We spotted Trouble Monk Brewery on the way over to our first visit in town. We debated whether we should come back for a quick drink after lunch downtown; obviously, we did.
Lots of people were there to check out the Alberta Open Farms FREE tour.
We dropped in on an early Saturday afternoon. The place was busy inside but no one was sitting outside on their patio (too windy and lots of wasps were hovering around).
If you venture past the main seating area towards the bathroom, you can see one of their massive casks. There’s more seating further along although it’s slightly hidden.
The status on upcoming brews (hello sours) and tours (free on Friday evenings otherwise it’s $12.50/person).
Full time and seasonal brews.
Interestingly, they have craft soda, snacks and what they call “something softer” where they mix TM beers with another drink. Look, they have a kombucha collab with Wild Brewing called Wild Brew.
Their beer can branding is on point. Loved everything about it.
Same with their posters.
The taps are kind of boring compared to what I’ve seen at other breweries.
Merchandise. I spotted golf balls?!?! That’s a first for me.
Cans and bottles available for purchase.
Spoiler alert: you need to get a 6 pack of their craft soda ginger ale.
By some kind of dumb/sheer luck, we met the individual that makes their ginger ale. He was standing right behind us while we were in line for our beer flight. Talk about small world. Got a bit of backstory on how he makes it and crushes all the ingredients himself.
Snacks description on the tables. Didn’t see anyone munching on them but they sound good. Next time.
Description of the beers we ordered in our flight.
Flight ($8.75)
From top left clockwise: Golden Gaetz golden ale, Homesteader Belgian saison, Open Road American brown ale, Mothers Milk milk stout on nitro (seasonal) and Pesky Pig pale ale.
Closeup of the beers. I think the saison (#2) was my favourite out of the five we tried. The rest were pretty standard. I’m not a big IPA fan so take that with a grain of salt.
The milk stout on nitro (#5) was pretty interesting although the flight sample was good enough for us.
Craft soda root beer and ginger ale ($1.00 5oz)
Now, this was an unexpected surprise. We decided to give their craft soda a try – why not, it’s only $1.00 each – and WOW, the ginger ale was FANTASTIC. Easily, the best thing we drank. So good Breezy had to buy herself a 6 pack for home. So good we were fighting for the last sip. It was incredibly smooth and flavourful; you can taste all of the cloves, cinnamon and ginger that’s been mixed together.
As of now, they don’t have their craft sodas available elsewhere so you’re going to have to drop by Troubled Monk Brewery for these bad boys. Trust me, you’ll be craving it once you get your first sip.
Troubled Monk Brewery
http://www.troubledmonk.com/
5551 – 45th Street
Red Deer, AB
(403) 348-2378
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 