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An interesting new beer will be on tap this week at most local taprooms. Instead of being brewed by just one brewery, Unity Brew is an effort by a large cross-section of Alberta brewing community.

This adventurous effort was instigated by the globe-trotting Grizzly Paw head brewer, Michelle Lowney. The recipe represents a collaborative effort, with the grain and hops donated by Calgary’s Canada Malting and the special yeast donated by Wildwood Grill and Brewing Company. Of course, one can’t forget the free-range waters of our scenic Rocky Mountains — it sounds like a hell of a brew.

The companies holding hands around the brew pot were Alley Kat, Big Rock, Brew Brothers, Drummond, Grizzly Paw, Jasper Brewpub, Wild Rose and Wildwood at the Grizzly Paw Brewpub in Canmore. Unfortunately, Amber’s, Labatt’s and Roughneck could only be there in spirit.

The interaction of all these brewing minds working on one joint effort should be interesting. The brew had not been tasted by press time, but it’s a bold effort. The style choice is not for the weak of heart or for the beer newbie. The beer is a RIPA, or a rye IPA, that is assertively bittered. The grain bill for this beer is 30 per cent rye malt, which should add some unique biscuit-y spiciness to the brew to balance the big, hoppy, floral tastes. Some additional flavours were added to the beer with hop oils while the beer was in maturation tanks. Interestingly, this beer’s base grain bill and hop oils are two new Canada Malting products.

Pints will be on tap at the following local and not-so-local spots the week of press: In Calgary you can find it at all Brewsters locations, The District, Wild Rose Taproom, Wildwood Grill and Brewing Company, and in Canmore at the Grizzly Paw Brewpub. Please check with all breweries or taprooms as to availability.

Congratulations to Lowney for initiating this event. Here’s hoping for more growth and an increased sense of community among all Alberta brewers. There are already plans to make this an annual event, with Edmonton’s Alley Kat hosting next year.

On a sombre note, Wildwood Grill and Brewing Company has lost its lease after 15 years of brewing at its current location. Sadly, the last day of business is December 19. Visits to this grand brewpub are highly recommended before it closes.