A Guide to Bowmanville’s Craft Beer Scene
It’s no secret — Canadians love their craft beer. Ontario in particular has become a craft beer hub with over 300 breweries (and counting) scattered across the province. And while this historic community in Southeastern Ontario may be relatively small, Bowmanville brews some of the most refreshing batches that’ll satisfy your quench for craft beer.
From amber ales and classic lagers to robust porters and imperial stouts, the craft beer scene has a beverage for every thirsty beer enthusiast and novice. Whether you’re a local, new in town or merely cruising through, unwind with a craft beer in hand at one of these Bowmanville establishments.
Chronicle Brewing Company
With the shores of Lake Ontario merely a kilometre away, Chronicle Brewing Company is a small-batch Bowmanville brewery that boasts a laid-back environment and well-curated list of craft beers. From eccentric names to creative labels, the owners’ love of mythology fables and games has inspired more than just the name of the craft brewery. In fact, the Dungeons and Dragons fans out there might even recognize the logo — a blank D20. You can also expect to find a row of movie theatre chairs in front of two big TV screens connected to a gaming console and countless board games piled into a corner of the brewery.
Whatever your taste, Chronicle Brewery has you covered. The brewery serves a rotating menu of craft beers, including an amber wheat ale, a black IPA, a blonde ale and a milk porter. Chronicle has mastered the art of brewing sour beers, so grab a seat at one of the wooden tables and tempt your taste buds with a dry-hopped kettle sour or sour cherry kettle sour. Order a flight of their craft beers to develop your palate while you munch on some fresh popcorn from the popcorn machine.
Chronicle Brewery releases new styles almost every month, so you never know what you might stumble upon during your visit. Taste your usual style or step outside of your comfort zone and dabble in one of their unique creations. Either way, you’ll want to come back for more. After you’ve sampled a few, head to their fully-stocked fridge and grab a couple of cans of your favourite to take home with you.
Manantler Craft Brewing Co.
Nestled in the basement of an industrial building in downtown Bowmanville, Manantler Craft Brewing Co. is a hidden gem with an eclectic, vibrant atmosphere. The small batch craft brewery is well-known for their hop forward brews, experimental batches and undeniable passion for the art of making it. As well as being a great place to grab a pint (or two), Manantler Brewery hosts a wide range of events throughout the week, including open mic nights, live bands and trivia.
Whether you’re after a full bodied stout with notes of coffee and dark chocolate or a Belgian IPA with juicy aromatics of citrus, stone fruit and pineapple, you’re spoiled for choice with their ever-changing bottle and tap list. Want to master your beer preference and taste (or merely can’t settle on just one)? Opt for a 5 oz. sample before you commit to a pint or a growler.
Keen to learn more about the art of brewing? On Sundays, dive headfirst into the craft beer scene with an in-depth tour of the Manantler facility and experience the brewing process from start to finish. After you sample a couple of their craft beers, get your hands on some merchandise and glassware from the retail store to spice up your own bar at home. Better yet — fill a growler with your favourite Manantler craft beer to take away.
Three-Six Kitchen & Lounge
Craving a satisfying meal to delight your palette? Located in the heart of downtown Bowmanville, Three-Six Kitchen & Lounge serves an array of fresh and flavourful dishes, each of which is prepared with in-season, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. On the menu you’ll find everything from roasted beet salad to grilled chicken fettuccini. Even the vegans in your party will be delighted to find two vegan recipes on the menu: a chickpea bolognese and a toasted nut and lentil loaf.
Although not a brewery in itself, Three-Six Kitchen & Lounge proudly supports the countless craft breweries across the province, including the two in its own neighbourhood. Whether you’re itching for an ale from Oakville or a pilsner from Whitby, you won’t be disappointed in the wide selection of craft beers available. For the non-beer drinkers, Three-Six Kitchen & Lounge also offers a selection of cocktails and wine.
Now go on and get to sippin’.
Keen to explore more of the region? Discover all the highlights of Southeastern Ontario with our travel guides.
Special thanks to the staff at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Bowmanville, ON for contributing to this piece.