Six local breweries to check out this exam season
We are back, back, back again with another fresh set of reviews! This month, we’re taking on local breweries in the GTA. Looking for a way to escape the winter wonderland outside? Trying to procrastinate studying for finals? Do you just really like beer? Read on for our six-pack of the best breweries in the 6ix!
Bellwoods Brewery | 124 Ossington Ave
Kaitlyn: I love a sour beer and the Bellwoods Brewery Jelly King sours are some of my favourites. With fun, creative flavours like Strawberry Rhubarb and Cranberry Tangerine, you can’t go wrong. Bellwoods Brewery and their bottle shop are located next door to each other on Ossington, so if you’re in that neighbourhood it’s a great place to stop for a drink. The only downside is that Bellwoods is very popular, so you should be prepared for a wait (no reservations, only a waitlist). If you’re lucky enough to get a spot, both their heated patio and indoor dining have a casual atmosphere and a great selection of beers!
Top pick: any of the Jelly King sours (they’re all lactose free!)
Rorschach Brewing Co. | 1001 Eastern Ave
Shae: I, too, love a sour beer, and Rorschach really scratches that itch for me. They have the biggest selection of sours on our list! Don’t worry if you aren’t a sour gal—Rorschach has a solid selection of lagers and IPAs. I also love a hidden gem, and scenery abounds in this east-end spot. Have you ever wanted to drink a beer within view of a TTC streetcar stockyard? What about a Canada Post letter processing plant? A former sewage treatment plant turned into a playground? This is the place for you!
Top pick: Hedonism Sorbet Sour IPA
Bandit Brewery | 2125 Dundas St W
Lauren: Not to endorse theft (come on, we’re law students!), but the pint glasses at Bandit are very … stealable … (or purchasable at the gift shop, if your line of credit can handle it). If you don’t already have enough raccoons in your own backyard (I can’t relate), head all the way over to Roncesville to check out Bandit Brewery. If you are an indecisive person like myself, you’ll be happy to know that Bandit offers flights. This way, you can try out some more unconventional flavours like Mr. Pink (a watermelon and hibiscus pale ale) without committing to an entire pint.
Top picks: Mr. Pink and Wizard of Gose
Burdock Brewery | 1184 Bloor St W
Kaitlyn: Are you looking for a low-key spot for date night or drinks with friends with excellent drink choices and great service? Then Burdock Brewery is for you! Located on Bloor West, Burdock offers a cozy atmosphere with craft beers (and ciders) and a selection of snacks (think burgers, fries, and seasonal sides). The prices might seem a bit steep at first, but tips are included! The inside was cozy but spacious, and although winter is upon us, I would definitely come back in the summer to enjoy a drink on their patio.
Top picks: Nula (Sour) and Tuesday (Saison)
Collective Arts Brewing | 777 Dundas St W
Shae: We love Collective Arts in our house. Seriously. We keep a bar fridge stocked with their beers and ready-to-drink cocktails. Collective Arts is the spot that truly has something for everyone. They have a great core line-up that caters to any beer drinker’s palette, as well as a constantly rotating menu of limited releases. As their name suggests, Collective Arts loves the art community, and they change up the artwork on their cans every three months. If you’re an artist, check out their website for submission details! Last but certainly not least, Collective Arts has same-day delivery on the cheap for those of us who want to stock up but don’t have a car.
Top picks: Guava Gose (pronounced go-zuh) and Jam Up the Mash Sour
Brickworks Ciderhouse | 709 Queen St E
Lauren: Oh shit—the waitress is on her way and I didn’t get a chance to look at the drink menu. We’ve all been there, and I’m here to tell you that any random cider made by Brickworks Ciderhouse is the ~perfect~ panic order. If you order this, all your friends who know way too much about beer will probably just leave you alone (they “don’t really care for cider” anyways), and you’ll save yourself from having to navigate that whole wine thing (phew!). Brickworks has flavours that you already know (like peach or apple), and none of those words that you have been too scared to ask about—let alone trying to order out loud (like gose or saison).
Top picks: there are no bad choices here
