On the rise – Toronto’s booming craft beer scene

Toronto has carved out a reputation as a destination for craft beer. Microbreweries and brewpubs seem to be sprouting on every avenue and street corner, giving you endless choices. There’s no harm in trying them all, but we’ve whittled down our list to the absolute winners for when you’re in The 416.

Blood Brothers Brewing

Bonds run deep at Blood Brothers Brewing, and nothing, it would seem, unites people more than a perfect brew. Formed by two brothers who wanted full creative control over the brewing process and flavours, Blood Brothers Brewing is an essential stop for beer lovers. Located in Davenport Village, the taproom is an industrial style space spruced up with gold accents and worn-wood cabinetry. Find yourself a spot and try any of the fatalistically named beers; the citrusy Blood Light, the blueberry-tinged Fall of Thebes or dragon fruit-spiced Paradise Lost are all excellent choices. And it’s a welcome short walk back to the peaceful Dreamtime Guest House.

Bellwoods Brewery

Bellwoods Brewery can lay claim to being one of Toronto’s most popular and stylish breweries. What began as a small brewpub on Ossington Avenue, is now a household name among Torontonians (and even recently opened another outpost on Hafis Road) recognised for its award-winning brews and fantastical beer names. No name is perhaps more symptomatic of the brand or given such reverence as the WitchShark IPA; inspired by a man dressed as a shark on a broom for Halloween that jumped off a ledge of the brewpub’s construction site. A roster of beers named in equally mystical styles followed suit – think the aromatic Jelly King sour, the crisp Paper Tiger pilsner and the hoppy Cat Lady IPA. Sit back with one of these and admire the gallery wall of beer-inspired prints, before heading home to the picturesque Elliott House Bed & Breakfast.

Junction Craft Brewing

A homage to the Junction neighbourhood’s once bustling locomotive history, Junction Craft is an industrial haunt that welcomes any passerby in search of a premium brew. Housed in a towering warehouse where exposed beams, pipes and brick serve as the primary decor, saddle up to the bar or out on the expansive terrace and you’ll be treated to a world of exceptionally crafted beer. The Conductor’s Craft Ale has long been the house staple and the beer considered to have launched the brand, but the malty Junction Road Black Lager, pine-scented Engineer’s IPA and West Toronto Weizen are all worthy choices too. While you’re there, stave away any notions of hunger with a pastrami sandwich or a generous rack of ribs. Make your way back downtown in the direction of The Annex Hotel for a welcome nap.

Radical Road Brewing Co.

A little moody, a little grungy and just a little rebellious, the Radical Road Brewing Co. is testing the boundaries of conventional craft brewing. Flung towards the very eastern parts of Queen Street East, this is a brewery that thrives on the unexpected. Dark wood and teak panelling is perhaps its most ordinary aspect, but one sip of the Yuzu Pale Ale and you’ll forget about anything else. Light bodied and refreshing, it’s a signature brew made for those who appreciate citrus and floral notes. All their beers are served in disarmingly minimal bottles, so stock up with the Double Speak and Sling Shot on your way back to this Queen Street property.

Godspeed Brewery

Canada meets Japan at this brewpub in eastern Toronto. The concept grew from the owner’s brewing experience and time living in Japan, who sought to combine his two loves into one. Residing in a lofty space once meant for bargain retail purchases, this building is now home to a sleekly decorated, hectolitre brewing system and teeming flocks of locals. Head to the bar and you’ll find a wealth of on-tap options; ‘Ochame’ is a green tea IPA, recognised for its honey biscuit-like notes, while ‘Otsukaresama’ is a hoppy German malt. Whatever your preference, a plate of roasted duck breast, edamame and karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is a must when you drink here. Once satiated and dosed up on essential food culture, retreat back to Toronto’s Old Town and the luxurious Omni King Edward Hotel.