Tourism and
craft beer seem intimately entwined as the explosion in interest in the
microbrewery marketplace continues. Aspiring brewers are tapping and cashing in
to travel destinations where flocks of tourists seem to guarantee a market
for their wares.
The Niagara
Region of Ontario, Canada is a fascinating mix of tourism, spectacle and
agriculture. Niagara Falls, long known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, attracts
millions of visitors each year who swarm to casinos, haunted houses, arcades
and resorts; not to mention the falls themselves and the various adventure and
exploratory activities offered both in and around them.
Niagara-on-the-Lake,
in stark contrast, maintains a quaint, small town feel with a main street that
offers wares-of-interest to the modern weekender. Less than 30 minutes from the
falls, NOTL is surrounded by the area’s celebrated wine region, one of the
prides of Ontario and another hotspot for tourism.
In an area
awash in wine a burgeoning beer scene is emerging. I took a stumble around the
area a few weeks ago in search of gems, here is what I found!
A beautiful
brewery found along Niagara Stone Road, housed in “the Beer Shed.” Everything about this brewery oozes quality
and respect for brewing tradition, with even the name, oast house, being that of an old style
kilning shed for drying hops. I consider Oast House a required destination for
any trip to Niagara. I was fortunate enough to arrive just as they were
finishing off an eisbock seasonal, a beer that is actually frozen in order to
remove water and increase the alcohol content and associated characteristics. Quite an experience!
Saison
Farmhouse Ale
Not the
traditional session ale some expect from saisons, this 6.5-7% ABV offering brings
surprisingly bready notes with a balance between citrus and pepper flavours
most expect from saisons. A hint of bubblegum also comes through while the hops
remain tame but present. Available at many LCBO stores in Ontario and highly
recommended.
Barn Raiser
Country Ale
A distinct,
while slightly subdued, American pale ale, and the breweries flagship brew, Barn
Raiser is made for social events like the one after which it is named. Flavours
of straw and honey are quickly overcome by delicious sweet citrus fruit like
tangerines from the hops. Due to the brewer’s dedication that it be served
fresh, Barn Raiser is generally only available at the brewery and on taps at
select bars throughout southern Ontario; though fortunately, we did catch wind
that new cans may be available in stores soon.
Another
lovely location along Niagara Stone Road, Silversmith is housed in an old
church built in the late 1800’s. Like Oast, you can feel the passion for beer
when you walk through the doors.
Bavarian
Breakfast Wheat
Very light
and effervescent, banana shines through this yeast-forward entry. Not heavy or overly
filling like a traditional wheat, we could certainly see enjoying this with
brunch on a sunny spring day.
Black Lager
A great
entry in the schwarzbier category which is picking up steam in Ontario.
This beer brings mild coffee and dark fruit flavours to the fore with woody
hops backing them up. All this is wrapped in a light bodied, easy drinking
package.
Dropping this nano brewery in the heart of the quaint town
of Niagara-on-the-Lake was a bold move, a boldness that is matched by the stark,
modern design and décor of the brewery itself. The Exchange has only been open
for a few months and while they have their branding brilliantly forged, their
beers are somewhat unrefined. I look forward to seeing what they put up as they
mature.
#1 American Wheat Ale
This beer brings some nice tartness and spice to a style
that can be, at times, a little hop forward. The Exchange manages a nice
profile, bringing clove flavour with notes of grapefruit and tart kiwi.
Located at the base of Clifton Hill, the notorious
tourism/entertainment district of Niagara Falls, Niagara Brewing is a lively
location for beer and stylish pub food. There are a few misses on their beer
menu, along with some so-so seasonals like their novel Ice Wine Beer and Peach
Radler. Nonetheless, a neat stop when you are taking in the neon on “the Hill.”
Beerdevil IPA
Sweet caramel highlights the malt profile and gives this
beer a somewhat non-IPA characteristic. Moderately hoppy with citrus and grassiness
dominating.
You might
think a teaching brewery would produce sub par brews, but with their focus on
getting their name, and their beers, out there via festivals and other beer
events, Niagara College actually has some wonderful products.
Butler’s
Bitter
An
exceptional example of this traditional style, NC manages to pack bold malt and
hop flavours together to produce an incredibly satisfying experience. If you
can find it, get it.
