As Edmonton’s longest-running micro-brewery, Alley Kat Brewery is driving the popularity of artisan and innovative beers. Discover the fascinating processes involved in producing this popular drink, from the preparation of the grain right through to bottling, when you join one of the free walk-in tours. Of course, you’ll also get to taste the fruits of the labour!
Although Alley Kat Brewery only launched in 1994, it is the fourth-oldest in the whole of Alberta. This demonstrates the key role played by the owners, a local couple, in developing and nurturing the artisan beer market in this region. This former one-man operation now has the capacity to produce 2.4 million bottles per year.
The tour will introduce you to the key stages of the craft brewing process, starting with the malting of the grain to release the starches, then the mashing stage to turn the starches into sugar, followed by boiling the mixture in huge tanks or kettles. You’ll then learn about the fermentation stage where the alcohol is produced, before the resulting golden drink is bottled and labelled, ready for sale. As the brewery does not use any stabilisers or preservatives, and the resulting beer is not pasteurised, you’ll be witnessing brewing as it has been carried out for centuries.
Having seen the preparation, you’ll now get to try the end product. The brewery is known for its range of signature beers, including the apricot-flavoured Aprikat wheat ale, and the full-bodied Alley Kat Amber brown ale. You’ll also be in for a surprise tasting, as seasonal, small-run beers are continually being developed. There may be a grapefruit beer in the summer, or a dark, rich ale in the winter. You’ll even have the chance to taste mead, a centuries-old drink made from honey, water and spices.
Alley Kat Brewery tours run on Thursday and Friday afternoons. There is no need to book in advance, and the tours are free. The brewery is approximately 10 minutes by car from central Edmonton, or you can easily travel by public transport.
