Fall Beers in Ontario’s Cottage Country

Finally it looks and feels like fall! Time to break out the wood stoves, the plaid flannel jackets and the seasonal beers of the Cottage Country Beer Trail.  Visit these exceptional breweries this fall to sample their special brews and to enjoy the views along the way.

Boshkung Brewing Co. 

At Boshkung Brewing Co. in Minden be sure to order a Campfire Rye, which features a hint of spice that comes from the rye. Also features smoky undertones due to a blend of oak-smoked wheat malt and Scottish ale yeast.  Check out their patio and tasty eats as well at Boshkung Social on Water Street.

For directions to Boshkung Brewing Co. and for tour & tasting info, click here.

 

 

Lake of Bays Brewing Co.

Back for its fourth season, Lake of Bays Brewing Co.’s Wild North Pumpkin Ale is always a hit. Flavourful and malt-forward, it features subtle notes of nut, caramel and autumn spice, as well as a refreshing finish.

To honour iconic Canadian painter Tom Thomson and to mark the occasion of the 100th anniversary in 2017 of his tragic passing, Lake of Bays Brewing has created the West Wind Black IPA. Taking its name from Thomson’s most famous work (which is faithfully reproduced on the can,) the IPA is very dark and hop forward with notes of dark fruit, pine and citrus in the body. You can also sample it on the Lake of Bays Brewing tasting patio, where you’ll find a giant replica mural from the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery.

For directions to Lake of Bays Brewing Co. and for tour & tasting info, click here.

Muskoka Brewery 

At Muskoka Brewery in fall, it’s all about their Harvest Ale. Available for the first time in a 473 ml can, the ale’s malts come from Puslinch, the rye and wheat from Belleville and the hops are from Tavistock – so it’s an all-Ontario ingredients beer.  With soft biscuit flavours that transform into mango, grapefruit and stonefruit, the finish has a lingering bitterness intertwined with moderate rye spiciness.

Muskoka Brewery is located on Muskoka Beach Road in Bracebridge (which connects to the neighbouring town of Gravenhurst). This is one of the most scenic roads to drive in any season, but in fall it is particularly stunning. Check it out.

For directions to Muskoka Brewery and for tour & tasting info, click here.

 

Haliburton Highlands Brewing

Head to Haliburton Highlands Brewing this fall to enjoy your fill of Porter, Coffee Porter and Belgian Rye Porter, all available this fall and perfect for Thanksgiving gathering.

Take in some fall hiking while you’re here, and explore the trails of the Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve.

For directions to Haliburton Highlands Brewing and for tour & tasting info, click here.

 

Highlander Brew Co. South River

At this time of year Highlander Brew Co. recommends Rye Road Pale Ale – perfect with pumpkin pie and turkey and everything in between. Named for both a local South River road and its main ingredient, this beer is made with rye malt and flaked rye, giving it the typical characteristics of an RPA with Highlander’s signature attention to detail thrown in. A nice light beer to complement a heavy meal!

Take a break in South River after your visit to the new brewery and check out the view at Tom Thomson Park.

 

Sawdust City Brewing Co

Available from September to November, Sawdust’s Sägemehl Stadt is the official beer of the Sawdust City Oktoberfest event (held September 30th from 5pm-11pm). Fashioned after the traditional marzen lagers of southern Germany, Sägemehl Stadt is a rich, malt forward lager, perfect for the impending colder days of the fall season. Smooth and easy-drinking, this beer has flavours of brioche, golden raisins, and a balancing noble hop presence. Sägemehl Stadt strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and nourishing!

When in Gravenhurst this fall, be sure to check out the Arts At The Albion collective as well.

 

Also this fall, watch for Trestle Golden Ale from Trestle Brewing Company, Golden, Dark & Red Ale from Norse Brewery, and the IPA from Clear Lake Brewing Co.

 

FALL EVENTS ON THE COTTAGE COUNTRY BEER TRAIL

Sawdust City Oktoberfest: September 30
Pints, Paws & Paint: October 2
6th Annual GBBR Brew-Ha-Ha: October 14
Hoppy Howl-Oween Brewery Mash: October 28

*Images used to represent breweries are their property

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Drink responsibly on the beer traiL. Do not drink and drive.