Patios and Pints in Port It has been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over. The Port Stanley Brewing Company is ready to bring craft beer enthusiasts a unique experience. Led by Brewmaster Ian McClure, this microbrewery aims to combine tradition, quality, and community in every pint. Ian’s journey to becoming a brewmaster was far from conventional. “I originally went to school in Guelph for zoology, thinking I wanted to be a vet,” he shares. After realizing veterinary science wasn’t his calling, Ian turned his interest in growing hops into a passion for brewing. He honed his craft through Niagara College’s brewing program and gained invaluable experience at Equals Brewing Company in London and at Paris Beer Company in Paris, Ontario. Both roles offered Ian unique perspectives on brewing, from large- scale production to smaller, more community-focused operations. Now, he brings that wealth of experience to Port Stanley, a town he believes is the perfect setting for a microbrewery. “Port Stanley gets a ton of visitors in the summer,” Ian explained. “We’re planning to do most of our business on-site — serving on tap at our patio, taproom and through our retail store.” The brewery aims to provide a variety of beers, ranging from light, easy-drinking summer brews to richer, darker ales for the colder months.
Ian emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and craftsmanship. “My favourite beers to make are almost traditional styles, made with really good ingredients,” he says. The focus will remain on local sales for now, with no immediate plans to distribute through the LCBO. While the brewery is currently producing beer for Riva Italian Restaurant in Port Stanley, its own taproom, retail space, and patio are slated to open by spring, 2025. Ian is eager to see the community embrace the space. “I’m excited to share my beer with the town and see that patio full of people enjoying the view,” he says. With its prime waterfront location at 191 Carlow Rd. right next to the harbour and a dedication to quality, the Port Stanley Brewing Company is poised to become a local favourite. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy the town’s charm, this microbrewery will offer something special for everyone.
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Port Stanley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 11
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