Bellwoods Brewery is a craft brewery located in Toronto, Canada. It was founded in 2012 by two friends, Mike Clark and Luke Pestl, who shared a passion for brewing beer. The brewery has since become a popular destination for beer lovers, known for its innovative and high-quality brews.
Bellwoods Brewery offers a wide range of beer styles, from classic IPAs to barrel-aged stouts. They also experiment with unique ingredients and brewing techniques to create one-of-a-kind beers. The brewery has two locations in Toronto: the original Ossington location and a newer location in the city’s east end.
Bellwoods Brewery, Toronto: 124 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z5, Canada
Exploring the Different Beer Styles
Bellwoods Brewery offers a diverse selection of beer styles, each with its own unique flavor profile and brewing process. Some of the most popular styles include IPAs, stouts, saisons, and sour beers.
IPAs are a staple of the craft beer world, and Bellwoods Brewery offers several different variations. Their classic IPA is a hop-forward beer with notes of citrus and pine. They also offer hazy IPAs, which are known for their cloudy appearance and juicy flavor profile.
Stouts are another popular style at Bellwoods Brewery. They offer several different barrel-aged stouts, which are aged in whiskey barrels to give them a rich and complex flavor profile. They also offer imperial stouts, which are high-alcohol beers with notes of chocolate and coffee.
Saisons are a Belgian-style beer that is light and refreshing with fruity notes. Bellwoods Brewery’s saison is brewed with local honey and has a dry finish.
Sour beers are another unique offering at Bellwoods Brewery. These beers are brewed with wild yeast or bacteria to give them a tart flavor profile. Bellwoods Brewery’s sour beers are often brewed with fruit or other unique ingredients to create complex flavors.
Hazy IPAs: A Refreshing Take on a Classic
Hazy IPAs are a relatively new style of beer that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These beers are known for their cloudy appearance and juicy flavor profile. Bellwoods Brewery offers several different hazy IPAs, each with its own unique flavor profile.
One of the most popular hazy IPAs at Bellwoods Brewery is Jelly King. This beer is brewed with a variety of hops and fermented with a blend of yeast strains to give it a fruity and tropical flavor profile. It has notes of pineapple, mango, and citrus, and a soft mouthfeel.
Another popular hazy IPA at Bellwoods Brewery is Roman Candle. This beer is brewed with a blend of American and Australian hops to give it a citrusy and floral flavor profile. It has notes of grapefruit, orange, and pine, and a dry finish.
Hazy IPAs are best enjoyed fresh, as the hop flavors can fade over time. They pair well with spicy foods, grilled meats, and strong cheeses.
Barrel-Aged Stouts: Rich and Complex
Barrel-aged stouts are another popular style at Bellwoods Brewery. These beers are aged in whiskey barrels to give them a rich and complex flavor profile. The aging process can take several months or even years, depending on the beer.
One of the most popular barrel-aged stouts at Bellwoods Brewery is Bring Out Your Dead. This beer is aged in bourbon barrels for over a year to give it a rich and boozy flavor profile. It has notes of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and oak, and a smooth mouthfeel.
Another popular barrel-aged stout at Bellwoods Brewery is Skeleton Key. This beer is aged in rye whiskey barrels to give it a spicy and complex flavor profile. It has notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spice, and a warming finish.
Barrel-aged stouts are best enjoyed at room temperature, as the flavors can be muted if the beer is too cold. They pair well with rich and hearty foods, such as steak, chocolate, and roasted vegetables.
The Ultimate Beer Tasting Experience
To create the ultimate beer tasting experience at Bellwoods Brewery, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to pace yourself and not overindulge. Beer tastings can be overwhelming, so it’s best to take your time and savor each beer.
It’s also helpful to start with lighter beers and work your way up to heavier styles. This will help prevent palate fatigue and allow you to fully appreciate each beer.
When tasting different beer styles, it’s important to pay attention to the aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of each beer. Take note of any unique ingredients or brewing techniques that stand out.
Finally, it’s important to enjoy the experience and have fun! Beer tastings are a great way to try new beers and learn more about the brewing process.
Tips for Enjoying the Experience
To fully enjoy the beer tasting experience at Bellwoods Brewery, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water between beers. This will help prevent dehydration and keep you feeling refreshed.
It’s also helpful to eat before or during the beer tasting. This will help absorb some of the alcohol and prevent overindulging.
Finally, it’s important to be respectful of other patrons and follow any rules or guidelines set by the brewery. This will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts on Bellwoods Brewery
Overall, Bellwoods Brewery is a must-visit destination for beer lovers in Toronto. Their diverse selection of beer styles and innovative brewing techniques make them stand out in a crowded craft beer market.
Whether you’re a fan of classic IPAs or barrel-aged stouts, there’s something for everyone at Bellwoods Brewery. Their commitment to quality and creativity is evident in every beer they brew.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable beer tasting experience, be sure to check out Bellwoods Brewery.
