Beauty in the eye of the Beer Holder - Toronto's beer scene
If you have a deep and abiding love for all things beer, then Toronto must be a city dear to your heart. Perhaps it’s the proximity to large supplies of fresh water, perhaps it’s the dedicated clientele, and perhaps it’s just a happy coincidence that Toronto is the proud home of brewers of the finest ales. Better still, these generous brewers throw their doors open to the public who are welcome to witness greatness in the making.
Steam Whistle Tour
The ‘green’ Stem Whistle building is not named as a tribute to the colour of its iconic pilsner bottles; it really is one of the most earth-friendly breweries in town. You can see the innovative ways in which the brewery conserves resources while tasting some of Steam Whistle’s finest ales. The brewery offers tours 7 days a week. Get details of the various tour packages they offer on their website.
The Amsterdam Tour
The Amsterdam Brewery is situated at 21 Bathurst Street. They offer a tour and tasting of the ten brews they make on the premises. Tours run on the hour, ever hour, on Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm and take about 45 minutes. This experience is more of a tasting than a tour as the bustling brewery finds it difficult to accommodate tourists. For booking info, consult their website.
Microbreweries
Several smaller microbrewery operations make excellent varieties of hops pop. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Granite Brewery and Restaurant. Here an amazing 9 beers are brewed before your eyes and you can, of course, sample the wares. Take a video tour of the premises here to get a feel for the place. You can enjoy the delicious beer onsite, have a bite to eat, or get some brews to take home with you.
The Mill Street Brewery is housed in one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods. The Distillery District boasts cobble streets and grand old red brick buildings that have now been converted into a warren of small shops, studios and boutique restaurants. The Mill House brews a large range of hits from the Tankhouse to the Organic and their latest creation; the Lemon Tea Beer. A great setting for a wonderful dining and drinking experience, the Mills House Brewery remains one of Toronto’s top destinations.
No matter what your taste in ales, Toronto’s home-brewed is sure to offers a flagon to your liking. Head out this weekend and see how your favorites are made or take a group of friends along for the ride.