Toronto Showcase

We're proud to present a selection of breweries and beers representing the bustling beer scene of Toronto, Canada.

Over the past year we've invested time in making new friends in the city, exploring the truly innovative work that they're doing, sharing beers together, reminiscing about mutual friends, and understanding each other's businesses.

The 43 different beers that we've imported are a snapshot of the industry in the city, encompassing developments in Alcohol Free beer, the latest in hop forward brewing techniques, mixed fermentation wizardry, judicious use of adjuncts, and inspiration from classics from around the world.

Burdock were set up as a friendly neighbourhood brewpub in 2015, making approachable, yet ultimately refreshing and delicious beer. All accompanied by an exceptional design aesthetic.

They've pushed the kit at their original site to the limits, creating everything from straightforward Pils and Pales, all the way through to Mixed Fermentation Grape Ales, and more recently, a Dill Pickle Sparkling Water.

After outgrowing the brewpub, they added on a larger production facility, allowing them to make inroads into the Ontario state monopoly, and continue to push on and innovate.

Bellwoods were one of the first to the scene in the new wave of Canadian craft breweries, opening up as a brewpub in 2012.

By 2014 they were recognised as one of the top 100 breweries in the world. They eventually were able to take the jump to build a full production facility in the North of the city, housing their incredible 'Feeder Pyramid'.

They continue to innovate, producing a wide range of styles, but their breakout hit has been their Dry Hopped Sour, Jelly King. A beer that has risen to become so much of a cultural institution within the city's beer scene that it is served in the stadium bars of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Best summed up as an expression of owner Luc's personality through beer.

He spent 12 years at Montrèal's legendary Dieu du Ciel as head brewer, before moving to Japan, establishing brewing projects there too.

In his vast and fascinating career he's managed to form extremely close ties with the industry in Czechia. Godspeed have brewed collaborations at Budvar and Pilsner Urquell, and Luc works closely with the Czech government helping to spread knowledge in brewing Czech styles to North American brewers.

Perfectly authentic Czech beers, modern American styles with Japanese twists, and collaborations with other legends of the global scene. All made with love and struggle at their east end brewpub in Toronto.

Blood Brothers were one of the first drinks businesses to set up on Geary Avenue, when they built their brewery there in 2015. They've since been joined by Craft Beer Bars, Winemakers, Cocktail Bars, and Coffee Shops, creating a real hub for beverage enthusiasts.

They work across a wide range of styles and influences, but are well known for weaving interesting adjuncts into beers in a truly structured and sensible way.

The brewery is still owned and operated by brothers Brayden and Dustin Jones. After opening 9 years ago they designed a new brewhouse together, and the business continues to grow at pace.

Set on 37 acres of scenic farmland a short drive from Toronto, Sonnen Hill have been producing exceptional beer since 2017, focusing on Lager and Farmhouse styles.

The brewery was set up by Calum Hill, a former student of Edinburgh's Heriot Watt, who spent time brewing in the UK at Cloudwater, Brew By Numbers, and Partizan, among others.

On the land around the brewery they've planted hundreds of fruit trees and vegetables, which they endeavour to use in their beers, whenever possible.

The brewery is run by Calum and one other staff member, producing around 700 hectolitres a year, making it a real privilege to bring some of their output to the UK.