Pouring thick creamy eggnog into a glass bowl might have been your parents grand idea of "gettin' feastive" over the holidays, but Banff and Canmore's distilleries and breweries are setting the Ho Ho Hot drink trends you'll be licking your lips at.
With six breweries and three distilleries, the Bow Valley's homegrown craft scene is flourishing with leading-edge products and ahead of the curve tastes, and are ready to serve you this holiday season faster than an approaching avalanche.
Banff Ave Brewing Co. (110 Banff Ave., Banff)
Celebrating the holly jolly days is Banff Ave. Brewing Co. with its latest brew from tap to you, the Norquay 95 Quality Time Session Ale.
Teaming up with Mount Norquary Ski Resort, which just had its earliest opening day in its 95 year history, the new beer is a "hop forward, well balanced ale featuring Galaxy and El Dorado hops, which give it refreshing notes of stonefruit. Brewed for maximum drinkability après ski, or however you spend your quality time."
Our friends @mtnorquay turned 95 this year! To help commemorate, say hello to Norquay 95 Quality Time Session Ale. A collaboration brewed for maximum drinkability après ski, or however you spend your quality time. Now available at the brewpub and coming soon to liquor stores. pic.twitter.com/CsqI7CZ7p0
— Banff Ave Brewing Co (@banffavebrewing) November 16, 2020
Blake Brewhouse + Distillery + Restaurant (810 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore)
Some rum for your tum. Celebrating Canmore's mining hertitage, Blake Brewhouse + Distillery is excited to announce its Miner's Choice Rum. The restaurant, fitted with a distillery and brewery, is ready to distribute the hand-crafted spirit. In addition, Blake has four house brews on tap – Alberta Gold American Wheat Ale, Double Decker Red Ale, Trans Canada India Pale Ale, and Canmore Coal Irish Stout.
Canmore Brewing Company (1460 Railway Ave., Canmore)
From a new craft beer unveil to returning favourites, there's a lot of suds to crave at the Canmore Brewing Company this holiday season.
For a limited time, the new Double Black Lager is available for purchase. This smooth dark beer has a beautiful coffee finish with a hint of chocolate.
All the rage this year at Canmore Brewing Company were its fast-selling Chocolate Maple Porter, Jam Session Sour, and Outsider Cider – and the fan favourites are coming back over the holidays.
Pop by and sample a flight at the brewery's expanded taproom for even more socially-distanced enjoyment with an incredible view over the stainless steel production line.NEW BEER ALERT!! Time to try a Double Black! You can do it! Our Double Black Lager is easy-drinking and light-bodied (4.8% ABV) but packed with flavour. Coffee is the first thing you'll notice in this black beauty - then you're left with a little bit of a chocolate finish. W… pic.twitter.com/iQpgynflbc
— Canmore Brewing Co (@canmorebrewing) November 14, 2020
Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company (pub: 622 8 St.; brewery: 310 Old Canmore Rd, Canmore)
BYOBlanket and huddle up to a toasty outdoor fire with a beer at Canmore's oldest brewery.
The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company just released its Alpenglow Winter Ale, a "rich malt forward belgian style blonde ale that is black as night, but not roasty or dry. A prominent spicy yeast character of belgian trappist yeast balanced with a full and clean malt character. The use of debittered roasted malt provides a dark complexion and naked golden oats gives the beer a silky mouthfeel."
This December, Grizzly Paw will also be releasing its new Bohemian Pilsner, "light and sweet pil' malt flavours dance in a delicate balance with spicy and floral Saaz hops, while a clean, refreshing bitterness leaves you ready for the next sip. Crisp and refreshing Czech lager."
Park Distillery + Restaurant + Bar (219 Banff Ave., Banff)
Banff's only distillery is the go-to destination for celebrating the holidays this season. Park Distillery + Restaurant + Bar is accepting reservations for Christmas and New Year's family and celebration seating.
The distillery's store is also a stop on the new Christmas Artisan Trail and offers tons of great gift ideas and stocking stuffers with its spirits, house tinctures and cocktail kits made in Banff.
Sheepdog Brewing (105 Bow Meadows Crescent, Unit 112, Canmore)
Sheepdog Brewing is rounding up its faithful followers to debut a brand new treat. Voted as Canmore's "Best Local Brewery" in the 2020 Best of the Bow awards, Sheepdog Brewing just released its Simcoe Pale Ale, a pale ale full of citrus, passion fruit, apricot, and berry. Stop in for a pint or to fill a growler, or grab some cans while supplies last.
Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant (205 Bear St., Banff)
Pick from your choice of five house beers at the brand new Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant. The new spot to taste craft beers Pinery Pilsner, Wishing Tree IPA, Happy Trails Pale Ale, Summit Stout, and The Boss Brown Ale, is accepting reservations for Christmas and New Year's family and celebration seating.
At this time, brewery tours are suspended.
Wild Life Distillery (105 Bow Meadows Crescent, Unit 160, Canmore)
Best known for award winning spirits and a creative flair in the lab, Wild Life Distillery is bringing its gift for the holidays with a seasonal gin featuring a fruit the bears love in the Bow Valley.
The Alberta Crababble Spiced Gin has notes of golden apple, soft, wild Alberta juniper, with a warming spice finish. The perfect way to warm up your flask or Christmas cocktails. Available Nov. 27 while supples last.
