The 18 Best Calgary Breweries

Craft Beer Guide / Draft Beer

What are the best Calgary Breweries to visit this year? Well, we’ve put in the work to figure that out for you! We have sampled all their brews, spent time in their taprooms and read all the online reviews to come up with our take on the best Calgary Breweries to explore this year.

Calgary Breweries

Alberta is quickly becoming a craft beer powerhouse province in Canada and Calgary is leading the way with over 40 breweries to choose from and more popping up every year. We’ve picked our top 10 favourites for you to enjoy.

Calgary Craft Beer Scene

Within Alberta’s largest city reside an incredible selection of craft breweries for you to enjoy. Whether you’re soaking up the short but sweet Alberta summer and searching for the best patio or enduring the long cold winter and need a pint to fight the cold, you won’t have to look far to find a great craft beer in Calgary.

Calgary is home to large well-known labels, such as Wild Rose Brewery and Big Rock Brewery, as well as home to many smaller, up-and-coming craft breweries. If you’re just venturing into the world of crafty microbrews, keep your mind open, and your tastebuds prepped from some delicious, innovative, and refreshing brews. Calgary is a great city to explore the world of craft beer!

How do we pick the best Calgary Breweries?

With every ‘top breweries’ post that we write, we make sure to do diligent online research to determine who makes it on our list. From reading online reviews and reviewing beer selections, to checking other authority websites and of course, sampling their beers. We do our best to take all the information we collect and give you our opinion of the best breweries in Calgary.

However, we know we aren’t perfect and if we’ve missed a Calgary brewery that you think should be on this list, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and we’ll consider adding them!

Did we miss something?

If you think a brewery deserves a spot on our list, Vote for them! If you’re a brewery looking to update your information or get in touch, contact us!

The Best Calgary Breweries

It’s almost impossible to stay up to date on the newest craft breweries opening up in Calgary so stay tuned as we continue to release “best of Calgary” lists. For now, take a peek through our current list of the best Calgary Craft Breweries.

Village Brewery

Village Brewery
Village Brewery

It takes a village to raise a beer, and a beer to raise a village. That’s the motto at Village Brewery who is dedicated to bringing the community together one great beer at a time. Their taproom and patio offers pints, flights, and growler fills along with all kinds of activities and events every week.

Now 10 years old, Village Brewery has just come out with a new line of craft beers with names designed to spark conversations. Give Misheard Lyric and Binge Watch a try on your next visit!

Customer Review: Good beer, good people, good business philosophy. Village Brewery makes a wide selection of beer, but they also have wonderful non-alcoholic brews, which taste really good. Craft non-alcoholic is a whole new world. We are no longer limited to grocery store non-alcoholic swill. Very big fans of Village and all that they do for the city. Much love!

Tool Shed Brewing Company

Tool Shed Brewing Company
Tool Shed Brewing Company

You don’t have to think too hard to figure out where the name and history of Tool Shed stem from. Co-founders Jeff and Graham Sherman connected over their love for taking hobbies too far. This particular “hobby gone too far” has resulted in a long time favourite brewery in Calgary. With its grassroots charm, tasty lineup of beers, and raved about BBQ food, Tool Shed is a great addition to our list.

Customer Review: Always a fantastic place to be with awesome beer and even better staff! Absolutely my favourite brewery in town and an a great after work watering hole. The core beers are great for everyone and the seasonal rotation is always something worth trying out.

Annex Ale Project

Annex Ale Project
Annex Ale Project

This minimalistic and modern brewery is not only great for brew lovers but also for those who want to venture out and try something a little different. Annex Ale Project offers an array of award-winning craft beers and sodas and is definitely worth a visit. Although this is a craft beer guide, their non-alcoholic Ginger Beer Craft Soda is definitely worthy of an honourable mention!

Customer Review: Annex is a pillar in the beer community. Their team are thoughtful, engaged and creative. Not only do they make some stellar beers, they also give back whenever possible and use their platform to promote good. If you have yet to check them out be sure to get over to their taproom, grab a pint of Golden Ale and a Burger from Little Empire…you won’t regret it.

Dandy Brewing Company

Dandy Brewing Company
Dandy Brewing Company

Dandy Brewing Company may be on the smaller side, but they are known for producing big, flavourful beers.  Their ales and sours are known around town as some of the best, even earning them a “most notable brewery” award in 2019. Their funky decor and new-school brews make Dandy Brewing Company a must-visit if you’re in Calgary.

Customer Review: Dandy has a wonderful selection of beers – there’s something for everyone and they’re all amazing. I particularly love their stouts and sours. They’ve got good food, too. Plus the interior and patio are awesome (there is great art and fire pits). The staff is all knowledgeable and great with their service.

Cold Garden Beverage Company

Cold Garden Beverage Company
Cold Garden Beverage Company

Eclectic, eccentric, kitschy – these are just some of the terms that describe this micro brewery. Whether describing their decor style or their approach to beer, the terms seem fitting. Cold Garden Beverage Company has a large lineup of smartly named brews on tap with new seasonal and rotational brews constantly showing up.

The brewmasters at Cold Garden love brewing up unique flavours to give your taste buds a real treat. You have to try their CakeFace Ale made with vanilla beans, it actually tastes like a birthday cake! Or, give their Red Smashed Irish Red Ale with malted and roasted barley, caramel, and english hops a try. Our personal favourite is the One Summer in Saskatoon Lager, a farmhouse style saison brewed with fresh Saskatoon berries, what a treat!

Customer Review: Relaxed friendly vibe with awesome beer at very reasonable prices. Did I mention your dog can go with you and may score some treats. Two thumbs and two paws up for the Cold Garden.

The Establishment Brewing Company

The Establishment Brewing Company
The Establishment Brewing Company

It all started with a group of friends in a basement. The Establishment Brewing Company’s humble beginning paved the way for the brewery we know and love today. Still focused on friendship and beer, but now expanding their friend circle to anyone who loves craft beer and wants to share that love.

You’re guaranteed to enjoy some great brews and great music at this brewery. A must-try are their barrel-aged wild beers, inspired by old world technique and new world style. They create some of the best aged sours out there using their own wild yeast culture in these one-off limited-edition 750ml bottles.

Customer Review: Establishment is one of our go-to brewery destinations in Calgary. They are consistently pushing the envelope with new and exciting releases and their taproom space is incredibly inviting and cozy. If that weren’t enough the team behind it all is made up of incredibly thoughtful, kind and welcoming folks who will be sure to make your visit memorable.

Trolley 5 Brewpub

Trolley 5 Brewpub
Trolley 5 Brewpub

Located in Beltline, which was once upon a time called the No. 5 Trolley Line and carried the hard working Calgarians who built this city. Trolley 5’s co-founders PJ and Ernie are dedicated to brewing great beers and sharing their craft with the community they adore.

This industrial style space doesn’t just serve up tasty brews, they also have some of the most raved about smoked brisket and turkey in the area. Paired with their house-made mustard and Memphis BBQ sauce, you’re in for a treat.

Customer Review: The Mecca of 17th ave. This spot is hot! The place to be seen, but also the best people watching in the city as they’ve got multiple patios (sidewalk and upper floor). Food and beer selection are unreal, and they’ve clearly put some thought into the menu. It’s got an old school rap vibe to it.

Banded Peak Brewing Company

Banded Peak Brewing Company
Banded Peak Brewing Company

This brewery was designed to take the secret out of brewing beer. Their production area is completely open for viewing and its open-air design offers a refreshing take on a modern-day brewery. Branded as “adventurous beer for adventurous people”, Banded Peak’s lineup offers an array of beer flavours and styles to suit everyone’s tastes.

Customer Review: Banded Peak is an awesome brewery along the Barley Belt. Probably my favourite in the area. Beer is always fresh, with good flavour combinations and they do the classics right. I tried a flight to get my bearings and then went with the amazing Guava Gose. Highly recommend stopping in and checking this place out if you in the area. Patio is large and has some great seating combinations for you and anyone else.

Cabin Brewing Company

Cabin Brewing Company
Cabin Brewing Company

Another great spot in Calgary’s growing brewery district, the Barley Belt, Cabin Brewing Company offers a little bit of the great outdoors in this campground style craft brewery. Their beer is hoppy and flavourful and perfect for sipping around a campfire or cozied up in a log cabin, which is exactly the vibe they’re going for at this family friendly taproom.

Customer Review: The folks at Cabin are awesome. They make incredible beer, and have created a wonderful space to gather in Calgary. Their taproom is comfortable and cozy and their team is always incredibly welcoming. Be sure to grab yourself an Aussie pie while you’re sipping on some Super Sat…they are outrageously delicious.

Eighty Eight Brewing

Eighty Eight Brewing
Eighty Eight Brewing

This 80’s inspired brewery will have you feeling like you’ve time traveled back to the days of neon spandex and leg warmers. Complete with retro TV’s and gaming consoles, you have to check this place out! Eighty Eight Brewing makes rad beer for rad people and even has a few gluten free alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on tap to cater to everyone.

Customer Review: If only I still had a neon windbreaker. Love the beer that 88 produces. Brewery is a friendly place to have a beer in glow of the 80’s

Citizen Brewing Company

Citizen Brewing Company
Citizen Brewing Company

Citizen Brewing Company, just off the Edmonton Trail, is a part of some great initiatives and charities to help make the world a better place. Have a pint on their dog-friendly sunny patio knowing you’re making a difference with one these brews in your hand!

Customer Review: Heated patio, alternative music, awesome tuned, attentive friendly service, great beer, and the home of my new favourite burger in Calgary! The Big Mack. Highly recommend!

OT Brewing Co.

OT Brewing Co.
OT Brewing Co.

OT Brewing Co. is a place where sports fans and craft beer enthusiasts alike can come down and enjoy their favourite brew after work (hence Over Time). This sports and adrenaline themed brewery is a great place watch the game with your friends or sit outside on their great patio designed like a hockey rink!

If easy drinking cocktails are what you’re after, you’ve got to try their beer-tail creations, a cocktail with a beer foundation, how cool! Bonus: their bar top is complete with an ice lane to place your glass down and keep it extra cold in between sips.

Customer Review: Definitely the best new brewery to open in Calgary. Great hazy pale ales and a really solid Pils. Looking forward to tasting what they come out with next.

Railyard Brewing

Railyard Brewing
Railyard Brewing

Inspired by freight cars passing by full of malt with phenomenal murals of graffiti art, Railyard Brewing creates great craft beer with an artistic vibe. The brewers are always testing out new recipes with quality ingredients to get that perfect flavour profile. Their taproom features daily happy hour and events like comedy nights and taproom tunes! Plus, their newly licensed patio allows you to take your pint outside and enjoy the sunshine!

Customer Review: Great food, great beer and an awesome setting. games like pool and table tennis to keep kids happy

Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Company

Ol' Beautiful Brewing Company
Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Company

This lovely Calgary microbrewery has a warm-toned industrial feel in their taproom and their beer is a mix of the old school and new school. Grab a bite at their partner restaurant, A1 burrito, listen to the tunes playing on the record player, an enjoy some seriously good brews. With 15 beers on tap we know you won’t leave thirsty!

If you don’t typically drink beer, they’ve got a killer tart-and-dry Darlene cider that you have to try, either by the glass or as part of a cocktail.

Customer Review: Our first experience here was superb. Great brews and the in house taco joint was the perfect compliment to our drinks. Love the location and atmosphere. Almost felt like we stepped into a mini vacation. Will definitely be back soon!

Prairie Dog Brewing

Prairie Dog Brewing
Prairie Dog Brewing

Prairie Dog Brewing is a family-owned craft microbrewery doubling as a barbecue restaurant right by Chinook Centre. Beer and BBQ, what more do you need?! Their slow-smoked meats prepared in their in-house smoker (cutely named Clifford, the big red smoker) truly out of this world.

You can expect great pairing recommendations from the staff at Prairie Dog Brewing so make sure you come with an empty stomach and expect to leave with your pants feeling just a bit tighter. They also offer gluten free alcoholic beverages for those who are sensitive!

Customer Review: Such a great place to eat mouth watering BBQ and drink amazing beer. Friendly staff, always warm and welcoming and know their beer. Businesses like Prairie Dog are staples in the community and an integral part of the Barley Belt and craft beer industry in Calgary.

Common Crown Brewing Company

Common Crown Brewing Company
Common Crown Brewing Company

Recently named Canada’s Brewery of the year, this was an easy addition to our list. Their motto “crafting beer for good times and great conversations” is fitting as you’ll have lots to talk about with their lineup of beers. Featuring a reliable rotation that’s always on hand as well as seasonal releases, no matter what time of year you find yourself at Common Crown Brewing, you’re sure to find one to satisfy your beer craving.

Though their operating hours are slightly limited (open Thursday – Sunday) it’s definitely worth penciling into your schedule.

Customer Review: Best place in town to grab a drink and enjoy conversation with friendly staff. Award winning beers that speak for themselves- and a great place to work. Big fan and always will be!

Zero Issue Brewing

Zero Issue Brewing
Zero Issue Brewing

The brothers behind Zero Issue have created a space that merges their childhood love for science fiction and comic books and their adult passion for brewing and drinking delicious beer into this cool concept brewery. Your eyes and your mouth will have plenty to enjoy at this brewery.

Customer Review: Amazing place to go enjoy some delicious craft beer! They have a great selection to tailor to all tastes and the employees are very friendly.

Inner City Brewing

Inner City Brewing
Inner City Brewing

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Calgary’s Beltline, Inner City Brewery stands as a testament to the city’s amazing craft beer culture. Beyond its prime location, this brewery is also known for its innovative beer cocktails, blending traditional brewing with imaginative mixology.

With a constantly rotating selection on tap, you can expect a delightful blend of their favorite core beers along with a refreshing variety of small-batch brews. Each visit promises a new experience, reflecting Inner City Brewery’s dedication to innovation and variety. Complementing its stellar beer offerings, the brewery also boasts a delicious pub menu designed to pair perfectly with their brews.

Customer Review: I had a great experience at Inner City Brewing and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy some delicious craft beer.

Enjoy the best breweries in Calgary!

Make sure to go and check out Calgary’s best craft breweries, grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!

If we’ve missed a brewery on our list that you think should be added, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and why you think it should be added to our list of the best Calgary Breweries!

More Alberta Breweries

If you’re travelling around looking for The Best Alberta Breweries, make sure you also check out The Best Edmonton Breweries as well! There are some amazing Craft Breweries in Edmonton that you have to try!

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