Whether visiting its beautiful waterfront in the summer months or looking for something to do during the winter season, Hamilton’s craft beer scene promises plenty of fun and excitement throughout the year.
What’s even better is that Hamilton is experiencing an ever-evolving boom in its craft beer industry, with new breweries popping up across the city every couple of years, promising a never-ending lineup of delicious beers to sample.
From tried and tested local favourites to new facilities that push established molds, these are the ten best craft breweries in Hamilton, Ontario.
The 10 Best Hamilton Breweries
1. Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
Founded as the brainchild of two Hamilton locals who formed a friendship over their love of beer while in school at McMaster University, Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. has served as one of Hamilton’s best craft breweries since its first opening in 2016.
Along with serving some of the best craft beers in the city, Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. promises an immersive experience steeped in authenticity and even operates out of the city’s old ice rink and the Old Dundas Curling Rink, which they converted into a spacious tasting room following a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Guests enjoy the authentic atmospheric charms of the facility while enjoying a massive variety of craft beers, including the brewery’s award-winning Barrelshed series, which are aged in wine barrels to produce a unique flavour profile.
The brewery’s flight is the best route to go here, as it allows you to sample four different brews, which you can purchase from the onsite bottle shop.
2. Clifford Brewing Company
Converting his passion into a business, local brewer Brad Clifford first opened his Hamilton brewery in 2015, but the recipe he peddles predates his establishment, with him beginning his home brewing practices way back in 2009.
Over a decade and a half later, owner Brad Clifford has perfected his art and provides some of the best craft beers in Hamilton. In fact, the local brewery has won numerous Canadian brewing awards over the past decade for its commitment to high-quality brews.
I highly suggest starting your exploration of this Hamilton brewery’s samplings with Clifford Porter. The original recipe dating back to the brewery’s earliest days, this porter has won multiple awards over the years and is an absolute must-try.
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the tasting room and order a flight to sample four varieties of delicious beers, including its namesake porter, the pinball Wizard APA, Chain Link Lager, and the Dark Streets of London ESB.
3. Merit Brewing Company
Set directly within the heart of downtown Hamilton, Merit Brewing Company has become a staple of the community, promising a warm and welcoming atmosphere for enjoying a wide variety of homebrewed beers.
Along with offering a rotating tap of delicious brews, this downtown brewery has added an extended drink list, including local winners from Hawk & Hammer, Leaning Post, and more. The tasting room also features a good food menu, designed to perfectly pair with each of the property’s best craft beer options.
Whether looking for a great place to hang out with friends or somewhere to explore various flavours, Merit Brewing Company makes for a fantastic social venue for your evening out on the town.
4. Collective Arts Brewing
Collective Arts Brewery is one of the very first craft breweries in Hamilton and has been serving the community with an ever-evolving lineup of delicious craft beers since it first opened its doors in 2013.
Blending the creative arts with the finer details of craft beer brewing, Collective Arts Beer has highlighted the creative works of thousands of artists from around the world on the unique labels of each of its beers. So not only are the beers delicious, but it’s also addicting to try and collect all the unique cans.
Guests can join this unique brewery at their onsite tasting room, where you will find numerous lineups of live music and events, or you can find their colourful canned beers offered at the LCBO or onsite retail store.
5. Fairweather Brewing
Fairweather Brewing is a great option if you are looking for a spacious outdoor area for enjoying a warm summer evening sampling delicious craft beer.
Along with its 60-seat outdoor patio, Fairweather Brewing operates out of a converted warehouse, promising a spacious 10,000-square-foot tasting room that doubles as an an exciting event venue with frequent live music and entertainment performances.
Whether sitting along the outdoor patio or in the tasting room, Fairweather Brewing promises plenty of great beer varieties. You can sample a few local favourites by ordering a flight but don’t forget to pick up your favourite brew from the onsite bottle shop.
The brewery also features an extensive food menu, promising a fun summer afternoon, enjoying local food and drink.
6. Grain and Grit Beer Co.
Opened in 2017, Grain and Grit Beer Co has quickly become one of the top breweries in Hamilton, Ontario, promising a welcoming and social setting for enjoying its homebrewed beers.
A family-run business, Grain and Grit is owned by a local Hamilton couple that prioritizes providing one of the best spots to engage with the community and frequently arranges special events that include trivia nights, weekly food trucks, local food vendors, and more.
While the indoor tasting room and bottle shop are open throughout the year, this charming brewery becomes even more inviting throughout the summer months when it opens up its large patio for outdoor drinking.
7. Barrel Heart Brewing
Open for onsite drinking in its tap room, pick-up service from its bottle shop, and even online orders with home delivery services, Barrel Heart Brewing is one of the newest additions to Hamilton’s craft beer scene, but it has quickly become a local favourite.
Inspired by the traditional saison style of farmhouse beer, Barrel Heart Brewing specializes in oak-aged beer and engages only locally sourced fruits for its various concoctions. The brewery offers its unique and delicious flavours in 750 mL bottles to take home, but guests are encouraged to sample different types of beer in the taproom to first find their favourites.
8. Brewer's Blackbird
Set just outside of Hamilton in Ancaster, Brewer’s Blackbird promises a unique historical experience of enjoying a variety of craft beers from within its monumental stone building that dates back to the 1830s.
Despite its age, the brewery is a modern complex that promises an upscale dining experience complete with delicious beer and fantastic hand foods and pizzas. Meanwhile, the tasting room hosts a series of weekly events, including live music and specialty days.
9. West Avenue Cider House
Located within a picturesque farmhouse just a short drive from Hamilton towards Waterdown, West Avenue Cider House is a great spot to visit if you enjoy a varied selection of hard ciders.
Produced using 100% fresh pressed juice from Ontario apples, the ciders featured at this venue are among some of the most delicious hard drinks in the city, cementing its honourable mention on this list of the best breweries in Hamilton.
10. Steel Town Cider
If you are pining for a refreshing cider but don’t want to drive out of town, then head over to the Steel Town Cider in Kirkendall North.
Founded by three local friends, Steel Town Cider was a way for its owners to expand the local options and provide enticing dry, rustic ciders within Hamilton. When visiting, try their test and proven Session Cider, or get a bit more adventure and sample its newer concoctions, such as the Vay Kay or Daga Carmesi.
