Rural Ontario is emerging as a key player in the craft brewing scene, with small towns offering unique breweries that are worth exploring. Leamington stands out as a notable destination for beer enthusiasts, particularly for its Cured Craft Brewery.

Cured Craft Brewery, located in a historic building from 1911, has quickly become a popular spot since its opening in 2020. The brewery faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Essex County, which was the last region in Ontario to reopen. Initially, Cured Craft only offered canned beer, but strong community support helped it thrive. "We are grateful for the community's support, which has made us the lively spot we are today," said Lisa Bradt, who co-owns the brewery with her husband, Scott.

The brewery's name, Cured Craft, has multiple inspirations. It references flue-cured tobacco and honors William T. Gregory, who introduced the process to Ontario after moving from North Carolina. Gregory owned the building where the brewery is located and was recognized for his contributions during World War I. The name also connects to Scott's butcher shop across the street, where he cures meats, and to Lisa's nursing profession. The brewery's beer names often reflect local history and personal stories. For instance, the wheat ale Honey Badger is named after Lisa's nickname, while Colonel G’s Cream Ale pays tribute to Col. Gregory. Other offerings include the tropical New England IPA Triple ‘A’ and Pelee Pilsner, named after a nearby national park.

Cured Craft also features seasonal beers like Black Dog, a black lager with coffee and chocolate flavors, and a food menu that goes beyond typical brewery fare. Unique dishes include a prime rib ciabatta sandwich with Southern Ontario Stout-infused au jus and housemade queso made with Pelee Pilsner. The brewery's heated, dog-friendly patio makes it an inviting spot year-round, especially during Leamington's summer Mexican festivals.

In addition to Cured Craft, other breweries in the region are also making headlines. Broken Rail in St. Marys has released a selection of Christmas beers, including Rebel Without a Claus, a candy cane lager, and Berry Naughty, a raspberry chocolate stout. These are available in six-packs for $22.

Neustadt Springs Brewery is known for its Backyard Brew, a wet-hopped pale ale made with hops grown in the brewers' backyards. The fresh hops are picked and brewed on the same day, creating a citrusy flavor. This beer is available for $4 per 473 ml can.

Black Gold Brewery in Petrolia recently celebrated its fifth anniversary by offering a 12-pack of its original beers. For those interested in mead, Heeman’s Cellar in London has reintroduced Black Stripe Bochet, a dry mead made with caramelized honey and aged in Canadian whisky barrels. This mead, which has notes of brandy and smoke, is sold in 750 ml bottles for $35.

As rural Ontario continues to develop its craft brewing scene, these small-town breweries are becoming essential stops for beer lovers and food enthusiasts alike.