. They produce four very distinct wines – you can purchase at the winery, at select liquor stores, or online.
Doege Company
Small batch products made in Sherwood Park. Canadian rum & unique spirits, including mulled wine. You can shop for their products at select liquor stores and online.
Elk Island Spirits
W: https://www.elkislandspirits.com/
Hand crafted, small batch spirits. Creators of the amazing Moose Milk! Fun fact – they were the first distillery to be licensed on agriculture land in Canada. Their handcrafted iconic Canadian brands including Moose Milk, Ross Creek Rye, Wandering Elk and Aurora Rare vodka. Products are available online, sometimes at local Farmers Markets, and at select liquor stores.
Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
W: https://www.hawkeprohibition.com/
Creators of Baby-X Vodka, Thick & Dirty, and Spice Rack Vodka for the best Caesar you’ve ever had. Our favourites are the Salted Caramel Thick & Dirty and their newest addition – the premixed ready to serve Boozy Bear Saskatoon Hawketail (we prefer the simple things in life). The distillery is open almost daily for picking up product (or a quick sample if you’re not sure), but they also stock their products at many of the local liquor stores.
Manual Labour Beer Co.
Microbrewery and taproom with fine craft brews. Brewery tours and tastings are available (must be pre-booked), or just stop in for a pint and a game of pinball. The food menu isn’t extensive, but they do offer snacks or pizza, or you’re welcome to order in your own food. They have also recently added a small little dog-friendly patio. If you go – we recommend the Treat Yo’Self Champagne Cider.
Old Station Honey & Mead
W: https://www.oldstationmead.com/
Not quite in Strathcona County, but just down Highway 21 in the hamlet of New Sarepta, is Old Station Honey & Mead. We haven't had the opportunity to sample their entire menu, but we did try their Ha-Cee Mead (haskap berry) and we loved it. They’re open on weekends, you can find them at Crossroads Liquor Store, or online.
The Fort Distillery
W: https://thefortdistillery.com/
Creating "Spirits of the Prairies" and creators of the ready to serve craft cocktails, Tumbler & Rocks, available in single serve size. If you are a gin lover, their Canadian Boreal Gin is super popular. You can order online or from select local liquor stores.
Did you know that Alberta distilleries employ over 500 people in the province?
We’ve already, very recently, lost one of our local distilleries to bankruptcy – if you enjoy these products, we urge you to support these businesses.
- Ask for them by name. Understand that you can influence what our local restaurants and liquor stores serve – you are “consumer demand”.
- Spend a couple bucks more to choose them at the liquor store. You will be supporting local businesses and that spills over to our local farmers and a whole bunch of other great local spin-offs.
Learn more:
- Alberta Ale Trail - https://albertaaletrail.ca/breweries
- Alberta Breweries & Distilleries - https://www.travelalberta.com/things-to-do/food-drink/breweries-distilleries
- Alberta Craft Distillers Association - https://www.albertacraftdistillers.com/
- Alberta Small Brewers Association - https://alberta.beer/