Q & A With Derek H

Q & A With Derek Hammond

Meet Derek Hammond, Thornbury Craft’s Retail and Hospitality Manager. Derek has worked in the hospitality industry for many years, and is passionate about meeting new people and providing customers with a memorable experience. His knowledgeable understanding of the industry, and friendly demeanor provides Thornbury Village with a unique take to running management. If you know Derek, you know you are always greeted with a smile, and will feel right at home when visiting the Cider & Brew House. Read our Q & A with Derek below, and learn a few fun facts about the man who manages our home, The Village! 

How long have you been a part of Thornbury Village? 

In my current position, since August 1 of 2018. I did also spend 3 months here from Aug-Oct of 2017 as well. 

What is your position?

I am the Retail and Hospitality Manager. 

Tell us what first sparked your interest about working for Thornbury Village? 

I grew up in town here and have long worked in the service industry. This position allows me to work in the town where I live while doing something I feel I’m good at. As a lifelong local it’s also great to see this building transforming into something that’s really cool and unique and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of that.

Being the Retail and Hospitality Manager of a bustling Cider & Brew House, how would you describe your role in a few sentences? 

I oversee the operation of our Taproom and all of our Retail space. This will eventually include some space in the new Brewery addition as well. I also deal with a lot of our off-site events in the local area. Basically it’s my job to make sure that every person who comes into our space has an experience that’s as amazing and entertaining as we can make it, and to make sure that our staff have all the tools they need to make that happen. It’s a bit of a standing joke among the staff here how much I enjoy and admire Disney. Everything they do there, from choosing their people, to creating their spaces, and on down the line, is geared to ensuring that you have an amazing experience with them. It’s almost literally impossible to not have a great time at Disney.  We obviously don’t have their level of resources at our disposal but that’s still the goal- to make sure everyone that visits us has an amazing experience every time. 

Tell us your favourite part about managing Thornbury Cider & Brew House? 

The people. Our staff are amazing to work with and we have hands-down the best customers anywhere. This job is a wonderful amalgamation of interacting with amazing people, being able to be creative with merchandise and events and building something really unique in terms of the environment and what we offer.  It’s easily the most fun I’ve ever had at a job. 

What is the most unique thing that you’ve learned about the brand itself since starting in ____? 

If I start giving out trade secrets I’ll get in trouble! Our ciders are cold-fermented and cold processed in small batch lots and our beer uses a process called decoction whereby they essentially re-boil part of the mash. In both cases it means that our process takes longer than other methods but we believe that the end result is worth the extra time and expense. We feel it’s better to make it well than to make it fast. In this day and age, that’s unique in itself. 

Thornbury has a variety of award-winning craft ciders and beers. What cider and beer have left a mark on you, as your number one favourites? 

I’m not sure that’s a fair question! It’s like asking me to choose my favourite child. They’re all my favourites! I am a particular fan of the Blue Mountain Light Lager, which is a light beer that actually tastes like beer. It’s an area of the market that the Craft Beer Industry has historically largely ignored, which I think was wrong. It‘s a great after-hockey of after-hiking beer, or for just sitting on a sunny patio. I’m also fond of our Dam Dark Lager, which unfortunately isn’t as appreciated as I think it should be. A lot of people get scared by the word Dark and think it’s going to be heavy and high-alcohol, and it’s actually a really tasty and easy-drinking lager.  On the cider side I really love the Raspberry Apple Cider. I think it’s the best one we’ve ever done. It has a nice tartness to the finish that I really enjoy. 

When you’re not managing the day-to-day at the Cider & Brew House, how do you like to spend your time off? 

Parenting. We have two young girls that my wife and I like to spend time with. Hiking, beach visits and paddle boarding in the summer, skiing and hiking in the winter. I am also really missing playing hockey right now. In normal circumstances we also like to travel.

What are you most looking forward to this year at Thornbury Village? 

Definitely the Brewery opening! It’s going to be a really cool space and we’re looking forward to opening it to the public as soon as it’s safe. I’m also really looking forward to being able to welcome people back into our Taproom space. We’re fortunate to have a good-sized patio and the Town has been great in helping us get our patio extension approved during Covid but it will be so nice to be able to go back to something that’s a little more like normal operations when that’s feasible.

Full-sized Brewery coming soon! 

If you could describe your Thornbury Village work experience in one word, what might that be? 

Family. We’re a small company and everyone here, from the owners on down, very much have a pull-together mentality. During the first lockdown, not only did everyone on site here get a bump in pay, but the company also bought lunches for everyone every day from April through the end of June. They asked us to make a point of rotating where we ordered them so that a number of the local restaurants saw some benefit. Every year the President of the company hand-delivers each employee their Christmas thank-you letters. He knows everyone’s name and if we have a new employee he hasn’t met yet, he makes sure to go and introduce himself.  Everyone truly cares about each other and it shows. 

Cheers,

Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House

Q & A With our Local Sales Rep, Ethan Martel!

Q & A with Our Local Sales Rep, Ethan Martel!

Thornbury-Curbside-MSPhotography-38

This month we sat down with a “go getter’ Thornbury Craft employee, Mr. Ethan Martel! Ethan has worked for Thornbury Craft for just under two years and has taken on countless roles in his time as an employee. From tap room serving, to conducting tours of the facility, to helping in production, he has been a great asset to the company and is passionate about the craft beverage industry. This year, Ethan was promoted to a Sales Position which consists of servicing new accounts in the South Georgian Bay area. To learn more about Ethan and his experience at Thornbury, read our Q & A below! 

How long have you been a part of Thornbury Village Craft? 

I will have been here 2 years, as of January 2021. 

 

What is your position? And can you tell us what inspired you to work in the craft beer and cider industry? 

My official position title is Licensee Area Manager. I’m mostly responsible for client acquisition and service, which involves bars, restaurants, golf courses, etc.  I  service these accounts with deliveries and promotional materials. I initially got into the craft alcohol industry, because when I first became of legal drinking age, my parents used to take me around to wine regions in Ontario such as Prince Edward County and Niagara. From then on, I really wanted to own a winery. I studied Hospitality and Tourism at Georgian College, and then moved on to get a diploma in Business as I enjoyed the finance side of things more. It’s still an idea that’s on the back burner, that eventually one day become an executive of an alcohol company or own one myself. 


Did you grow up in the South Georgian Bay area? Where is your favourite area surrounding Thornbury to explore? 

I was born in Toronto, and then moved up to Stayner, Ontario. I grew up there, and now live in Collingwood. I’m a really outdoorsy guy, and enjoy hiking anywhere around the escarpment. 

 

Tell us a fun fact about Thornbury Craft beer or cider! 

When we say that Thornbury Craft cider is made with “fresh pressed apples” many people wonder how we can have fresh pressed apples in April, when it’s not apple season. Our apple supplier has a process where they control the quality of the apples. They put them  into a tank where they reduce the oxygen so the apples don’t go bad. So when we say “fresh pressed”, even if it’s April 3rd, they could have pressed the apples the day before and we could get the juice two days later for our cider. 

 

If you had to choose a favourite licensee in the area to sit back and enjoy some great food paired with a Thornbury beverage, where might that be? 

All of my licensees are my favourite.

  

What Thornbury initiative makes you most proud?

When COVID first hit in the spring, many Thornbury staff ended up in production assisting with the high demands of canned and bottled products going out. It was important to us to support our local restaurants, and we made a habit of buying lunch from a different spot at least 4 days of the week to show our support. These restaurants are people who have supported our product, and we wanted to return the favour when it mattered most.

 

The Ontario Craft Beer and Cider industry has grown exponentially in the last decade. How do you feel Thornbury stands out?

Consistent quality. We have been Ontario’s top Craft Cider at  the LCBO for quite some time. It’s impressive to keep that carrying over, but it’s also important to diversify. I believe we also stand out with the different products we have.

 

You’ve worked for Thornbury for nearly 2 years now. Tell us your fondest memory as an employee! 

My fondest memory would be in May of this year. I had just officially got to my new position. It was an unusual time to start a sales job that deals almost exclusively with food and drink establishments. My first new account was Dunadel Golf Course just outside of Dundalk. It was such a great feeling, and the first account to take a chance on a young man serving alcohol during a pandemic. It meant a lot for me to have someone think my time and our product were worth while, even through such unsure times. 

 

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead at Thornbury?

First thing is the completion of our brewery expansion project. Second, is for our building (hopefully) to be able to open safely again for tours. It would be great for me to bring in some of my local accounts, and give them a tour around the building and let them sample products. I have worked as a tour guide and in production. It would be very nice to be able to give my licensee’s the full experience on how Thornbury Craft products are made.

 

We try not to pick favourites, but everyone has one! Ethan, what is your favourite Thornbury craft beer and cider?  

Beer: Amber Lager. It’s a delicious beer that has just the right amount of flavour and profile, but it’s not too hoppy, bitter, or sweet. 

Cider: Premium Craft Apple Cider. The one we’ve been doing since the beginning. You can enjoy it on any occasion!

 

 

Cheers, 

Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House

 

Blue Mountain Light Lager NOW Available at The Beer Store!

Blue Mountain Light Lager NOW Available at The Beer Store!

Our brewing motto is simple: we take our time to do it right using traditional brewing methods. We brew using the decoction method (slow and steady), which has become essential to our process in crafting award-winning beers. We are dedicated to crafting small-batch European style Pilsners and Lagers that are true to traditional style while producing quality craft, premium beer with the added freshness of a local product. 

Our Brewmaster, James Wilson, is always experimenting with new brews! With our Brew House expansion underway, this will only continue. In 2019 our challenge was to take our brewing method and ingredients, and craft a delicious Light Lager. Our Blue Mountain Light Lager was first bottled last year, and has quickly become one of our most sought after craft beers!

This summer our team knew it was time to make the move to The Beer Store so Blue Mountain Light Lager was more accessible to Ontarians. We are so excited to announce that BMLL 6 packs are NOW available in over 100 Beer Store locations across the province! We think of BMLL as a premium, light, summer beer of your dreams. Read on to learn more about BMLL and why you should crack one open at beer o’clock! 

Blue Mountain Light Lager is crisp, refreshing and palate pleasing. Our Brewmaster created a low malt aroma and light floral hop aroma. In each sip you will notice the moderate grainy-malt flavour with a well-balanced dry, crisp finish. BMLL gives you premium, quality taste with an alcohol percentage of 4%. Toast with a light lager and feel good about what you’re drinking. We are proud to have crafted a light, premium beer with the added touch of local small town charm in every bottle.

At Thornbury, we name our beers after symbolic areas surrounding our home! The Blue Mountains are not only a special place to us, but to many other Ontarians. We named our Light Lager after the beautiful Blue Mountains to pay a tribute to one of Ontario’s most iconic locations and where we are lucky enough to brew. Our hope is that you, your friends and family will crack open a BMLL and relish in your Blue Mountain experiences! BMLL fits hand in hand with summer, and is best enjoyed with great company in the outdoors. Head to your local Beer Store to bring your Blue Mountain memories home with you!

Interested in picking up a 6 pack of BMLL? Click here to visit our official Beer Store page and find a location closest to you! https://www.thebeerstore.ca/beers/thornbury-blue-mountain-light-lager/

Stay tuned! This upcoming month we will be announcing an awesome BMLL giveaway that you’re going to want to enter in! We will also be posting an update on our Brew House expansion! Get excited folks, you will soon be able to enjoy a BMLL, in the heart of the Blue Mountains, in our newly renovated Brew House.

Cheers, 

Thornbury Cider & Brew House 

Follow us on social media, and tell us how you’re enjoying #BMLL @thornburycraft 

Photography by: @marieexploring 

Q & A with our Retail Assistant Manager, Jaime Sirna!

Q & A with our Retail Assistant Manager, Jaime Sirna!

Thornbury Village is a bustling place. From our production area, to our retail / tap room, events space and patio, it’s rare to find a dull moment! Thanks to our amazing staff, our Village runs smoothly each and every day. This month, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jaime Sirna, Assistant Manager of the taproom and retail store.

If you’ve visited us for a tasting, or to pick up your favourite Thornbury bevy’s, you’ve likely had the chance to meet Jaime. Jaime is known to always greet customers with a warm welcome, while giving an authentic and memorable Thornbury experience. Jaime is passionate about Thornbury Village, the Thornbury Craft brand itself, and the town of Thornbury. Being a local, she knows the best spots around Thornbury for you to really soak in your visit!

Read on to learn more about Jaime, and next time you’re visiting us be sure to say hi!

Q & A with Jaime:

When did you first start working at Thornbury Village? What enticed you about working in the Ontario Craft Cider and Beer Industry?
Jaime: I began working at Thornbury Craft in September of 2018 as a taproom associate! I was drawn to the job because of the fast paced fun atmosphere I experienced every time I came into the cidery for a drink, and I really liked all the products!

As Assistant Manager, you are one busy gal! What is your favourite part about running the tasting room and retail space?
Jaime: I was drawn to the management role because I enjoy taking care of multiple facets of running a business. My favourite part is probably booking guests’ private events. I enjoy helping them design their event by advising caterers, drawing room layouts and making their ideas come to life!

What is the most unique thing you’ve learned about Thornbury Craft since becoming an employee in 2018?
Jaime: I love history, and often run facility tours which include a summary of the town and building heritage. The building the Cidery occupies was built in the 1930’s and originally housed all of the local apples before sending them off to grocers! They installed a pipe system on each floor of the building and ran cold water through them constantly to keep the building essentially as a gigantic refrigerator to increase the shelf life of the apples!

Cider or beer, if you had to choose? And tell us your favourite (if you have one)!
Jaime: It would be so hard to choose as I enjoy both, but cider is so versatile! I often mix “wellness” cocktails at home using our local elixir company, Root to Fruit. For example their Elderberry elixir tastes amazing in our Honeycrisp cider, and their Ginger Lime elixir is so refreshing in the premium cider!

Over the years, Thornbury has experimented with a variety of speciality ciders. In your opinion, what has been the most loved by customers visiting the taproom?
Jaime: The most requested cider is always the (Winter seasonal) Spiced Apple Cider – we get SO many calls and emails in the fall from dedicated fans! The most requested summer cider was definitely my favourite too – Let’s Get Tropical was a blend of mango and grapefruit juices.

Being a Thornbury local, you must know all the best spots in the area! Can you list a few of your favourite local spots?
Jaime: The Pom Pom Treat Hut carries amazing plant based ice cream, and the Bruce Wine Bar is our favourite place to have dinner. The Georgian Artisan Shop has beautiful handmade finds and of course the iconic Thornbury Bakery for your coffee and treat needs!

Word on the street, you are one talented vegan chef! What’s your speciality these days? And what Thornbury bevy would you pair your meal with?
Jaime: Yes, my college training is in Culinary and Hotel Management, and I had many years of experience before this job in kitchen roles. I have recently discovered a beautiful wild mushroom farmstand on 7th line in Meaford that grows rare mushrooms with health benefits! So my husband (also a chef!) and I have recently been making risottos, mushroom bruschettas, burgers and a vegan form of “pulled pork” using their oyster mushrooms. Usually pairing these days with the Blueberry Elderflower cider, or the new Clark is in Session IPA!

There are lots of exciting things “brewing” at Thornbury Village. What are you most excited for in the year ahead?
Jaime: I see what you did there! We were expecting to have the Brewery addition built and operating by now. Building has been delayed by a bit, but only makes us more excited to welcome our staff at the Nobleton location here in Thornbury, and to expand our beer line! We also have always dreamed of turning the second floor of the building into an event space – it’s a few years down the road, but I am very much looking forward to growing with the company as we expand!

When you’re not making the day run smoothly at Thornbury, where can we find you?
Jaime: Most days after I leave work, I head to my animal rescue! Love of Brian Farm Sanctuary was founded by myself and two other women in 2018 – and named after the first steer I brought home, Brian! We provide a forever home to neglected or abandoned farm animals, and offer educational farm visits as our schedules allow.

Q & A With Our Brewmaster, James Wilson!

Q & A With Our Brewmaster, James Wilson

This month we had the chance to chat craft beer with our ever-so-talented and passionate Brewmaster, James Wilson! We hope you learn a few fun facts about the brewing industry, our brewing vision, and about James himself. James also shares some very exciting news on a new addition to our home, “The Village”.  

Photo: Steven Elphick, Beer Can Magazine

At Thornbury Village, we pride ourselves on our traditional, small-batch brewing methods. Our beers are carefully handcrafted with a strong commitment to brewing European style Pilsners and Lagers, using top quality ingredients. We have stayed true to our traditional brewing methods since our first brew, and will continue to for years to come. Our Brewmaster, James, is proud to be brewing award winning brews, while staying true to the methods that have been proven to produce ultra-premium beer with the added freshness of a local product. We make our beer in no particular hurry, taking our time to do it right. Besides, what’s the rush? 

Read on! 

Q & A with James: 

Can you tell us about your brewing background? What brought you into the brewing industry, and then to work as Thornbury Craft’s Brewmaster?

James: I took a trip to Poland towards the end of high school and it was there that I learned all beer isn’t just fizzy and tasteless. I began exploring different styles when I got home, and it was when I tried my first Oatmeal Stout that I was inspired to try this home brewing thing I’d been hearing all about. I started home brewing with a friend in his backyard. I then was hired on at King Brewery (later renamed Thornbury) to wash kegs, help out on the bottling line, mop the floor, that sort of thing. Eventually, I learned from there and I’ve been brewing ever since. I’ve been brewing professionally for going on 10 years.

When was Thornbury Craft’s first beer brewed and what style of beer was it? 

James: Our original Pilsner which put us on the map. That’s the only beer we brewed for years until we developed the Amber and Dark lagers in 2010. 

What is your favourite part about working as a Brewmaster in the Ontario Craft Beer industry? 

James: The cliché answer is the free beer of course! In all seriousness, I’d say the camaraderie between the brewers and breweries. It’s a very decent group of people who get along really well. There is lot’s of information and inspiration shared back and forth between us and the various industry gatherings are always a great time.  

The Ontario Craft Beer industry has grown exponentially in the last decade. How does Thornbury Craft differentiate itself from other craft breweries across the province? 

James: I think what makes us different is the way we go about brewing our traditional, old-world style beers. Our brewhouse is designed to allow us to brew using the decoction method which I believe is essential to our process and what makes our beer what it is. It takes much longer to do things this way, but it’s worth it. 

Thornbury Craft has won awards at the World Beer Awards for the last 5 years (2019 awards included below). How does it feel brewing such highly regarded, world famous beers? 

James: Wow, how does one go about answering that one? Haha. Winning an award obviously feels great but it’s not really something I think about day-to-day. When you win an award, it’s for a batch that you’ve already brewed and released. While the recognition is very nice to have, I’m already thinking about the next batch we’re about to make. It is nice to hear when people bring it up though! 

You know the saying, “brew with a view”. Where do you like to enjoy a cold one? 

James: I don’t mind having a beer anywhere to be honest. Love it on the golf course, sitting on a dock, and while hiking with my dog Riker.

Pickup No. 26 Pilsner, Ladder Run Amber Lager, Dam Dark Lager, and Blue Mountain Light Lager all have symbolic names to Thornbury and the surrounding area. To you, which one is the most symbolic and why? 

James: I guess it’s a toss up between Ladder Run and Blue Mountain. Everyone knows what The Blue Mountains are but I was surprised to learn just how popular the fish ladder is in Thornbury. Located in the heart of Thornbury, the Beaver River is home to trout and salmon. Our Ladder Run Amber is a tribute to the fish ladder that allows fish up the river to spawn. Come Fall, it’s exciting (for us) to watch the jumping Chinook Salmon migrate.

Thornbury prides itself on brewing small batch European Pilsners and Lagers that are authentic, traditional and ultra-premium. In your own words, what makes a craft beer truly authentic?

James: I suppose you try to respect the methods developed over centuries as best as you can. Innovation is great, but the classics are classic for a reason. 

What are your favourite styles of brews to experiment with? 

James: These sorts of questions are tough to answer. Haha. I brew what I feel like drinking at the time and what I think might be great to have for the time of year. I have a hankering to make a Black IPA or a Weissbier right now. We’ll see what mood I’m in tomorrow. 

There is a big addition being built behind Thornbury Village. Can you share any hints about this to get our readers excited?  

James: We are building a brewery expansion! Super excited about this and I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time! It’s going to look fantastic and I can’t wait to get started. We’re going to have big glass doors so everyone can take a look inside. We’re really aiming to make this a nice showpiece to welcome visitors to our little town.

The question we’ve all been waiting for! James, what is your top favourite beer? And what meal would you pair it with? 

James: Good question! It’s impossible to name a top favourite, but I’ll say I’m really enjoying our new Session IPA. It’s hoppy, fragrant, and really easy to drink. I’m not the type of person who pairs meals and drinks very often but I’d say this would go great with some good pizza. Who doesn’t love pizza and beer right?

Cheers, 

Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House

Q & A With Our Cider Master, Doug Johnson!

Q & A With Our Cider Master, Doug Johnson

Have you ever wondered who’s behind the magic of our delicious cider? Or have you simply wanted to learn more about our Cider Maker? This month we had the opportunity to chat with Doug Johnson, our “Man Behind The Magic” AKA Cider Master and Manager of Operations at Thornbury Village since we opened in 2007. 

Doug proudly set out to craft premium cider in our state-of-the-art cider production facility amidst 7,500 acres of apple orchards, in the heart of apple country. Using only Ontario’s finest apples, Doug creates Thornbury’s premium, easy drinking, crisp, and refreshing ciders. Doug doesn’t restrict himself to mastering one cider. He loves to experiment with creating new cider flavour combinations with high quality fruit juices that tantalize the palette. 

Read on to learn more interesting, quirky facts about our Cider Master, Doug! If you’re a new (or) long standing Thornbury Craft fan, we hope you enjoy reading & take away some information to share among your friends and family. Cheers! 

Q & A

What is your cider background? And what brought you to work in the heart of Ontario’s Apple Country?

Doug: 

I have a background in biochemistry with 35 years’ experience in various types of fermentations such as enzyme, acetobacter and alcoholic fermentations. I have been involved with the technical side of processing apples for almost 35 years and therefore have an intimate knowledge about apples and apple processing. I also have over 30 years experience in research and development activities in the food and beverage industry. I have been with Thornbury Village Craft Cider House since the very beginning. I developed the first cider for the Thornbury Village Cidery in my basement before even starting to work for the Cidery. When I started to work for the Thornbury Cidery in 2007, there were no tanks or any other equipment. I started from scratch with nothing in place. At that time, I was the only person working in the cidery.

2007                                                          

2020

Ontario is rich with apple orchards spread all throughout the province. What makes Thornbury the heart of it?

Georgian Bay area is the largest apple growing area in Ontario. The quick explanation for this is the Georgian Bay microclimate created by Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. The main reason for this is the microclimate created by two natural features in our area. The most significant of these features is the Georgian Bay, a large and deep body of water. Georgian Bay has a moderating effect on the air temperature which reduces the chances of late spring and early fall frosts. The second feature is the Niagara Escarpment which forms a southern protective, confining boundary to contain the moderating micro climate to the fertile soils near the bay, allowing the apple trees to thrive. 

Thornbury Cider House is an iconic and historic building. In your opinion, what is the most unique fact about the building itself? 

The building was to be used as a bomb shelter for politicians in the event of a bombing attack during the Cold War.

If explained in a few words, what distinguishes Thornbury cider as authentic?

We use fresh pressed apple juice and there is no apple juice concentrate used in the art of crafting our cider. Thornbury Cider is made true to simplicity and traditional principles. Thornbury Cider respects traditional approaches.  

What creates the crisp, dryness of Thornbury’s Premium Apple Cider? 

The key factor is utilizing a Champagne style yeast.

Thornbury has experimented with a variety of delicious, speciality ciders. If you had to choose, which one is your favourite and why? 

My favourite new experimental cider is a new style of cider we have been working on. We expect that we will be doing a soft launch this summer. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you about it at this time except that we are quite excited about it. 

Thornbury’s Honey Crisp Apple Cider was referred to as the “unattainable dream” within the Ontario Cider Industry, until now! Can you tell us more about this? 

There have been rumours for quite a few years stating that numerous people have tried to make cider from 100% Honey Crisp apples (and not flavoured), and for some unknown reasons, they were not able to make it taste good. I was asked to give it a try and we believe we were successful at crafting an excellent tasting Cider made with Honey Crisp apples. There are some Honey Crisp ciders out in the market but they are flavoured honey crisp cider.

If you could give one tip to someone just starting out in their cider-making journey, what would that be? 

Determine concise objectives of what you want to achieve and then do a lot of research up front before you ever start trying to make a drop of cider.

When you’re not busy making Ontario’s top selling cider, how do you like to spend your time?  

I enjoy playing hockey year round. 

Last, but definitely not least… What is your go to cider? 

At this point in time, it is our new Honey Crisp Cider. It is extremely easy to drink. It is a light, smooth, slightly dry cider with soft apple notes and a very faint note of honey.    

Our Honey Crisp Apple Cider is now available in the LCBO! Stock up on this new, delicious creation and tell us what you think on social media.  

Use hashtag #ThornburyHoneycrisp (or) tag us @thornburycraft to be featured on our page.

Cheers, 

Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House

The Alpine Snow TKO Snowboard World Cup comes to Blue Mountain!

We are very excited to announce our partnership with The Alpine Snow TKO Snowboard World Cup! Next Saturday February 29th and Sunday March 1st 2020, the Blue Mountain Village will be hosting the world’s best alpine snowboarders to compete in a head to head format. Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House will be the official Hospitality Partner for Craft Cider.

A few Canadian snowboarders to keep an eye out for are: Darren Gardner, Megan Farrell, Jasey-Jay Anderson, Arnaud Gaudet, Kaylie Buck, and MORE! 

The weekend will be full of festivities, kicking off Friday night with the bib draw and opening celebration. The heats and finals will take place on both Saturday and Sunday. Come and join us to cheer on Team Canada!  

This is an event you will not want to miss. Not to mention, entry is FREE! Bring your family and friends along to watch the world’s most talented snowboarders fly down the challenging course on Blue Mountain. 

While you’re there, be sure to look out for Thornbury Craft! Our Premium Apple Cider will be available all weekend long! 

You can find us at these events throughout the weekend: 

Friday:

  • VIP Opening Event & Bib Draw at Copper Blues (5:30 – 7:30 PM)
  • Pre Party at Kaytoo (9:00 PM)

SATURDAY: 

  • Alpine Snow TKO Beer Garden at Copper Blues (10-6 PM) 
  • Alpine Snow TKO CBC Broadcast Viewing at Kaytoo (3-4 PM)
  • VIP Viewing Deck
  • Official After Party at Kaytoo (8PM-2 AM) 

SUNDAY: 

  • Alpine Snow TKO Beer Garden at Copper Blues (10-6 PM) 
  • Official After Party at Kaytoo (7PM)

Check out the full weekend schedule here: https://www.alpinesnowtko.ca/en/schedule/

Attending the event? Be sure to use our hashtag #thornburycraft or tag us @thornburycraft 

Check out our Social Media Channels throughout the weekend for LIVE updates! 

GO TEAM CANADA!

Cheers, 

Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House

A Greener Village

Happy New Decade from Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House! 

A new year brings on new initiatives! We are so pleased to start the new decade with green initiatives at our forefront. 

Single use plastic has been proven to have increasingly harmful effects on our environment & eco systems. The studies are shocking and the need for change is now. At Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House we are working towards swapping out plastic for environmentally conscious alternatives. We thought a key area to focus on would be our packaging, specifically our six pack holders. 

Introducing our newest addition… 

The E6PR (Eco Six Pack Ring) – COMPOSTABLE + REUSABLE! 

The E6PR is the first eco-friendly six pack ring made from by-product waste and other compostable materials. The E6PR uses wheat and barley waste from breweries as some of the compostable materials used for production of the 6 pack rings. When thrown away properly, the E6PR finds its way to a compostable facility where it will degrade in a few days. If it’s left out in open land or a water system it will degrade in a matter of weeks. Another amazing fact is that it’s made from 100% compostable organic materials that do not cause harm to wildlife if ingested.

The E6PR Compostable 6 Pack holder is an innovative alternative to commonly used plastic rings, that are used by most beer retailers in the market. It has been proven that plastic packaging is one of the leading causes of the plastic waste generated around the globe. Most plastics are not biodegradable resulting in microplastic fragment accumulation, which is a growing problem affecting marine wildlife and ocean pollution. Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House is striving to do our part in contributing to minimize the plastic waste in the beverage industry. 

Not only has the Eco Six Pack Ring inspired Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House to be more environmentally friendly, but it has already inspired our customers as well! The E6PR gives customers a unique opportunity to make their own contribution to a greener world. 

Please visit our retail store to pick up your favourite Thornbury ciders & beers in our compostable 6 pack holders. 

If you have already, we thank you very much for your contribution to a greener village and a greener YOU! 

Cheers, 

Thornbury Village Cider & Brew House

Enjoy Patio Season Year Round!

Patio-Igloo-Seating

Canadians love patio season. Each year we count down the days until summer returns so we can soak in the sun with a beverage in hand! Patio season invokes sunshine, good times shared and toasting with friends and family. Our patio has become a hot spot for locals, as well as new comers visiting Grey County. We have visitors from all around the world and we pride ourselves on our welcoming and unique patio space conveniently located right off Highway 26.  

We are excited to share with you the newest addition at the Thornbury Village Cider and Brewhouse, the Patio Igloos! 

Instead of waiting a long 8 months each year for patio season, these patio igloos are the perfect way to extend patio season all year long, by shielding customers from all sorts of undesirable weather conditions. The transparent, cold-resistant cover will help keep the cold air out and the warmth in and allows for our customers to enjoy their flights and pints on the patio in a true Canadian style! Cheers to that.

Not only are these patio igloos new and exciting for us at Thornbury Village, but they are the very first patio igloos, for winter seating, in all of the Blue Mountains and Surrounding areas. Perhaps we’ve started a new trend, where patio season lasts year round! 

Are they warm? 

YES they are! Our igloos are similar to greenhouses. Once your group is inside they will stay extra cozy!

Did we mention the igloos are decorated with lights so you can enjoy them well into the evening? Check out this group last Saturday evening!

We hope to see you on our patio this winter! When visiting, tag us on on social media @thornburycraft to be featured on our feed. 

Cheers, 

Thornbury Village Craft Cider & Brew House

Apples For All 2019

Feed Ontario unites food banks, industry partners, and local communities in their work to end hunger and poverty. Sadly, the need for food banks in Ontario continues. Thornbury Village took part in Feed Ontario’s Hunger Action Month for the second year in a row. 

Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s initiative. With your help, we successfully reached our goal of donating $10,000 in our “Apples For All” campaign, which helped provide 30,000 meals to Ontarians in need. 

How did we raise funds for Apples For All? 

With every Premium Apple Cider can sold in September, $0.10 went to Feed Ontario. Being the #1 selling cider in Ontario, it was a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for an extremely worthy cause. 

Thornbury Village loves giving back to the community and we are proud to help out.  

To those who took part in this year’s “Apples For All” campaign, whether it was 1 can or 10 cans purchased, you had a significant role in helping us reach our goal in collaboration with Feed Ontario. Cheers to you!