2015: OBN’s Ontario Craft Beer Preview

It’s 2015, and while beer may not be fueling our cars just yet, it boasts numerous other talents – bringing people together, sustaining local agriculture, fostering local economies, promoting collaboration, and supporting job growth.

Here are a few things to look forward in Ontario’s year of craft beer 2015.

Brewery openings

As many as 55 new brick-and-mortar brewers could open in 2015 from Toronto to North Bay to Windsor and Ottawa.

Some of the higher-profile openings include the Arts & Science Brewing facility at the Hamilton port authority, Bellwoods’ production brewery, Left Field Brewery in Toronto’s east end, and the reincarnation of now defunct Beer Academy. Visit the Ontario Brewers Directory to keep tabs.

More beer!

Approximately 44 new brewers that began selling beer in Ontario during 2014 – this means an onslaught of new beers – More collaborations, more barrel-aging, and more experimentation. Stay apprised with the monthly On Shelves series.

Beer retailing changes in Ontario

Ontario Premiere Kathleen Wynne has promised change; Ontario’s beer lovers and enthusiasts have been calling for it; The Ontario Convenience Store Association has lobbied for it. The Beer Store has recognized it. Where are the LCBO Express Kiosks? What will happen to alcohol retailing in 2015?

Bonus: If you missed it, get up to speed by watching Straight Up: The Issue of Alcohol in Ontario, a documentary exploring the peculiar system of alcohol retail and distribution in Ontario. It’s been viewed more than 13,000 times.

Events

2014 was the hallmark for beer events. The momentum will carry forward into 2015 with festivals, mini-festivals, tastings, dinners, education, and tap takeovers.

In early 2015, look for the 2nd annual Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival, the inaugural Burlington Winter Craft Beer Festival and the return of The Only Cafe’s Winter Beerfest. Noteworthy events like Cask Days, Toronto’s Festival of Beer, Ontario Craft Beer Week and more are all slated to return later in the year. Plan your year with our Event Listings.

Homebrewing

New homebrewing shops are popping up all over Ontario to meeting ever-expanding demand, which in turn could lead too more competitive prices. Popular destinations including Toronto Brewing Co., OBK, and Canadian Homebrew Supplies have recently been joined by Noble Hop in Toronto and a new storefront for Brewer’s Pantry in the Durham Region. Look for Brew North to open soon in Toronto’s east end.

Education

Beer enthusiast has become more intrigued by the art of brewing and serving beer. Many options exist such as the three-level Prud’homme Beer Certification or many numerous educational events by Certified Cicerone and Beer Sommelier Crystal Luxmore.

Since 2009, the Prud’homme Beer Certification has generated 5506 graduates from its Level I program and now has 43 Beer Sommeliers.

Writers to watch

Ben Johnson

Dan Grant

David Ort

Crystal Luxmore

Jordan St. John

Awards

More brewers and more beer will offer more heated battle at this year’s premiere awards competitions – Canadadian Brewing Awards, Ontario Brewing Awards, and Golden Tap Awards:

Will Great Lakes Brewery take Canadian Brewery of the Year three times running?

Ontario Brewers Directory 5.0

Look for a more informative, more inclusive and visually improved Ontario Brewers Directory now under development!

Bonus