Toronto festival rebranded amid ongoing U.S. trade tensions

In light of ongoing trade tensions and potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, a local brewery in Toronto has reimagined its highly-anticipated festival to support Canadian producers.

Henderson Brewing Company, located at 128A Sterling Rd., is an award-winning neighbourhood brewery known for hosting community events, including the Beer & Bourbon Fest and Picklefest.

Following weeks of uncertainty surrounding tariffs on Canadian goods, the brewery made the bold decision to rebrand its Beer & Bourbon Fest to the Henderson Toronto West Beer & Rye Fest, which will be a celebration of Canadian-made rye and whisky.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday afternoon that officials would be postponing plans to impose tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days after he committed to a series of border security improvements.

Although Canada's retaliatory measures were also put on hold for at least 30 days, a strong sentiment has continued to brew among Canadian residents to support and champion homegrown products over U.S. alternatives.

"There's no better time to celebrate the incredible rye and whiskies Canada has to offer," said Adin Wener, Managing Partner at Henderson Brewing Co.

"I spent five years in sales at Corby Spirits & Wine and developed a deep appreciation for Canadian whisky. I truly believe our country is producing some of the best whiskies in the world and we're proud to showcase and support some incredible Canadian distilleries with this event."

This year's festival will feature seven to 10 of Canada's top distilleries, and the brewery has sent out an open call to any other national distilleries who want to participate.

"Toronto has a rich whisky-making history dating back almost 200 years. In 1837, just down the road from where Robert Henderson opened Toronto's first brewery, whisky production was already taking shape—a story featured in Henderson’s Ides #47 beer," a news release from the brewery reads.

"This year's festival will showcase the best of Canadian rye and whisky from across the country while celebrating Canada’s long-standing tradition of whisky making."

The event, which takes place on April 26 between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature top local food pop-ups, live music, as well as a DJ.

Tickets for the event are now on sale online, and early bird pricing at $35 (which includes five sampling tokens) will be available until Feb. 21.