4th Meridian Brewing Co

There aren't many businesses that can trace part of their history back to enabling a mediocre slo-pitch team.

This is one of them.

Back in 2018, a few friends and I had become regulars at 4th Meridian's original taproom. One evening, after what I considered a reasonable amount of beer research, I suggested we ask Brad if he would sponsor our beer league slo-pitch team.

My friends thought it was a terrible idea. We were about to ask a brand new brewery owner to supply a recreational softball team with liquid courage.

Looking back, approaching a brand new brewery owner while wearing a beer league jersey that read "Swingers Club" was not exactly stacking the odds in our favour.

I figured the worst he could say was no.

Instead, he sponsored us with a pallet of Bachelor Blonde tall boys.

And just like that, the Border Deporters were born.

Every game we would throw a couple flats in the cooler, making sure both our team and the opposition had cold beer waiting after the final out. It did wonders for league morale.

It did absolutely nothing for our batting average.

Nearly a decade later, we're still regulars.

The brewery has since moved into a beautiful new space, but it hasn't lost what made it special in the first place. It still feels less like a business and more like Lloydminster's living room.

Then there's Teryn. If you've spent any amount of time at 4th Meridian over the last few years, chances are she's looked after your table. She's a kickass server who somehow remembers what everyone drinks, keeps the laughs coming, and makes the place feel like home. My name, however, gets treated like she's a grandma with twelve grandkids at Christmas.

"S...? No... B...? Wait... L...?"

Eventually she lands on Cam.

Every single time.

At this point, I honestly hope she never gets it right on the first try because the guessing game has become part of the experience.

Whether you're dropping in for a pint after work, settling in with one of the many board games, catching an open mic night, or simply escaping reality for a couple of hours, you're greeted like an old friend.

They've created one of those rare places where everyone belongs. Kids are welcome. Dogs are welcome. If you're hungry, order food from one of Lloydminster's local restaurants and have it delivered right to your table. It's the kind of place where you show up for one pint and accidentally solve the world's problems before realizing four hours have disappeared.

Brad, Helen, and the entire crew have built something far bigger than a brewery. They're deeply involved in the community, constantly supporting local events and organizations, and doing an incredible job of promoting not only their business but Lloydminster itself. It's obvious they care just as much about the people walking through the doors as they do the beer they're pouring.

Now, onto the important part.

The Sparky IPA is exactly what an IPA should be. Bright citrus, crisp hop character, and enough bitterness to satisfy IPA lovers without tasting like someone accidentally dry-hopped a Christmas tree. It also has a sneaky habit of reminding you that alcohol percentages are not just decorative numbers. Respect it, or it will politely knock you on your ass before you realize you've switched from tasting to committing.

It has also quietly become the unofficial drink of our post-golf debriefs. Every so often, rare enough that it still feels like a treat, the occasional round eventually ends back at 4th Meridian, where we sit around pretending to remember our scorecards while dissecting putts that somehow get longer with every retelling. We don't do it every round, it's one of those things we save for when the timing, the weather, and the mood all line up just right.

John has one rule.

If someone tries to sit down before grabbing a beer, he'll look them dead in the eye and announce:

"I'm not sitting here with you fucking lizards unless I have a drink."

The cure is simple.

Sparky IPA number three.

It's hard to argue with the logic. Nobody should be forced to listen to golf stories sober.

If the Sparky happens to be off tap, or you've arrived after everyone else had the same idea, the White Combine is an outstanding backup plan. Crisp, refreshing, and proof that your second choice does not have to feel like settling.

The Rig Up Red is smooth, malt-forward, and ridiculously drinkable. It's the kind of beer you order thinking you'll have one, then look down three pints later wondering where your evening went.

Then there's the Border Porter.

Rich notes of roasted coffee and chocolate make it incredibly smooth without becoming heavy. My dad generally reviews craft beer by taking one sip and looking disappointed.

His review of the Border Porter?

"Incredibly drinkable."

Around here, that's roughly equivalent to a Michelin star.

While the Sparky IPA, Rig Up Red, and Border Porter have become my go-to choices, they're only scratching the surface of what's on tap. The lineup is constantly evolving with seasonal releases, creative small-batch brews, and gluten-free options, so there's usually something new to justify "just one more sample." Even if your usual beer order is predictable, 4th Meridian has a habit of convincing you to branch out.

4th Meridian has never been content to stand still. They've recently welcomed Ribstone Brewing into the family, preserving another local craft brewery while expanding the lineup available in the taproom. They've also introduced Honey Pup, a refreshing seltzer that's crisp, easy-drinking, and a perfect option for anyone who wants something a little lighter without sacrificing flavour.

I've been drinking at 4th Meridian for almost a decade now, and it's been fun watching it grow from a new local brewery into one of Lloydminster's staples.

The beer keeps getting better.

The brewery keeps growing.

The people remain exactly why I keep coming back.

Good breweries make good beer.

Great breweries become part of the community.

4th Meridian Brewing Co. has quietly become one of the best examples of both.

Although, if Brad ever decides to sponsor another beer league slo-pitch team, I would respectfully suggest investing in players with slightly more athletic ability than we had.

And maybe not letting us anywhere near a post-golf Sparky lineup unless someone is keeping score.