WinterBrew Fest Toronto

Toronto's first Winter Brewfest leaves a bad taste

Winter Brewfest took place over the weekend at the Enercare Centre and while the beer festival had a successful run in Ottawa earlier this month, Toronto beer drinkers seemingly saw the glass half empty... er, more like three-quarters empty. Reviews posted to the event's Facebook page were almost unanimously negative.

The pitiful pours might have been an issue of optics; the 16 ounce sample mugs looked especially sad at just four-ounces full. The cost also left a bitter taste for most attendees who seemed unsatisfied to shell out an average of four tokens ($1 each) for a quarter pint.

Winter BrewFest Toronto

One thing that did impress was the promise of 50-plus brewers in attendance from across Ontario, Quebec and beyond. Unfortunately, the pre-printed postcards outlining the brews on offer weren't accurate as I'm told that many had sold out on the first night and that new "surprise" brews had been subbed in.



WinterBrew Fest Toronto

One bar was devoted exclusively to Quebec brands, another was all about Ontario, while another dealt in a potpourri of brands. Ordering was a chaotic process and there was little no time for chit- chat with beer makers.

winter brewfest

Aside from beer, other attractions included a DJ, a carnival game and food trucks. It seemed like a well thought out event, though lacking in execution.

winter brewfest



winter brewfestPhotos by Hector Vasquez.

Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

This is how Toronto complained about grocery monopolies in the 1800s

3 bars in Toronto have just been ranked among the best in North America

Ontario shopper confounded by huge price difference for same item at stores 1 km apart

Canadians are loving former Loblaws loyalist's nine-minute rant against company

Toronto restaurant deflects accusations they don't share tips with staff

Ontario customer slams new 'soggy' plastic-free coffee lids at Tim Hortons

Oscar Isaac just showed up for dinner at Toronto restaurant

Two longtime grocery stores just shut down in Toronto