INGLESIDE – It took a little longer to open than owners Pierre Doucette and Susan Wallwork planned. The Humble Beginnings Brewery opened their doors for the first time February 16th and 17th in Ingleside with a warm welcome from craft brewing fans and the community.
“I can’t believe it,” Doucette told The Leader. “I got here Friday to open up and couldn’t believe the lineup waiting for us. It’s a fantastic response.”
The brewery opened with three different beers available for sampling, and for purchasing to take home. Each of the brews has its own story, one with a Morrisburg tie-in.
The Mad Canadian, a German-style Kölsch beer, pays homage to stunt man Ken Carter, who attempted an unsuccessful jump across the St. Lawrence River in 1976, just west of Morrisburg.
“That one was the idea of Duncan Cowie,” Doucette said. Cowie is the brewer for Humble Beginnings.
Out and About is the brewery’s Pale Ale, which uses Ontario-sourced ingredients.
Day Hiker is the third beer offered by the brewery, which Doucette said is a Vermont-style India Pale Ale.
He said there are plans to add more brews in the near future including a Stout, a Red IPA and a Wheat beer.
Visitors from throughout Eastern Ontario arrived during the weekend to sample the brewery’s beers, some from as far away as Pembroke and Kingston, as well as locals from Cornwall and SDG.
“It’s fantastic to finally be able to share our passion for craft beer with others,” Doucette said.
Beer is available for sampling, and for purchasing in 32 and 64 ounce Growlers.
The brewery will be open for limited hours until their grand opening in at the end of April. Check their website at http://www.humblebeginningsbrewing.ca for up-to-date hours.