Canada, ON: Lord Simcoe Brewing coming to Toronto soon

A new brewing company honouring an important figure in the history of Canada will soon be launching its first brand, Canadian Beer News reported on April 22.

Lord Simcoe Brewing has been founded by Tim Bristow in partnership with Berkeley Events, a company that operates six premium event venues in downtown Toronto. Its name pays tribute to John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, and the founder of York, the community that later became Toronto.

The company’s flagship beer is 1791 Lager (4.7% abv), which is named for the year that Simcoe took office as Lieutenant Governor. Brewed in partnership with an established Toronto brewery, 1791 Lager is described as “clean, approachable and highly drinkable, [with] distinct herbal aromas derived from a variety of imported German hops and hints of sweet Canadian malt.”

1791 Lager will be rolled out in 473 ml cans and on draught through the spring and summer, and will be available at licensed events at the Berkeley venues, as well as select bars and restaurants in Toronto.

The company has also purchased a farm called Lake Simcoe Farms just east of Cannington, approximately 100 km northeast of Toronto, where ingredients will be grown for Lord Simcoe beers as well as future planned beverages including vodka, gin, and whiskey.

On a philanthropic note, partial profits will be donated to rescue organizations and support centres dedicated to the welfare and protection of abandoned domesticated animals in Toronto and the vicinity of the farm.

“We feel a strong connection to the history of Toronto and its great history and relevance to the rest of Upper Canada,” says Bristow. “John Graves Simcoe shaped so much our history and our company was formed in celebration of his legacy.”

22 April, 2019