Calgary's Best Brew: Top Beer Spots Revealed

If you're a beer enthusiast in Calgary, you're in luck! The city boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries and a wide range of beer options available for purchase. Whether you're a fan of IPAs, stouts, or lagers, you can find the perfect brew to suit your taste. From cozy pubs to specialty shops and online retailers, there are plenty of places to buy Calgary beer. In the following paragraphs, we'll explore some of the best options for sourcing these unique and delicious beers.

Local Breweries: Find craft beer in Calgary at breweries like Left Field Brewery and Good Times Brewing

If you're a craft beer enthusiast in Calgary, you're in luck! The city boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here's a guide to help you explore and find some of the best craft beers Calgary has to offer.

One popular destination for craft beer lovers is Left Field Brewery, located in the vibrant Beltline neighborhood. This brewery has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and award-winning beers. Left Field offers a wide range of styles, from their flagship IPA, which is a local favorite, to more experimental and seasonal brews. Their taproom is a cozy space where you can enjoy their beers on-site, often featuring live music and a friendly atmosphere. Make sure to check their website or social media for the latest updates on their beer menu and any special events they host.

Another notable brewery in Calgary is Good Times Brewing, known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Good Times offers a diverse selection of beers, including their popular 'Good Times' IPA, a well-balanced and citrusy beer that has won several awards. They also have a unique 'Brewery-to-Table' concept, where they showcase local food and art alongside their brews. The taproom provides a warm and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a long day. You can also explore their online store to purchase their beers in cans or growlers for takeaway.

Both Left Field and Good Times Brewing actively engage with the local community, often hosting events, collaborations, and beer festivals. These breweries contribute to the city's vibrant culture and provide an opportunity to support local businesses. By visiting these breweries, you not only get to enjoy exceptional craft beers but also become part of a community that celebrates creativity and passion.

In addition to these breweries, Calgary has a thriving craft beer market with numerous other options. You can explore various beer stores and bottle shops that specialize in local and international craft beers. Some popular choices include 'The Beer Store' and 'The Liquid Bread Company', where you can find a wide selection of beers from different breweries. These stores often host tasting events and provide knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the diverse world of craft beer.

Exploring the local breweries in Calgary is an excellent way to support local businesses and indulge in the city's vibrant craft beer culture. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual drinker, these breweries offer a unique and memorable experience. So, grab a friend, head out to one of these breweries, and embark on a delightful journey through the flavors of Calgary's craft beer scene.

Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores in Calgary sell local and imported beers, including major chains like Superstore and FreshCo

If you're looking to buy Calgary beer, your local grocery store is a great place to start. Many supermarkets in the city offer a wide selection of beers, catering to both local and international tastes. Here's a guide to help you navigate your next beer-buying experience:

Major Grocery Chains:

• Superstore: A popular choice for many Calgarians, Superstore offers a comprehensive range of beers. You can find both local favorites and international brands on their shelves. Look for the dedicated beer section, often located near the checkout, where you'll find a variety of options, from crisp lagers to rich stouts.
• FreshCo: This chain is another go-to for beer enthusiasts. FreshCo stores typically stock a good selection of local and imported beers. You might discover unique, small-batch brews alongside well-known international brands.
• Walmart: With a large presence in Calgary, Walmart also caters to beer lovers. Their beer section is usually well-organized, making it easy to browse and compare different brands and styles.

Specialty Beer Sections:

Some grocery stores in Calgary have dedicated beer sections or microbrewery partnerships, offering a more extensive selection:

• Local Breweries: Calgary has a thriving craft beer scene, and many local breweries have their products available in grocery stores. Look for breweries like Big Rock, Left Field, and Wild Rose, which often have their beers on tap in stores, providing a fresh and unique drinking experience.
• International Brands: For those seeking a broader range, international grocery stores or specialty shops might be the way to go. These stores often carry a diverse selection of beers from around the world, allowing you to explore different flavors and styles.

Tips for Finding the Best Selection:

• Visit during different times of the day to see if the availability of certain beers varies.
• Check the store's website or app for a list of products, especially if you're looking for something specific.
• Don't be afraid to ask store staff for recommendations or guidance.

Remember, grocery stores are convenient and often provide a good starting point for finding Calgary beer. With a bit of exploration, you can discover a variety of local and international brews to suit your taste preferences.

Specialty Beer Stores: Visit specialty beer shops like The Beer Store or Calgary Beer Company for a wide selection of craft and imported beers

If you're a beer enthusiast in Calgary, exploring specialty beer stores is a must for discovering unique and diverse beer options. These stores cater to the growing craft beer culture and offer a wide range of choices beyond the typical mass-market offerings. Here's a guide on where to find and buy specialty beers in Calgary:

The Beer Store: This renowned specialty beer store is a one-stop shop for beer lovers in the city. Located in the heart of Calgary, The Beer Store boasts an extensive collection of craft beers, including local favorites and international brews. Their knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations and insights into various beer styles, making it an ideal place to learn and explore. From small-batch experiments to classic styles, The Beer Store offers a comprehensive selection that caters to both beginners and seasoned beer enthusiasts.

Calgary Beer Company: As the name suggests, this store is dedicated to celebrating the beer culture of Calgary and beyond. With a focus on local and regional craft beers, Calgary Beer Company showcases the talent and creativity of Alberta's brewing scene. Here, you'll find unique collaborations, limited-edition releases, and one-of-a-kind beer experiences. The store often hosts tasting events and offers a chance to meet the brewers, providing an immersive journey into the world of craft beer.

When visiting these specialty stores, you can expect to find a carefully curated selection of beers from various breweries. These shops often carry limited-edition releases, exclusive brews, and hard-to-find varieties, making them a treasure trove for beer collectors and enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through different beer styles, flavors, and brewing techniques, ensuring you make informed purchases.

In addition to the stores mentioned, Calgary's craft beer scene is thriving, with numerous microbreweries and taprooms offering unique beer experiences. Exploring these specialty stores and engaging with the local beer community will undoubtedly enhance your beer-drinking adventures in the city.

Liquor Stores: Liquor stores like The LCBO and Calgary's own Calgary Liquor Store offer a variety of beers, including local and international brands

If you're looking to buy Calgary beer, liquor stores are a great place to start. These stores offer a wide range of beers, catering to various tastes and preferences. Here's a guide to help you navigate the options:

The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario): While primarily known for its extensive wine and spirits selection, The LCBO also offers a diverse range of beers. You can find both domestic and international brands, including popular Canadian beers like Molson Canadian, Labatt Blue, and Rickard's, as well as international favorites. The LCBO often has a dedicated beer section, making it easy to browse and discover new brews.

Calgary Liquor Store: As the name suggests, this is a local specialty, offering a unique selection of beers that you might not find elsewhere. Calgary Liquor Store takes pride in showcasing local craft beers, providing an opportunity to support small, independent breweries. You can expect to find a variety of styles, from pale ales to stouts, and perhaps even some unique, seasonal brews. In addition to local brands, they also carry a good selection of international beers, ensuring there's something for every beer enthusiast.

When visiting these stores, you'll likely find a well-organized beer section, often with detailed descriptions and tasting notes to help you make an informed choice. The staff can also provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your preferences.

Liquor stores are a convenient and reliable source for purchasing beer, especially if you're looking for a wide variety, including local and international brands. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual drinker, these stores offer a comprehensive selection to suit your needs.

Online Retailers: Buy beer online from platforms like Drizly or Beer Run, which deliver a wide range of beers to your door in Calgary

If you're a beer enthusiast in Calgary and looking to expand your horizons beyond the local liquor store, online retailers are a convenient and exciting option. Platforms like Drizly and Beer Run have revolutionized the way beer is purchased and delivered, offering a vast selection of beers from local breweries to international craft brews.

Drizly, a well-known online liquor store, has become a go-to for many Calgarians. With an extensive database of products, you can easily search for specific beers or explore different styles. The platform allows you to filter by price, alcohol content, and even by the brewery or brand. Once you've made your selections, Drizly provides a seamless ordering process and arranges for delivery from nearby stores, ensuring your beers arrive fresh and ready to enjoy.

Beer Run, another popular choice, takes a unique approach by partnering with local breweries and bottle shops. This means you can access a wide variety of beers, including limited editions and exclusive releases, all while supporting local businesses. The website is user-friendly, allowing you to browse by style, price, or even by the brewery's location. Beer Run also offers a subscription service, making it easy to maintain a well-stocked beer fridge.

Both Drizly and Beer Run provide a convenient way to discover and purchase beers from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you can explore the diverse beer scene in Calgary, from classic lagers to innovative IPAs. These platforms often feature customer reviews and ratings, helping you make informed choices. Additionally, they may offer subscription benefits, loyalty programs, or promotions, adding further value to your online beer-buying experience.

In Calgary, these online retailers provide a convenient and diverse way to access a wide range of beers. Whether you're a casual drinker or a passionate beer enthusiast, exploring these platforms can open up a world of craft brews and local favorites, all delivered right to your doorstep.

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