Cold Garden Beverage Company
When it opened:Â 2017
The vibe: This is hands down the most unique taproom in the city. Picture chesterfields from your grandmother’s basement surrounded by gnomes, pool noodles and a giant pineapple hanging from the ceiling.
Most popular and must-try beer:Â This Must Be The IPA has been one of the brewery’s most popular and critically acclaimed brews for a long time now. But a must-try is definitely the Cakeface, a beer brewed with vanilla beans and a sweet, malty base that gives it a distinct birthday cake taste.
Food:Â There aren’t a lot of in-house food options but customers are free to order in from other restaurants and eat their meals in the taproom.
Recent awards:Â Cold Garden has amassed several awards since opening including taking home Best of Alberta from the Canadian International Beer Awards in 2019 for its popular Red Smashed In Buffalo Jump brew. The Vanilla Cappuccino Porter won gold in the CIBA’s specialty beer category that same year.
Best time to visit:Â The patio is beautiful while the sun is out during the day, but the taproom really comes to life in the evening.
Things you should know:Â The taproom is dog-friendly and people love showing up with pups of all sizes. While most dogs are generally well-behaved in the taproom, be aware of their presence and be cognizant if you have allergies.
For over three years now, Cold Garden Beverage Company has been a go-to spot in Calgary not only for its wide range of exceptional and experimental beers, but also for the environment it offers. The room is extremely friendly, lively and welcoming. While social distancing has understandably changed things a bit, it’s still a place where you can strike up a conversation with anyone and make a new friend – human or canine – every time you’re there.
In addition to the taproom vibe, Cold Garden also throws some of the most unique parties in its lot and its set up at the annual International Beerfest in Calgary is always eclectic and outrageous in the best way. Cold Garden is a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is always an entertaining experience.
1100 11 St. S.E., 403-764-2653, coldgarden.ca