Local Fredericton Taprooms: A Beginner’s Guide
Bang. Over the past 10 years, the craft brewing scene in Fredericton has done exactly that. With 25 producers of beer, cider, wine, and spirits in the Fredericton Area, fermenting, brewing and distilling over 250 different bottles, cans, flagons, and growlers of craft beverages...you would pass out just attempting to list them all (and don’t even try to taste them all)! So, where do you even begin? Here.
This is a crash course in Fredericton Brewing for the uninitiated. If you do find yourself wandering the trails of the River City or are lucky enough to call it home, this blog post should help you get your feet wet if you’re not sure where to start. (Not literally of course, but hey, sometimes summer nights take unexpectedly adventurous turns.)
Let’s break this down into 3 sections. The best drinks in the city (in my opinion), the best places to grab those drinks, and the best way to dive right in. We’ll start here.
Launched in 2020, the Fredericton Taproom Trail, combines the two best parts of the city. It’s 120km of trails, and it’s blooming brewery scene. Having just returned to Fredericton this summer after a long trip away, I got a few friends together to tackle this adventure. There are 10 local taprooms on this trail (be smart, space it over a weekend or two). We built ourselves a 5 stop, 12km biking route to fill a Saturday afternoon.
Here it is:
Starting at Maybee Brewing company we took advantage of their 1$ discount for bikers and grabbed a WorkHorse IPA (one of my favourites), from there we biked the 6km of trails to Queen Street where we visited Red Rover Craft Cider home of the first hard cider in New Brunswick (please note: Red Rover Craft Cider has since moved to 880 Hanwell Road, Unit 303) next was King West Brewing Company inside RustiCo for some wood-fired pizza. Next, we biked along the river and across the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge to the Picaroons Roundhouse for a Dooryard, their famous summer ale. As the sun dropped over Fredericton, we ended up at the TrailWay Brewing Company patio, a beautiful spot to end the day. This Route: 12 km. 6 hours. 5 breweries. (A very slow pace)
This was only 5 of the 10. One adjustment I would make, is adding a 6th. Not because we needed more variety, but we could have gotten that important 6th stamp on our Taproom Trail Map, which would have scored us a bumper sticker. (8 stamps gets you a t-shirt, and all 11 an entry to win a weekend at the 2022 Fredericton Craft Beer Festival).
While we saved a few stops for another time, I’ve been tasting my way around Fredericton for years now. Here are some of my favourites beers and ciders of the bunch.
Cheval D’Or @ Grimross Brewing Company [5.6% ABV - 19 IBU]
A Belgian inspired Farmhouse Ale. This bright golden beer is the brew that built the brewery. A pick that you can easily have 2 of.
Maple Grove @ Red Rover Craft Cider [7% ABV]
They Nailed it. A semi-sweet (but not too sweet) cider with a nice vanilla finish. Made with New Brunswick Maple Syrup!
Patagonia Pale Ale @ Graystone Brewing [5% ABV - 50 IBU]
A tasty American Pale Ale with bold tropical flavour and aroma. Thought by many to being one of the best beer in the city.
Strawberry-Lime @ York County Cider [5.8% ABV]
This summer cider has people flocking to their patio and trivia night for a pint. The only thing more bold than the taste of this cider, is the colour. It’s a must-have.
Looking for a spot to try them? While these next locations all brew their own beer, most pubs and taprooms share the love and have selections from the other breweries and cideries in the city as well. (The Joyce has 36 on tap!) Here’s my list of the best places to enjoy a drink in the city.
1. The Roundhouse @ Picaroons Brewing Company
My new favourite spot in the city, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
This outdoor/indoor venue has it all. A view of the city, trail access, and some of the best brew in the city.
2. The Patio @ Graystone Brewing Company
From the day it opened in 2016 it’s been packed. It’s one of Fredericton’s favourite downtown hangouts.
3. The Cap
Formerly the “Capital Complex”, this multi-room party spot has a room for just about any vibe you’re looking for. Most Frederictonians would say their best night out in the city started or ended here. It’s a classic.
4. Mama’s Brew Pub
While making the video for this project, I found myself in Mama’s for the first time. It left an impression. It’s located on the Northside and it’s everything I could possibly want in a pub. Friendly and funny staff, great beer, and a cozy atmosphere. I’ll be back.
5. Gahan House Riverside
Its high chandeliered ceiling, dark polished wood, and a long row of taps makes this place glow. Serving oysters and hiding a little garden patio in the back. It’s a beautiful spot.
While the summer of 2020 may not have been spent dancing at nightclubs, or jumping around at music festivals, we have a unique opportunity to spend these beautiful months around campfires, and on lawn chairs.
It was the summer of backyard barbecues, watching the sunset from patios, and exploring the places we may have overlooked in the past.
All of these things pair so nicely, with a nice cold beer.
Click here to join Mike Corey as he explores MORE of his favorite things to eat, see and do in Fredericton!
