Cover photo by Peter Lusztyk for Destination Ontario.
Proudly Canadian, the MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. (1915 County 22 Road, Bath) is a story I love to share.
When Daniel and Ivan MacKinnon were drawn back to their ancestral lands as eighth-generation farmers, they wanted to honour their family’s heritage and traditions, but sustaining and caring for a 1,300-acre farm is not an easy task. Underlying their desire to get “back to the farm” was the need to evolve and make what they were doing relevant in an age where few people truly appreciated what it takes to put high-quality, sustainable food and drink on the table.
Perhaps over a pint or two, the brothers decided to start a craft microbrewery in one of their ancient barns, using only ingredients grown on their land. In 2018, they launched Harvest Ale, a single brew that they delivered within a 25-kilometre radius. Word of mouth spread, and soon a few bars in Kingston, and Lennox & Addington counties, began promoting Harvest Ale to their patrons. Demand grew, and the rest is history.
Today, MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. produces more than a dozen varieties of beer that are sold throughout Ontario at grocery stores, the LCBO and restaurants. Each has a distinct flavour profile and a story of its own. My favourite is their Philomena Pilsner. Maybe because that’s my favourite Irish cousin’s name, or perhaps because it’s named after their grandmother, who was famous for her beer bread. I never tasted the bread, but I admire her philosophy—half for the batter, the other half for the baker!
Despite their success, the brothers have remained true to their roots, continuing to find innovative ways to open their home and their hearts to family, friends, neighbours and strangers.
On August 17, the MacKinnons hosted the sold-out 10th Anniversary Back to the Farm Beer & Music Festival. But if you missed it, don’t despair. There are still several ways to tour the brewery, enjoy some tunes and sample a beverage or two in the taproom on the lower level of the renovated barn or on the patio, surrounded by swaying fields of wheat, barley, hops and sunflowers.
The brewery and taproom are currently open seven days a week. And on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4 pm, you can relax in the cozy, convivial atmosphere and tap your toes to live music played by talented local musicians. Here’s the schedule for the rest of the summer and early fall.
Next time you find yourself in Bath or Kingston, do yourself a favour and find your way “back to the farm.” I know you’ll be glad you did.
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The offices of Ottawa Road Trips are located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in and travel through this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.
