Located in the historic Ramsay Design Centre, Good Cheer Brewing offers patrons a journey through time, serving beers crafted from centuries-old recipes in a setting that echoes the ambiance of a bygone era.

Founder Nathan Vadeboncoeur envisions the brewery as a "museum exhibit you can taste." He aims to engage visitors with the past by creating an environment reminiscent of an old-school pub, complemented by beers that tell their own tales.

The brewery's name pays homage to The Order of Good Cheer, a social club established by explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1606 to boost morale during Canada's harsh winters. This tradition of camaraderie is alive at Good Cheer Brewing, where people gather over drinks, food, and shared stories.

The interior of Good Cheer Brewing reflects its historical inspiration. Much of the wood used in the space was reclaimed from the Mount Royal home of a former Canadian Pacific Railway president, and the chandeliers above the bar originate from the same residence.

The beer menu features a diverse range of offerings, from a Scandinavian beer based on a recipe from 920, to an Irish stout from 1959, and a West Coast IPA that revives a 1990 recipe. Each beer comes with its own unique story, and the knowledgeable staff are eager to share these histories with patrons.

Vadeboncoeur, a self-described beer scientist, delves into historical records to recreate these brews. "We're doing this kind of beer archaeology," he explains. The process involves experimentation, custom malts, and unusual ingredients to faithfully reproduce old beers.

Complementing the beer selection, the menu offers European-inspired bar snacks and sandwiches, including Bavarian soft pretzels, a Dutch gouda and ham sandwich, a traditional Icelandic hot dog called a pylsa, and a Scandinavian beef hand pie.

For those interested in the history of beer, Vadeboncoeur hosts a podcast called Brewing Society, available on major platforms.

Good Cheer Brewing is located at 1220 20 Ave. S.E. in Calgary's Ramsay neighborhood.

 In the same community, the local brewing   scene continues to evolve. Ol' Beautiful   Brewing Co., a beloved establishment in   Ramsay, faced a devastating fire in June   2024 that gutted their taproom. Despite the   setback, the owners are cautiously   optimistic  about rebuilding at the same   location, though the timeline remains   uncertain due to red tape and rising costs.

  Meanwhile, the Ramsay community   remains  vibrant, hosting events like the   Calgary Cribbage Tournament at Evil   Corp  Brewing. Scheduled for January 31, 2025, the event invites cribbage enthusiasts of all skill levels for an evening of cards, camaraderie, and craft beer.

As Calgary's craft beer landscape continues to flourish, establishments like Good Cheer Brewing contribute to the rich tapestry of local pubs and draught beer offerings, blending history with modern-day enjoyment.