The Best Prince Edward County Brewers – Where We Go
There are so many Prince Edward county brewers how do you choose the best?
What is considered the best brewery in Prince Edward County?
See my guide for all the breweries in PEC and the costs of the beer.
The only way to decide is to visit them all yourself because each brewery offers something different!
Also…I say try all the breweries because I love craft beer! 🙂
Prince Edward County is home to some of the best craft beer in the country. The county’s climate and soils are perfect for growing hops, and the local breweries take advantage of this by using fresh, local ingredients in their beer.
Prince Edward County is quickly becoming a hotspot for craft beer tourism, as the area is home to numerous breweries and cideries.
There are also numerous smaller ones that are definitely worth checking out and I have included them in the list below.
A great way to experience all of the different breweries is by taking the Prince Edward County Beer Tour, which takes you to all of the major ones as well as a few of the smaller ones.
Featured Prince Edward County Brewery
I remember the very first place that sold craft beer in Prince Edward County, it was the County Canteen on the main street.
A few years after there were a few more microbreweries throughout the county, brewing great local craft beer.
See my complete guide to all the Prince Edward County brewers here.
My first introduction to craft beer was a beer called Beau’s Lug Tread and it only came in a bottle or on tap.
Since I have moved on to many other local favorite craft beers from right here in Prince Edward County.
You may have noticed that each of the craft breweries has a different theme specific to each one.
I always enjoy hearing each of the unique stories about where they came up with the names for their brewery.
There are literally thousands of Micro Breweries sprouting up all over the country now and Prince Edward County is no exception.
Picton is home to several craft breweries, including, 555 Brewing, Prince Eddy’s, Parsons, and Lake On The Mountain Brewing Company just to name a few.
I have a list of the Prince Edward County Breweries below for you to check out.
These are mainly the best breweries in Prince Edward County and are a must-visit for any beer lover, and the County offers a variety of beer festivals throughout the year.
See my complete guide on all the breweries and the price of their beer.
The Prince Edward County Brewers Festival was one the largest craft beer festival in the area, and it featured over 15 different breweries from across the province.
The Picton Fairgrounds also has a craft beer garden event during the summer months and visitors can sample beers from all over Prince Edward County.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore the best that Prince Edward County has to offer, or a visitor looking for an unforgettable craft beer experience, Prince Edward County is the place to be.
Our First Prince Edward County Brewers Tour
Midtown Brewing Company – Location: 266 Wellington Main St, Wellington, ON – Phone: (613) 399-1001. Great food, large portions, and inexpensive! Love it.
See our visit to Midtown Brewing Here.
Excellent food and service at a very reasonable price. The Midtown menu offers staple beer, but they also offer other local beers too.
You can’t beat the burger and fries, but they also offer vegan and vegetarian options.
My favorite craft beer is the County Kolsch. It’s very smooth and was perfect for a hot day.
The wood fire pizza is amazing too, it’s certainly worth a try.
The toppings are loaded up nicely unlike other breweries I’ve been to.
While everyone is going on wine tours in the County, we like to change things up and go on a self-guided Prince Edward County Brewers Tour every now and then.
I created a video of Midtown Brewing that will give you an idea of what to expect.
This craft beer tour took us to Midtown Brewing, Prince Eddy’s, 555 Brewing, and Lake on the Mountain Brewery.
Even if you have visited these breweries in the past, it is always worth checking to see what they are brewing next. It’s always a good practice to stop in and order a flight of different beers you haven’t tried before.
I put together my own Prince Edward County Brewers Review based on our tour. I hope it provides you with an idea of what to expect from the craft breweries here in the county.
Prince Edward County Breweries Map
Parsons Brewing Company
Location: 876 County Rd 49, Picton, ON – Phone: (613) 476-9977. Lots of craft beer choices and a large outdoor area.
See our visit to Parsons Brewing here.
A very popular and busy brewery in Prince Edward County.
There is always something going on. Chris and Samantha own Parsons and it’s been open since 2016 and has a farm-like theme based on the fact the building is around 150 years old.
I’d visit early because through the summer months, there is often a lineup.
There is an outdoor kitchen and seating area with a fire pit and playground area.
The Parson’s menu rotates and always has an amazing selection. This way I do a pit stop every now and then to try something new. Just might see you there on your next visit to PEC!
Prince Eddy’s Brewing Co.
Location: 13 Macsteven Dr, Picton, ON – Phone: (613) 476-2253. Fun place to visit. They have a volleyball court. Try the Cream Ale!!!
Take a look at our visit to Prince Eddy’s Here.
I would call Prince Eddy’s Brewery the fun brewery as there is always some type of fun activities going on. Either live music, a bachelorette party, or a volleyball game.
Summer all year round in this Caribbean-themed microbrewery.
They have 10 beers on tap and plenty of shenanigans (Beer) you should try it.
They are always friendly. Last time I was in I got a flight of the new beers on tap.
My favorite is their staple craft beer, Prince Eddy’s Cream Ale.
My most rememberable time was a Saturday afternoon when there was a group of 30 yr old women celebrating a bachelorette in PEC.
What a party and some great entertainment to watch.
There were ping pong tables upstairs and through the colder months live entertainment to check out.
Barley Days Brewery
Location: 13730 Loyalist Pkwy, Picton, ON – Phone: (613) 476-7468. Very informative. They take the time to explain each beer and welcome your questions.
The Barley Days Brewery has the most information-packed, knowledgeable tasting session I’ve been to in the County.
Ask for a tasting and they walk you through everything you need to know about the beer.
The staff is always very friendly and helpful to help you decide what you might like.
I find the quality always consistent. My two favorites are Loyalist Lager and Wind & Sail.
A new craft beer called the “County Style Pilsner” was a cool try and I recommend it. You won’t be disappointed in this brewery!
Also, the chip truck outside had AMAZING local pickerel. Well worth a stop.
555 Brewing Co
Location: 124 Picton Main St, Picton, ON – Phone: (613) 476-5556. Great people, a great patio. Ask how they got the name… a great Picton story.
See our trip to 555 Brewing here.
One of my favorite local Prince Edward County Brewers.
The theme at 555 Brewing Co is based on some courthouse history in Picton involving the public hanging.
Make sure to ask the staff about it!
It’s a great microbrewer with a cool selection of craft beers.
They always offer their main staple beers like “The Judge” but taps rotate often also. I was lucky enough to try the 555 Alive Sour beer and the 5 Alive beer.
It’s fun to mix it up.
The wood-fired pizza is amazing! Highly recommend the #8. PESTO + SPINACH + LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN + SUNDRIED TOMATOES + MOZZARELLA.
They do offer Gluten free pizza too. The staff is always very nice.
I like this place so much I’m part of the 555 Mug so I may just see you on your next visit.
STRANGE Brew Studio
Location: 371 Chase Rd, Hillier, ON – Phone: (613) 885-3135.
This brewery has been open since September 2016 but I finally made it there recently.
I tried the “out of the woods” craft beer. I found it a bit smokie flavored which reminded me of a nice smoky scotch. Maybe this is why it is called Strange Brew. LOL.
What I found unique is the craft beers with Wine names like the “Ninkasi: 2019 Pinot Noir” and the “Ninkasi 2018 Malbec”.
Considering I’m from the county I had to try the Strange Brew “Horn Trip” beer.
Horn trips were a thing our parents did years ago where they would drive around Prince Edward County drinking and driving. A very big no-no these days and for good reason.
Gillingham Brewing Company
Location: 1316 Wilson Rd, Hillier, ON – Phone: (416) 892-9646.
A great brewery outside of PEC. The place offers a family environment, and it is dog friendly.
Small batch craft brewery with 7 rotating taps, tasting room, and a patio outback.
We were there for the oysters and they did not disappoint.
The owners, Christine and Andrew are there most of the time and are very welcoming.
When tasting they take the time to chat with you and tell you how Gillingham Brewery was started.
Matron Fine Beer
Location: 65 Barker Ln, Bloomfield, ON – Down a long lane but a cool place.
Off the beaten path down a long lane, you will find Matron Fine craft brewery.
They use fresh local ingredients to make their beer.
Popular for bikers riding on the Millennium Trail in Bloomfield. You’ll bike right by it.
I like the YEASAYER LAGERBIER the best. I haven’t been back in while but I plan to change that.
Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company
Location: 11369 Loyalist Pkwy, Prince Edward, Ontario, Canada – Phone: (613) 476-1321. Friendly place and very informative. Games room and seating outback.
See our trip to Lake on the Mountain Brewing here.
Lake on the Mountain Brewery is close to the famous Glenora Ferry.
A great place to stop in and try some craft beer named after locations from around Prince Edward County.
There is a cozy fireplace and sitting area out back for the cooler weather and all winter long.
In the warmer months, there are picnic tables outdoors to sit and enjoy the weather.
Note, however, there is no food available during the off-season other than chips and popcorn.
One thing to note is that this brewery is not actually located at Lake on The Mountain but it’s only minutes away.
Garage Time Brewing Company
Located at 658 Danforth Rd, Wellington, ON K0K 3L0, (613) 399-5090.
Small garage-style brewery and the beer is fabulous. The owner Bernard and Joanne are great people and are always very welcoming!
I read a Garage Time Review that said…Go for the beers, stay for the company. This is true so if you decide to drop in ask him for his best IPA.
Go here to see our visit at Garage Time Brewing
You can thank me later!
So true! Just down the road from the popular Karlo Estates winery. Worth checking out.
Slake Brewing
181 Mowbray Rd, Picton, ON, Canada K0K 2T0 – (613) 919-0995
What a view! The brewery is on top of a hill overlooking Prince Edward County. You can see Belleville on a clear day. The sunsets are amazing.
Slake Brewing is by far the most scenic new brewery in Prince Edward County I’ve ever been to. The beer is great and the staff is very nice. If you are a craft beer lover make sure this is on your stop.
I’ve never eaten here or even looked at the menu but it’s a great place for a romantic setting.
All My Friends Brewing
8 Stanley St Unit 5, Bloomfield, ON K0K 1G0 – (613) 393-9219
Looking for a place to catch up with some old friends while enjoying some quality craft beer? Look no further than All My Friends Brewing in Bloomfield Ontario.
Check out my beer tasting at All My Friends Brewing here.
This friendly and welcoming brewery is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and sip on the perfect IPA.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or simply looking to try something new, All My Friends Brewing has something for everyone.
So why not stop by and make some new friends while enjoying some delicious brews in beautiful Bloomfield Ontario? Cheers to new adventures and great beer!
The Miller House Cafe & Brasserie
Location: Lake on The Mountain, 275 County Rd 7, Prince Edward, ON Canada- Phone: (613) 476-1321.
The Miller House at the Lake on the Mountain sells its own beer from Lake on the Mountain brewery.
An amazing view of Glenora Ferry as you are just over 200 feet above the Bay of Quinte. It’s a great Prince Edward County patio with a view like no other.
We visit these brew buds often and many are still open through the winter months.
Check out this post about why we love PEC in the winter.