Alberta's brewing history dates back to the late 19th century, with early establishments like the Calgary Brewing & Malting Company, which introduced its first batch in 1893, and the Edmonton Brewing and Malting Company, founded in 1900.

 

A significant turning point occurred in December 2013, when the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) eliminated the minimum production capacity requirement of 5,000 hectolitres per year, removing a substantial barrier for small-scale brewers. This policy change led to a surge in craft brewery startups, with the number of breweries increasing from around 13 in 2013 to the more than 170 breweries across Alberta today.

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Alberta breweries consistently rank in the top three when it comes to national awards and breweries in this province are recognized annually by the Alberta Small Brewers Association's Alberta Beer Awards.