Beer lovers united : Toronto’s Brewery Market

I’m mainly a wine  and cocktail lover but I most definitely do not discriminate against beers. I’ll admit that in this family I  most certainly am not the afficiando in this department, but having a beer snob for a husband has made me appreciate niche beers a lot more. A  constant discussion at our home revolves around how craft brews are way better and easier to find in the U.S  than in Canada and as such I’m constantly on the hunt for good local beer events.

Recently a friend invited us to The Brewery Market‘s Pints of March and we had a great time. We all have heard about farmer’s markets…you got it! This is a market for beer!  I’m IN! Here’s the perfect  chance to try out a variety of beers available in Ontario under the partially covered Sheltered Garden of The Stop’s Green Barn (Wychwood Barns, St. Clair West and Christie). Each event features a craft brewery with a variety of their brews, most often they have one-offs available just for The Brewery Market.

The events start at 1 p.m. and I’d definitely recommend getting there early, not only to snag a picnic bench but  also to ensure that you get yourself a 12 oz. glass of some of those special features. We got there at 1:30 and they already ran out of one of  the 5 beers ! That said they had plenty to go around till about 4ish…just not the one-offs. Get there early. Heard me?

I wouldn’t say this is a great place to learn about beers, but it’s a fantastic place to meet some beer geeks who might be able to share some of their secrets and finds. Definitely a very “granola” vibe  (some even had their own reusable mason jar jug!!!). It’s super casual and baby and pet friendly. A great way to spend a (Sunny!) Sunday…though you probably will not be downing  too many beers, given that it’s a Sunday and all. During the summer there’s some famous pizza on offerand during the winter it’s  Buddha Dogs. I did not have any because it is a cash only event and we figured we’d save our cash for the $5 beers versus the $4 miniature hotdogs. Next time though…I’ll be better prepared!

The Amsterdam Brewery had the following when we visited : Dam Horse Porter (made with Dark Horse Espresso!), Citra Pale Ale, Tempest Imperial Stout, Boneshaker IPA and Amsterdam’s latest seasonal Spring Bock.

Best part about this… you can feel good about having a beer… partial proceeds will help support The Stop’s many healthy food initiatives, (community kitchens and gardens, community advocacy, urban agriculture projects, sustainable food systems education and peri-natal care programs). In the past year The Brewery Market has helped raise over $30,ooo. Get your drink on! Go on!

The summer schedule isn’t out yet but it soon will be…give them a follow on Twitter !