Beer lovers rejoice as Georgina gets first craft brewery

By: Michelle Poirier

Local beer lovers have something new to cheer about, as Turkey Shoot Brewing Co. (TSBC) is set to open its doors in Georgina.

While TSBC is currently using other brewer’s facilities to produce its beer, it’s planning to open a craft brewery and retail outlet in Georgina, possibly in Keswick.

The exact location has yet to be announced, as it’s still in the process of finalizing a commercial lease, but it will appear shortly on their Facebook page.

TSBC co-owners Kyle Stewart, head brewer and sales manager, his fiancé, Jaclyn Dipietro, general manager, and their long time friend, Brennan Roy, brewer and finance manager, started the business after Mr. Stewart moved back to Ontario after living in British Columbia.

While in British Columbia, Mr. Stewart followed the progress of a local start-up craft brewery, and saw how it soon became a destination location for beer lovers and tourists alike.

“We thought, why not try to do something similar and build a community hub somewhere. Jaclyn suggested Georgina, and now we’re trying to make our way there,” he said.

“She suggested Georgina because that’s where she grew up, and there’s no craft beer there yet. It very much has that small-town community vibe we want.”

The three partners are all from small towns in Ontario, Ms. Dipietro is from Baldwin, Mr. Stewart is from Belmont, and Mr. Roy is from St. Thomas.

For the last year, Mr. Stewart said they have been working out of his basement in Etobicoke, brewing, sampling for friends and refining their recipes.

After their launch plans had to be pushed back for months due to COVID-19, TSBC launched their first beer, the Pefferlaw Pale Ale, on July 11 at Bailey’s Homestead in Keswick.

Mayor Margaret Quirk has shared her support for the company, posting about them on social media.

“Georgina is home to many exciting businesses and services, and now we can say that we have our very own brewery,” Mayor Quirk said.

“I have personally sampled their Pefferlaw Pale Ale, and I know this is something that many in our community and beyond will embrace and support. I had the opportunity to virtually meet with the owners, who shared some great ideas they have on tap for their business.”

Something that sets TSBC apart from other craft breweries is that they use 100 per cent of Ontario grown hops.

“This is something we are proud of, and we are always going to be doing, we’re not going to change our philosophy. We are heavy supporters of local business and Ontario gown products,” Mr. Stewart said.

While the initial launch went well, the trio is excited to open their own location with a taproom, retail, events and the opportunity to showcase local food.

“We’re really excited that the town has been so welcoming so far because it is such a weird time to be launching a business, especially a business built around interactions,” Mr. Stewart said.

You can find Pefferlaw Pale Ale at Offsides Sports Bar and Grill, The Beach Lakefront Bar and Grill, The Boondocks Eatery, Ramada by Wyndham Jackson’s Point and Lake Simcoe Arms Pub.

“Gobble, gobble,” Mr. Stewart and Ms. Dipietro said at the end of the call.

For more information visit, www.turkeyshootbrewingco.com