Ol' Beautiful Brewing. Rising from the Ashes
- Calgary Brewery Tour Guy
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14
In June of 2024, a fire destroyed Ol' Beautiful Brewing’s taproom and small batch facility in Inglewood, leaving the brewery and the community reeling. The Inglewood taproom had long been a local favorite, a place where Calgarians could gather, share stories, and explore the creative and bold flavors that have become Ol' Beautiful’s signature. Its loss was more than a structural blow, it was a hit to the social and cultural fabric of the neighborhood. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Luckily, Ol' Beautiful’s main production facility in Southeast Calgary was untouched. This allowed the brewery to continue producing their award winning beers, including Abrazo, Eternal Twilight, Melody, Brass Monkey Blood Orange Blonde, and Seventh Sun. Even in the wake of the fire, the brewery maintained the consistency and quality that Calgarians have come to expect. Without a physical taproom, however, they lost a crucial space for connecting with customers and staying visible in the minds of drinkers.
In the meantime, beer lovers can visit Sound Room on 1st Street SW, a small space where Ol Beautiful is currently pouring their beers while a new facility and taproom are being planned for Inglewood.
A Morale Boost from Excellence
In 2025, Ol' Beautiful received a tremendous vote of confidence. They were named Brewery of the Year in Alberta, winning six medals at the Alberta Brewing Awards, tied with Cabin Brewing (5 medals). For a team that had faced the challenges of the fire, it must be a moral boost, a celebration of perseverance, and a reminder that their craft and dedication continue to shine.
These awards certainly underscore what the brewery’s team must have known all along. Ol' Beautiful’s strength lies in their consistency, their community connections, and the care they put into every beer they produce. The Inglewood taproom may have been lost, but the heart of the brewery beats strong in Southeast Calgary, at Sound Room, and in every Calgarian who enjoys their beers.
Staying Connected Without a Taproom
While the Southeast facility kept beer flowing, Ol' Beautiful faced the challenge of losing a key point of connection with the public. Taprooms are not only where beer is served, they are social spaces where breweries build relationships with their customers and remain visible in the minds of drinkers.
Sound Room allows fans to continue tasting their favorite brews, engage with the brewery team, and feel part of the community that Ol' Beautiful has always fostered. This setup ensures that, even without their full taproom, the brewery remains accessible to the public and connected to the city’s craft beer scene.
A Community Effort
Ol' Beautiful’s journey post-fire has highlighted the strength of Calgary’s craft beer community. Patrons, fellow breweries, and local supporters have rallied around the team, offering encouragement, sharing experiences, and celebrating milestones like the Brewery of the Year award. This sense of connection demonstrates that Ol' Beautiful is not just a producer of beer, it is a vital part of Calgary’s social and cultural fabric.
The community’s support reinforces the brewery’s commitment to continuity and quality. It also highlights the reciprocal relationship between the brewery and its fans. Ol Beautiful thrives because Calgarians support them, and the community benefits from the creative energy, events, and culture the brewery brings.
From small independent breweries to larger operations, collaboration and mutual support are a hallmark of the scene. Events, festivals, and competitions showcase the talent and creativity found across the city, while brewers often work together to share knowledge, resources, and encouragement. Ol Beautiful’s story is a reflection of this thriving ecosystem, where a vibrant community rallies around its members, celebrates their successes, and helps them navigate challenges. The city’s craft beer culture is not just about beer, it is about connection, creativity, and resilience.
Ol' Beautiful Brewing- Their Award Winning Beers
Each of the six award winning beers tells part of the story of Ol' Beautiful’s resilience and excellence:
Abrazo: A Mexican lager that has become a staple for its crisp, approachable character
Eternal Twilight: A dark lager that showcases depth and complexity
Melody: A West Coast IPA that highlights the brewery’s skill in hop forward aromatic beers
Brass Monkey Blood Orange Blonde: A bright and fruity ale celebrating creativity and approachable flavors
Seventh Sun: A California common lager that balances smooth drinkability with flavor
Raspberry Honeybush Hard Iced Tea - showcases Ol' Beautiful’s creativity beyond beer, blending subtle tea notes with natural fruit flavour for a refreshingly balanced drink.
Together, these drinks are emblematic of why the brewery was awarded Alberta Brewery of the Year. They show both consistency and breadth, reflecting the skill and dedication of the brewers who continue to deliver quality in every pint.
Looking Forward
Ol' Beautiful is planning to rebuild their Inglewood taproom, but in the meantime, they remain a visible and vital part of Calgary’s craft beer scene through Sound Room and their main Southeast facility. Their story is a testament to perseverance. Even after a significant loss, they continue to brew, connect, and inspire.
For fans of craft beer, this is a story of triumph. The brewery’s ability to maintain production, win awards, and engage the community during a challenging period reflects the dedication and heart that define Ol' Beautiful.
Experience Calgary’s Craft Beer Scene
Those who want to taste award winning beers and explore the broader craft beer scene in Calgary can join an educational brewery tour with YYC Tours. These tours offer the chance to meet brewers, hear the stories behind the pints, and experience firsthand the culture and creativity that make Calgary a hub for craft beer.
Learn more at www.yyctours.ca
See all the Winners at the 2025 Alberta Beer Awards
If you want a quick breakdown of all the winners at this years event, check out our comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 Alberta Beer Awards.
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