The NAIT craft beer guide

The Alberta craft beer community has grown considerably over the years, with now more than 120 breweries across the province. And some of them are operated or owned by NAIT grads! 

So raise a glass to these local businesses a glass of their own handmade lager or ale. Here's our list of great spots where you can sip, savour and relax.

(Are you a grad who should be on this list but isn't? Please let us know.)

Analog Brewing
8620 - 53 Ave.
780-919-2802
Reviews

Co-owner Bryan Launier (Marketing '09)

The self-billed "geekiest brewery" in Alberta pairs old-school videogame aesthetics with a new-school approach to craft beer. Drop in for a glass or flight, choosing from a selection of seasonal and year-round brews, some of which have earned regional and national awards.

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Dog Island Brewing
250 Caribou Trail SW, Slave Lake
Reviews

Owners Ben Fiddler (Instrument Technician '01, Electrician '02) and Chad Paulson (Instrument Technician '09)

Since October 2016, Ben Fiddler and Chad Paulson have applied their trades training to craft beer. Stop in for a taste or take home a growler (a.k.a. jug). There's lots to choose from the easygoing DIBS raspberry wheat ale to the assertive but balanced Saints and Sinners IPA.

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The Growlery Beer Co.
40 Airport Rd.
587-497-7714
Reviews

Owners Kevin Danard (Landscape Architectural Technology ’97) and Jeff Pollock (Business Administration - Finance ’95)

The Growlery represents the ever-expanding Alberta craft beer scene in north-central Edmonton with small-batch beers made fresh onsite. Core beers including a light kolsch, a bold IPA and a juicy hazy IPA are served alongside a revolving cast of seasonal brews.

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Longroof Brewing
#104, 9916 - 72 Ave.
780-435-0158
Reviews

Co-owner and lead brewer Troy Wassill (Radio and Television Arts '96)

Longroof Brewing serves traditional and experimental brews in cavernous space in the alley off 99 Street and 72 Avenue, an area affectionately known as Happy Beer Street for its collection of independent breweries. Take advantage of the spacious, dog-friendly patio (complete withe bike racks) while enjoying a flight or a pint.

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Omen Brewing
9942 - 67 Ave.
780-760-6636
Reviews

Co-owner and brewer Spencer Oswald (Electrician '09)

This family-run brewery is the only operation in Alberta to focus on dark beer. Enjoy mainstays like an assertive rye-based roggenbier, a hoppy dark IPA, a rich milk stout and more, or seasonals such as a dark saison. (There are a few lighter beers for those afraid of the dark, but Omen hopes to cure you of that.) Every beer is made on site, on Edmonton's south side.

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Polyrhythm Brewing
11635 - 145 St.
info@polyrhythmbrewing.com
Reviews

Co-owner and taproom manager Taylor Wacey (Electrician '19)
Head chef Stu Chell (Culinary Arts '06)

Polyrhythm Brewing opened in March 2023 to consistently good reviews. Tucked into a west Edmonton business park, it features a cozy, music-themed taproom and a wide selection of beers from an award-winning brewer. Wacey, as one might expect, also wired the place.

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Town Square Brewing
2919 Ellwood Dr. SW
780-244-0212
Reviews

Co-owners Brandon Boutin (Steamfitter/Pipefitter ’05), Tyler McNaughton (Architectural Technology ’05) and Sterling Nordin (Heavy Equipment Technician ’02)

Is there a better combination than pizza and beer? Town Square prides itself on artisanal pies that stand out for quality and sometimes unorthodox ingredients: maple butter, onion jam, sauerkraut, potato chips and more. Or you can just get a pepperoni or margarita. Pair them with a variety of IPAs, a beet sour, a pastry stout and more.