culture
Inherent Weisse: Better Beer Events For Not-So-Better Weather
What to do this week to lift your spirits by raising a glass.
Photos by Yoga on Tap, Great Lakes Brewery, Lansdowne Brewery & Muddy York Brewing Co.
More than ever the weather seems like it doesn’t know what the hell it wants, flipping from snow to sun, rain, and ice storms all in a matter of days.
But there is one thing that remains constant in this ever-changing season: a wide selection of beer events throughout the city.
Here are a few goings-on in the coming week that will get you itching to brave the, well, whatever outside.
The Trillium Chapter Brewery Collectables Buy/Sell/Trade Show
Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Great Lakes Brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard)
In our city’s ever-growing beer scene, it’s always good to take a moment to look back on how far we’ve come. It is for this reason that, for the second year in a row, Great Lakes Brewery will be playing host to a celebration of Ontario’s brewing history with the Brewery Collectables Buy/Sell/Trade Show. Expect up to 25 vendors at this free event selling, trading, or displaying brewery memorabilia—from tap handles and growlers to barrels and ads. There will also be food by the Pie Commission, beers by Great Lakes, and appearances by renowned beer writers Stephen Beaumont (The Beer and Food Companion, World Atlas of Beer) and Jordan St. John (Lost Breweries of Toronto and my co-author on the upcoming Ontario Craft Beer Guide), who will be selling and signing their books.
Similar to last year’s event, Great Lakes will have a booth displaying its own rich history, featuring beer recipes from its opening in 1987, old glassware, cans, and various merch from past years. In the interest of adding to their collection, if you have anything with the Great Lakes branding on it, the folks at the brewery would love to see it and consider it for purchase.
Muddy York Brewing Co. Retail Store Opening
Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Muddy York Brewing Co. (22 Cranfield Road)
We’ve been following Muddy York Brewing since its official launch last year. In that time we’ve seen a much-welcomed expansion, more well-crafted beers (such as the Gaslight Helles and Diving Horse Pale Ale), and, starting this Saturday, the much-anticipated opening of a regular hours retail shop. Selling bottles, growlers, and selected merch, the retail shop is only the first part in Muddy York’s expansion, as plans for an on-site taproom are also in the works.
Yoga on Tap
Monday, April 4, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Amsterdam Brewery (45 Esandar Drive)
Yoga on Tap is a great chance to achieve inner peace, harmony, and complete clarity of mind…and there’s also yoga. Based out of Ottawa, the folks at Yoga on Tap travel the country offering one-hour yoga classes, beer tastings, and brewery tours. On Monday, they’re stopping off in Toronto at Amsterdam Brewery’s Leaside location. Tickets are $25, or two for $40.
Cask on Lansdowne
Saturday, April 9, 1 p.m.
Lansdowne Brewery (303 Lansdowne Avenue)
While Lansdowne Brewery has been fairly erratic in serving its own (currently contracted) beers to the public since its opening last July, the selection from other breweries has always been on the mark, often bringing in some of the best the province has to offer. After the success of their last cask beer festival, the folks at Lansdowne have decided to put on an even bigger one, offering 11 different casks from 11 local breweries, such as Indie Alehouse, Revel Cider, and Lansdowne Brewery itself. Ten dollars will get you a souvenir glass and two tickets for 5 oz samples, with the option to buy more after that.