Rebellion Brewing Company, an award-winning Regina brewery, has expanded its presence to Saskatoon with a new location at Gather Local Market in downtown Saskatoon. Mark Heise, who co-owns the brewery with Neil Braun and Evan Hunchak, recently opened the new spot, marking a significant milestone for the brand.
A Long-Awaited Move
Heise originally founded Rebellion Brewing in Regina in 2014 and has since sold his products in various locations across both Regina and Saskatoon. The move to Saskatoon's Gather Local Market came after initial discussions during the market's concept stage. Heise designed the bar and contributed to early planning, but the deal fell through initially. When the previous tenant, Lucky Bastard, decided not to renew its lease, the opportunity arose again. Heise negotiated a favorable agreement and began pop-ups in the fall, with an official grand opening at the end of March.
Community Engagement
Heise emphasized the importance of community involvement: "We really love engaging with the community. We love being involved and really showing up." This philosophy has guided Rebellion Brewing since its inception.
From Homebrewing to Commercial Success
Heise started homebrewing in 2004, quickly gaining recognition by winning national and international competitions. At the time, commercial brewing was still small in Saskatchewan, so Heise and his homebrewing friends decided to fill the gap. Despite having a background in IT and accounting, Heise taught himself the craft. The brewery is approaching its 12th anniversary, and Heise notes that while the learning curve was steep, they have no regrets.
Popular Beers
Rebellion Brewing offers a diverse range of beers. Their bestseller is Cerveza, a Mexican-style lager with a hint of lime and salt, originally created to complement the Mexican cuisine served by El Tropazone, the kitchen at their Regina taproom.
The brewery also features a lineup of IPAs under the Zilla family, including Zilla IPA, Zilla Hazy IPA, and the recently launched Zilla Sask IPA, made entirely with Saskatchewan-sourced ingredients, including locally grown hops—a rarity for the region. The Zilla Sask IPA sold out within two weeks of its release.
Another popular offering is the Raspberry Jalapeno Sour, which surprised Heise with its demand. Despite being produced in small quantities, customers have requested it in cans, and the brewery is considering further experimentation.
Rebellion Brewing's new Saskatoon location not only serves its award-winning beers but also offers wines and other beverages from partner businesses, providing a diverse selection for visitors to Gather Local Market.
