It’s no secret that Alberta loves craft beer – with catchy shirts saying “Albeerta”, an abundance of craft breweries (80+ and more appearing everyday), and tons of festivals celebrating beer, it would be hard to miss. An explosion of smaller run craft breweries has hit the province full force since the government lowered the minimum production, and we’re loving it! In fact, one representative who came in to visit us described themselves as the “the newest microbrewery this week”.

Beer is ancient – we’ve been brewing since the BCE’s (Before the Common Era), and it certainly isn’t slowing down now as it’s still one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages. Options are so much more plentiful now than before, and many brew-pubs offer beer tastings, tours, and beer pairing events (often in collaboration with local businesses).

If I had to define Alberta Beer Culture – it would be vibrant, hopping (ha!), exciting, and innovative. I’m a novice beer drinker – I’m down to try everything and anything at least once, and genuinely enjoy most of what is offered, but if I was asked to name flavour notes or describe a beer beyond basic terminology, I would flounder. I do have basic knowledge and am willing to sample and try and find “my” flavours due to the beer culture that’s flourished here. And, like brewers and servers before me, my goal (and everyone else here) is to help you step into that world and start the journey. That’s the kind of culture we want to encompass at Hexagon – discovery and finding the best fit in terms of beverage.

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A board game cafe is a bit different than a restaurant or a cafe, and a lot different than a brew-pub or bar; we’re not where people come to drink, or even expect us to be licensed, which creates a different environment. It gives us the chance to ask what they like, which brews they know, and what they could try here, as many aren’t familiar with craft beer and we try to have something for everyone. From fruity beers, to stouts, to the hoptastic India pale ales, tell us what you like and we can suggest something that fits your style. Or, if you’d rather try something new, we can serve that up with a few quick questions.

Taking that first step and trying something new is something we really embrace here at Hexagon – whether it’s a new game, a new hot beverage, or a new beer to try. Cheers!

Between our 2 locations, we currently carry 14 different breweries, 13 of which are from Alberta. Our beer fridge and taps are packed with local (or, at least, local-ish) flair – Alley Kat, Situation, and Town Square Brewing from right here in Edmonton, Freehold, Dandy, Railyard, Zero Issue, Wild Rose, Last Best, Banded Peak and Village from Calgary, Apex Predator from just outside of Edson, and Blindman from Lacombe. We have a few special outliers (looking at you Collective Arts) but we truly love promoting the great craft brews created close to home, much like us. We’re always rotating new things in to give them a try.