The LCBO statistic that beer drinkers are most likely to notice is that last year their sales in the Ontario craft beer category rose by 45% and led all other categories in growth. Sales aside, we think there is some excellent and delicious beer coming out of Ontario's smaller brewers and that's why we decided to put together another 30 Days of Ontario Beer here on Spotlight Toronto.
Many breweries have retail and event spaces where they sell their product. We're going to visit some of these and meet the people that make and market the beer.
Some new breweries, though, don't even have a building. They make interesting and original beer by contracting with an established facility. We're going to visit with them and take you on tour through their beers.
We'll focus on the Ontario Craft Beer Week (in its third year) but because we're starting a bit earlier this time look for that coverage in the second half of our 30 days.
While you're waiting for new content to go up over the next few weeks take a look at what we did last year. It's all gold and worth a read, but particularly worth reviewing are Mike's Beer Map series of all the different brewed styles (Lagers, Ales, IPA, and Wheat Beer) and the series on where to eat while enjoying craft beer (C'est What & The Rhino, Bar Volo, Allen's on the Danforth, and Hardy's). We'll pick up that thread starting right off the bat.
As usual we'll continue to present interesting stories through words, photographs, and videos but we also want to hear from you. Join the discussion and share your thoughts on Ontario craft beer through our hashtag #30daysONbeer on Twitter. Also, stay tuned for more information on special events that we're hatching.
Time to plug in the beer fridge, clean your favourite tulip glass, and sit back and enjoy what we hope will be another great 30 Days of Ontario Beer.
