Edmonton Alley Kat: The Enduring Legacy of the City's Original Craft Beer Pioneers

Long before the craft beer boom transformed Alberta, there was Edmonton Alley Kat.

 

It stands as a testament to a time when “local beer” was a novel, almost confusing, concept for many.

 

Founded in 1995 by the visionary duo Neil and Lavonne Herbst, Alley Kat wasn't just a business; it was a bold declaration.

 

They were trailblazers in a market dominated by massive, faceless breweries, earning them the beloved titles of Edmonton's Hop Father and Hop Mother.

 

Their mission was simple but revolutionary: to brew flavourful, high-quality beer with local ingredients for their community.

 

This was a gamble in the mid-90s, an era when the craft beer scene in Edmonton was virtually non-existent.

 

The brewery's very name has a refreshingly unpretentious origin, born from late-night brainstorming sessions, too much beer, and the cats roaming the back alley.

 

That humble beginning gave rise to an institution that would define Edmonton's craft beer identity for years to come.

 

Alley Kat Brewing Company became the city's first craft brewery, a pioneer that introduced Edmontonians to styles and flavours that broke the mold.

 

They were the first in Alberta to brew fruit beers and saisons, pushing the envelope and educating palates along the way.

 

Their commitment to quality was so serious they were also the first brewery in the province to establish their own lab, ensuring scientific precision and consistency in every batch.

 

Beers like the iconic Aprikat Apricot Ale and the award-winning Scona Gold Kölsch became staples for a generation of beer lovers.

 

After 25 years of shaping the industry, the Herbsts decided it was time to pass the torch.

 

In a move that heartened the entire local beer community, they sold the brewery in 2020 to two local fans, Zane Christensen and Cameron French.

 

The decision was deliberate and deeply felt; keeping Alley Kat independent and locally owned was paramount, a sharp rebuke to the trend of craft breweries being swallowed by multinational corporations.

 

The new ownership has honored that legacy, continuing the tradition of quality while adapting to a more crowded and competitive market.

 

One of the most significant changes was the switch from their long-standing glass bottles to aluminum cans, a nod to market demand and environmental sustainability.

 

This transition marked a new era for the veteran brewery, blending its historic roots with modern sensibilities.

 

Today, Edmonton Alley Kat continues to thrive amidst a bustling scene that it helped create.

 

The brewery's taproom on 99th Street remains a hub for the community, a place where you can taste everything from the beloved core lineup to innovative seasonal releases from their Dragon Double IPA series.

 

It's a story of passion, persistence, and local pride.

 

Alley Kat proved that a small, independent brewery could not only survive but become a cornerstone of the city's culture.

 

They didn't just make beer; they built a community and paved the way for the dozens of breweries that now call Edmonton home.

 

 

Our reader's FAQ: Edmonton's Original Craft Brewery

 

What is Alley Kat's most famous beer?

 

Without a doubt, Aprikat Apricot Ale is one of their most popular and enduring creations. It was one of the first fruit beers in Alberta and remains a top seller, known for its refreshing and balanced flavour.

 

Who owns Edmonton Alley Kat brewery now?

 

Since 2020, Alley Kat has been owned by Zane Christensen and Cameron French, two local entrepreneurs from the Edmonton area who purchased it from founders Neil and Lavonne Herbst, ensuring the brewery remains independent.

 

Is Alley Kat still considered a local Edmonton brewery?

 

Absolutely. From its founding in 1995 to its current ownership, Alley Kat has always been fiercely local. They remain dedicated to brewing in Edmonton and supporting the Alberta community, continuing their legacy as a true hometown brewery.