Annex Ale Project has been shaking up Calgary’s beverage scene since co-founders Andrew Bullied and Erica O’Gorman opened their brewery known for its bold, Pacific Northwest-inspired beers in 2017. But even before that, the pair were already nurturing a craft soda line under Annex Sodas, creating their first soda, a craft root beer, in 2016.
Now, Annex Sodas has a fresh new look as the brand approaches its 10th anniversary. The soda cans have been redesigned with a mid-century modern aesthetic that embraces bold shapes and clean lines. Designed in collaboration with local graphic design firm Public Eye, the sleek packaging reflects what’s inside: high quality, premium sodas made with cane sugar, and no artificial flavours and colours.
“We want to take the craft beer ethos and apply that to our sodas,” says Bullied.
The soda lineup includes sips like the Saskatoon lemonade, ginger beer, orange soda, craft cola and root beer. The Saskatoon lemonade is a fan favourite made with local berries to elevate the citrusy beverage with tart and floral flavours. Cans like the craft cola evoke notes of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. The sodas are gluten-free, vegan and made with whole ingredients wherever possible.
“We’re trying to premiumize soda and we do that by using the best ingredients possible,” says Bullied.
Available at Annex Ale Project, 4323 1 St., at local retailers and restaurants, and online. annexsodas.com