I've recently had to start traveling to work to a place I haven't been since 2021. Oddly enough nestled in the heart of a small Ontario town that has a familial tie to me I visited remembering a brewery with a historical namesake had been independently purchased back from a large Ontario brewer (Brick/Waterloo Brewing) this inspiring this thread to just a shout out to new breweries you've recently experienced for which you would like to write up for others to read and perhaps sway a visit. Formosa Brewery 1870 Inc. There is only one road in and out of Formosa, Ontario. This very small town is located in Bruce County (off of Highway 109, 20 mins from Kincardine/Tiverton). Whilst driving for another week of work I detoured a d stopped by for a visit. I must say what a charming small town Ontario vibe reminding me of yesteryears growing up in Ontario. Currently Formosa has five core beers, all lagers, all decent with two notable standouts; Formosa Draft and Red Baron Lime. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/54745/ This small brewery is housed in a historical farmhouse dating back over a 100 years which has a tap area with seating to enjoy fresh draft and a cooler with beer to go. Unfortunately I didn't make it back for a full tour but chatting with the hostess I was told that in Spring to fall it hosts a number of events with a park for kids to play as well as full access for a beautiful walk around its acreage. Grab a glass or a can and go for a nice walk with friends, kids or your pet. Cheers all! Please feel free to post about great places to visit off the beaton path. https://formosaspringsbrewery1870.com/
I had the chance to visit the new digs of Kilannan brewery last year, which now resides within a Winery known as Coffin Ridge. Sadly, they didn't have a lot of beer to take home, but to get to enjoy their Alt again was a bonus. It's a beautiful spot looking over the various farms near Georgian Bay. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/31315/
I'll also add, although may have mentioned them before. Grey Matter Brewing Co. in Kincardine. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/53345/ They have a beautiful outlook looking over Lake Huron and the light houses of the town, but also, I've never seen a brewer so far off the beaten path, brewing so many different styles and doing it well. Their core beers aren't anything to write home about (except their Oatmeal Stout which is solid) but that this brewer brews Rice Lager, Scotch Ale (IMO their best offering), Schwartzbier, Grisette, I think they did a Roggenbier this year. That is something the deserves to be highlighted and commended. Few brewers in Ontario do I see making runs of various styles. They are in my opinion, the best brewer in Bruce County. It's just a shame they are such a long distance to the more common, camp/cottage locations (Port Elgin, Southampton, Sauble Beach, Wiarton, Lion's Head, Tobermory, etc). I also love the art on their cans.
I was there tonight. Got a selection for a friend's birthday. They had some interesting 750s very reasonably priced. Cool place to hang out. The snow was crazy tonight! Great description! You beat me to it!
Bickford Brewing Co. in Toronto's Harbord Village neighbourhood is new. https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/69101/ Apparently founded by the president of one of Toronto's largest home brewing clubs who decided to turn pro. I have had their American Pale Ale. It was pretty good. True to the style. I wouldn't hesitate to check them out again.
Neustadt Springs Brewery: Founded originally by German settlers in 1859, the brewery has changed hands, burnt down, went out of business, rose again and then changed hands. The current owners have put a lot in this brewery over the last four years including a new brewing team that have tweaked recipes and added more beers to their regular core line up. Honestly I was pleasantly surprised. Styles were everything across the board, stouts, porter, IPA, lagers, sours, and some barrel aged beers. Recently they started distilling and making their own vodka, moonshine and moonshine seltzers. Their apple pie moonshine is absolutely amazing. The pure spring water very much shines in all their products. It greatly stands out making each offering quite refreshing. The beautiful little town has many other businesses to have a gander in to enjoy a day in the country. Cheers all! https://neustadtsprings.com/
I remember 10W30 being one of the first Ontario craft beers i got my hands on. It was highly praised on these forums back in the day, but i didn’t know they were still around
Three Sheets Brewing: Located in beautiful Port Elgin, on Ontario’s west coast, the shores of great Lake Huron. Started in 2021 in their now production on original location beside the Wisner House (which also sell all their beers for take out) their new production facility boast a friendly relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a draught or take beer to go. Their core line up boasts 16 different regulars that run the gambit of styles from IPAs, lagers, stout, porter, cream ale and even a pretty tasty wee heavy. I recently had the pleasure of visiting abd very much enjoyed all what they had to offer. While in town if timed right pairing a selection of there beers with a fish and chip order from the Lord Elgin is a delicious idea. Cheers all! https://threesheetsbrewing.ca/
So I've stopped there a few times, and apart from their Mexican lager, Peurto Elguino (which is very much a beer of very specific circumstances, namely, I am having Mexican food), I haven't been impressed. Every time I've gone they've had limited can selection to take home. The location isn't in a great spot either, basically in a strip mall just as you come into town from Southampton. That said, I haven't had their brew at the Wisner House which looks like a much better time/atmosphere but I'm not quite sure if that location is just them, or if it's a more mixed batch.
I think the ownership changed hands in 2021, the building in itself is impressive, so it would be a tragedy if ended up returning to an idle locale. 10w30 was one of their flagships but I remember their Scottish Ale was quite good. I haven't really had them since the sale, I should probably stop there on the way up north at some point again, give the new owners a go.
