OUR Alberta 2018 | Page 17

Tours & Tastings: While there are no formal tours, tastings are free. Drop by Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am and 5 pm in June, July and August. Large groups can book tastings by either calling or emailing [email protected]. 10 km south of Strathmore on Hwy 817. 403-934-2749. fieldstonefruitwines.com BURWOOD DISTILLERY When Jordan Ramey met realtor Ivan Cilic, he was looking to buy a home, not start a craft distillery. But when the two bonded over their mutual passion for small-batch spirits, Burwood Distillery was born. Tucked into an unassuming location in northeast Calgary, visitors can sit at the bar and see the distillery at work in the next room. Burwood currently offers four spirits: vodka, honey eau de vie, medica honey liqueur, and two versions of gin — a clear gin that is sold in stores and an unusual (and delicious) golden-coloured gin that’s only available at the distillery. Specialty of the House: Eau de vie is typically made with fruit, but Burwood’s version, Honey Eau de Vie, is crafted with 100 per cent honey from the Cilic family farm for a rich and complex spirit with a slightly sweet taste and aroma of Alberta wildflowers. Perfect Pairing: Honey Eau de Vie goes perfectly with Alberta beef or charcuterie, especially dried fruit and blue cheese. Drink it straight up with an ice cube or mixed like a high-grade gin. Tours & Tastings: The tasting room is open Thursday to Saturday 12-9 pm, and tours can be booked online. 4127-6 St NE, Calgary. 403-836-1447. burwooddistillery.ca YELLOWHEAD BREWERY This downtown brewery is located in the historic H.V. Shaw Building — formerly a cigar factory — which was redesigned and repurposed by renowned architect Gene Dub. The name of the brewery and their first beer pays homage to the name of the first commercially brewed beer in Edmonton, circa 1894. It’s also the name of an actual historical personality, Pierre Bostonais (a.k.a. Tête Jaune), who is also the namesake of the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway. Specialty of the House: Their pride and joy is Edmonton’s original craft-brewed lager, the Yellowhead Premium Lager. It’s a golden, crisp, clean, and naturally carbonated brew led by mild hop aromas that finishes with subtle malty notes. Perfect Pairing: The lager’s light, crisp taste makes it extremely versatile. It pairs well with either subtle or bold flavoured dishes, such as light seafood, vegetables, or Mexican-inspired foods. Tours & Tastings: The tasting room is open next to the brewery Thursdays to Saturdays 11 am - 9 pm, where you can try pairings and test brews and even purchase bottles or growlers to take home. If you’re interested in the brewery, book a 30-minute tour with sampling Thursday to Friday 4-8 pm and Saturdays 11 am - 8 pm. Drop-in tours are available the first Friday of every month at 5:30 pm. Visit the website to book special events and tours. 10229-105 St, Edmonton, 780-423-3333. yellowheadbrewery.com 17