Top 7 Ontarian Beer Styles

Badlands Brewing is a small on-farm microbrewery located in the rural area of Caledon, Ontario, specializing in IPAs, farmhouse ales, lagers, and sour beers with mixed fermentations. It began as a small homebrewing operation in a converted barn and, although now technologically more advanced, remains committed to the principles of freshness and quality. The brewery welcomes visitors with a beer garden during the warmer months and an enclosed greenhouse space in winter. A distinctive feature is their proprietary house yeast, which has been in continuous use for over 200 generations, contributing to a unique fermentation profile in their beers. The atmosphere is rustic and relaxed, with a focus on modern, aromatic, and technically precise brews.Expand

Wood Brothers Brewing is an independent farm brewery located in Glen Robertson, Canada. It was founded with the idea of combining a passion for craft beer with a rural lifestyle, creating a place where visitors can enjoy exceptional beers in a natural setting. The brewery spans 65 hectares of land, surrounded by fields, woodlands, and gentle hills, giving it a unique atmosphere. Their production focuses on hop-forward beers, particularly modern IPA styles, known for their intense aromas and juicy flavors. In addition to IPAs, they occasionally experiment with sours, stouts, and lagers, always using high-quality ingredients and carefully controlled fermentation processes. The taproom and outdoor terrace offer guests the opportunity to taste beer straight from the source while enjoying views of the expansive green landscape. The ambiance is relaxed, rustic, and welcoming, with an emphasis on socializing and connecting with the community. Their reputation has quickly spread beyond the local area, attracting visitors from across the province and beyond. The combination of top-tier quality, an authentic location, and a friendly atmosphere has made Wood Brothers Brewing a standout name on the Canadian craft beer scene.Expand

Amsterdam Brewery is one of the oldest and most renowned craft breweries in Toronto, founded in 1986 with the goal of bringing unique, full-flavored beers to the city's residents. Their story began with the Amsterdam Brasserie and Brewpub on John Street, known as Toronto’s first brewpub, where many locals had their first taste of true craft beer. Over the years, Amsterdam Brewery has continued to grow and innovate, remaining true to its mission of brewing high-quality beer. Their main brewery is located at 45 Esandar Drive, where visitors can tour the production facility, enjoy fresh beer in the taproom, or shop for exclusive products at the retail store. Amsterdam Brewery is known for its wide range of beers, including popular brands such as 3 Speed Lager, Blonde Lager, Boneshaker IPA, and Space Invader IPA.Expand

Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery is an independent brewery from Barrie, Ontario, Canada, known for its unconventional approach and visually striking brand identity. Founded in 2004, the brewery has been guided from the beginning by the slogan “Normal is weird”, reflecting its belief that craft beer should be free-spirited, bold and creative. They focus on expressive styles - aromatic IPAs, fruity ales, experimental sours and dessert stouts. Their lineup includes core beers, seasonal releases and limited editions that often feature unusual ingredients or creative collaborations. The taproom, located in downtown Barrie in a historic building overlooking the waterfront, functions as a vibrant gathering place with food, music and around 16 beers on tap. Flying Monkeys remains fully independent, which gives them complete control over recipes and stylistic experimentation. In production, they use high-quality ingredients, often American hops and specialty malts, to achieve expressive yet balanced flavors. Their beers are exported to more than 17 countries, yet the brand maintains a strong local identity and connection to the community.Expand

Great Lakes Brewery is an independent, family-owned craft brewery located in Etobicoke, Ontario, proudly brewing exceptional beers since 1987. Known for its creativity and consistent quality, the brewery is recognized as one of the pioneers of the Canadian craft beer scene. Their philosophy centers on brewing small-batch, handcrafted beers using carefully selected ingredients and innovative techniques, resulting in rich, distinctive flavors. Great Lakes Brewery offers an extensive and diverse range of beers to satisfy all craft beer lovers, with the Canuck Pale Ale standing out as a flagship – a bold and flavorful American-style Pale Ale that has become a fan favorite.Expand

Beau’s Brewery is an independent, family-run brewery from Vankleek Hill, Ontario, founded in 2006 with a clear vision: to brew beer with character, integrity, and soul. From the very beginning, Beau’s has stood out for its commitment to exceptional quality, using only certified organic ingredients and sustainable brewing practices. But Beau’s is more than just a brewery – it’s a community. Through strong ties with local residents, support for the arts and humanitarian initiatives, and transparent business values, Beau’s has built an identity that goes beyond beer. With its brewery doors open to visitors, a welcoming taproom, and an on-site shop, Beau’s invites all beer lovers to experience true craft brewing – where passion is poured into every sip.Expand

Indie Alehouse is a popular craft brewery and brewpub located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Known for its innovative approach to brewing, Indie Alehouse creates a range of distinctive beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles while staying true to their craft. They are a key player in the local craft beer scene, offering high-quality beers in a welcoming and vibrant environment.Expand