Summer is in full swing! Even better, it’s Local Food Week in Alberta this August 9th to 16th! And we want to encourage you to celebrate the local craft breweries, distilleries and wineries in our special region. All are truly special and focus on unique recipes made with regional ingredients.
Read on for our top picks of places to Go East of Edmonton & get sippin!
On your next road trip, be sure to check out these local flavours…
Go Northeast of Edmonton
Fat Unicorn Brewery Tap and Grill – Lac la Biche
Great flavours, taste, a clean crisp finish – Fat Unicorn has it’s beer formula down to a ‘t’. Better yet, you can order some grub and a growler to go! Their beers are available throughout Alberta; check your local liquor store or drop into their new Tap and Grill located along Beaverhill Road.
Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co. – Cold Lake
If you’re after variety, Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co. has plenty of options for you. Established in 2016, in downtown Cold Lake, they strive to give their clients a top-quality product while supporting their neighbours and using as many local resources as possible. A local favourite, they offer 11 beer flavours, 5 vodkas, 2 rums and 2 new gins. Also, where else can you find the ultimate caesar?
You can find more information from our Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co profile here.
Go East of Edmonton
The Fort Distillery – Fort Saskatchewan
The Fort Distillery’s knack for using local ingredients made in small batches means you know you’re getting your money’s worth. Both products are handmade and distilled with care by head distiller and “mad scientist” Nathan Film. Stop by on weekends for a cocktail in their lounge, perfect for an after-dinner drink alongside local favourite Modo Mio Italian Restaurant. If you can’t make it out to Fort Saskatchewan, pick up a bottle from one of the many liquor stores they are available at across the province.
You can find more information from our Fort Distillery profile here.
Barr Estate Winery – Strathcona County
Barr Estate Winery offers handcrafted and sustainably farmed wine available throughout central and east Alberta. Are you a fruit fan? Their unique and organic flavours include raspberry, rhubarb, strawberry and even sour cherry wine! Not sure which one to try? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of summer left to relax, enjoy, and drink responsibly!
You can find more information from our Barr Estate Winery profile here.
Elk Island Distillery – Strathcona County
If beverages with more pizazz are more up your alley, Elk Island Distillery is the place for you! Committed to regional and sustainable practices, the distillery offers traditional hard liquor products, along with a unique Moose Milk. We’d say more, but you really should check it out yourself!
Copper Cork Distillery – Vermilion
Passionate about their craft, the boys of the Copper Cork bring you the true taste of the prairies through their handcrafted products! Family and friendship are at the heart of operations, so much so, they’ve named the four stills after their grandmothers. Be sure to try the Cordial, it’s a favourite of ours and soon to be yours also. We’re sure some live music goes great with enjoying one of the Copper Cork’s classic cocktails, which is a summer feature every Thursday.
You can find more information from our Copper Cork Distillery profile here.
Go Southeast of Edmonton
Section 35 Distillery – Viking
You must try this unique honey liquor! At Section 35, they offer two award-winning vodka products made to either be enjoyed on their own or in a delicious cocktail. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either triple distilled product, whether it’s the Award-Winning Bad Teacher, imagine you’re tasing a liquid apple pie, and the Wildflower a floral-inspired honey delight. While you can buy both of their products in select stores across Alberta, you can also shop online and get them delivered right to your door.
You can find more information from our Section 35 Distillery profile here.
Ribstone Creek Brewery – Edgerton
If you haven’t been to Ribstone, you’re missing out on a quality drink! Their beer line-up continues to evolve with varieties including their well-known Prairie Pirate series, seasonal beer like the Great White Combine, and the mainstays, Lone Bison IPA and Ribstone Creek Lager. Visit the brewery located in a historic building on main street to get a taste, and don’t forget to bring some home to share!
You can find more information from our Ribstone Creek Brewery profile here.
Back 40 Distillery – Camrose
Have you tasted spirits made from locally-grown sugar beets yet? You’ve got your lucky opportunity at Back40 Distillery! We hear it adds a unique taste to the spirits… All Back40 products are 100% gluten-free, so even if you have special dietary requirements, you’re in luck! Also, their products are varied from clear to dark liquors so you’re sure to find one that fits your taste. This just in…Alberta Beverage Awards results Judges Selection –
Ol’ Apple Betty – 4 years in a row (pictured at top of story)
Farmers Blend – 2 years in a row
Smooth Oak Blend – first year
You can find more information from our Back40 Distillery profile here.
Battle River Brewery – Camrose
Despite the name, there’s nothing common about the Kentucky Common from Battle River Brewery. Being the choice of beer in Louisville before prohibition, this beer brings back a little taste of history and a worthy, delicious tradition. It’s a good choice if you’re keen on diversifying your beer palate! The Jamboree may be simply made, but that works to its advantage. Why change up a good thing when it’s perfect as is? So, what are you waiting for? Stop by for some: Good. Simple. Beer.
Norsemen Brewing – Camrose
You can’t go wrong with a classic brew from the Norsemen! Inspired from old Norse legends, the brewery embraces their values and community nature, crafting flavours to fit everyone’s palettes. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and preservative-free, it’s the perfect place for the perfect beer. Conveniently located within the Norsemen Hotel, it’s a great spot for a pint & bite to eat!
Need more Inspiration for your Trip? We’ve got you covered!
- Drink East of Edmonton – Let’s go sippin’!
- Videos – Be inspired to travel East of Edmonton.
Take a Roadtrip and Play the Roadtrip Adventure Game
Need Help Planning your Trip?
- Call us at 1-888-632-8755 or email info@goeastofedmonton.com
All products from our featured partners are available throughout Alberta; check your local liquor store or through Liquor Connect. Please drink responsibly!