Calgary: Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues

If you’re tempted to explore Calgary’s vibrant craft beer scene, a brewery tour like the one offered by YYCTOURS promises to be both educational and entertaining. Though I haven’t personally taken this tour, examining what it offers reveals a well-balanced experience tailored for beer lovers of all kinds. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious about what makes Alberta’s craft scene tick, this tour aims to deliver a genuine taste of Calgary’s best breweries.

What really sets this experience apart are the guides—a team of knowledgeable beer judging students and certified cicerones—who bring both humor and expertise. Plus, the tour’s focus on award-winning breweries across different districts is a smart choice, ensuring you sample beers that have already earned accolades. That said, it’s a 3.5-hour journey, so if you’re not a fan of scheduled group outings or long tours, this might not be your perfect fit. However, for those keen on discovering Calgary’s craft beer industry with a group, it’s hard to beat the value.

This tour is best suited for adventurous beer enthusiasts, small groups, and travelers wanting a local insight into Calgary’s brewing culture. It’s also an excellent choice for visitors who enjoy combining tasting with a bit of education—plus, if you’re traveling with someone who appreciates the finer details of beer making, this tour has plenty to offer.

Key Points

• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are beer judging students or certified cicerones, ensuring credible insights.
• Award-Winning Beers: The focus is on breweries recognized for excellence in awards.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: The $82 price covers tastings, transport, gratuities, and exclusive discounts.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a private tour or a ‘jump on’ public group experience.
• Transport & Convenience: Transportation is included, with custom pickup and drop-off for private groups.
• Educational & Fun: Expect tutorials on beer evaluation and a behind-the-scenes brewery VIP tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Calgary’s Craft Beer Scene with YYCTOURS

When considering a brewery tour in Calgary, it’s important to understand what makes this experience stand out. YYCTOURS emphasizes personalized attention, local relationships, and a curated selection of breweries, which collectively create a memorable outing. For those who appreciate authentic local flavors and want to learn the stories behind each brew, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Itinerary and Brewery Stops

The tour visits three breweries across different districts, each renowned for their award-winning beers. While the specific breweries aren’t named, the emphasis is on industry leaders—breweries that have gained recognition through awards and reputation. These stops promise a variety of styles and flavors, from lighter lagers to darker stouts, and even experimental brews with ingredients like beets, flowers, or coffee.

Each brewery visit includes a beer flight, allowing guests to sample multiple styles, alongside time to enjoy other craft products or specialty brews. The VIP aspect involves a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, which is a rare opportunity for most casual drinkers. This educational element helps demystify the ingredients and techniques involved in crafting quality beer.

The Guides and Their Role

Multiple reviews praise the guides as funny, knowledgeable, and attentive. Shawn, in particular, is highlighted for making the experience engaging and personalized. The guides’ backgrounds as beer judging students or certified cicerones add credibility, ensuring the information shared about beer history, ingredients, and evaluation is trustworthy. Expect a friendly, approachable style that encourages questions and discussion, making the tour suitable for novices and aficionados alike.

Logistics and Value

For $82 per person, the tour offers significant value. All tastings, transportation, and gratuities are included, which simplifies budgeting and planning. The transportation has been described as comfortable and convenient, with custom pick-up and drop-off for private groups, removing the hassle of navigating Calgary’s brewery districts on your own.

The tour’s duration of 3.5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to visit three breweries without feeling rushed, yet not so long that it becomes tiring. It’s usually available in the afternoon, fitting nicely into most travel plans.

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What Makes This Tour Special?

One of the key advantages is the focus on award-winning breweries. This isn’t just about trying any beer; it’s about tasting industry-recognized excellence. Plus, the tour includes exclusive merchandise and product discounts available only to YYCTOURS guests, adding extra value for fans wanting souvenirs or to support local breweries.

Guests also appreciate the educational tutorials on beer evaluation, which elevate the tasting experience from casual to informed. Several reviews mention the food aspect—delicious pizza and food options—which can be a real treat after several rounds of tastings.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Perks

This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour. The small group sizes, private options, and personal interactions foster a more genuine experience. The use of an up-to-date Calgary Brewery Map and a dedicated blog series shows the tour’s commitment to supporting local breweries and keeping guests well-informed.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

While many rave about the guides and beer quality, some might find the price point a little steep if they’re only interested in casual tasting without the added educational component. Also, since the tour only visits breweries with awards or industry recognition, it might feel limited for those who want to explore lesser-known or experimental breweries.

Plus, the tour does not include food—a potential consideration for those with bigger appetites or dietary restrictions. Although the food option (pizza) gets good reviews, it’s an add-on rather than included.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for beer connoisseurs enthusiastic about award-winning brews and those interested in learning about the craft from passionate, credible guides. It’s also a good fit for small groups or couples who want a curated, personalized experience without the hassle of planning individual brewery visits. If you enjoy educational outings combined with tastings, this is a fine choice. However, those seeking a more casual or flexible experience might prefer exploring Calgary’s breweries independently.

Final Thoughts

In sum, YYCTOURS Calgary Brewery Tour offers a well-organized, fun, and educational glimpse into some of Calgary’s best breweries. The focus on award-winning venues and expert guides makes it stand out from generic pub crawls. The inclusive pricing, transport, and exclusive perks create solid value, especially for visitors wanting to combine learning with tasting.

The tour’s emphasis on local relationships and industry recognition means you’re not just drinking beer—you’re experiencing Calgary’s brewing culture at its finest. Whether you’re a dedicated beer lover or a curious traveler, this tour delivers a taste of Alberta’s craft scene with a personal touch.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, engaging, and well-supported brewery experience in Calgary, this tour is a solid pick. Just remember to bring your ID, and consider booking in advance—this popular experience tends to fill up quickly.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, with custom pick-up and drop-off available for private groups, making it easy to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, generally scheduled in the afternoon, allowing ample time to visit three breweries and sample different beers.

Can I join as an individual or do I need to be part of a group?
You can join as a “jump on” public group, which welcomes individual travelers or small groups. Private tours are also available if you prefer an exclusive experience.

Are food options included?
No, food is not included in the tour fee, but there is an option to enjoy pizza at one of the breweries. Food can be purchased separately.

Are gratuities included?
Yes, the tour covers gratuities for brewery staff, so you don’t need to tip separately, which simplifies your planning.

What is the age restriction?
The tour is not suitable for children under 18 years old, as it involves tasting alcohol and related activities.

To sum it up, this Calgary brewery tour offers an authentic, educational, and fun way to explore the city’s craft beer scene. It’s ideal for those who want to learn from experts, enjoy award-winning brews, and experience local culture—all in a well-organized and friendly setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: