New Brewery Ready To Break Through the Pandemic With Quality Brews

As the province is opening up for more businesses to operate, Haven Brewing Company is serving up traditional European-style beers for the city of Peterborough.

Brothers Andrew Anker (left) and Nathan Anker (right) favourite beers of their company are the Schwarzbier and All Natural Belgian Blonde Ale respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The duo official took over former Smithhavens Brewing Company back Apr. 9 last year but bought the company in October 2019.

The brewery had to face challenges after taking over the company during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but has high expectations for themselves as Ontario is gradually opening back up.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunities right now and while it’s been a difficult year and we’re a small local company,” said Nathan Anker, Haven Brewing Company, President and CEO. “We are going to do anything we can to help other businesses out there and I’m sure that will be reciprocated too.”

Nathan Anker previously had eight years of business and brand development experience in automotive before owning Haven Brewing Company. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The brewery focuses on European-style beers that remain tried, test and true to the classics that have been appreciated over time. The company applies its own twists to their products to deliver a unique taste and style as an homage to the classic traditions.

Several of their ingredients are imported from Europe to retain that genuine flavour and style within their beer.

“They're all recipes that have existed for a really long time and there's a reason they've existed because it's really good beer,” said Nathan. “We've just taken it, refined the recipe a bit but we also try to keep as true as possible to the process.”

Some beers that were originated from Smithworks has been incorporated into Haven with slight adjustments to make it more true to the traditional European style such as the Hefeweizen according to Nathan.

Brewmaster Andrew Anker graduated from Niagara College in 2012 their inaugural brewing program beginning in 2010. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

The idea of the brothers owning their own brewery felt like a match made in heaven. Andrew had worked with several breweries for the past decade while Nathan wanted to become an entrepreneur as a change from working in the automotive business the last eight years.

“The intention that he would open his own (brewery) then I came in as the business mind and I always intended to open my own company but I never really knew what I wanted to do,” explained Nathan. “We just put the two together, he makes great beer, I’m going to do the business side of things and it was kind of a no-brainer.”

Haven Brewing Company has over 20 different Peterborough restaurants that serve their beer such as Apollo Grill, Nateure’s Plate and Shoeless Joe’s.

When permitted, the brewery plans to host indoor seating with pub snacks and events such as bingo night. During Step 2, the business has outdoor tables for patrons to enjoy their craft beers.

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