Sip Down Under in Calgary: Your Guide to Australian Beer
G’day, Calgary! If you’re craving a taste of the Land Down Under without hopping on a 15-hour flight, you’re in luck. Calgary’s vibrant craft beer scene, coupled with a growing appreciation for international brews, means you can absolutely find excellent Australian beers right here in YYC. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Australian lagers or looking to explore something new, this guide will point you to the best spots to buy Australian beer in Calgary.
Why Australian Beer?
Australian beers are known for their crisp, refreshing profiles, often stemming from the country’s warmer climate and love for outdoor living. Think easy-drinking lagers perfect for a sunny afternoon, hop-forward pale ales, and unique craft creations that showcase Australian hops. From iconic mainstream brands to innovative craft breweries, there’s a diverse range to explore.
Where to Find Australian Beer in Calgary
Calgary has a robust liquor retail landscape, and while dedicated Australian beer stores are rare, several types of establishments consistently stock a good selection. Here’s where you’ll likely find your favourite Aussie brews:
1. Specialty Liquor Stores: The True Treasure Troves
For the widest and most curated selection of imported beers, including Australian varieties, specialty liquor stores are your best bet. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you and regularly update their inventory with seasonal and new releases. Keep an eye out for these gems:
- Co-op Wine & Spirits (Various Locations): Co-op stores, particularly their larger locations like the one on 17th Ave SE or in Kensington, often have an impressive international beer section. They pride themselves on a diverse selection and are known to carry popular Australian brands. Their staff are generally well-informed about their stock.
- Craft Beer Cellar (Inglewood): While their focus is heavily on craft beer, they often feature international selections, and you might just stumble upon a unique Australian offering here. Their passion for beer is infectious, and it’s a great place to explore beyond the usual suspects.
- Willow Park Wine & Spirits (South Calgary): This is one of Calgary’s largest and most reputable liquor stores. Their extensive beer cellar frequently includes a dedicated section for imported beers, where Australian lagers and craft ales can often be found. The sheer volume of their inventory means they can afford to stock a broader range of international products.
- Silver Springs Liquor (Northwest Calgary): Don’t let the neighbourhood location fool you; Silver Springs Liquor is known for its surprisingly diverse and well-curated selection, often featuring harder-to-find imports. It’s worth the trip if you’re in the northwest part of the city.
2. Large Chain Liquor Stores: The Reliable Options
While sometimes less specialized, the larger chain liquor stores in Calgary offer convenience and a decent, consistent selection of popular imported beers. These are great for grabbing a familiar Australian favourite:
- Zest Fine Foods (Multiple Locations): While primarily a grocery store, Zest often has a surprisingly good liquor section, especially their larger stores. They sometimes carry a selection of imported beers that can include Australian options.
- Liquor Depot (Various Locations): As one of Alberta’s largest liquor retailers, Liquor Depot stores, especially the larger formats, usually have a dedicated international beer aisle. You’re most likely to find well-known Australian brands like Foster’s, Victoria Bitter (VB), or XXXX Gold here.
- Superstore (Various Locations): Many Calgary Superstore locations have expansive beverage alcohol sections. Their international beer offerings can be quite good, and they are a reliable place to check for common Australian lagers.
3. Online Retailers and Delivery Services: Convenience at Your Fingertips
In today’s digital age, you don’t even need to leave your couch to get your hands on Australian beer. Several online platforms and delivery services cater to Calgarians:
- Dropt Beer: This is a fantastic resource for discovering and purchasing a wide variety of craft and imported beers, including Australian options. Dropt Beer focuses on bringing unique brews directly to consumers. You can explore their selection and order online for convenient delivery right to your door in Calgary. It’s a great way to find those less common Australian craft beers that might not be available in traditional liquor stores. Check out their offerings at dropt.beer.
- Various Liquor Store E-commerce Sites: Many of the larger liquor store chains mentioned above also have their own online stores where you can browse inventory, place orders, and arrange for pickup or delivery. This can be a convenient way to check stock before you visit or to have your selections brought to you.
Popular Australian Beers to Look For
When you’re browsing the shelves or online, here are some iconic and popular Australian beers you might encounter in Calgary:
- Victoria Bitter (VB): A true Australian icon. Known for its malty, slightly bitter flavour, VB is a staple in Australian pubs and homes. It’s a full-bodied lager that’s incredibly sessionable.
- XXXX Gold: Another Queensland legend, XXXX Gold is a lighter, more sessionable lager than VB, often favoured for its smooth taste and lower alcohol content.
- Foster’s Lager: While often associated with Australia globally, it’s worth noting that Foster’s is brewed under license in many countries. However, you might still find Australian-brewed versions, and it remains a popular choice for those seeking a familiar, crisp lager.
- Coopers Original Pale Ale: Coopers is a fantastic brewery known for its unique bottle-conditioned ales. Their Pale Ale is a cloudy, complex, and flavourful beer with a distinctive fruity hop aroma and a satisfying bitterness. This is a step up for those looking for more character.
- Stone & Wood Pacific Ale: Hailing from Byron Bay, this is a hugely popular modern Australian craft beer. It’s a hazy, refreshing pale ale brewed with Australian hops, offering tropical fruit notes and a clean, crisp finish. It’s a benchmark for Australian craft brewing.
- Balter Lager/IPA: Balter is a rapidly growing Australian craft brewery that produces excellent, approachable beers. Their lager is clean and crisp, while their IPAs are well-balanced and flavourful.
Insider Tips for Buying Australian Beer in Calgary
Navigating Calgary’s liquor scene can be an adventure. Here are some tips to make your Australian beer hunt successful:
- Check New Releases: Liquor stores, especially specialty ones and online retailers like Dropt Beer, often feature new arrivals. Keep an eye on their social media or newsletters for announcements of new Australian beers hitting the shelves. Visit dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/ for updates on new and exciting brews.
- Ask the Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff at your chosen liquor store for recommendations or if they know when specific Australian beers might be back in stock. Their expertise can save you time and lead to delightful discoveries.
- Consider the Season: Lighter lagers and pale ales are perfect for Calgary’s sunny summers. For cooler months, you might find some darker or more robust Australian craft options, though the classics remain popular year-round.
- Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for weekly flyers or in-store promotions. Sometimes you can snag a deal on imported beers.
- Explore Online First: If you’re looking for a specific Australian beer or a wider variety of craft options, browsing online at sites like dropt.beer/shop/ is often more efficient than visiting multiple stores. You can see what’s available before making a trip.
- Special Orders: For very specific or hard-to-find Australian beers, inquire at larger liquor stores about special order options. While not always feasible, it’s worth asking if you have your heart set on something particular.
Enjoying Your Australian Brews in Calgary
Once you’ve secured your Australian beer, Calgary offers plenty of fantastic settings to enjoy it. Pair a crisp lager with some classic pub fare at a local establishment in Kensington or 17th Ave SW. Or, if you’ve picked up a more complex craft ale, enjoy it on your patio during a warm Calgary evening, perhaps while watching the sunset over the Rockies. For those wanting to sample Australian beers in a bar setting, while dedicated Australian beer bars are non-existent, many craft beer pubs in areas like Inglewood and the Beltline will often feature rotating taps that might include an Australian import or two. Always check their current tap lists!
So, whether you’re celebrating Australia Day (January 26th!) or just looking for a refreshing change of pace, Calgary has your back. With a little exploring, you’ll be enjoying the taste of Australia in no time. Cheers!
