Happy birthday to me!

Hey friends, sorry it’s been awhile.  After my Building Social Media and Relationships (#BSMRCCE) class finished for the semester, I decided to take a little break.

Now that my new class, Social Media Research and Techniques (#SMRTCCE) class has begun, it’s time to crack open the laptop and start up my blog again!

As some of you know, I just recently celebrated a milestone birthday and to celebrate, my brother-in-law decided to plan a mini-brewery tour in the Brantford area before my ‘surprise’ birthday party that my hubby threw for me.  I can not believe that they pulled it off and I had no clue this was all happening.  So thank you to everyone that came out.  It really was a special day for me.

Now back to our brewery tour in the Brantford area.  Due to time constraints we were only able to visit three breweries in the area. 

Steel Wheel Brewery

Steel Wheel Brewery was our first stop.  This cute on-farm brewery is located at 105 Powerline Rd., Brant, Ontario.  Their focus of the brewery is a “farm-to-glass” experience.  In 2015 Harold Kuret and Cindy Blair started growing a variety of hops on their property.  Since they bought this cute little property, they have been involved in brewing small batches of beer.  Fast forward to 2018, Steel Wheel Brewery opened its doors.

When we visited the brewery, they had 8 beers on tap, but their beers are always changing.

We ordered flights of beer, which is always the best way to try them all.  Out of all 8, my favourite had to be Dry Hopped Kettle Sour with Mango.

Bell City Brewing Company

Next stop was Bell City Brewing Company. 

It’s located at #9-51 Woodyatt Drive, Brantford, Ontario.  Not sure who exactly created the brewing company, but according to their website, the idea of opening up a brewery happened when a bunch of friends were hanging out in a garage one evening.  The brewery officially opened its doors in 2015.

Like any brewery, they have their staples but they also offer seasonal beers and one-offs. 

I tried 4 different beers, but my favourite at this spot was The Scarlet Harlot.  Another sour – there seems to be a trend going on right now.

This is also a great spot to grab a bite to eat.  Try the Pretzel Bites, they are delicious!

Mash Paddle Brewing Co.

Our last and final stop of the day was the Mash Paddle Brewing Co.   This brewing company is located at 111 Sherwood Dr. Unit 3A in Brantford.

Mash Paddle started in a small kitchen where they brewed their first batches of beer.  They then quickly outgrew their stove set up so they met with a fellow brewer and together, they created their brewery. 

They had about 7 beers on tap and my favourite was Dat Funky Monkey (D. Strangebrew Series #10) It fell into the category of a Shandy/Radler, perfect for the warmer temperatures.

Thank you to my family for planning this mini-brewery tour, cause not only did I get to try some new beers but I also got my birthday badge on Untappd.  (Check out my post about Untapping The World of Beer)

Have you ever been to these places?  If so, what are your favourites!

Till next time cheers!