This article was submitted by Connor Uszacki, Calgary Guide Extraordinaire
In the pulsating heart of Alberta's craft beer revolution, The Establishment Brewing stands as a beacon of brewing artistry, recently crowned the Best Brewery in the province. This triumph is not just a recognition of their brewing prowess but a celebration of a symphony that intertwines tradition and innovation. Let's immerse ourselves in the world of The Establishment, unveiling the magic behind the brews and the maestro himself, Mike Foniok.
**The Winning Symphony:**
Step into The Establishment Brewing, and you're instantly transported into a realm of boundless creativity. Fearless in their pursuit of perfection, they explore every conceivable brewing process, leaving no stone unturned to craft beers that embody their unique character. Barrels, each holding the promise of an exceptional brew, adorn the taproom, creating an ambiance of anticipation. The Establishment's embrace of mixed-culture beers, an exploration that defies expectations, invites even the most hesitant beer drinkers into an exciting world of curiosity and flavor.
Noteworthy is their commitment to traditional recipes, sourcing and importing ingredients that echo historical brewing practices. The lagering process is a meticulous dance, showcasing their dedication to preserving the essence of classic and excellent lagers. This harmonious blend of old and new creates a symphony of flavors that captivates the senses, setting The Establishment apart in Alberta's thriving craft beer scene.
**The Maestro Behind the Brews:**
At the helm of The Establishment's triumphs is the brewmaster extraordinaire, Mike Foniok. With a trophy cabinet boasting over a hundred awards, including the prestigious Brewery of the Year at Alberta's Brewery Awards, Mike's journey from engineering to brewing is a testament to passion, resilience, and seizing opportunities. His recent accolade includes a Gold Best in Show for the enchanting "Left My Wallet in El Segundo" – an oak-smoked sour with pineapple, a concoction that not only steals the show but leaves an indelible mark on the taste buds if you are lucky, you may stop into the taproom on a cask night where this incredible pineapple concoction sits on the bartop in a barrel, infusing with chillies, eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Mike, a linguistic virtuoso fluent in French and Polish, brings not only diverse language skills but a unique engineering perspective to the craft. The Establishment's origins trace back to the aftermath of the 2013 Calgary floods when Mike, faced with adversity, built a home brewery with a yeast testing facility – a tale of turning challenges into opportunities.
The passion that drives Mike extends seamlessly to the entire team at The Establishment, creating a culture where every conversation about beer is a pearl waiting to be discovered in the taproom's proverbial oyster.
**A Decade of Good Vibes**
Mike's commitment to providing more than just beer is evident in his decade-long collaboration with Enmax. Beyond being a purveyor of energy, he brings good energy to the community through his craft of beer selections. Embracing old-age methods, Mike and his team at The Establishment never fix what isn't broken but maintain a perpetual curiosity about what can be improved or made uniquely their own.
The result is a brewery that not only clinches awards but leaves an indelible mark on the taste buds and hearts of every patron. In conclusion, The Establishment Brewing isn't merely a brewery; it's a journey, a celebration of tradition, and an ode to relentless innovation. Each sip tells a story crafted by artisans who embrace the old and welcome the new, making The Establishment a ruling force in Alberta's flourishing craft beer scene.
**Our Favourite Calgary Stop**
As aficionados of craft beer exploration, The Establishment Brewing holds a special place in our hearts at Canadian Craft Tours in Calgary. It's not just a brewery; it's an experience that encapsulates the spirit of Alberta's craft beer renaissance.
Jordan Trustham
Author
Jordan has a world of knowledge in the Beer, Wine and Food industry. Jordan is part of the Canadian Craft Tours team in Vancouver and helps scout new locations and tour routes regularly.