Four Breweries, One Winery and Multiple Awards

With the Craft Brewing industry exploding in Ontario, Explorers’ Edge can boast that the region is home to not one but four outstanding breweries, as well as one of Ontario’s most unique wineries.

Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge has won so many awards – it’s hard to keep up – including being named Ontario Brewery of the Year by World of Beer. Try their Mad Tom IPA, their Twice As Mad Tom IPA, and their winter seasonal, Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout called Winter Beard. Watch for Spring Oddity when the warmer weather returns, and Harvest Ale in fall.. For info on their brewery including tours and all their fine beers, click here.

Lake of Bays Brewing Company is well worth the trip to beautiful Baysville. Stop by for a free tour of their state-of-the-art brewery. Have a taste of their Crosswind Pale Ale, Spark House Red Ale, and their autumn seasonal, Old North Mocha Porter, available in October. Don’t miss their sports-themed beers, including Top Shelf, Stitches and Pig Skin. Pick up a t-shirt or take a load off in their beer garden (in the warmer months) while you’re there.

South River Brewing Co. in South River has mighty fine ale to enjoy, and perhaps the best slogans around, such as their William Wallace-esque “learn life, taste freedom” tagline. Their flagship Highlander Pale Ale is all natural, no preservatives, complex, and full bodied. You can also visit the brewery as a part of Northern Edge Algonquin’s Rails, Trails & Ales: Beer and Bikes Adventure at Algonquin Park package. Slainte mhath!

Visit the folks at Sawdust City Brewery in their brand spanking new location on the main street of Gravenhurst, Muskoka. Sample all their beers at the beer bar, including and marvel at the beauty of their establishment as much as what they’re selling.

Not into beer but fond of wine?  The award-winning Muskoka Lakes Winery in Bala takes as its motif the French idea of terroir, or a sense of place. The result is wine developed from fruits that thrive in the rugged soils and climate of Muskoka, including blueberries and cranberries.

Click here to get a special Tour & Tasting 2-for-1 Coupon for the winery and its sister business, Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh, and inquire about their signature “Bog to Bottle” experience. (Enjoy the multi-use of their trails in winter too.)

The craft beer and winery scene in Explorers’ Edge is worth raising a glass to. Visit one of these fine breweries today and taste for yourself why the critics and fans love them so much.

Check out the hardware: 2014 Ontario Brewing Award Winners

North American Lager:
Silver – Lake of Bays Brewing Company (Top Shelf)

British Pale/Bitter:
Gold – Muskoka Brewery (Cream Ale)
Bronze – Highlander Brew Company (Scottish Ale)

West Coast IPA:
Silver – Muskoka Brewery (Twice as Mad Tom)

Amber Ale:
Bronze – Sawdust City Brewing Company (Ol’ Woody Alt)

Porter:
Silver – Highlander Brew Company (Blacksmith Smoked Porter)

Stout:
Silver – Sawdust City Brewing Company (Skinny Dipping Stout)

Flavoured Beer:
Silver – Sawdust City Brewing Company (Red Rocket Cinnamon Vanilla Cayenne Coffee)

Strong Beer:
Silver Sawdust City Brewing Company (Princess Wears Girlpants)

Barrel Aged Wine:
Silver – Sawdust City Brewing Company (ODB)

Imperial Stout/Baltic Porter:
Gold – Muskoka Brewery (Winterbeard)

Beer of the Year – Muskoka Brewery (Cream Ale)

Too many to list: Muskoka Lakes Winery Awards
View Craft Beer & Wine in Explorers Edge in a larger map