The Bar Towel

GregClow · Joined: 10 Aug 2001 Posts: 2930 Location: Parkdale

This new brewery in South River (up near Algonquin) called Highlander Brew Co. was mentioned in another thread, but their website didn't have much info, so I dropped them a line and got some info back:

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Thank you for your inquiry. We are Ontario's newest microbrewery. Highlander Brew Co. is located at 19 Howard street in South River Ontario Canada. We produce a great Pale Ale in a traditional format. The Ale is full with great head retention and great lacing. The color hue I would compare to a single malt Scotch. The flavor is complex with great nose, sweet notes, and a great crisp finish. We use 4 variety's of Hops and 4 varietys of malt, to complete our flagship Ale. We crack the grain on site to ensure great freshness using only the finest ingredients. Our Brewery is a 10hl gas fired system. We currently have 4 fermenters and six aging(brite tanks) to complete our brewery. Highlander Brew Co. does have a retail site as well as a sample bar. You can buy our product right on site. I love giving tours, if you are in the area please dont hesitate to stop. I thank you in advance.

Respectfully,

Brian Wilson

705 386 BEER
www.highlanderbrewco.com

Belgian · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 4563 Location: Yonge and Beach

That might be a great trip to meet not only a new brewer but a songwriting legend.
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velovampire · Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 538 Location: Parkdale

tupalev · Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 1010 Location: K-W

Thanks for the info Greg!
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SteelbackGuy · Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Posts: 3032 Location: London, ON

I like the fact that micros seem to be popping up all over the place. Thanks Greg!
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JerCraigs · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1859 Location: North York

Cool. Will have to try and get up there sometime soon.

tupalev · Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 1010 Location: K-W

Just did some google mapping, that is not a short drive! Even from my hunting camp up in maynooth, there is not really a quick way over there!

Best of luck to them, needless to say that would be an under served market for people who like good beer.
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icemachine · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 779 Location: Richmond Hill, ON

Well next trip up for me likely won't be til mid August, but I will defineteky be checking it out as I grew up about 30 minutes away.
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Tapsucker · Joined: 28 Apr 2006 Posts: 608 Location: Toronto

These guys are so far away it's probably easier to set up a brewery than to ship beer in!

I hope them the best. Beyond niche brewing, absurdly regional brewing is a big contribution to the art and spirit of beer. Besides, beer is not that bad a business in low volume if you are close to your customers.

icemachine · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 779 Location: Richmond Hill, ON

Article in the local paper for this brewery, apparently he worked with Charles MacLean to get the brew right. I look forward to sampling this.

http://almaguinnews.com/article/141074
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It's time to switch to whiskey, we've been drinkin' beer all night.

El Pinguino · Joined: 02 Jan 2005 Posts: 292 Location: Oakville

Anyone enjoyed some Highlander brews yet?
I'll be a hop away from South Rivr this coming week and plan to stop by to see what they've got.

icemachine · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 779 Location: Richmond Hill, ON

Haven't been home in too long - I'll stop by on the long weekend for sure though
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It's time to switch to whiskey, we've been drinkin' beer all night.

A · Joined: 24 Jun 2001 Posts: 400

There can be only one! (Beer that is - thank god it has "Great Head Retention" and a "Great Crisp Finish", sure hope it has "No Aftertaste!")

icemachine · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 779 Location: Richmond Hill, ON

Stopped by Saturday and had a good chat with Brian, and sampled some beer. He was bottling over the weekend so I stopped by again today, picking up several cases. He bottles in 500ml and cases of 12 for $36. I quite liked it, finding slightly more on the malt balance side of a pale ale, but sessionable at 5%

Here's my review in ratebeer, http://ratebeer.com/beer/beername/108474/ and I have some bottles I'm willing to trade for.PM me if interested
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It's time to switch to whiskey, we've been drinkin' beer all night.

toweringpine · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 119 Location: Etobicoke

I knew it was going to be late by the time we got up there on Friday night so I confirmed by email that they would be open when we got there. I was told they were open until 9 on Friday and Saturdays but when we rolled in at 8:45 all the lights were out and the sign said closed. I will try again but if it is getting close to closing time I won't bother to turn off the highway. Southriver is about halfway to the small town where my parent's live so it was a nice idea to break up the trip stopping there but it is a lame place to stop if the brewery isn't open. Goodness knows the coffee at Antonio's ain't worth stopping for!

I am glad to see the only review of the beer itself I've read seems positive.