Dalton on Ontario Beer
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 2:34 pm
http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/blog/artic ... ot&Lang=EN
Last year, Ontario’s craft beers beat LCBO sales in all categories including wines and spirits with almost 45 per cent growth — a big part of the LCBO’s 17th year in a row of record sales. And that’s good news.
Craft breweries create a product that Ontarians enjoy and they help strengthen communities across the province at the same time. “Not only do we make great beer, we make great jobs too — for every 1,000 hectolitres of craft beer, we create about two jobs,” says Gary McMullen, Chair of the Ontario Craft Brewers association and founder of Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge.
What makes craft beer so special is what goes into it. Ontario Craft Brewers have signed a pledge to brew naturally with grain and stay true to traditional styles. They use only natural, pure ingredients that enhance the beer’s quality and flavour. This is part of the reason for its success. More and more Ontario families are choosing fresh and local products.
Grains used in craft beers come largely from western Canada and northwestern United States, but there are fledgling malt and hops industries in Ontario now as well. “Muskoka Brewery has used Ontario malt in the past so it’s coming along,” says Gary.
Of course the secret ingredient is the skill and passion of our craft brewers.This summer, I hope you discover a new favourite, and savour the offerings of an Ontario craft brewery near you. As for me, a lager is great in the heat. Otherwise you can’t beat an ale with some bite.
Cheers.