EXPLORING CALEDON’S FARM BREWERIES WORDS BY DANI KUEPFER; PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN
IT’S MIDSUMMER, AND THE SUN IS SHINING, THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN, AND MY FARM SHARE IS PAST THE LETTUCE-ONLY STAGE. COULD IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS? SPOILER: IT DOES. I’M HEADED OUT TO CALEDON ON ASSIGNMENT TO CHECK OUT THREE FARM BREWERIES – ALL OF WHICH PRODUCE STAPLES FOR MY GO-TO DOWNTOWN GUELPH HAUNTS – AND I’M EXCITED TO GET MY FEET ON THE GROUND AND MY HEAD OUT OF THE CITY. SO JOIN ME – AFTER ALL, THESE RURAL GEMS DESERVE GOOD COMPANY.
B A DLA N D S BREWI N G COMPANY 1392 6 CHI NG U A CO U S Y R D , CA L E DO N @BAD L A ND S B R E W I NG
110
There’s something enthralling about choosing a thing
beer garden stretches along the country road and
to do and then getting really, really good at it. Trial and
overlooks the neighbouring terrain. There are picnic
error and small wins, honing your craft while getting
tables in the grass, a covered patio where the brewery
closer and closer to the thing you’re chasing. That’s
hosts live music, and even a greenhouse where you
what Badlands owners Grace, Troy, and Mike have
can enjoy a pint on colder, wetter days. The anchor of
been doing since 2017, when they started brewing on
the space, though, is the massive solid wood bar. With
what was essentially a glorified home brew system in
a dozen outdoor taps and seating all around, it’s giving
a retrofitted cattle barn. (Seriously, their original setup
big Nashville energy.
is maybe twice the size of the one that used to live in my kitchen.)
And in the spirit of doing things really, really well, the
Things have certainly changed around Badlands since
great thing to sink your teeth into: smash burgers.
my last visit – the brewhouse has seen a massive
Ontario-raised beef, hand-cut fries, fresh-baked buns,
glow up, the front lawn has been transformed into a
and the classic toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion)
sprawling all-weather beer garden, and a new barn is
grown right on the farm. (And if you’re into portobello
being built, hinting at a burgeoning barrel program.
burgers, they’ve got one of those waiting for you too.)
Despite Badlands' humble beginnings, one thing has always been true: the beer is killer. Indeed, Badlands has been knocking juice bombs out of the park since day one; now, they’re just making more of them. It’s such a treat to see their name on a tap list and know exactly what you’re getting into: a big silky IPA with a rush of bright, fruit-forward hops. Each brew goes down a unique path, but all are mouth-watering and audacious. Woody pine notes? Fluffy mango? Bright,
Badlands folks have been busy perfecting another
If you’re looking for a new place to kick back after a long week, here’s your spot. Come hang out on a Friday afternoon and talk shop (ie beer) with the brewers, have a cold pint, and live vicariously through their ‘chase your dreams and quit your day job’ story. Or, load up the kids and the dog, and drop by for a Saturday afternoon of burgers, local music, and stellar beers. Life doesn’t get much sweeter than this.
peppery lime? Ya, I’m buying what they’re selling. And, I’m buying where they’re selling. Installed onto the front lawn of the place (operated as a cattle farm by Grace’s family since the forties and dating back another century before then), the massive
Best paired with: • leaving work early • making new friends at the bar • your go-to album for the scenic drive
