Officially opening its doors in 2019, The Establishment Brewing Company‘s story began long before then. Dave Ronneberg, Brandon Hart, and Mike Foniok had been bonding over their favourite records, swapping memories and experimenting with homebrews.
Those early beginnings were enjoyed in an Erlton-based basement affectionately nicknamed “The Establishment” until the 2013 floods devastated the community.
Six years later, the trio brought that homebrewery vibe to the masses and has since earned accolades as one of Calgary’s most decorated breweries. “The goal was to translate that vibe into a taproom,” says manager Rich Friesen. But the business prides itself on being more than that. The brewery is alluring to music lovers, artists and anyone looking for a place that feels like home.
“The theme has always been about music; we name our beers after song names or song albums. There’s always different types of music playing in the taproom.”
Music isn’t just background noise at Establishment: it’s part of the brand’s core identity, as evidenced by Wax Poetic on Wednesday nights, when patrons are encouraged to bring their favourite vinyl to share.
“We started doing that a few months ago, and it’s slowly started gaining momentum. Our guests get to hand over their own records and the staff plays at least one full side, no matter how obscure,” Friesen says. The goal was to create a communal activity based on passion for music.
That endeavour has blossomed into a growing circle of regulars who bring everything from reissued Springsteen to post-rock rarities like Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
Sure, they’re not always universally loved, but that’s part of the fun that often sparks conversations. “There are always a few of us that are super stoked and then a few people that are confused,” Friesen says.
On the first Thursday of each month, the Wallpaper Trio, a rotating lineup of Calgary jazz musicians, transforms the space with live instrumental sets, leading the charge.
That group has been a part of the Establishment’s DNA for nearly four years, becoming a weekly staple among regulars.
Friesen says guests can expect to hear drums, bass, guitars, saxophones, trumpets, and even pianos. “It’s a great vibe. It’s a lot of fun,” he adds.
As for weekly drink specials, Sundays bring “Sundaze,” which offers $6 pints of Afternoon Delight and Sky Rocket (some of their haziest brews) to stave off those Sunday scaries. And on the last Friday of the month, they transform into Kölsch Haus, with $3 stanges (cute little glasses) of beer served along freshly prepared German bites.
View this post on Instagram
Beyond the living room vibe, Friesen says Establishment is also renowned for its inclusivity, where beer knowledge is optional, and community comes first. When patrons first arrive, they will notice a Pride flag hanging in the window, a welcome message at the door. Inside, the aging barrels shape the walls, softening the noise and creating an intimate ambiance.
While the brewery prioritizes public accessibility by avoiding overbooking private events, it does offer space for larger groups. Friesen says full buyouts work best for 50 to 80 guests, while an attached side room can comfortably host 20 to 25 group events. The Establishment team rearranges tables, curates the beer list and keeps the atmosphere easygoing and open for these bookings.
The venue also serves as an art hub for established and emerging local artists, with rotating exhibitions that refresh every two to four months. Additionally, every bottle from their barrel-aged series features artwork by local illustrators. Artists are encouraged to submit portfolios year-round.
As for the taproom itself? Think “warm and low-key.” The lighting is warm, the seating is assorted, and the bar that dominates the room is always staffed with smiling beer slingers. Barrels hang towards the back of the room near the exposed distilling equipment in the back, making you feel like you’re a part of the brewing process yourself. If you visit near a holiday, you might even see some decorations hanging off of those barrels, like spiderwebs during Halloween time … or perhaps something more festive.
Check out the calendar of events at establishmentbrewing.ca.
QUICK FACTS
Address: 4407 1st St. S.E. in the Barley Belt
Hours: Closed on Mondays; 3 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesday; 12 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays; 12 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 12 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Drink recommendation: My Best Friend’s Girl. Seriously crushable, and pairs nicely with the mini corndogs.
Monthly Events: Wax Poetic on Wednesdays, Sundaze on Sundays, Live Jazz on the first Thursday, Radio Retro with Talespin Trivia on the last Thursday, Kölsch Haus on the last Friday.
