The Hart House Craft Beer Festival was a sold-out event where our reviewer not only sampled 36 beers, but got to speak with reigning chef Marco Tucci and dined on some of the finest barbecue in the city.
Hosted on the University of Toronto campus, the festival celebrates local terrior from Canadian breweries. The lineup included Mill Street Brewery, Moosehead, Spearhead, Muskoka Brewery, Big Rock, Amsterdam, Granite Brewery, Black Oak, Steamwhistle, Hockley Valley, Beau's All Natural, HMH Negotiants, Great Lakes, Creemore and Kensington Brewery. There was even a beer crafted out of flowers, called Rosee d'Hibiscus by Brasserie Dieu du Ciel.
A child-free event [None below the age of 19 allowed], adults ran rampant with mini pint glasses and pulled pork sliders. It was carefree, every single person had either beer or food in their hands and the lines, although long at some booths, moved quickly. An outstanding beer was Hop City's Mr. Huff Persuasion Pilsener, a blonde which goes down easy, has a quick bite and leaves with a great aftertaste.
We recommend going for the 2012 edition. However, be warned! A bewildering array of beers and food in a historic setting means tickets sell out quickly. Get them two weeks in advance if you can.