Good Cheer Brewing Revives Historical Beers with Academic Precision in Calgary
In an era where craft beer enthusiasts often chase the latest trends, Good Cheer Brewing in Calgary's Ramsay neighborhood is taking a decidedly different approach. Founded by Nathan Vadeboncoeur, this brewpub is dedicated to meticulously recreating historical beers, offering patrons a taste of centuries past through scientifically informed brewing techniques.
A Journey Through Beer History
Vadeboncoeur, an environmental scientist by trade, brings an academic rigor to his brewing passion. His background in science and deep appreciation for history converge at Good Cheer Brewing, which opened in late 2025. The brewery's name is an anglicization of Samuel de Champlain's L'Ordre du Bon Temps, reflecting its mission to connect drinkers with bygone eras through beer.
"I love history. It's really been enjoyable and valuable for me in understanding the world I live in and my place in it," Vadeboncoeur explains. "Producing these old historical beers is a way to commune with a bygone era. It's also a hook I can use to reach out to people to connect with the past and learn a bit about the different times and places from where these beers came."
Meticulous Recreation Process
The beers at Good Cheer Brewing span over a millennium of brewing history. Current offerings include:
- A raw ale dating back to 980 A.D.
- The Grissette 1850, based on a recipe from 1850
- A 1959 Irish dry stout
- A 1990 West Coast IPA
Vadeboncoeur typically starts with an old recipe or historical record detailing a beer's tasting notes. He then spends months recreating it, carefully considering factors like water chemistry and heritage grains to craft as accurate an interpretation as possible. The result is a collection of beers that may challenge modern palates but offer fascinating historical insights.
Brewpub Atmosphere and Community Focus
The physical space at Good Cheer Brewing complements its historical mission. Located in the Ramsay Design Centre, the brewpub features antique chairs with precisely documented dates and tables made from vintage building materials. Despite this historical focus, the atmosphere remains welcoming and unpretentious—a place where visitors can enjoy a beer, play board games, or simply chat with friends.
The brewery also emphasizes community engagement through regular special events, including:
- Guided tastings that explore beer history
- Guest speaker presentations on brewing traditions
- Food and beer pairing workshops
Quentin Baert, the brewer at Good Cheer, brings additional expertise from his previous work at French wineries, while bartender Melissa Peters helps curate the tasting experience for visitors.
Future Plans and Historical Series
With about a dozen historical beers currently on the menu, Vadeboncoeur plans to expand the offerings through thematic series that trace specific arcs in beer evolution. One past project involved multiple brews mapping the development of India Pale Ale through different historical periods.
This approach transforms beer drinking from mere consumption to an educational experience, inviting patrons to consider how brewing techniques, ingredients, and tastes have evolved across centuries and cultures. Good Cheer Brewing represents a unique fusion of historical scholarship, scientific precision, and community-focused hospitality in Calgary's vibrant craft beer scene.
