Once upon a time there were a bunch of guys that wanted to start up the craft beer industry in Edmonton. They all got together and opened up a small brewery in St. Alberta and called it Hogshead. They made some wicked pumpkin spice beer.
Run badly was an understatement. The 2015 end of Hogshead was an embarrassing mess. The unfortunate end still continues to add backlash to the new establishment “The Beer Factory”.
Patrick Spilstead was a graduate from the NAIT culinary program that was hired in 2014 to head the kitchen of Hogshead. When the whole thing derailed, Patrick and his father Richard rescued the operation and turned it into what is now “The Beer Factory”.
The Beer Factory:
A YEGfoodie Review
They were first on my radar after an event where they were networking and my boss from the Edmonton Muse had a pamphlet on her table. I perused it and added it to my “hit list” of places to visit. They are most certainly a hidden gem.
Patrick is cooking today because of an unfortunate accident. He was raised in a family that had a strong culinary background but he went to pursue being a Mechanic. The accident would plague him with knee problems, so he found himself shifting focus - to culinary.
He was with Chop for several years and disliked the corporate environment of the kitchen. On to smaller and better things with The Beer Factory!
Everything on the menu is infused with beer or moonshine. You have some gastropub favourites, and then there are some awesome comfort food options as well, like spicy beef stroganoff. Note: the menu has changed from what is posted on the website. The daily specials are still the same.
My first visit was because I had to try the Friday Prime Rib Special for $9.99. That got me in a seat to see the menu and try one of their craft brews, the “Dark and Malty”. This has become one of my favourite local brews. Not available anywhere but in their taproom. It has the darkness of a stout, but the smoothness of a lighter ale.
They also make a Mosaic Pale Ale, a “hop oriented beer that is a bit tamed”. I’m not an IPA girl personally. I have not tried this one.
The ambience is casual. This is more of a pub feel. The staff are friendly and attentive. There is a patio area for summer time and an overhead door to let the fresh air in. You are in the middle of an industrial area in St. Albert, so there isn’t a pretty view.
The Prime Rib was delicious. They were also putting out information for a special Valentine’s dinner that was taking place in a couple of weeks. I read over the menu and completely swooned, and made reservations immediately. Patrick was let loose and given full creativity!