Grizzly Paw Rutting Elk - 20 Litre Keg

Rutting Elk Red is one of the original flagship brews from Canmore’s Grizzly Paw Brewing Company. A staple of the Alberta craft scene since 1996, this beer is a classic Amber Ale (or Irish Red Ale style) that captures the transition from the light, crisp lagers of summer to the heavy stouts of winter. It is designed to be a "malt-forward" masterpiece, focusing on the rich, toasted flavors of the grain rather than the bitterness of the hops. Like the elk it’s named after, this beer is bold, sturdy, and a true icon of the Canadian Rockies.

Beer Description

Rutting Elk pours a beautiful, clear deep copper-to-ruby red with a frothy, off-white head that leaves excellent lacing on the glass.

Aroma: The nose is warm and comforting. It leads with dominant notes of toasted caramel and fresh-baked bread, followed by a subtle hint of roasted nuts and dried fruit (like raisins or plums). There is a very faint, earthy hop presence in the background that provides a grounding balance to the sweet malt.

Palate: On the tongue, it is medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly "chewy" mouthfeel. It leads with a rich toasted malt sweetness and caramel toffee, followed by a soft, nutty middle. The bitterness is kept low to moderate, providing just enough structure to balance the malt without being sharp. The finish is clean and slightly dry, with a lingering warmth of roasted grain.

Profile: It sits at a balanced 5.0% ABV and a moderate bitterness of approx. 20 IBU, making it an approachable yet flavorful ale.

Technical Notes: The signature deep red color and caramel flavor come from a specific blend of Crystal and roasted malts. These specialty grains are kiln-dried to different levels to provide a complex sugar profile that doesn't fully ferment, leaving behind that signature body and sweetness. Like all Grizzly Paw beers, it is brewed with pure mountain water from the Canmore watershed, which helps maintain a soft, smooth profile.