My Great Saskatchewan Beerhunt
I FINALLY got to go on a vacation, one where I could be by myself, and see a friend from high school. I’ve only seen her once since high school, and I was excited to just get away. Not worry about work, what’s happening in the world, just go and have some fun. Where’s this “magical” place? REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN! Having never really been outside of Alberta, I was anxious to experience what the land of endless seas of grain had to offer for their beer.
Our first driving trip throughout the city landed us in Regina’s Antique Mall. One would think you would be able to find some hard to find beer signs and cans representing the brewing history of Saskatchewan here. WRONG! A few rusty Pittsburgh Steelers cans from 1975 and 1976 for $10 each, and a Labatt and Molson mirror for $100 each. Where’s the storied history of the Molson brewery in Regina? What happened to Labatt in Saskatoon? Slightly distraught, I settled on looking for what micro-breweries there are throughout Saskatchewan.
I ask Andrea to steer us to the nearest liquor store so I can continue my search for Saskatchewan’s answer to the question, “what’s a good hometown microbrew?” I was informed that Saskatchewan is still under government liquor control. As a result, liquor stores close at 6:00 pm. NO! Shocked and mortified, I hung my head. I needed a beer to ease my arteries to prevent the heart attack I could feel coming on. I was going to have to keep my eyes open and my wits sharp. Like Mini-Me at a urinal, I was going to have to stay on my toes.
The next day, we made the hours drive to Moose Jaw to experience the Tunnels Of Moose Jaw. It was a fascinating trip back in time to when prohibition (GASP!) ran rampant through the USA. “You are a bootlegger in 1929. You come to Moose Jaw to buy booze from the Capone organization. You’ve got to learn the ropes and stay out of the way of the local police chief. You start out at Miss Fanny’s club and end up in a tunnel, somewhere underground. And the only one who knows the way out is Gus, one of Capone’s goons.” It was a good time, but no booze!
We made our way back to Regina, educated on the history of Moose Jaw, but still no brew! I am relieved when we pull in front of Bushwakker Brewpub. Before the waitress could ask if we would like anything to drink, I blurted out “YES!” Little did I know that they serve over 30 beers here. After MUCH personal debate and curiosity, I settled on a Palliser Porter, “a black, rich ale, sweet, coffee flavor, with a roasted finish.” Nothing to really quench one’s thirst, but satisfying none the less. I have come for the experience. I didn’t want something that I could get at home. I learned that the hard way when I tried their beef dip. To put it quite simply, NOTHING in the world compares to Alberta Beef. Satisfied to at least find something brewed in the heart of the prairies, I had to buy a six pack of 630ml bottles to give my tastebuds the memories of what I had enjoyed at Bushwakker, beef dip excluded.
My satisfaction for Saskatchewan beer led to the wonder of the bar scene. Personally, I could care less about the nightlife, I wanted a bar that had atmosphere, that had a personality, the place where you could enjoy a beer or three and enjoy the music. I found that place at McNally’s Tavern. Located in the heart of Regina’s Old Warehouse District, “McNally's is an old style bar with an Irish flair featuring over 24 taps of premium style draft beer including an amazing extensive selection of Scotch varieties.” Of course, they have their home brew, appropriately named ‘McNally’s’, a typical light, easy drinking pilsner, which naturally, ended up in my hand and down my gullet. Refreshed and excited by the band, Stepchyle, I never wanted this night to end. Strangely, I noticed that there wasn’t anything on tap that was made in Saskatchewan. The primary brews on tap were all made by Big Rock. I found myself lost in the music wondering if Big Rock had a stake in this bar. Ed McNally is the founder and CEO of Big Rock, this place is called McNally’s, they serve Big Rock. This had my mind racing, and, fearing overheating, had to cool myself off with a Kold.
And so, mildly disappointed at my lack of discovery of Saskatchewan’s brewing history, yet refreshed from my vacation, I made my way back home. With 8 hours of driving, a book full of CDs and the glorious, interesting scenery out my windshield, I had the thoughts of Saskatchewan’s unknown microbrewery scene. But, when I have on my McNally’s Tavern t-shirt, sipping on a Stubblejumper from Bushwakker, it will all take me back to the Great Saskatchewan Beerhunt. Even the unfortunate beef dip.
Questions? Comments?
Help send me on another Beerhunt! Any donation amount will be greatly accepted, and once I make another successful field trip, I guarantee another exciting tale.