Second-Annual I ❤︎ Beer and Taco Festival Returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre

In what could be a flawless combination, the second-annual I ❤︎ Beer & Taco Festival has returned to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 13.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The festival will contain beer, cider and spirit sampling, games, dancing and tacos.

Tokens are $2.50 and can be purchased on-site or online. They are used for food and drinks.

All general admission tickets include an official 10-ounce I ❤︎ BEER sampling cup. Session one will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and session two will take place from 5 to 10 p.m.

Tickets start at just $9.99 for Session one and $14.99 for Session two (plus HST and Ticket Fees) and slowly make their way up to our regular ticket price of $18.01/$23.01 (plus HST and Ticket Fees)

The Peterborough Memorial Centre notes that this is a 19+ event. Please drink responsibly.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

First Annual I ❤︎ Beer and Taco Festival Coming to The Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets are on sale now for the first annual Peterborough I ❤︎ Beer & Taco Festival at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 15.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

Join the festival for a night of beer, cider and spirit sampling, games, dancing and tacos; featuring 18 local vendors and 14 Ontario breweries and 2 distilleries.

Tokens are $2.50 and are used for food and drinks. They are available for purchase at the event by cash only.

All general admission tickets include an official 12 ounce I ❤︎ BEER sampling cup. Session number one will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and session number two from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

General admission tickets start at $10 (plus applicable fees and taxes) and are on sale online, over the phone or in-person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in person sales Wednesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre notes that this is a 19+ event. Please drink responsibly.

Visit the 2023 Peterborough I ❤︎ Beer & Taco Festival event page for more information.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Haven Brewing Company Builds Giant Beer Can In Honour Of 'Beer Can Appreciation Day'

The first beer can was developed on Jan. 24, 1935 and Haven Brewing Company honoured the occasion with a giant beer can standing in front of their Rye Street business.

Haven Brewing Company co-owners and brothers Andrew (left) and Nathan Anker (right) took over the the former Smithhavens Brewing Company Apr. 9, 2020 but bought the company in October 2019. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“It was idea that we had probably a year ago,” said Nathan Anker, Haven Brewing co-owner. “We realized that January 24 is ‘Beer Can Appreciation Day.’ The biggest part of the idea was we needed something out by the road to make it clear that we're here.”

The can is a repurposed water silo from one of their farmers that had gotten damaged and could no longer be used.

“It froze and cracked so it wasn't really holding water anymore,” explained Nathan. “We got that from him thankfully and they we took it to an auto shop to get it wrapped like you would a car, we did up a design to make it as much like a beer can as much as possible. It's nice to see ideas coming together after a couple of years.”

The process took two weeks for it to be developed once the design and plans were completed. Anker was astonished and impressed with the turnout of the giant beer can when he and his brother went to pick it up.

“It's just awesome, it turned out perfectly, it's exactly the right colouring, it looks like a beer can and you know exactly what it is supposed to be,” said Nathan.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Lacrosse Makes Another Stamp In Its 150th Anniversary With Commemorative Beer

Peterborough’s 150th lacrosse anniversary continues its milestone celebrations with the “150” beer made by Publican House Brewery in a collaboration announced on Thursday.

Marty Laskaris, Publican House president and co-founder (left) and Tim Barrie, Lakers hall-of-fame goaltender (right) shared the ‘150’ lager for the first time on the beer’s launch. Lacrosse began on a cricket field in East City in 1872. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The beer came as an idea from a lunch between Marty Laskaris, Publican House president and co-founder and Tim Barrie, Lakers hall-of-fame goaltender and journalist Ed Arnold.

"We can make a beer, 150-anniversary beer that can help with events in the summer and we can do some other things with the proceeds and we'd love to be a part of that,” said Laskaris. "The whole thing came together after that."

A portion of the beer sales benefits minor lacrosse associations in the Peterborough area. The beer remains on the brewery’s menu as long as it maintains its sales.

"If you read Ed Arnold's book, the book is primarily about 1974 undefeated team but it took 10 years to build that team," said Barrie. "It's something no other community had was a minor system like Peterborough had where we basically lived and breathed lacrosse all summer and it was a sport we loved and we just wanted to play. The foundations of the game are so important."

The beer is a four per cent lager that best represents the undefeated season of the 1974 Peterborough PCOs that went 46-0 according to Laskaris.

"The team that went all the way in '74, undefeated, very smooth, very light on their feet, very fast so I thought this light lager is going to come together with the theme of the team back then," he said.

The beer is available at Publican House’s beer store beside its restaurant. Copies of Arnold’s book, ‘Peterborough’s Perfect Season: With Benny and his Jets’ is also available for purchase.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Bobcaygeon Brewing Company is getting in The Christmas Spirit and Supporting Other Local Businesses With Their Custom Gift Baskets

The Bobcaygeon Brewing Company is celebrating the holidays with their Petes Fan Pack and custom gift baskets featuring their brew and other local goods.

Photo courtesy of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company

The brewery has put together gift options in hopes to encourage people to shop locally for the holidays.

Customers have a choice between three custom gift baskets priced at $50, $100 and $200. In addition to Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. beer and merchandise the baskets also include gifts from Allen Wick Candles, Red Mill Maple Syrup, Kawartha Soap Co and Rolling Grape Vineyards to name a few.

“Our holiday gift baskets feature products from some of our favourite local producers, in addition to our delicious beers. It’s the perfect way to support local this holiday season.” said Richard Wood, president and co-founder, Bobcaygeon Brewing Co.

In addition to gift baskets, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company is launching a Peterborough Petes Fan Pack.

This package includes a Petes Lager t-shirt, a six pack of Petes Lager and a voucher for two tickets to a Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The Petes Fan Pack will be available until supplies run out. Cut off for the gift baskets is Dec. 17.

Customers can pre-order online at bobcaygeonbrewing.ca or in person at the Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. taproom at 649 The Parkway, Unit 4, with both pick up and delivery options available.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes and Local Brewery Partner With Giveaway For Free Hockey Tickets

Hockey and beer have come together in town again as the Peterborough Petes and the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company have partnered for the Petes Lager Homecoming Contest, to win Petes Suite tickets announced Monday.

The Petes Lager was first introduced to Peterborough in March earlier this year. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Beginning Monday until Oct. 17, seven winners will be selected by buying a Petes Lager (16 oz., pint or tall can) at any participating restaurants, scan the QR Code on the coasters with their electronic device and enter all required information for their entry.

Alternatively, participants can download and print the entry form on the Bobcaygeon Brewing Contest company’s website and mail it to Bobcaygeon Brewing Company.

The beer is a 4.0% light lager and the art was designed by Ryan Dawson and illustrated by freelance artist Cam Miller. Photo Courtesy of Neil Morton.

Winners are randomly selected on Oct. 21 and announced through a video that will be shared on the video board and across social media during a Petes home game.

Chosen applicants are required to answer a skill-testing question to claim the prize. All participants must be 19 years of age or older when entering the contest and only one entry per customer per day. Proof of identification will be required. 

For more rules and information on the Homecoming Contest, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Cheers: Peterborough Petes and Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Brew Petes Lager

In a match made in beer and hockey heaven, The Peterborough Petes have released an officially licensed team-branded beer called “Petes Lager” in a unique partnership with Bobcaygeon Brewing Company.

The beer is a 4.0% light lager and the art was designed by Ryan Dawson and illustrated by freelance artist Cam Miller.

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the Peterborough Petes for the new Petes Lager,” says Richard Wood, President and Co-Founder of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company. “At only 4.0%, this light lager is crisp and refreshing, and we know it will become a fast favourite in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.”

The design reflects on the team’s rich history and an homage to Roger, the Petes mascot. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Petes

When Dawson designed the can, he had the Peterborough community in mind as an important factor for the brand.

“We worked closely with the Petes on what is important to the community and what is important to the team,” he says. “It was a bit of a celebration of the fans in with the Bobcaygeon brand.”

Beer design by Ryan Dawson and illustration by Cam Miller. (Photo by Neil Morton)

Richard Wood, President of Bobcaygeon Brewing Company met Burton Lee, Petes Executive director of business operations last summer at the brewery to discuss partnership ideas according to Wood.

“This isn’t the first time the Petes had been approached about a branded beer. It was the partnership that was important to us,” said Lee. “It’s really been a process. That’s what we’re really excited about, we’re excited about the future of this partnership.”

The beverage is a way to support the Petes, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company, and local restaurants. The lager was another outlet to allow the fans to help the team—especially without a season over the past year.

“During the pandemic, there have been less and less ways to support the Petes so I think this is a great way to support the Petes and have a great beverage,” said Lee. “Know that you’re helping the Petes every time you buy a beer.”

Photo by Neil Morton

The drink will be available now at Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Bobcaygeon Brewery General store located at 649 The Parkway, Unit 4, and Peterborough beer stores will be able to sell the lager in four to six weeks.

“We know that Petes fans have an appreciation for great beer and great hockey, and we’re very excited to get Petes Lager into their hands,” says Lee. “Any time we can partner with a local business while benefiting our passionate fan base is a win for us. We believe this is a perfect opportunity for beer drinkers and hockey fans to come together to support local business during what has been a challenging year for our community.”

The Peterborough Petes have won nine Ontario Hockey League Championships as a franchise with over 180 players making it to the National Hockey League.

The Bobcaygeon Brewing Company has crafted over 50 different brands of beer.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Sexist Bar Ad In Peterborough That Crosses The Line

After our post the other day, "Local Health Organizations Justifably Concerned About 'Free Girl With Every Can' Beer Billboards", a PtboCanada female reader tipped us off about the poster (at right) downtown at the White House Hotel advertising cheap beer. "Honestly, I found it worse than the Old Milwaukee campaign," she said to us.

Now we know sexist beer ads are ubiquitous, but does that make it right to continue to create posters like this?

We say no way. Take the thing down.

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.