Brewing up some entrepreneurial success
Andrew Bullied is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Annex Ale & Soda Mfg. in Calgary, Alberta. Andrew has been brewing since 2008, when he was making wine as a means to save money on drinking during university. In 2010, Andrew attended Niagara College’s brewing program in its inaugural year – and was proudly the first drop-out, leaving to start work in Calgary’s budding craft beer industry. Andrew would go on to spend 5 years brewing in Calgary before opening Annex with co-founder, Erica O’Gorman, in 2016.
Over the years, Andrew has been resolute in his approach to brewing. Viewing nothing as sacred and everything as a candidate for improvement, his unwavering pursuit of quality and constant refinement have earned Annex Beers and Sodas critical acclaim and a cult-like following. His approach has also shaped brewing culture in Calgary; not just through innovation, but through intentional collaboration. Today, Annex is recognized for its role in elevating craft culture and building community through partner brews and non-profit advocacy. Through his work, Andrew has positioned Annex as a standard-bearer for quality and innovation in Calgary’s craft beverage scene, while his dedication to community continues to elevate the experience for everyone who walks through Annex’s doors.
Annex Ale & Soda Mfg. embraces a philosophy of “No Gods No Masters,” championing the spirit of brewing beyond boundaries both real and imagined. Their extensive and varied catalogue ranges from complex to crushable, offering something delightful for every palate seeking adventure. The entire operation is characterized by a genuinely curious, wonderfully unconventional, and always experimental mindset, deeply driven by the relentless pursuit of possibility in flavor combinations.
The company, established in 2015, was profoundly inspired by the dynamic energy and remarkable creativity burgeoning within North America’s rapidly growing craft beer scene. With this inspiration firmly rooted, the team set out purposefully to explore new and intriguing ways of brewing, meticulously crafting distinct and memorable beverages. This exploration manifests today in a comprehensive mix of expertly fashioned core beers, carefully curated rotating seasonals, exciting small-batch releases, and exceptionally refreshing craft sodas, ensuring a continuously evolving and fascinating drinking experience for dedicated patrons.
The central location of the Annex taproom serves as a vital community hub, a welcoming space where people can truly come together. This vibrant locale is consistently pouring a diverse selection of signature beer, flavorful craft soda, and those perpetually rotating small-batch features, keeping the offerings perpetually fresh and enticing. Adding to the overall convivial atmosphere is Lil’ Empire Burger, an esteemed partner serving up delicious smash burgers, creative sandwiches, and perfectly crisp fries, creating an ideal pairing for the brewery’s exceptional beverages. The entire taproom environment is designed for enjoyment and relaxation, featuring a spacious beer garden that is a particular favorite when the sun is out, a glorious retreat that is always proudly dog friendly, welcoming furry companions alongside their owners. The commitment to providing both superb quality beverages and a superior communal experience shines through in every detail, from the selection of ingredients to the layout of the space.
Andrew Bullied’s initial journey, which began quite humbly with the objective of making wine as a frugal means to save money on drinking during the necessary rigors of university life, has blossomed into the stewardship of an entire institution. This institution is now synonymous with principled excellence and thoughtful community building within the vibrant Calgary craft beverage landscape. The initial 2008 brewing efforts have led to a flourishing enterprise deeply committed to the principles of quality, originality, and consistent engagement with its supportive following. This dedicated team constantly pushes the envelope, believing that constant refinement and viewing nothing as sacred are essential ingredients for sustained success and true innovation in the competitive industry.
The resulting beers and sodas have thus achieved not only substantial critical acclaim but also the much-coveted, devoted, cult-like following that Annex proudly enjoys. Every single aspect of the Annex brand, from the meticulously brewed liquids to the inviting taproom atmosphere and the intentional collaboration projects, reinforces its distinguished position as a true standard-bearer for both quality and revolutionary innovation in the Calgary market. The dedicated team strives to never miss a drop of potential, constantly signing up new enthusiasts to receive news and updates about their newest, most exciting creations.
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