SIMCOE, ON – A new brewing company founded by two local couples has announced the release of its first beers in Ontario’s Norfolk County.

Backyard Brewing has been founded by Craig Watkins & Sarah Fritch and John Harris & Barb Rideout, and is brewing its beers under contract at The Blue Elephant Artisan Brewery & Pub in Simcoe.

Backyard’s beers have been developed and brewed by Fritch, a graduate of the Niagara College brewmaster and brewery operations program who has been head brewer at the Blue Elephant for the past several years.

Rather than concentrating on flagship brands, Backyard will instead offer several “flagship styles” – including Something Easy, Something Hoppy, Something Funky, Something Dark, and Something Else – and will constantly rotate different beers through each of them.

Sales of Backyard beers kicked off this past weekend at the Blue Elephant, with two beers – Vienna Kriek and Banana Chocolate Milkshake Porter – available under the “Easy” and “Dark” labels. Upcoming beers include Tropical IPA and Wood-Aged Rye Wit.

For more details, see the Backyard Brewing website and Facebook page.

Source: Shoreline Beacon
Photo: Backyard Brewing Facebook page