{"id":995,"date":"2020-06-08T11:35:45","date_gmt":"2020-06-08T15:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elishalemoire.wordpress.com\/?page_id=995"},"modified":"2020-08-15T18:58:55","modified_gmt":"2020-08-15T18:58:55","slug":"southwestern-ontario-brewers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/explorewithelisha.azurewebsites.net\/index.php\/southwestern-ontario-brewers\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwestern Ontario Brewers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

May, 2020<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The craft beer lifestyle exists and you can see its popularity as small breweries are popping up all over the place.\u00a0\u00a0I feel that craft beer is a conduit to bring people together, sitting and sharing a pint or two exchanging stories, memories and laughs.\u00a0\u00a0Craft brewery tours are now just as popular as winery tours \u2013 here are some of my absolute favourites in Southwestern Ontario.\u00a0\u00a0If you are visiting the area, put these on your list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D likes to collect souvenirs from breweries we go to – some in the forms of beer glasses, hats or t-shirts. He is literally a walking advertisement for these local establishments and we love to support local. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

London, Ontario<\/strong> \u2013 Since this is my hometown, there will be a few more breweries listed here and in no particular order \u2013 my top three are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storm Stayed<\/a> \u2013 Located in the Coves near Old South, you will find this community-oriented craft brewery.  They have a spacious tap room and patio with loads of board games, live entertainment, and a great beer pairing snack menu!  Whether you prefer traditional beers, hop forward, sour and fruity or dark and malty \u2013 there will be something for everyone.  Can\u2019t decide? Opt for the flight and sample a few.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

London Brewing<\/a> \u2013 Located in the Old East Village area you will find this worker-owned community.  A smaller tap room, but also houses a patio and live music.  Aside from all things beer obviously, I love this spot because of the dedication to support local businesses and local farmers.  They believe that great beers start with superior ingredients and they pick the finest local and organic malt and hops available.  Definitely a more hipster vibe venue with beers that celebrate community, farmers, relationships and sustainable choices.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forked River<\/a> \u2013 Located in the far east side of the city, you will find this little gem in an industrial area of town.  With an expanded tap room, there is plenty of space to share a brew or two over your favourite board game, get caught up with a friend or listen to the live entertainment.  Three University of Western grads teamed up to deliver you flavourful brews with natural, quality ingredients.  Not only did they think fellow Londoners deserved outstanding handcrafted beer, but their own micro-brewery, so raise a glass to London\u2019s first micro-brewery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chatham, Ontario<\/strong> – Just a little over an hour from London you will find this city along with Sons of Kent<\/a> \u2013 Chatham\u2019s Premier Craft Beer Destination.  Here, four friends with one vision came together to produce craft beer, incorporating traditional brewing methods with modern ingredients.  With a large tap room with those roll-up garage doors, an event space, a bottle shop and live entertainment makes it a great place to just hang out.  I recommend grabbing a seat at the bar, chatting with the bartender while viewing the vats from the windows behind the bar.  There is a great menu to pair with your favourite pint \u2013 mine is the 8 Track and D\u2019s, the Juice Box.  Don\u2019t forget to ask about the train beer \u2013 it\u2019s a thing!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n