Stray Dog Brewing Company and the Orleans Craft Beer Festival

Straying from the Norm with Stray Dog Brewing

Craft Beer

The Craft Beer market in Ottawa has just exploded in recent years. Actually I think it has exploded in a lot of places. I love the fact that people are finding opportunities to switch careers and focus on what they love.

Stray Dog Brewing is just that, two guys and a gal with a love of beer who are following their dream. I cannot believe I promised to share their amazing brewery way back in September and here it is already January. Call me a slacker or just call me busy but today we are finally heading to the Brewery.

Stray Dog

Like all good beer stories, this one starts out with two guys, a girl, and a lot of beer………..

The Stray Dog Brewing Company is more than just craft beer; it represents the spirit of adventure and the courage to pursue the passions that enrich our lives. Many people choose to give up on their dreams because of fear of failure, but yearn for something more. Metaphorically, a lot of us feel chained up or held back in one form or another. These chains can be the result of external forces or they can be self-imposed. Justin, Marc and Gen had the will to break free from these chains and venture out into the unknown. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is about freedom to do what feels right, the defiance of a life of confinement, and taking the risk to do something great, even if it means leaving the security your current life offers.

The Brewery

Truth be told I love Stray Dogs, great beer, great people and a sense of community. They do offer brewery tours and have an awesome tasting room open to the public. Event space is available but alas there is no food on site ( at least not yet). I am thinking it will not be too long before this threesome joins up with a few local Orleans businesses and start offering some specialty food items.

They are unique in that they do not offer growlers, grumblers or fill your own bottles. You can however purchase cans, kegs and even a glass or two while there. It is family friendly and no surprise pet friendly too. Both kids and dogs need to be on a leash ( OK just kidding) dogs on a leash but all must be well behaved.

The Beer

There are many options for a refreshing beverage and I am going to start with my all time fav, alas a seasonal delight but well worth the wait.

The Count (Spiced Autumn Ale – seasonal) (currently on tap only)

This spiced autumn ale gets some of its alluring colour and character from the generous helping of pumpkin puree added to the mash, plus the brown sugar, fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and allspice added to the boil. The Count balances the wonderful flavours and aromas of Thanksgiving with the insatiable excitement of Halloween. 5.6% ABV, 27 IBU

this is followed up with

Anytime (pale ale)

This american-style pale ale exhibits a glorious golden hue with a slight bitter finish, and the nose expresses mild and pleasant tropical hints of mango, tangerine and pineapple, with a slight resinous back note. The perfect blend of character and sessionability. As the name suggests, enjoy Anytime…anytime. 5% abv, 35 IBU

There are several amazing IPA’s, an Oatmeal Stout, a California Common, a seasonal saison and a few more on and off again favs. Stop in for a Shaggin Wagon or maybe a Jeanne D’Arc.

Support Local and the Best Beer

Awesome news for the Brewery they were named as one of the best five new breweries in Canada. Stray Dog, a newcomer to the city’s Orleans district. It opened with a fruity, malty take on an IPA — which the brewery dedicated to late Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy — but also rolled out a perfect-for-summer cucumber wheat beer.

Pounders Club

If you think back to September and a fun outfit post I shared the information about the Pounders Club, don’t recall, no worries you can hop over to refresh your memory but come right back.

If you recall I purchased a membership for Kent back in June and he was member number 8. Since then the brewery is opened, the beer is flowing and we have been a time or two. Well, last Friday Kent as a Pounder received an invite to a members only event ( and I was his plus one). The Orleans Craft Beer Festival was announcing the dates, time and important details of the 2018 festival

Orleans Craft Beer Festival

What a great event Friday night, music, some amazing YOW Popcorn and or course BEER. We attended the Craft Beer Fest last year ( the three hottest days of summer) and cannot wait for 2018.

Many of the same as well as a few new brewers will be in attendance, more food, more music and more friends. In fact that is this years theme MORE everything.If you are in Ottawa mark June 7-9th on your calendar. If you are from Ottawa maybe book a visit, it will be worth it I promise. 18 Breweries, a distillery, a vineyard and a tea company plus word has it some Cider will be on site too.

The entertainment this year is very promising the Barstool Prophets, The Lionyls and Erik Eggleston just to name a few. I am looking forward to a few days of sun, fun and beer, want to join me?