Caps Off Brewing in St. Thomas is celebrating its sixth anniversary this month, marking a significant milestone for the small brewery that started in 2019. Founded by Rick and Fran Dunseith, the brewery faced challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Despite these obstacles, Caps Off has managed to thrive, thanks in part to its strong community support.

Fran Dunseith expressed gratitude for the local community, stating, "Our community is incredible. It’s great for people who stop in to our little city for a brewery tour so that they can visit both us downtown and Railway City Brewing Co. just on the edge of town." The brewery's physical space is limited, making it feel cozy when filled with patrons. To accommodate more visitors, Caps Off has added an outdoor patio, although Fran hopes for more space in the future.

To celebrate its anniversary, Caps Off has partnered with BackRoads Hops of Parkhill and local running clubs. Rick Dunseith, who has a background in marathon running and triathlons, has incorporated hops from BackRoads into their beers. The brewery is hosting a run on September 13, offering four different routes totaling 21 kilometers. Participants can choose to run a single 5-kilometer route or complete all four.

After the run, attendees will be greeted with a new session IPA made with BackRoads hops. This beer, featuring a lower alcohol content, is designed as a refreshing post-exercise option.

In addition to Caps Off, the region is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of Wellington Brewery in Guelph, Ontario's oldest independently owned craft brewery. Wellington is hosting a special event called Forty Fest, featuring a Latin Craft Beer Carnivale and a Boots and Brews country-themed party.

Meanwhile, Powerhouse Brewing in London has introduced a new Japanese-style rice lager in collaboration with Illbury and Goose. This lager, enhanced with hibiscus, aims to combine the crispness of a Japanese lager with the complexity of a Czech pilsner.

For cider enthusiasts, Thornbury Craft Cider has received accolades at the National Wine Awards of Canada, winning best cider of the year for its Tragically Hip Road Apples and a gold medal for its Raspberry Apple Cider. The area around Thornbury is known for its rich cideries and orchards, making it a popular destination in the fall.