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. 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 — some of which aren’t available here in the city.

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; it’s best to call ahead.

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 Highway 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. 705-444-2337) are all well worth a visit.

Retail shop: Yes

Don’t miss: Side Launch Wheat.

Creemore Springs Brewery

(139 Mill St., Creemore, 705-466-2240)

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, 705-721-8989)

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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)

Probably the boldest brewery 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.