Worth the Drive: Farm-to-Glass Beers at Origin Malting and Brewing Co. in Strathmore

The family behind this brewery has their own malting facility, making Origin one of the only craft brewers in Canada to malt their very own barley.

Photograph by Jessica Garrioch.

With so many craft breweries in Calgary, why road trip to Strathmore for a pint? The answer lies at Origin, where the experience is truly grain to glass. The Hilton family — fifth-generation Alberta farmers — is behind Origin, meaning the barley used in the brews is grown on their farm. They’ve also got their own malting facility, making Origin one of the only craft brewers in Canada to malt their very own barley. You can taste the 12 homegrown craft beers for yourself in the brewery, located just down the road from the farm, taking a seat in the taproom or beneath a red-and-white-striped umbrella on the patio. And if you’re hungry, on-site food truck Hunger Payne’s serves up smoked brisket, bacon-wrapped jalapenos and other grub that pairs perfectly with pints.

Driving distance from Calgary: 45 minutes east

Bring home: Four-packs of tall cans are available, so grab a couple of your favourites, like the Pioneer IPA, which won silver at the 2020 Alberta Beer Awards.

Stretch your legs: Pull into Chestermere for a stroll and (if the weather calls for it) a swim at Anniversary Park (208 West Chestermere Dr.), which features a sandy beach, lakeside promenade and plenty of grassy knolls for lounging in the sun.

60 Spruce Park Dr., Strathmore, 403-902-0868, originbrewing.ca

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This article appears in the June 2022 issue of Avenue Calgary.

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