BRIAN PRESTON

Here we are in August already after a hot July when many of us still look to a brew as a thirst quencher. Yes, the younger crowd and many others are pleased to see such a large and diverse set of coolers, spritzers and the like come to market in the last few years. This gives us a lot more options on what kind of alcoholic beverage we would like given the situation, event and time of day. As well, we have seen an explosion in the number of craft beer companies and I thought it would be handy to provide a list of them within easy driving distance for us here in Eastern Ontario.

There are several local breweries in our neck of the woods to check out:

Weatherhead Brew Co. offers good, quality brews including their signature Pilot IPA, while Perth Brewery is your go-to for more than a dozen different flavours and beer styles. 

Westport Brewing Company, just a short walk from the municipal docks. Try their Lakeside Lager and pair with charcuterie board or traditional hot pretzel.

Smiths Falls’ own brewery, 4 Degrees Brewing Company located in Settlers Ridge Centre at 275 Brockville St. A fine range of craft beers to suit many tastes.

Bridgemaster’s Brewing in Perth by the Tay River and Canada’s oldest metal swing bridge. They also have a small restaurant and lovely patio.

Here are six of the breweries to check out in Eastern Ontario:

Braumeister Brewing Co. with locations in Carleton Place (taproom) at 19 Moore St., and in Ottawa (beer hall) at 175 Carruthers Ave., Braumeister Brewing Co. is a Bavarian-inspired craft brewery. A place to enjoy quality beer and quality conversation.

Cartwright Springs Brewery is located at 239 Deer Run Rd. in Pakenham, is built in a natural setting only 15 meters from a natural artesian spring. A taproom allows people to try before they buy. The brewery prides itself on its environment-friendly initiatives.

Farmgate Cider is family-owned and operated and can be found at 4547 Mohrs Rd. in Arnprior. Valuing local and sustainable agriculture, no pesticides, hormones or other chemicals are used on the cidery’s apples. Sulphites, preservatives or additives are not added to the cider. Public and private tours are available.

Cold Bear Brewing Co. is located at 100 Madawaska Blvd. in Arnprior. Beer is not only available in a taproom but in restaurants and bottle shops. The brewery focuses on using local ingredients to brew classic and innovative styles.

Stalwart Brewing Co. offers full-flavoured ales at its retail store and tasting room, Stalwart Brewing Co., which opened in 2015, is located at 10 High St. in Carleton Place and taps can be found in many bars and restaurants, from Ottawa to Kingston.

Whitewater Brewing Co. is located at 78 Pembroke St. in Cobden on Muskrat Lake north-west of Renfrew. The company was founded in 2011 by three friends who believe the Ottawa Valley is fertile with ingredients to make great-tasting beer. They are thrilled to announce that they are Canada’s First Climate Neutral Brewery.

There are many other breweries in surrounding areas including Kingston and Prince Edward County. If you are travelling farther afield, you might want to search out a few places to add to your list of stops along the way as you discover Ontario! Cheers!

Brian Preston – The Travelling Sommelier
brianpreston@hotmail.com
613.272.3129