This week your TSL Summer Students got the chance to hit up some of Lambton Counties finest breweries. In such a short period of time Sarnia-Lambton became a hotspot for craft beer locations. In this blog post we’ll recap some of them and talk a little bit about their story and how they’ve built their dreams up to become successful staples in the county.
Imperial City Brew House
Imperial City Brew House started as a backyard passion project with a wood-fired, old world brewing system. These days were spent dreaming of owning their own brewery until finally they made it happen. With the help of skilled tradespeople of Sarnia, Imperial City Brew House was built into what we all know it as now, adopting the name ‘The Imperial City’ as a nod to Sarnia’s history.
Point Brewing
Point Brewing is here to share their passion with others. Starting with three brothers from different mothers, they’ve prided themselves on creating an inviting space where you can learn about beer with no intimidation or worry. They’ve always dreamed of having a brewery in the beautiful community of Point Edward and helping the village grow. They enjoy giving back to the community by forging relationships with local sports teams and participating in festival events.
Refined Fool
From humble beginnings brewing beer using DIY converted maple syrup drums to a successful brewery with 3 locations, Refined Fool has come a long way. They now have 3 locations, The Fool, Davis, and Sports located behind The Fool and are a staple in Sarnia. You can find stories of them building up their business or wacky things that have happened to them on their website if you’re interested in learning more.
River Run Brew Co.
River Run Brew Co. started with a few friends who enjoyed getting together to brew beer on their porches and in their garages. The hobby turned into something more when they were presented with the opportunity to start a nano brewery in the heart of downtown Sarnia. Now you can purchase their beers at The Tin Fiddler and The Downtown Market.
Torched Brewing
Starting with an old building that was full of history from the past businesses, it was brought to life again to be Torched Brewing. Opening in 2021, it was difficult for them to get off the ground and become successful due to challenges like Covid. It took lots of perseverance, teamwork, and belief to get where they are today.
Black Gold Brewery
The idea of Black Gold Brewery started with Brent Gauthier and his interest in learning to brew great beer. As his skills improved and he had serious consideration to open a business he sought the help of his wife and purchased a better brewing setup. At the shop the owner took interest and offered to introduce Brent to a couple he knew could help him get things going. Coincidentally, this couple knew another couple who knew another couple and with the help of all eight of them Black Gold has become a successful brewery loved by locals.
Stonepicker Brewing Company
Stonepicker’s story started in spring of 2006 when Joe decided that after some research he was going to plant 3 acres of malting barley. It was successful but with the time consumption that comes with running a pig farm he couldn’t find a moment to do what he wanted with it. After retiring from pig farming Joe and his wife Mary decided to follow their dream of brewing beer. Once they had gone through the process of experimenting it was time to open their business and live that dream.
Two Water Brewing Co.
Originating with the love of beer shared by friends who enjoy ‘brew tours’ all across Ontario and other parts of Canada, Two Water was crafted from the elements of the groups favourite breweries visited across the country. They care about good tunes, great friends, and amazing beer and want to reflect their values in the atmosphere they provide.