Cowboy Trail Brewery: A New Alberta Brewery to Watch
Normally, I would send you straight to a taproom but Cowboy Trail Brewery doesn’t have one, at least not yet. However, their beers are available in many liquor stores across the province. As a matter a fact, I first saw their cans on shelves at my local wine shop and my curiosity got the best of me.
The brewery is named after Highway 22,(aka the Cowboy Trail) which stretches 500 kilometres from central Alberta down to the foothills near Lundbreck. It’s one of my favourite roads for a scenic drive, especially the stretch from Bragg Creek to the Bar U Ranch, hugging the eastern slopes. The name perfectly captures the spirit of Alberta.
Jason and Chloe Traviss of Cowboy Trail Brewery
Cowboy Trail Brewery officially launched in May 2024, so they’re just over a year old. Instead of waiting for a taproom, they jumped right in with contract brewing, getting their beer into stores and restaurants first. Their home base is Bragg Creek, where the owners, Jason (father) and Chloe Traviss (daughter), live and where they plan to build a brewery. In the meantime, you can taste their full selection at the Bragg Creek Distillery.
The brewery is a family venture. Jason is the brewer, and his daughter Chloe manages sales. The Traviss family moved west from Ontario, selling their farm in Port Perry. Jason’s background is in the energy industry and it was on his numerous trips to Bragg Creek that made him realize it would be the perfect spot for a craft brewery.
They have a core lineup of five beers. The Dark Ale was Jason’s first brew and is surprisingly light for a dark beer, sitting at 5% alcohol and perfect for summer sipping. The Blonde Ale is classic and easy-drinking, the Wheat Ale is a Belgian-style witbier with orange peel and coriander, and High Noon is a lighter German-style Festbier at 4.5%. Soon they’ll release a crisp, clean Pilsner. Seasonally, they offer an Oktoberfest in the fall.
The Dark Ale is a rich brown colour, but don’t be fooled—it’s medium-bodied and very refreshing. There are subtle notes of caramel and roast, giving it depth without heaviness, making it perfect for a patio or a cozy evening.
They’re also branching into spirits, with three varieties of moonshine coming soon and plans to experiment with rye and bourbon in the future.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27, when they team up with the Bav Tav in Bragg Creek for a one-day Oktoberfest. There will be live music, a Bavarian food buffet, and the release of their seasonal Oktoberfest beer. The timing aligns perfectly with Germany’s Oktoberfest, which runs from September 20 to October 5.
Cowboy Trail Brewery is a young Alberta craft producer with a clear vision - beer and spirits that reflect the province’s spirit. I’m excited to see what comes next.
Here is the link if you would like to listen to my CBC column on The Homestretch