There are numerous craft breweries popping up everywhere and each one is looking to distinguish themselves from the pack. The region just east of Toronto (Durham) is no exception. It has become a huge hotbed for craft beer, making it even more difficult for new breweries to stand out. Little Beast Brewing Company in Whitby is focusing on the small details to ensure their beers are consistent and reliable to make their mark.

Little Beasts, whose name pays tribute to the yeast in beer, is the new kid on the block on the Durham beer scene, opening in October of 2017. Owners Erin Broadfoot and John Henley met in a local home brew group. Both have backgrounds as far from the beer industry as you can imagine. Broadfoot was a naturopathic doctor, while Henley was in I.T. After Broadfoot became a professional brewer, she decided to break out on her own and Henley was happy to partner with her.

“John and I both have different strengths which is what melds us together well,” said Broadfoot. “He loves to make big beers and I love the itty bitty details of the process. I love to work on recipes because it’s the perfect mix of art, flavour and creativity combined with science.”

It is their common appreciation for the little details that has become the backbone of their brewery. “What is important to us is making consistently reliable, strong beers. We are cognizant of our quality control along the way. We have a full appreciation for every step of the process,” added Broadfoot.

The main focus of Little Beasts is definitely on hoppy beers but they also place a high importance on their Saisons. However, Little Beasts’ menu has tons of diversity. “The Constant and La petite duchesse will always be on tap. They are our two easygoing, approachable options,” noted Broadfoot. “The Constant is an American Blonde and La petite duchesse is our Table Saison. Then we have a rotation of pales and IPAs. There is a mix of consistency and change, so it doesn’t get boring. We will also do some porters and stouts, and are just about to break into some funks.”

Currently Little Beasts is brewing twice a week and producing 700-1,000 litres per batch. With room to expand at their current location, they could see those numbers increase. For now, Little Beasts is focused on making their mark on the Ontario scene with their ability to use all hops. “Ultimately, we would like to have a huge barrel program: blending, souring and funks and do it right. We have big goals, we are just taking them slowly,” added Broadfoot.

So if you are into hoppy beers and like a wide range of Saisons, visit Little Beasts in Whitby, and see the product of their attention to detail.

Cheers!

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