Beer to the ground for spring 2020

As soon as the groundhog gives us the go-ahead to take the snow tires off the car, let’s hit the road and visit some of Ontario’s new taprooms.

3 Brewers

Greater Toronto Area (winter 2019) Late last year, the Montreal-based chain of brewpubs announced that it was closing four of its outposts in the GTA. The restaurants on Adelaide, in Liberty Village, the Heartland Centre in Mississauga and Richmond Hill have all been shuttered. The Toronto-area spots downtown at Yonge and Dundas and in Oakville are staying open. The group also has Ontario locations in other parts of the province, including a pair in the Ottawa area. @3brewersyonge

Brewers Blackbird Brewery

Ancaster (fall 2019) The Rousseau House, a longtime favourite with locals in the Hamilton area, has rebranded and added an on-site brewery. To start, the house-brewed lineup included a pale ale and a lager. They also have revamped the menu to focus on wood-fired pizza and beer-friendly snacks. @brewersblackbird

Canvas Brewing

Huntsville (winter 2019) Canadian Beer News reports that Jeffrey Woodworth and Steve Koncan’s brewery has opened after nearly two years of planning, contract brewing and construction. On opening day the tap list including options from other local breweries and two of their own—Canvas kölsch and Ember red ale. The spot at 12 John St., in downtown Huntsville, is easy to find because of the eye-catching wildlife murals. @canvasbrewing

Fenelon Falls Brewing

Fenelon Falls (fall 2019) The last piece of the brewery puzzle fell into place for Vinh and Agatha Mac when their taproom opened in November 2019. It is in the old stone builiding—next to Lock 34 where the Trent-Severn joins Cameron Lake—that has also been home to the brewery and retail store. @fenelonbrewco

Forked River Brewing

London (winter 2020) One of the best-known breweries in the region has opened a newly renovated taproom. It brings a jump from 11 to 19, including one for house-made soda. Feb 1 was the big launch part for the new digs, which includes more seating for guests. @forkedriver

Meuse Brewing

Scotland, ON (summer 2020) Mischa Geven and Estelle van Kleef are adding an entry to southwestern Ontario’s list of farm-based breweries. Geven brings his experience as head brewer at New Limburg to the project. Judging by their introductory beer, a saison that’s available at local bars and restaurants, the plan is to stick to a similarly Belgian-style programme. They are aiming to have the brewery fully open by summer. @meusebrewing

Three Sheets Brewing

Port Elgin (winter 2020) The Wismer House (or “The Wiz” to locals), a pub and restaurant in Lake Huron’s cottage country launched their in-house brewery in December 2019. Three Sheets started with summer-friendly offerings like Slo Pitch pilsner and Road Closure red ale. They’re brewing under contract at an off-site facility while construction is underway at 705 Goderich St.
@threesheetscraftbrewing 

What other craft beer news should we know about? Send tips about brewery openings to david@thegrowler.ca.

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