In a non-descript building, tucked away at the back of a commercial lot on Invicta Drive, there’s a group of people doing something special. The folks at Cameron’s Brewery are making award-winning craft beer for thirsty Canadians who have discriminate tastes when it comes to suds.
Cameron’s Brewing Company, who have been around for 17 years and are showing no sign of slowing, are motivated by a simple philosophy.
“We brew because we believe the world needs more craft beer,” said Bill Coleman, president and co-owner. “More locally brewed, natural craft beer.”
The company offers quite a few varieties, including their three popular core-brands:
- Auburn Ale, which won the bronze at the Ontario Brewing Awards in 2013
- Cream Ale, that took home the gold at the US Open Beer Championships
- Lager – voted # 1 German pilsner in the world in 2012.
Aside from these, the brewery also offers many seasonal and specialty brews.
“In the last 17 years the world has really embraced craft beer and the example of that is it used to be a very urban desire to drink craft beers,” said Coleman. “You’ll see it’s also very rural now. In Barrie, Bracebridge and even North Bay, instead of drinking the mass-produced beers they want to buy something local.”
Cameron’s is happy to try and supply that demand despite their relatively small operation.
“Every week we’re making roughly 12,000 liters, which is over 35, 000 beers,” said Derek Morley, brand ambassador for the brewery. “So there’s a lot of beer coming out of here considering this our only facility.”
Their beer is made available through LCBO and Beer Store outlets as well as their onsite store. It can also be found in licensed pubs, restaurants and bars across the GTA.
Brand ambassador Derek Morley showing off Resurrection roggenbier andBrand ambassador Derek Morley showing off Resurrection roggenbier and
Deviator doppelbock; Photo Credit: Jaime Polmateer
Aside from beer making the team also hosts their signature “cask night” on the last Thursday of every month. The event offers the community a chance to sample their products and learn about the brewing process. According to their website, there is a ceremonial tapping of a one-of-a-kind cask, crafted just for the occasion. The event is always catered by a local restaurant and tours of the brewery are offered throughout the night.
“We love being involved in the Oakville community,” said Coleman, “so we also do things like the Mayor’s baseball tournament, we did the Oakville Waterfront Festival, we love supporting local sports teams. So we really care a lot about Oakville.”
With the local success Cameron’s have received over the years the company decided to start branching out. They currently ship to Alberta and have plans to move into B.C. and beyond.
“We’re going to go international so we’re spending a lot of time looking at other regions and we’re thinking really seriously about other markets around the world.”
To book a tour of the brewery or for more information, visit Cameron’s Brewing Company at www.cameronsbrewing.com
Cold-side brewer William Kyle Smith holding Cream Ale; Photo Credit: Jaime PolmateerCold-side brewer William Kyle Smith holding Cream Ale; Photo Credit: Jaime Polmateer
