High Key Brewing Co has Something for Everyone in Saskatoon, SK

High Key Brewing Co. raises a glass to creativity and fun

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously and having an open mind is important. We like to bring different flavours to Saskatchewan and have fun with it. There are so many combinations of hops and grains that can be used to create beer and, by adding berries and other ingredients, the options are limitless.” You could say that sums up the philosophy and approach of Maddy Conn and Daniel Rommens, co-founders of High Key Brewing Co., located in Saskatoon.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Maddy attended the University of Saskatchewan and, in 2013, moved to Dallas, Texas to work for a software company. She quickly fell in love with the city’s microbrewery scene. “It spoke to everything I love – grassroots, community, local. I worked in bars and restaurants my entire life and love to eat and drink when I travel. I thought about Saskatchewan being a big barley producer and how opening a microbrewery would be amazing.”

Microbreweries were relatively scarce in Saskatchewan a decade ago so when the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority started adjusting its rules to make commercial craft brewing more feasible, Maddy thought, “This is my chance.”

After developing a business plan, Maddy cast about for a brewer to review it and give her pointers. In true Saskatchewan three degrees of separation, Maddy met Daniel Rommens through her brother-in-law. Daniel studied biology at university. He fell into craft brewing as a hobby after his wife gave him a home brewing kit that led him down a new career path. Having gained experience and insight as an assistant brewer at a local microbrewery, he appreciated Maddy’s well-designed plan. Moreover, he was excited at the prospect of an opportunity to put his personal spin on beers in his own brewery so they partnered on the new venture.

High Key Brewing Co. began modestly in 2017 with some contract brewing and weekends at farmers’ markets. A year later, Maddy and Daniel opened a taproom on Quebec Avenue. In 2022, they relocated to a former Harley-Davidson dealership in downtown Saskatoon and transformed it into a bright, airy, cheerful taproom and restaurant. The taproom is a spot for brewing enthusiasts to geek out with the bartender, the patio is a welcome respite on summer days, and the private room is great for special events. The serving staff enhance the friendly community vibe and you almost expect a chorus of “Norm!” when a regular walks through the door.

Since its inception, High Key Brewing Co. has invited people to enjoy fun, experimental brews such as London Fog Porter, Lemon Lime Ginger Beer with an optional shot of haskap liqueur, Triple Citrus Wheat Ale and beer-tails (beer cocktails) to name just a few of the many seasonal and year-round options. There’s something for everyone and every mood. Don’t drink? This past year was their foray into non-alcoholic beer with the 0.5% Next Best Thing Non-Alcoholic Dry Hopped Pale Ale. On the success of this seasonal pale ale, they’re exploring the development of new non-alcoholic flavours year-round.

Just as much intention is put into crafting delicious appetizers, handhelds, and handmade pizzas to enjoy with your beverage of choice. Beer is incorporated into their food whenever possible. Their veggie burger is a blend of mushrooms and spent grain that will satisfy even the most sceptical carnivore. The rest of their spent grain is donated to local ranchers.

Inspiration comes from a collage of sources and High Key Brewing Co. strives to weave in local Saskatchewan ingredients whenever possible. “Our Sour Cherry Sour contains juice and sour cherries from a variety developed at the U of S and grown at Bruno. We’ve also done a farmhouse series that features sour cherries, Saskatoon berries, haskap, and sea buckthorn which are local to prairies,” explains Maddy.

High Key Brewing Co. thrives on variety and creativity. On occasion, they offer special beer and food pairing events such as the four-course meal offered on Valentine’s Day, which will be repeated this fall.

A collaborative spirit runs through High Key Brewing Co. and their business approach is an ongoing conversation. “We brainstorm as a team to come up with new brews and products. This may mean bringing in the taproom manager, the chef, servers and bartenders. Not only do we have our craft beer that we make in-house, but we also feature other local producers and local spirits.”

“We also love working with other breweries. It’s always good chatting with the owners and seeing what they’re seeing. We want to raise the industry as a whole. The more that people look for our local breweries, the more it benefits all of us.” To this end, High Key Brewing Co. hosts Sour Fest each November to showcase a mix of sours from each brewer in the province.

As barley producers begin gearing up for seeding, they may want to pencil in a few trips to Saskatoon for parts or pleasure and a lunch, supper or snack and brew at a soon-to-be favourite watering hole. And when harvest is in the bin, be sure to check out Sour Fest and the latest flavours on tap at High Key Brewing Co.