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The Hippest of Hops

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

From Ales to Pilsners, when it comes to beer, right now, it’s all about craft. The craft beer trend is so popular that more and more microbreweries are popping up locally and across the province. Further demonstrating the strength of the craft beer trend, the LCBO has also started offering quite a few craft beer brands for purchase in-store.

So What Exactly is Craft Beer?

So what exactly makes craft beer ‘craft’? Wikipedia defines craft beer as a beer that is created by a small, independently owned brewery that focuses on quality, flavour and brewing technique. You may or may not know that Barrie is actually home to three popular microbreweries – Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, Barnstormer Brewing Company and Redline Brew House. There are also many more craft breweries located close to Barrie including Muskoka Brewery, Side Launch Brewing Company, Sawdust City Brewing Co. and Lake of Bays Brewing Co.

Grab A Craft Pint in Downtown Barrie

Whether you are a craft beer aficionado or just jumping on the craft beer bandwagon, there are also quite a few restaurants and pubs located in Downtown Barrie where you can sample and enjoy a craft pint or two.The Local Gastropub, a long-time supporter of all things craft, offers patrons an eclectic and ever-changing array of local craft beer on tap. You can also sip on some local craft microbrews at Donaleighs and Bohemia is fully licensed, offering brews from craft favourites Muskoka Brewery, Maclean’s and of course Flying Monkeys. A recent addition to Downtown Barrie, Hudson Craft House offers nothing but craft and is a huge supporter of the craft beer movement.
In addition to these neat places to grab a pint, Downtown Barrie also offers an opportunity to learn more about the craft beer brewing process with a tour through the Flying Monkeys’ brewery. After your tour, you can stop in at the retail store and purchase some of the great craft beers you sampled or grab a pint at their newly opened taproom.

Don’t forget, Downtown Barrie is also home to the popular annual Craft Beer and BBQ Festival. Scheduled for July 8th – 10th, it’s not only a celebration of craft beer, but also of summer and Downtown Barrie itself. This event features an opportunity to sample great craft beer, a downtown beer tasting tour, brewmaster sessions offering an opportunity to learn more about the beer making process and beer dinners to enjoy. Mark it on your calendars – if you love craft beer, it’s an event not to be missed.
Great restaurants, a microbrewery and a Craft Beer Festival, downtown Barrie offers many ways to get your craft beer on, enjoy a cold pint and support local. Share with us your favourite spot to grab a craft pint using the hashtag #BarrieCraftBeer