| I spend a lot of time hunting Calgary's liquor stores, stalking new species of beer. Kensington Wine Market, Royal Liquor Merchants on 17th Avenue S.W. and Eau Claire Wine Market are all worth a trek, but most of the beer at these stores is left at room temperature under bright light – damaging conditions for fine beer. And while Willow Park Wines & Spirits keeps its great selection of beer in a refrigerated room, the store is so large and staffed by so many people, it's like hunting at the zoo.
That's why my favourite beer store is Edmonton Trail Liquor Store (#117 - 831 Edmonton Trail N.E.). This nondescript little store, located at the far end of a strip mall, houses a rainforest of beer. Its small size yields friendly service, often from owner Rob Arseneault. Rob loves beer and attempts to carry every beer available in the province – all stored in a refrigerated room.
I dream of a specialty beer store, with ales and lagers stored separately at proper temperature away from light and a cellar of aging beers. It would be a place toward which beer lovers would kneel and pray each day. Until that opens, Edmonton Trail Liquor Store is a great hunting ground. |
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