The beer lover’s guide to cottage country,
Time was, all you’d care about when picking up beer for the cottage was that it be cold, and let’s be honest, copious.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but drinkers’ tastes in this province have come a long way in the last few years.
So, too, has the state of beer and brewing in cottage country.
Whether it’s a thirst-quenching Bavarian style wheat beer from Collingwood, a boldly-bitter IPA from Bracebridge or a spiced coffee stout from Gravenhurst, there’s a brew for almost every occasion.
Here’s a look at some of the best options in cottage country within a few hours of the Greater Toronto Area. All of them are happy to give tours (a rainy day activity instead of an 82nd game of cribbage?), but it’s best to call ahead to confirm hours and availability. There are also sampling rooms, where you can sometimes try things not available at the LCBO or Beer Store.
Barley Days Brewery
(13730 Loyalist Pkwy., Picton, 613-476-7468)
Right in the heart of foodie-friendly Prince Edward County. On weekends, a local sausage maker is on site as well. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: Loyalist Lager, Scrimshaw Oyster Stout.
Boshkung Brewing Co.
(9201 Hwy. 118, Minden Hills, 705-489-4554)
This is the cottage country brewery you’ve likely heard the least about, as they’re not available at the LCBO or the Beer Store. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: North Country Kellerbier, Black Rock Dark Ale.
Collingwood
In the last 18 months, the Georgian Bay town of Collingwood has gone from zero to three breweries. Side Launch (Unit 1, 200 Mountain Rd., 705-293-5511), Northwinds (499 First St., 705-293-6666) and Collingwood (10 Sandford Fleming Dr., 705-4442337) are all well worth a visit. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: Side Launch Wheat. Creemore Springs Brewery
(139 Mill St., Creemore, 705-4662240)
Yes, some drinkers might grumble that it was taken over by Molson in 2005, but Creemore Springs is still turning out some very good beer. And it’s got a pretty storefront brewery in a quaint town. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: Kellerbier, Lager. Flying Monkeys (107 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, 705-7218989)
The waterfront location in downtown Barrie isn’t exactly at a cottage. But Barrie’s the last city on the 400 on the way up to cottage country. Started life as Robert Simpson. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: Hoptical Illusion, Smash Bomb. Lake of Bays Brewing Co. (2681 Regional Rd 117, Baysville, 705-767-2313)
This brewery is right in between cottage country’s two prime districts, Haliburton and Muskoka, and is easily reachable from each. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: 10-Point IPA, Spark House Red Ale Muskoka Brewery (1964 Muskoka Beach Rd., Bracebridge, 705-646-1266)
They’ve been around since 1996, but really only started attracting the beer cognoscenti in the last few years, since the introduction of their popular IPA Mad Tom. They’ve also got a rotating set of seasonal brews. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: Mad Tom IPA, Detour. Sawdust City Brewing Co. (397 Muskoka Rd. N., Gravenhurst, 705-681-1100)
Sawdust City is probably the boldest brewery located in cottage country, and another excellent reason to visit Gravenhurst besides Bethune House. Retail shop: Yes Don’t miss: Lone Pine IPA, Red Rocket Stout