Troubled Monk Brewery - A Must Visit for Alberta Craft Beer Fans
Kicking off our Local Drinks summer series, I’m excited to highlight a brewery with one of the best names around - Troubled Monk. Located in Red Deer, Alberta, it’s a bit of a drive but their beers have made their way across the province, so no worries if you can’t make it there in person.
Founded by brothers Charlie and Graeme Bredo in 2015, Troubled Monk emerged right after Alberta eased craft brewing restrictions, sparking a wave of new breweries. Charlie’s passion for brewing and monastic traditions inspired the name - a nod to the monks’ relentless pursuit of the perfect beer recipe.
Troubled Monk isn’t your typical brewery. Alongside a solid lineup of core beers and seasonal releases, they craft award-winning whiskies, including their acclaimed Arrowwood Rye, crowned World’s Best Rye in 2025. If cocktails are more your style, their ready-to-drink hard iced teas (Troubled Teas) come in fun flavours like original, cranberry green tea, peach and raspberry.
Highlight: Glorious & Free IPA
One standout is their Glorious & Free IPA, a collaboration with Dominion City Brewing from Ottawa. Brewed with locally grown grains, this IPA bursts with citrus and floral notes and carries a satisfying bitterness at 6.9% ABV. Perfect for pairing with spicy food or rich pasta dishes. Bonus: sales support the Red Deer Veterans Food Bank.
Visit & Celebrate
If you’re up for a visit, mark July 26 for their 10th Anniversary bash - a family-friendly event in the Capstone district of Red Deer. It’s a perfect way to soak up local vibes and enjoy their brews in person.
From craft beers to cocktails and whiskey, Troubled Monk delivers a dynamic experience that’s worth exploring this summer - whether at their taproom or your favourite Alberta liquor store.
Troubled Monk Brewery
- 5551 45th Street, Red Deer, Alberta
- Open - everyday - check website for hours
- www.troubledmonk.com
You can listen to the full audio segment from my Local Drinks column on CBC Radio The Homestretch homepage.