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 are available 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.