Even in the depths of a winter during which lockdown has stymied large international brewers, small nimble Ontario craft providers continued to open physical locations and dream of spring. We’ve got the straight skinny on the province’s most exciting prospects from Paris to Petawawa.
Backyard Brewing Company
Simcoe (Winter 2021) Norfolk County’s newest brewery operates on a contract basis out of Simcoe’s Blue Elephant Artisan Brewery and Thai restaurant. Niagara College grad Sarah Fritch is dedicated to an eclectic and exciting roster of rotating offerings that should provide something for every palate. BackyardBrewing.ca
Black Gold Brewery
Petrolia (Fall 2020) Although the beer names frequently celebrate Petrolia’s heritage as the first oil boomtown in North America, Black Gold also takes inspiration from the three couples that helped found it. Try the Derrick IPA, but please keep it under a barrel an hour. BlackGold.beer
Brauwerk Hoffman
Rockland (Winter 2021) The Ontario outpost of a Quebec based brewery focusing on German styles, Brauwerk Hoffman looks to specialize in lager styles with Niagara College grad Eric Mainville at the helm. Brauwerk-Hoffman.ca
Curley Brewing Company
London (Fall 2020) Located in London’s Hyde Park neighbourhood, Curley’s small brewhouse enables them to focus on producing a variety of different styles. With a focus on brewing beers that they want to drink, Curley hopes you’ll come along for the ride. CurleyBrewing.com
Dog House Brewing Company
Petawawa (Winter 2021) Located directly across the river from the CFB Petawawa, the Dog House Brewing Company is a multigenerational family brewery that aims to pay homage to the local Garrison. They are looking to expand past two brews when they open in late February. DogHouseBrewingCompany.ca
Fine Balance Brewing Company
Kingston (Fall 2020) Kingston’s newest brewery is all about work life balance, having designed their taproom to be as enjoyable to work in as to visit. Although there’s a wide range of early offerings, Oats & Cream IPA seems the early favourite. FineBalanceBrewing.ca
Good Prospects Brewing Company
Ottawa (Fall 2020) One of Ottawa’s newest breweries, Good Prospects taps the rich vein of mining in their branding with offerings such as Gold Strike Grisette and Canary in a Kolsch Mine. Your visit will be sixteen tons of fun. GoodProspects.ca
Meuse Brewing
Scotland (Winter 2021) Meuse has been in the LCBO for just over a year, but with the brewery opening in late February you can purchase some of their more esoteric offerings, like the Ontario Brewing Awards Best in Show Cuvée Rouge. MeuseBrewing.com
The Paris Beer Company
Paris (Winter 2021) Located in the refurbished Wincey Mills in downtown Paris, the brewery prides themselves on combining agriculture and hospitality with an impressive bistro menu and a wide range of styles that lean slightly towards the old world at time of opening. ParisBrewing.com
Red Tape Brewery
Toronto (Fall 2020) Do you have an occasion in your life that calls for beer? Well, Red Tape offers a bespoke brewing service in addition to offering a selection of their own beers. Whether it’s a wedding, a christening, or simply Tuesday, Red Tape is standing by to help. RedTapeBrewery.com
