Buffalo 9 Brewing Company - Our last stop of my summer CBC series!

September signals the end of summer and with it, the last Local Drinks column for the season. I want to wrap things up with a brewery that’s still a bit of a hidden gem in southwest Calgary - Buffalo 9 Brewing Company.

Buffalo 9 Brewing Company’s owners - Kelsey (left) and Lane (right) Gibson

Opened in June 2024, Buffalo 9 is the creation of husband and wife team Lane and Kelsey Gibson. Kelsey hails from New Town, Nova Scotia, near Antigonish while Lane grew up on a farm near Oyen, Alberta. Lane’s agricultural roots and an online Brewery Management course from Oregon State University gave him the foundation to take on the challenges of running a small brewery. Today, they balance full-time careers alongside the brewery with a full-time brewer trained at Olds College handling the daily operations.

The name “Buffalo 9” has a story layered with personal and local significance. Lane grew up near the Buffalo Highway in Alberta, and both wanted to honour military members and first responders. Kelsey’s father was a firefighter for more than 30 years and other family members served in the military. The combination felt like the perfect fit.

The idea to start brewing came from a Christmas gift: Kelsey gave Lane a small brewing kit from Indigo book store. He quickly upgraded, experimenting with hops and grain from his family farm. What began as gifts and party beers grew into contract brewing by 2020, including their first beer, Ridge by MidDay New England IPA, which is still on the menu today.

Finding the right location took two years. They settled on a former Canada Post distribution depot near the old Viscount Bennett High School. The building had been vacant for five years, but Lane and Kelsey saw the potential to create a true community hub. They envisioned a “Cheers” atmosphere where many patrons are known by name. Renovations were a challenge: plumbing, electrical work, and more. All while balancing full-time jobs and raising their now 12 year old daughter.

Beer Menu at the Buffalo 9 Brewing Company in Calgary

Buffalo 9 has 12 taps with 11 beers and one cider. They have five core beers available across Alberta. Each brew comes with its own story. Ridge by MidDay New England IPA was their first. Peril in the Atlantic Pilsner nods to the Atlantic provinces. First In Last Out Red Ale honours first responders, connected to Kelsey’s family history. And Brooding Soldier Dark Ale is a recent addition.

For my visit, I chose Dear Aunt Emma Mango Passionfruit Wheat Ale, a bright, thirst-quenching patio beer perfect for stretching summer. The name and recipe are a tribute to Kelsey’s grandfather, Lowell MacDonald, a WWII tank commander, who wrote letters home to his Aunt Emma while overseas. The story lives on in the can’s artwork, featuring Lowell, Aunt Emma and excerpts from his letters. Brewed with half wheat, half barley, and real mango and passionfruit purée, it comes in at 5% ABV. It is refreshing, fruity and perfectly celebratory for the season’s finale.

While the brewery offers light snacks and occasionally hosts food trucks, they don’t have a kitchen, so you’re welcome to bring your own food to enjoy with the beer. Buffalo 9 Brewing Company is more than just a brewery. It is a family story, a community hub and a place where each beer comes with meaning.

Listen to the full audio segment here: Local Drinks on The Homestretch - CBC Radio One