Big Rock Brewery
Big Rock Brewery
5
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Welcome to Big Rock Brewery, where history and great beer come together to create an unforgettable experience. Since 1985, we have proudly stood as a staple on the Alberta prairies, crafting exceptional brews using time-honoured techniques. Step into our vibrant and inviting space, and you'll be greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed beer. From rich and robust to refreshing lagers, our beer selection offers something to satisfy every palate. Beyond the beer, we embrace our history on the Alberta prairies and invite you to be a part of it. Immerse yourself in our welcoming atmosphere, where old meets new, and create lasting memories with friends, family, and fellow beer enthusiasts. NEW! Big Sky BBQ at Big Rock Brewery. Come get some delicious, authentic Texas-style BBQ, grab a beer, and watch he game. Menu: https://bigrockbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Big-Sky-BBQ-at-Big-Rock-Brewery.pdf
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Southeast Calgary
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
334 reviews
Excellent
281
Very good
46
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
GottaQuilt
Conroe18 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Kudos to Cody! We have been to several craft brew pubs and breweries in the United States, but my husband says, "Big Rock Brewery -- well it's all good!" We stopped in on a whim on our Canadian Rockies whirlwind visit, and we were pleasantly surprised. We asked Cody if we could get a tour of the brewery and he said sure, no problem. So off we went... and it was fantastic. We were allowed to take pictures and learned a lot. The samples were wonderful as well. I myself, am not much for beer, but Cody offered me a sample of the Pear and apple ciders -- and boy were they good!!! Cody was very knowledgeable and informative. He also gave us wonderful suggestions on other brew pubs such as in Bannf and Jasper, since we were on our way there -- he even gave us suggestions on a beautiful mountain drive outside of Canmore. Thanks Cody for adding a special touch to our summer vacation. We recommend you stop in for a sample of great beer & cider and if you have a chance, get a tour of the plant. Enjoy!
Written 21 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lais
Calgary, Canada13 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
We had a really fun time at the brewery tour. Our guide Cody is really passionate about beer and that passion transpires in his explanations. Also, the beer is really really good and you can try so many different beers.
Written 16 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyce K
2 contributions
Sept 2015
Great tour. Super beer. loved our tour guide. was able to taste a lot of different beers. really nice place. good value for the price. highly recommend. ask for Collin as a tour guide (i think)
Written 23 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adesmar123
Connecticut142 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
First. let me say the beer is very good. I have taken brewery tours in the US and now Canada. Some of the product has been better than others. This was a good one.
My experience wasn't all good though. First there is a $25C charge for the tour. That is the most I have ever paid for any tour and tasting.
The tour started at 5:30PM. Because we came through Calgary traffic, we arrived at the reception room about 5:33PM. When we arrived in the room from the rear. we noticed a bar with taps at the front of the room. There were 7 people sitting on bar stools. we weren't sure if that was the end of the last tour or ours which had started without us. The seven people were listening to a description of the beers and drinking. After a few minutes of puzzling looks, one of the people at the bar stools welcomed us in - not the tour guide. We approached the bar, the tour guide continued her descriptions and didn't acknowledge us. When she finished her talk she asked us if we wanted to try a beer. Of course we had no clue what was available or which types there were.I asked what the beers were. She asked if we wanted her to repeat all of what what she had just said, when I said "yes" she just laughed and moved back to the 7 people at the stools.
Part 1 of a brewery tour was lost. That is making the visitor feel welcome. The tour guide made us feel like intruders, the other guests ( probably noticing this) tried to make us feel at home.
From the start of the actual tour it was obvious she was new to this. She relied on index cards for virtually all of her information - including introducing herself. She did not introduce herself until she checked her index cards and saw that she had forgotten that. She was personable and tried very hard, but that didn't solve the problem. She also forgot at times to wait until all of the group caught up before launching the next description of the process. So sometimes people caught up with the group and she was well into the description of the next phase. She really didn't seem comfortable with the brewing phases and exactly how each fit into the process. She got there though through the index cards.
Part two of the brewery tour was lost also- the tour. For $25c I expect a professional - like tour. What we received was a very good effort by a new guide. She was personable. The best part of her performance was at the end of the tour - serving beer.
So while the beer was good, the process was poor. And not feeling welcome at the start made the rest of the tour less than it might have been.
My experience wasn't all good though. First there is a $25C charge for the tour. That is the most I have ever paid for any tour and tasting.
The tour started at 5:30PM. Because we came through Calgary traffic, we arrived at the reception room about 5:33PM. When we arrived in the room from the rear. we noticed a bar with taps at the front of the room. There were 7 people sitting on bar stools. we weren't sure if that was the end of the last tour or ours which had started without us. The seven people were listening to a description of the beers and drinking. After a few minutes of puzzling looks, one of the people at the bar stools welcomed us in - not the tour guide. We approached the bar, the tour guide continued her descriptions and didn't acknowledge us. When she finished her talk she asked us if we wanted to try a beer. Of course we had no clue what was available or which types there were.I asked what the beers were. She asked if we wanted her to repeat all of what what she had just said, when I said "yes" she just laughed and moved back to the 7 people at the stools.
Part 1 of a brewery tour was lost. That is making the visitor feel welcome. The tour guide made us feel like intruders, the other guests ( probably noticing this) tried to make us feel at home.
From the start of the actual tour it was obvious she was new to this. She relied on index cards for virtually all of her information - including introducing herself. She did not introduce herself until she checked her index cards and saw that she had forgotten that. She was personable and tried very hard, but that didn't solve the problem. She also forgot at times to wait until all of the group caught up before launching the next description of the process. So sometimes people caught up with the group and she was well into the description of the next phase. She really didn't seem comfortable with the brewing phases and exactly how each fit into the process. She got there though through the index cards.
Part two of the brewery tour was lost also- the tour. For $25c I expect a professional - like tour. What we received was a very good effort by a new guide. She was personable. The best part of her performance was at the end of the tour - serving beer.
So while the beer was good, the process was poor. And not feeling welcome at the start made the rest of the tour less than it might have been.
Written 28 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bgagne
Calgary, Canada67 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
My boyfriend and I went on a brewery tour early this spring and had a blast! Colin James was a true rock star and had great knowledge of the history of the company and what goes into each beer/cider. The tour of the facility was great and we enjoyed un-filtered Grasshopper right out of the vat! I'm not a huge beer fan, but that unfiltered Grasshopper was great! We got to go into the hop room and smell the exotic New Zealand hops.
We enjoyed lots of tastings after the tour which included their Black Currant cider (yum yum YUM!). Apple cider and pear cider were hits as well. We got a full tasting experience of their wide range of beers as well. Overall, a great experience and a great day in Calgary. Highly recommend!!!
Note: $25/per adult
We enjoyed lots of tastings after the tour which included their Black Currant cider (yum yum YUM!). Apple cider and pear cider were hits as well. We got a full tasting experience of their wide range of beers as well. Overall, a great experience and a great day in Calgary. Highly recommend!!!
Note: $25/per adult
Written 10 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thanks for your kind words and helpful review! Colin is indeed a rock star. When people enjoy our beer that don't normally drink beer - we take that as the ultimate compliment. Also glad to hear that you enjoyed our cider selections.
We'd love to have you back at the brewery some day.
Thanks again for the review.
Cheers,
Tiffany
Written 17 August 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BootsTraveling
Calgary, Canada15 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Any place where you get handed a taste of beer the moment you walk in is a great place to be!
My boyfriend was visiting from Ontario, and I'm from Calgary however I'd never been to the Big Rock brewery, so we figured we'd give it a look! The tour started off with the sampling of a few of Big Rock's beers up in their gorgeous tap room/loft, where we also got some history of the company and their beers. After that, we donned the safety vests and hair nets provided for us and headed across the parking lot to the actual brewery. Our tour guide, Garrett, gave us tons of information on each step of the brewing process, let us smell some of the different barleys used to make the beer, and showed us a lot of behind the scenes spots. We even got to try a new beer straight from one of the vessels! Next, we headed back to the loft and got to taste some more beer, before leaving with a special gift from Big Rock. The tour was scheduled from 6 - 8pm, however Garrett kindly kept pouring beer for us until about 8:30.
Wear close-toed shoes and perhaps layered clothing as you're in both very cool and very warm rooms in the brewhouse, and bring a camera and an appetite for beer!
I'd also recommend taking a drive out to Okotoks, about 35 minutes from Calgary, to see the Big Rock Glacial Erratic - where the company got their name! We did this during the day before going to the tour, and it really tied things together nicely as a "Big Rock" themed day.
My boyfriend was visiting from Ontario, and I'm from Calgary however I'd never been to the Big Rock brewery, so we figured we'd give it a look! The tour started off with the sampling of a few of Big Rock's beers up in their gorgeous tap room/loft, where we also got some history of the company and their beers. After that, we donned the safety vests and hair nets provided for us and headed across the parking lot to the actual brewery. Our tour guide, Garrett, gave us tons of information on each step of the brewing process, let us smell some of the different barleys used to make the beer, and showed us a lot of behind the scenes spots. We even got to try a new beer straight from one of the vessels! Next, we headed back to the loft and got to taste some more beer, before leaving with a special gift from Big Rock. The tour was scheduled from 6 - 8pm, however Garrett kindly kept pouring beer for us until about 8:30.
Wear close-toed shoes and perhaps layered clothing as you're in both very cool and very warm rooms in the brewhouse, and bring a camera and an appetite for beer!
I'd also recommend taking a drive out to Okotoks, about 35 minutes from Calgary, to see the Big Rock Glacial Erratic - where the company got their name! We did this during the day before going to the tour, and it really tied things together nicely as a "Big Rock" themed day.
Written 3 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you very much for your review! We really appreciate feedback and its nice that you included some pointers and suggestions that would be helpful to other travelers. We also think its really neat that you went to the glacial erratic first before coming on the tour, it's pretty interesting, Ed named the brewery after it for a reason!
We are opening a brewery & brewpub in Ontario in 2016, not sure if that was mentioned on your tour. Hopefully we can show you some great hospitality there as well once it opens!
Thanks again for the visit and the great review.
Cheers,
Tiffany
Written 17 August 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ecsepp
Calgary, Canada2 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
What an awesome tour! I learned so much about Big Rock's history and so much about the brewing process that I didn't know before. Our tour guide, Garrett, was fantastic. He really explained brewing in a way that I could understand. It was really interesting to hear about Alberta's brewing history and the development of Big Rock Brewery.
I especially liked the start-to-finish explanation we received while touring the facility. It really is helpful in figuring it all out. There is excellent signage that also explains the process that I really liked.
There were lots of beers and two ciders for tasting, which was great. I got to try a few things that I normally wouldn't have, and it turns out that I liked them way more than I thought I would.
I've done a few tours in Calgary, and this one was definitely my favourite. I highly recommend this tour, and would definitely go back for round two.
I especially liked the start-to-finish explanation we received while touring the facility. It really is helpful in figuring it all out. There is excellent signage that also explains the process that I really liked.
There were lots of beers and two ciders for tasting, which was great. I got to try a few things that I normally wouldn't have, and it turns out that I liked them way more than I thought I would.
I've done a few tours in Calgary, and this one was definitely my favourite. I highly recommend this tour, and would definitely go back for round two.
Written 16 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are honored to be considered your favourite tour in Calgary! Hopefully we will see you in again sometime soon.
Cheers,
Tiffany
Written 18 June 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
btm369
Sydney, Australia9 contributions
Very informative tour. Great tastings, even of beers not available to the general public. FREE six pack at the end too!! Highly recommend
Written 11 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave P
1 contribution
Jul 2017 • Couples
We enjoyed great tour with Cody. The tour was not expensive, We were able to taste all the beers. It was really interesting to learn about the history of Alberta breweries and how beer is made from ingredients. Highly recommended brewery tour!!
Written 23 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elizabeth h
Calgary, Canada86 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
April 1 was my first time at the big rock brewery in Calgary Alberta. I attended the big rock brewery for a wedding, and let me tell you I was extremely impressed with the layout of this establishment. This establishment has a awesome bar, great food and a cute little dance floor that will cater to a Christmas party of about 50ish people.
Big rock brewery you nailed it. I will definitely be back with friends family and coworkers.
Big rock brewery you nailed it. I will definitely be back with friends family and coworkers.
Written 10 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are children able to attend? We're on the road traveling with a 7 yr old and wanted to check it out, but not sure she is old enough to get in.
Written 14 July 2017
They are allowed in the restaurant but not for the tour.
Must be 18 for the tour.
Written 14 July 2017
How does your products impact the environment? What does your company do to manage waste, renewable resources(if any) and pollution?
Written 26 January 2017
Our products are designed to reduce the waste volume from process. In the case of the brewing industry, these products are handled in a manner that allows them to be reused in another industry as an input.
The energy demands of the system is also designed for a very small footprint.
Written 27 January 2017
How do we get tout the brewery from the City Center by public Transport?
Written 19 August 2016
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