Remember when local microbrews were few and far between? Fortunately for Ontario beer lovers, there’s been an explosion of creativity over the last decade or so. Regional brews are now well represented at the LCBO and taprooms across the province, and Kawarthas Northumberland has a number of excellent offerings. It’s never been easier to find a unique, refreshing beer from a local craft brewery – here are eleven producers you’ll want to check out next time you’re craving a pint. If you’re making a wintertime road trip, we’ve even included our top seasonal picks from each brewer.
As always, be sure to check local guidelines and respect COVID-19 safety protocols requested by individual businesses before setting out. Regulations for indoor dining and shopping evolve rapidly and may have changed since the time of this writing.
Northumberland
Church-Key Brewing Company (1678 County Rd 38, Campbellford)
Church-Key is Northumberland County’s oldest brewery, with an historic location to match. Situated in an 1878 Methodist Church just outside Campbellford, Church-Key produces high-quality beer using local ingredients and suppliers wherever possible. A range of brews from easy-drinking lager to rich and flavourful Scotch ale rounds out the appeal. Online sales are available through the Church-Key website.
Winter Season Selection: Holy Smoke Scotch Ale
Northumberland Hills Brewery (1024 Division St., Cobourg)
NHB is a small brewery with an expansive range of beers. Classic varieties like blonde ale, Irish red, and IPA are all here, but this Cobourg brewer has an experimental streak that has also produced a delicious maple ale, blueberry wit, and more. Visit their Facebook page to find hours for the bottle shop.
Winter Season Selection: Lights Out Stout
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401 Cider Brewery (262 Orchard Drive, Colborne)
Ever driven past the Big Apple on your way down the 401? You may not have realized you also passed a cider house. If beer’s not your flavour, then take a look at 401 Cider Brewery’s selection of sparkling and still ciders, produced with locally sourced apples. Try a good old-fashioned craft cider, or opt for a flavour-infused creation like blackcurrant or oaked cider.
Winter Season Selection: Caramel Apple Cider
William Street Beer Company (975 Elgin St. W, Cobourg)
From the excellent beer to the hip graphic design, William Street Beer Company is an attractive proposition. Try their core lineup of lager, helles, and pale ale, then branch out with the rotating selection of seasonal brews like the White Sail Hefeweizen and Red Sky Amber. Free front porch delivery throughout Northumberland County makes stocking up even easier.
Winter Season Selection: Cliff Top Pale Ale
Kawartha Lakes
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Old Dog Brewing Co. (30 King St E, Bobcaygeon)
You’ll find Old Dog Brewing Co. beers at the LCBO, grocery stores, and a growing list of local pubs. The names will appeal to dog lovers – think Yellow Lab Lager and Dog Days Summer Ale – but the small-batch brews will appeal to anyone. Check their Facebook or Instagram pages for updates.
Winter Season Selection: Single Malt Scottie
Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St N, Lindsay)
You may have noticed Kawarthas Northumberland has no shortage of breweries in historic buildings, and Lindsay’s Pie Eyed Monk makes a strong contribution to the list. Set inside the 1868 C.L. Baker building, just across from the 1902 fire hall, this is an evocative and inviting place to pick up a bite and some local brews. Varieties include a Belgian blonde, an English IPA, and an Irish stout.
Winter Season Selection: Smoke Stack Stout
Peterborough
The Publican House Brewery (300 Charlotte Street, Peterborough)
Peterborough beer lovers will be well acquainted with the Publican House. The craft brewery has been serving their community since 2008, with the selection steadily expanding from old favourites like the Pub House Ale and Square Nail Pale Ale to include more exotic selections like a raspberry wheat beer and hazelnut coffee stout. Their retail shop was so successful they opened a brew pub in a distinguished 170-year-old building in 2017, and their culinary options pair beautifully.
Winter Season Selection: O’Leerie Stout
Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. (4-649 The Parkway, Peterborough)
You might expect this one to appear under Kawartha Lakes, but the Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. is currently operating out of their Peterborough facility until renovations are finished at the Bobcaygeon location. Whether you’re based in Peterborough County or Kawartha Lakes, though, you’ll enjoy same-day deliver on orders over $50. It won’t be hard to fill up the cart, because their website currently lists sixteen varieties of beer that range from APA to Belgian white to ESB. For the adventurous out there, the list even includes the Ghost Town Milk Stout, brewed with cinnamon, coffee, and ghost peppers.
Winter Season Selection: Starry Night Chocolate Stout
Haven Brewing Co. (687 Rye St Unit 6, Peterborough)
This Peterborough brewery specializes in European styles, as you might have guessed from a lineup that features Hefeweizen, Dunkelweizen, Kellerbier and other German and Belgian varieties. Whether part of the core offerings or limited release, these are flavourful, sophisticated beers for the discerning drinker. Haven currently offers in-store and delivery options.
Winter Season Selection: Schwarzbier
Belmont Lake Brewery (54 Fire Route 17, Havelock)
So small it’s been referred to as a nanobrewery, Belmont Lake Brewery is a must-try for locals who value uniqueness and character. The brewery was founded by two English expats who brought their love of British beer styles with them. Cordova Gold Best Bitter, Brown Bear Dark Ale, and Black Bear Stout are among their offerings, available from their charming board and batten building in refillable growlers.
Winter Season Selection: Black Bear Stout
