News from the Ontario Craft Brewers

This past week, the Ontario Craft Brewers sent out the following media release to announce various developments at their member breweries:
Spring has sprung, the birds are chirping and the sun is shining. To help celebrate the arrival of patio weather, the OCB is beginning to gear up for the 2008 beer season in a number of different ways:

There’s a new kid on the block – The Ontario Craft Brewers are proud to announce its newest member Grand River Brewing. Located in a historic industrial building in Cambridge, Ontario, Grand River Brewing is committed to producing fresh craft beers of outstanding quality with an alcohol content of less than 5 per cent. Grand River Brewing is currently producing four brands which will be available year round: Plowman’s Ale, Mill Race Mild, Galt Knife Old Style Lager and Town Hall Lager. All of these beers can be purchased at the Grand River Brewing retail store or can be found at select restaurants throughout southern Ontario.
Breaking new boundaries – King Brewery is pleased to introduce the new Pilsbock to the Ontario Craft Brewers portfolio. It’s the first of its kind in the world, a unique hybrid creation that brings together a Pilsner and a Bock. Created by the award winning Brewmaster Phil DiFonzo this high-alcohol (6.5%), seasonal beer is available for a limited time, while supplies last, beginning in May at the King Brewery retail store and on tap at select establishments throughout Ontario.
A new regular has arrived – Hockley Valley Brewing Co. is proud to present one of the Ontario Craft Brewers’ favourites, the Hockley Traditional Irish Stout. This brewer’s take on a classic Irish stout contains roasted malts, a slight acidity and hints of bitter chocolate that are just some of the essences hiding in the inky darkness topped by a thick tan head. Deceptively light, this former seasonal beer has now become a regular part of the lineup due to its high demand. Traditional Irish Stout is available at LCBO stores throughout Ontario in a convenient 473 ml can.
A new love? – Trafalgar Brewing Company has released its new Oak Aged Rye to the Ontario Craft Brewers portfolio. Hitting the LCBO shelves this month as part of their Spring Premium Beer Release. According to brewmaster Dave Jamieson, “This is the first time in at least 200 years a beer such as this has been crafted and we’re really expecting beer drinkers to stand up and take notice.” Crafted in the German Roggenbier style the Oak Aged Rye uses 25 per cent rye malt before it is brewed and then aged with oak cut from actual whiskey barrels. With its Oak Aged Rye, Trafalgar has created a truly unique beer that will stand out for years to come.
Expanding to new horizons – Creators of the popular Black Oak Pale Ale and Black Oak Nut Brown Ale, the Black Oak Brewing Company is packing up and moving out. But not to worry the Ontario Craft Brewers have learned that the brewery will find new digs in May. Their new home at 75 Horner Ave. in Etobicoke will help the brewery keep up with the ever growing demand for an Ontario Craft Beer favourite. The new facility will be much larger which will mean more tanks and upgrading a lot of the current equipment. The new facility also has event space which will allow a little more room for tours, tastings and generally merry times. Look for details of the brewery’s grand opening in July.