Edmonton's newest craft brewery is looking to bring something unique to the local beer scene with a taproom and menu that is welcoming to families.
Aaron Ejzenbart, co-founder of Asymmetrical Brewing, said the new brewery's space in half of the former Two Sergeants Brewing building at 11821 105 Ave. is intended to be "family-focused rather than family-friendly," with features like a wooden play structure and swing.
"We want parents to have a place to go to have a pint and still watch their children but be able to sit back and not worry too much," Ejzenbart, a new dad himself, told Taproot.
That philosophy is also evident in the menu, which is intended to be approachable enough that there is no separate kids' menu. Ejzenbart said the 50-seat taproom will offer mac and cheese, sandwiches, pretzels, charcuterie, and other light fare, with many ingredients sourced locally. "We've been working with The Butchery by RGE RD for cured meats and Das Brezel Haus on the pretzels," he said. Asymmetrical is also working with Vienna Bakery for bread and D'Arcy's Meat Market for bratwurst.
Asymmetrical is starting off with five brews: a blonde ale, cream ale, caramel malted ale, hazy pale ale, and dark ale. Initially, Asymmetrical's beer will only be offered in-house, but Ejzenbart said the brewery will look to get it into other restaurants and liquor stores in the future. Customers can also pick up a crowler — a 32-ounce, sealed, aluminum beer can — as a cheaper and lighter alternative to the more traditional glass growler.
In addition to beer, Asymmetrical will offer craft soda, starting with hibiscus ginger, pineapple, and lemon sodas. The taproom includes 18 taps between soda and beer, as well as cold brew coffee and sparkling water.
Asymmetrical officially opens its doors to the public on Nov. 9 and will be open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Asymmetrical Brewing co-founder Aaron Ejzenbart said the brewery aims to bring something different to Edmonton's beer scene. (Mack Male/Flickr)
Despite being within walking distance of three other craft breweries — Brewsters, Arcadia, and Irrational — Ejzenbart said he sees plenty of opportunity.
"I think the market is still under-saturated," he said. "We want to add to the beer scene in Edmonton."
Ejzenbart and his co-founders — Ian Frankton, Scott Varga, Kristina Varga, and head brewer Jason — started talking about Asymmetrical well before the pandemic hit. "When we started talking about it years ago, there was nothing going on in Edmonton," he said.
With the success of the local beer scene in recent years, the group knew it had to bring something different to the table. "That's where the name comes from too: looking at things a little bit differently," Ejzenbart said.
Ejzenbart is a veteran of Edmonton's hospitality industry, having worked as general manager at Century Hospitality and The Canadian Brewhouse. A born and raised Edmontonian, he knew the local community would be helpful in getting the brewery off the ground. Ejzenbart said conversations with Alley Kat Brewing, the now defunct Polar Park Brewing, and the community nurtured by Edmonton Beer Geeks Anonymous all had a positive impact.
"Edmonton has a lot of opportunity, the beer scene is growing, and the culture is collaborative and friendly," he said.
Asymmetrical also hopes to connect with residents and other businesses in the surrounding area. The installation of a garage door into the space will provide for a patio in the warmer months while opening up the brewery to the street, and Ejzenbart said they plan to host events in the future.
"We're excited to get in the market and be in the scene with everyone else."