Last Call!

Last call’s a-coming!

This is a general reminder that the Black Creek Historic Brewery closes for the season on Monday, December 23rd, 2013. We will reopen on Thursday, May 1st, 2014. If you want to stock up on our historic ales for the winter months (or if you’re looking for Christmas/New Year/holiday beer), Monday is your last chance. There is still plenty of beer in our fridges, so don’t worry – come on down!

Can’t make it to Black Creek before then? Never fear, our commercial beer is available in the LCBO all year long. Through the winter, you’re more likely to find our Stout and Porter on the shelves, and keep an eye out for Riel’s Dream. This Wheat Stout is the fourth in our Historic Beers of Canada series, and will be available in January.

Although the brewery will be shut, this blog will stay active, so be sure to check back for news, updates, and bits of beer history!

Thanks for a fantastic season, everyone. From the clinking of Rye PA and IPA over the summer, to the hard work of those who participated in our Hop Harvest, to the glitter and glamour of September’s Spirited Affair, to our countless tour participants, samplers, and apprentices, to Christmas by Lamplight with our Winter Warmer, it’s been an amazing year. We can’t wait for 2014.

To Queen and Country!

– Katie

New Brew: Winter Warmer

Frost gleams on the boardwalks when I arrive at Black Creek in the mornings. There’s also been a definite bite to the wind lately.

So our Winter Warmer is here just in time!

We’ve come to our final specialty brew of 2013, and Ed has brewed up a seasonal favourite. Our Winter Warmer will be officially available on Saturday, December 7^th. The Winter Warmer hasn’t always been called by that particular name, but it’s been a fairly common practice over the centuries for brewers to gravitate towards heavier-bodied, more alcoholic beers when the weather turns cold. Winter Warmers tend to vary from brewer to brewer, with each favouring their own blend of flavours, aromas, and spices.

Our Winter Warmer is a full-bodied, complex ale. In essence, it’s our Stout, laced with vanilla, cardamom (a warm, aromatic spice, kind of like a ginger-cinnamon hybrid), and some licorice root. Its ABV of 6.5% will also keep you toasty on these chilly winter nights!

The Winter Warmer will only be available at the Black Creek Historic Brewery for a limited time (until the season ends or we run out – whichever happens first!) And as a general reminder, Black Creek closes for the season on Monday, December 23rd. Come for a sample or visit before we close up shop!

-Katie