Are you looking to chug down on the best and most flavorful beers you’ll ever find? Guelph is the place to get your gulp on! For over 180 years, Guelph has long been recognized as a brewery powerhouse. No one around can craft beer the way Guelph does — here’s my list of the finest, most recognized beer makers around the city.
1. Royal City Brewing Co. – Your Highness in Beer Quality
If there’s a pillar of excellence in the craft beer community, this place says it all. You can even say that Royal City Brewing Company is the crowning glory of Guelph’s beer belly. That’s how distinct and exquisite the quality of their beer is.
This company takes pride in being the bright spot in the future of the brewing industry. But it is also a living trip down memory lane, being located in a historic landmark. With a diverse collection of different flavors and blends of beer, what’s not to like?
2. Wellington Brewery – The Godfather of Guelphite Beer
Wellington Brewery has been in operation since 1985. While other major breweries, such as Royal City, have consistently made noise in the mainstream brewery scene, nothing beats their recipe for crafting beer.
Wellington Brewery has proven itself more than capable of keeping up with new beer trends while still sticking to its brand’s core values and flavor, which includes giving back to the community.
This is why Wellington Brewery has maintained a consistent relationship with the working community, engaging in sustainable brewing practices as well as getting resources from trusted locals to support farmers.
3. Fixed Gear Brewing Co. – Brewing in Style
Who says beer is only supposed to be done one way? Fixed Gear Brewing Company does not support that movement, that’s for sure. It takes a lot of guts to be different and stay different.
No other brewing company does it better than Fixed Gear. No flavor is too complex or too daring for them. If you’re looking to test some beers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the place to be! Some of their best sellers include Breakaway IPA, Borraccia Italian Lager, and Hat Trick Light Lager.
4. Four Fathers Brewing Co. – The Patriarchs of Craft Beer
We have Four Fathers Brewing Co. This place is a Guelph gem — and for a good reason. With a commitment to brewing exceptional craft beer, Four Fathers offers a diverse range of styles to tantalize your taste buds. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s something for everyone here.
Not only is the beer top-notch, but the atmosphere is also fantastic. The rustic yet modern taproom is the perfect place to kick back and relax with friends. Plus, the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about beer, making your experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of their special events or live music nights. Trust me; Four Fathers is a must-visit when you’re in Guelph.
5. Sleeman Breweries – Beer for the Ages
Over 35 years ago, John Sleeman re-opened his family’s signature brewery here at Guelph. Using the age-old, original Sleeman brewing recipe book, the company has never looked back. Sleeman Breweries is a standard example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” as is with their best-kept secret recipe for great beer and continual success.
6. Counterpoint Brewing Company – Going Against the Flow
With every small business catching up on trends and new fads, Counterpoint Brewing Company is slowly establishing itself as the new guy on the block. An up-and-coming microbrewery with nothing to lose? That’s got my attention!
7. Brothers Brewing Company – Beer as an Experience
As they say, it takes two to tango — Asa and Colton Proveau held strong to their dream of changing beer from just a mere beverage to an inspiring social experience. After all, what’s beer without good company?
We stopped by on a cold spring day for a drink and a snack. We discovered it was open-mic afternoon, and we stuck around to hear some great local talent. The beer was cold – but not too cold – the food was great, and the vibe was on-point!
The Brothers Brewing Company is every beer enthusiast’s escape from the outside world. Featuring board games, local bands, weekly community workshops, and so much more, you’re sure to be just one more bottle away from having about three more. That’s how cozy and fresh the environment is at Brothers!
Whether you’re an avid beer drinker or just here for the complete social experience, every corner in Guelph is a haven for the finest breweries you’ll ever find. Digest a piece of Guelph’s rich history with every gulp of the best beers in the world!