There's a new brewery in town, offering a taste of the past in the form of ale in Toronto. Black Creek Historic Brewery not only gives one a traditional ale but also the history behind Ontario and Canada's use of the beverage.
Black Creek Village has added a brewery this year to their living museum. The brewery is an important part of the 1860 village, not only from the refined Victorian values but the economic avenues that breweries opened up. The brewery also shows that ale is a great ecological product, almost totally sustainable and uses less water than most other drinks.
Ale in Ontario history circled religion, medical, political and social aspects. During the second wave of the Temperance movement beer was able to escape the stern eyes of Victorian principles.
In the earliest days of the 19th century ale was made at home by the lady of the house. Because water was scarce and not very clean ale became the drink of choice for all members of the home. Home brewed beer generally had very little alcohol.
By the 1860's the brewery was emerging on the scene. Breweries did not run during the summer season because of the heat. In the days before manufactured cooling ale spoiled quickly if it wasn't kept cool. This is something that the museum is discovering during their first season of making ale on site. At times the ale spoils more quickly than they would hope for.
The brewery was important for many of Toronto's population. Not only was ale an acceptable drink, jobs depended on its manufacture. From the farmer, to the miller, the cooper and the tavern owners the local brewery was a central source of income.
KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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Let's go back to the home brew variety and health. Because of the boiling of water in ale the drink itself was pretty much free of the common bacterias that plagued the water supply in Ontario. Doctors suggested that a nursing woman have a nice stout to increase her milk supply. A common treatment for stomach ailments was for the patient to consume a lot of ale. The ale would cause the person to become sick and vomit, expelling the illness.
During the first wave of the Temperance movement in Upper Canada ale was part of the target. That first movement though didn't have a chance in Canada of success. First off it started in the United States which many in the wilds of Canada frowned upon. Second the movement was partly religious. The Protestants were on board with the movement but most of the population was Anglican or Catholic. Taking away spirits from either of these religions was not going to happen. The movement died a quick death.
KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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By the 1860's though the Temperance movement had gained an armhole by using the economic factors. When workers drank spirits all day the work was not up to par. This was a cause business owners could stand behind. Add in life insurance, those who signed the Temperance pledge were insured, and the movement finally did well. Out went the spirits and wine. Beer however was not considered into the mix and survived rather well.
KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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KJ Mullins
Black Creek Brewery
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Black Creek Historical Brewery is an authentic working reproduction of a 19th century brewery. Using the tools, techniques and recipes from the 1860's ale, stout and porters are made just like they were in Upper Canada before Confederation.
The Brewery is open to visitors daily. There are two tours every day that takes people though the entire process of how beer is made. The tour is a must do, informative and fun the hosts bring a special life to the ale. My host today, Blythe was full of information from the steps of Temperance to handing out samples of the finished product.
KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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The beer can be enjoyed on the premises at the Black Creek Historic Brewery Restaurant and Pub, or
brought home in returnable “growlers.”
KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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KJ Mullins
Black Creek Village Brewery
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Black Creek Village is located at: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, Ontario
blackcreek.ca
