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Escarpment Magazine Summer 2013
“In North America there are no real standards for that
[brewmaster] designation,” says Gordon Fuller, the brew-
master at Creemore Springs. “In Europe you can get a de-
gree” and the European exams have become a standard
for North American schools that offer diploma and certifi-
cate programs in brewing. Spencer's diploma is proudly
hung in the Kilannan store, and he's right to be pleased with
his accomplishments. Kilannan's alt is even available at Tall-
boys in Toronto.
Spencer isn't the only one in the area brewing altbier. Creemore
Springs introduced their own alt last year in celebration of the
brewery's 25
th
anniversary. But Creemore's alt is a different brew
than Kilannan's. The difference is in the raw materials. Whereas
Spencer imports all his ingredients, Creemore imports the yeast and
hops. The water, too, makes a difference. Creemore uses spring water
while Spencer draws his from a well. The mineral content, which influ-
ences the flavours in the beer, is different. It's this kind of local varia-
tion that helps craft brewers distinguish themselves from their
neighbours.
The altbier isn't the only change to Creemore's line up. Recently the
brewery introduced two new brews under the Mad and Noisy label.
“The idea of the line is to enable us to explore styles and ways of mak-
ing beer that we probably wouldn't do under the Creemore Springs
banner,” explains Gord.
The brewery is still committed to making the same beer that launched
the business in 1987. Both beer and brewery have changed little since
Creemore Springs opened, only the brewhouse and production have
expanded to keep up with demand. “It's amazing what this little brew-
ery does,” says Stephanie McLarty, marketing manager at Creemore
Springs. Everything, from cooking to bottling is done on-site and visitors
are invited to tour the brewery and see Creemore Springs in action.
The tour helps the consumer better connect with the beer. “It's always
been an important part of the interaction with our customers,” Gord
says. Not only does Creemore's welcoming atmosphere benefit the
brewery as a tourist destination, the tour is also an opportunity to learn
about the beer. Indeed, it's great fun to marvel at the cooking vessels
and the huge fermentation tanks, but visitors are given a quick lesson
in the ingredients and processes that give Creemore its distinctive
flavour. “We caramelize the sugar,” says Carol Talbot, retail
coordinator for Creemore Springs by way of example, “to
enhance the colour and flavour. Not everyone does that,
but we think it's an important part of the process.”
Another part of Creemore's brewing process involves
cooking the beer mixture in a large copper kettle. Not only
is it a showpiece on the brewery tour but Gord believes it
makes a difference in the beer. “Copper is a trace nutrient in
yeast,” he explains. “We believe it gives us a little more
flavour and colour than other heating systems.”
Get to know Collingwood Downtown better.
Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Every Saturday
morning from May holiday weekend until Thanksgiving
Art on the Street
- June to October
Live Theatre at the Historic Gayety
- June to September
Jazz at the Station
Every Wednesday evening, late June to August
Downtown Collingwood Patio Party
Each Wednesday, starting at 2,
June 12 to September 11
Collingwood Festival for Canada
Saturday, June 29 to Monday, July 1
Blues Brew & BBQ
-
July 13
Local Live Lunch
- Each Wednesday at Noon
July and August
Collingwood Elvis Festival
- July25 to 28
Collingwood Arts and Music Festival
- August 3 to 4
Wakestock
- August 9 to 11
Tall Ships 1812 Tour
- August 16 to 18
Culture Days
- September 28 and 29
Harvest of the Arts
- Thanksgiving Weekend
Black Harvest
- Saturday, October 26
DISCOVER!
DID YOU KNOW that a thriving downtown core is the key
to a culturally and economically thriving community?
Downtown Collingwood comes alive this spring and summer!
Open-air festivals are just the beginning. Experience
musical, theatrical, artistic, culinary and other great events
and activities … all centred in our historic downtown!
ESCARPMENT EPICURE
|
impeccable taste...
