In time for the long weekend, The Beer Store in Little Current, on Manitoulin Island, is making available Swingbridge Ale, the first beer produced by the Manitoulin Brewing Company (MBC).
The company anticipates the product will be more widely available at Beer Stores between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie by September, and installed at the LCBO by late fall.
Renovations are ongoing at the company’s retail space in Little Current, which is expected to be open by late fall or winter.
Swingbridge Ale is currently also available on tap at the Anchor Inn in Little Current and on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry, as well as at a number of locations in Sudbury.
MBC was established two years ago, with founders Blair Hagman and Nishin Meawasige brewing 20 hectolitres a month. This summer, production has ramped up to 60 hectolitres (6,000 litres) a month, and by the fall, MBC expects to be brewing between 80 and 100 hectolitres per month to meet demand.
MBC is one of two craft breweries on Manitoulin Island.
Split Rail Brewing Company, based out of Gore Bay, opened its retail outlet on July 24, presenting two beers to start: Split Rail Copper Lager and Split Rail Hawberry Ale.
