Blindman Brewing in Lacombe is a popular pit stop off the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. Since opening in 2015, Blindman has released a varied and uncompromising line-up of beers that includes sours, strong stouts aged in bourbon and wine barrels, and traditional Belgian farmhouse-style ales. The closest thing to approachable, in a conventional sense, that Blindman brews is a session ale that’s an easy-drinking 4.4 per cent alcohol, but comes packed with hoppy citrus flavours that would startle a Molson Canadian or Coors Light drinker.
The partners behind Blindman have roots in the Lacombe area and wanted to base their business there from the beginning. And co-founder Hans Doef says convincing customers to try something different, even when they’re your neighbours, is part of what they do.
“It’s still a constant education, but we have a bunch of regulars in our taproom that’s growing. I’d like to think the trajectory of craft beer appreciation is going up,” he says.
Cole Boyd, a Ribstone Creek sales rep, has noticed a similar trend – as it has expanded its offerings, it has ventured into more adventurous territory and some of the locals have joined them. “You have to do some trust building, but once you gain their trust, the locals will come along for the ride … They’re making an effort to try new beers and expand their palates and it’s cool to see.”
In Lacombe’s charming downtown, there’s tangible evidence that brewers have reason to think positive. Local restaurant Cilantro and Chive is a craft beer mecca, offering about 130 craft beers at any given time and reserving its four taps for a rotating line-up of Alberta selections. This dedication earned it the nod from the industry as Restaurant of the Year at the Alberta Beer Awards.
Rieley Kay, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Kim, says the occasional patron gets upset when (s)he finds out there’s no Bud Light. Kay’s strategy is to ask customers what they like and offer them craft alternatives based on the answers – with a pledge to buy the beer if they’re not impressed. “We haven’t bought a beer yet,” he says.