Hugh and Bill Colbert celebrate a gold medal win at the Canadian Brewing Awards.
It’s been just one year in business for Cold Bear Brewing Co. in Arnprior but what a year it’s been.
Awards, events, collaborations, and plenty of community support has made the first year extra special, says co-owner and head brewer Hugh Colbert.
In October, Cold Bear took top honours at the Canadian Brewing Awards in the hoppy lager category for its K7S West Coast Pilsner.
More recently, Cold Bear was recognized at the Ontario Brewing Awards, picking up a silver medal in the no-to-low-alcohol beer category for the Spry Beer, a non-alcoholic tart beer, and a bronze for the Homesteader’s Table Beer in the Saison category.
Colbert has enjoyed sharing the awards experience.
Part of the company’s success so far relies on what is used to make the beer.
As much as possible, raw materials are sourced locally and Cold Bear works closely with a number of local businesses and suppliers.
Malt comes from Mississippi Mills Malting Co. in Pakenham, a lot of local hops suppliers are in Eganville, the Pontiac, Kingston and beyond, and fruit from area farms is used in the specialty beers.
Support from the community and other businesses has been fantastic, said Colbert.
Cold Bear is growing and going forward, Colbert hopes to continue to establish more of a presence in the community and support and be involved more local initiatives.
As far as the product goes, the company released 26 different beers in 2023 and will launch two more as part of the upcoming first anniversary celebrations.
The anniversary event on Jan. 27 features beer, food and live music and while the first two time slots are already sold out there are still tickets available for the first one.
Visit their website for more information or anniversary tickets.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)