A Guide to Newfoundland Craft Breweries

Newfoundland beer might be a bit late to the microbrewery and craft beer game but we’re starting to catch up in a big and tasty way. While our oldest brewery opened in 1996, it didn’t have a lot of company until 2008. Now there are almost 20 Newfoundland breweries right across the province. For a province that’s typically known for mass-brewed, but limited availability, beer like Black Horse and India (Molson Coors) or Blue Star and Jockey Club (Labbatt) we’re becoming a legit craft beer destination.

How Many Microbreweries are in Newfoundland?

At the moment, there are 21 craft breweries open in Newfoundland all the way from St. John’s to Corner Brook, St. Anthony, and Labrador.

If you’re visiting and want to know where to find all this delicious new craft beer, I’ve compiled a handy guide to Newfoundland breweries. I’ve decided to leave out the two national breweries in town: Molson Coors and Labatt, and instead focus on smaller operations.

Eastern Newfoundland

Quidi Vidi Brewing Co.

Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. opened for business in 1996 as one of the first microbreweries in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s located in Quidi Vidi village just a few minutes from the heart of downtown St. John’s and offer brewery tours and tastings during the summer. My favourite of theirs is the Iceberg Beer, made from melted down local iceberg ice, making it a super pure taste.

In 2018 Quidi Vidi Brewery underwent a major renovation and expansion that added a three-barrel pilot system to their brew room. Since then they have gotten very creative with their brews, pushing past their stalwarts and experimenting with new flavours and styles. They have since become one of the most prolific and innovative breweries in Newfoundland.

In late 2020, they opened their Hops Shop at 16 Harbour View Ave in east St. John’s where you can pick up beer, gift cards, and merchandise.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 35 Barrows Rd, St. John’s, NL A1A 1G8
• First Brewed: 1996
• Availability: In NLC stores across the province and at their Hops Shop at 16 Harbour View Ave, St. John’s

 

 

YellowBelly Brewery & Public House

YellowBelly was the first new entry to the microbrewery business in over a decade and remains the only locally owned brewpub in the province. This is one of the first places I recommend visitors stop for a bite and a pint. Housed in a fully restored building from 1846 the place oozes character. While their repertoire isn’t large – they stick to half a dozen styles – the quality is always reliable. I’m a fan of the Wexford Wheat but if you’re a Guinness drinker, their St. John’s Stout can’t be beat.

With locations downtown at the St. John’s Airport and availability at NLC locations, it’s easy to get yourself some Come From Away ale during your Newfoundland vacation. They also offer tastings and tours out of their downtown location.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 288 Water St, St. John’s, NL A1C 5J9
• First Brewed: 2008
• Availability: At NLC locations

 

 

Bannerman Brewing Co.

Bannerman Brewing Co. is named for the nearby park and operating out of the former East End fire station on Duckworth Street in St. John’s. Since opening in May 2019 they have become a popular gathering place for locals. Operating as a coffee shop in the morning and brewery in the afternoon and evening means that you can always drop in to have a chat with a friend or get caught on work on your laptop at one of the communal tables in the bright and airy taproom.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 90 Duckworth St, St. John’s, NL A1C 1E7
• First Brewed: May 11, 2019
• Availability: At the taproom

 

 

Landwash Brewery

Landwash Brewery opened in December 2018, becoming the first taproom in Mount Pearl. They brew flavour-forward beers inspired by modern American craft beer with some German leanings and serve it up in their bright and welcoming, beer-hall style taproom where you can also grab some food from Saucy Mouth Food Truck. The brewery itself gets its name from one owner’s grandmother who used the term to refer to the beach in Branch where the family originates. The Newfoundland Dictionary defines “land wash” as the area on the beach between low and high tides. Each of their brews is high-quality and approachable. In fact, many in the know have claimed that Brackish is the best sour in the entire province.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 181 Commonwealth Ave, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4L3
• First Brewed: December 2018
• Availability: At their taproom, NLC locations

 

 

Storm Brewing

Storm Brewing is one of the oldest microbrews in Newfoundland and probably the one that people know least about aside from the fact that they’ve stuck to the Newfoundland style stubby bottles. They don’t have any public buildings and their supply can be spotty so it’s not always available but if you can get your hands on some raspberry wheat, grab it.

Fact Sheet

• Location: Mount Pearl (no taproom)
• First Brewed: 1995 (as Freshwater Brewing)
• Availability: In select NLC stores

 

Ninepenny Brewing

Ninepenny Brewing is a craft brewery in Conception Bay South, NL that was created by friends. The name is born from their ancestors’ love of beer and pays homage to the old English pubs where stories were told and beers were shared. It also makes a subtle nod to the nine communities that came together to create Conception Bay South. They started serving in February and had their official grand opening in June 2019.

Most of the names for our beers are inspired by the history of the region, especially the ways in which it has played a part in local, national, and international history.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 75 Conception Bay Hwy, Conception Bay South, NL A1W 3A3
• First Brewed: February 2019
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Baccalieu Trail Brewing Company

Baccalieu Trail Brewing Company is set up in the Town of Bay Roberts, along the Conception Bay Highway, on the Baccalieu Trail. They focus on classic beer styles, brewed in small batches. One of their goals is to become a community hub and promote all that the Baccalieu Trail has to offer. Be sure to try their Mad Rock NEIPA when you visit.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 1 Conception Bay Hwy, Bay Roberts, NL A0A 1G0
• First Brewed: November 10, 2018
• Availability: At the taproom, at NLC locations

 

Dildo Brewing Company

It makes sense that the town of Dildo would want to cash in on the popularity of breweries. They already get a lot of attention and tourism because of their name. Can’t you just imagine it on a beer label. :P The Dildo Brewing Company poured their first pints just before Canada Day in 2018, and don’t worry, they chose very tasteful names for their brews. One of my favourites that they serve is Blue Eyed Buoy – an easy drinking and approachable blonde ale infused with Newfoundland’s wild blueberries.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 1 Front Rd, Dildo, NL A0B 1P0
• First Brewed: June 28, 2018
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Port Rexton Brewing Co.

Port Rexton Brewing Co. is the current tourism and local brewing darling. They opened last summer and couldn’t keep up with demand. It seemed the most unlikely thing, a microbrewery in a town of 350 people but Newfoundlanders were clamouring for more craft beer and the local community welcomed the out of town brewers with open arms. In short time, the taproom has become the hub of the community and people routinely make the three hour drive from St. John’s to have a taste. If you want a perfect day, hike the Skerwink Trail and then head to the Port Rexton taproom for a pint of Baycation Blonde. You’re welcome.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 6 Ship Cove Rd, Port Rexton, NL A0C 2H0
• First Brewed: Summer 2016
• Availability: Growlers available at the taproom

 

Bannished Brewing Limited

Bannished Brewing Limited is the newest kid on the block, having opened their taproom in the spring of 2023 with over 20 brews. The company evolved through multiple iterations before coming to fruition. They want to contribute to and enhance the craft beer community, create products that will evolve with their own education and abilities, build a brand focused on quality, represent the arts, and have as much fun as possible along the way. Their can design is sure to catch your eye.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 9 Maverick Place, Paradise, Newfoundland A1L 1Y8
• First Brewed: Spring 2023
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Bay de Verde Brewing Company

Situated in a very small town right on the tip of the Trinity-Conception Peninsula, Bay de Verde Brewing Company is on track to be the 21st craft brewery operating in Newfoundland and Labrador. The owners wanted to start a business and knew tourism was a growth industry locally and for the province as a whole. Once it opens, Bay de Verde Brewing will complete a triangle of sorts on the peninsula for craft beer fans. Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co. in Bay Roberts and Dildo Brewing Co. in Dildo are both approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Bay de Verde. To start off, they intend to brew an oatmeal stout, IPA, Irish red, sour ale and a blonde ale that will be branded as Backside Blonde, referencing the cove facing the east side of the community known as Backside.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 1 Noonans Lane, Bay de Verde, NL
• First Brewed: Spring 2023
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Central Newfoundland

Split Rock Brewing Co.

Twillingate already has icebergs, whales, stupidly beautiful scenery, and as of this summer it has microbrewery. The owner group has a love of English-style beers so that’s what you can expect. Split Rock Brewing opened for business on August 21, 2017 so be sure to have a pint when you’re in Twillingate.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 119 Main St, Twillingate, NL A0G 4M0
• First Brewed: August 21, 2017
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Bumblebee Bight Inn & Brewery

Hidden in Pilley’s Island, Green Bay South, Central is Bumblebee Bight Inn and Brewery Co., the newest addition to the Newfoundland and Labrador craft beer family. They are also the first craft brewery to include guest rooms. Bunks, brews, and bites, is their motto. The owners even have plans for a beer boat tour that would shuttle customers to different parts of the bay that inspired their different products. I can’t think of a better local experience than that.

Fact Sheet

• Location: Pilley’s Island
• First Brewed: Fall 2020
• Availability: TBA

Western Newfoundland

Western Newfoundland Brewing Co.

The Western Newfound Brewing Co is considered a nano-brewery, producing up to five kegs a day. It’s small but mighty…first only available in western Newfoundland but now you can find them at NLC locations. They have no public brewhouse but during the summer you can find their beer on tap at a handful of restaurants, like Galliott Studios in Gros Morne.

Fact Sheet

• Location: Pasadena (no taproom)
• First Brewed: 2016
• Availability: Select western Newfoundland restaurants, NLC locations

 

Bootleg Brew Co.

Bootleg Brew Co. is now open at 92 West Street, Corner Brook. The brewery wanted an original, yet local sounding name that stood out from the crowd and so decided to name their business after Newfoundland’s large role in bootlegging prohibition. While most breweries offer the standard IPA or pale ale, Bootleg is trying to differentiate themselves by offering visitors something a little different like their Breaker Room Grisette, a wheaty beer that uses new world saison yeast, and the Just The Tip Spruce IPA which uses locally foraged spruce tips.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 92 West St, Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z3
• First Brewed: January 19, 2018
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Boomstick Brewing Company

Boomstick Brewing Company is Corner Brook’s second addition to the collection of Newfoundland breweries, partnering with the Hew & Draw Hotel. The name harkens back to the town’s logging days while their brews are a selection of quirky-themed (and tasty) beers, including a Bitter Bird English-style ale and a Wild Bologna India Pale Ale. If you’re curious about the brewing process you can sign up for a brewery tour with Brewmaster Mike.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 55 West St, Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Y6
• First Brewed: 2019
• Availability: Hew & Draw Hotel, at NLC locations

 

Crooked Feeder Brewing Co.

Crooked Feeder Brewing Co. is full steam ahead. They delivered their first keg to Newfound Sushi on November 22, 2018. Named after the “Crooked Feeder” stream system near the exit to Howley from the Trans Canada Highway, the goal was named the brewery after something that would resonate with Newfoundlanders and be intriguing to tourists. Mission accomplished. This brewery is also unique in that it was built with as much locally sourced equipment as possible. The entire brew system was built using fermenting equipment and brew kettles fabricated from the old sawmill site that the brewery sits on. Hoppy beers are what the Crooked Feeder team like to drink and it’s what you’ll find on their taps.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 351 Veterans Drive, Cormack, NL A8A 2N1
• First Brewed: November 2018
• Availability: At NLC locations

 

Secret Cove Brewing Company

Secret Cove Brewing Company on the Port au Port peninsula opened in late 2018. The beer produced is small batch hand-crafted beer made from all natural ingredients (water, yeast, grain and hops) with no added preservatives. The owners said their background in biochemistry and food science along with a passion and love for creating food and beer pairings have influenced their approach to brewing. You’ll find smooth IPAs that lack harshness, tasty, fruity or hop-forward beers that are balanced but show restraint and high alcohol barrel-aged beers.  They have public taproom on Main Rd in Port au Port East in the renovated town hall and frequently host live music.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 92-96 Main St, Port au Port, NL A0N 1T0
• First Brewed: December 19, 2018
• Availability: At the taproom

 

Rough Waters Brewing

Rough Waters Brewing Co. is a small craft brewery that was conceived in Burin but born in Deer Lake. You can stop by their taproom and sample one of their four flagship ales: Sou’Wester Sour, Selkie Wheat, Scallywag India Pale Ale, and Signaler Porter.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 83 Wights Rd, Deer Lake, NL A8A 2J1
• First Brewed: December 2019
• Availability: At their taproom and select NLC locations

 

RagnaRöck Northern Brewing Company

The northern tip of the island portion of the province is now home to a microbrewery. Their taproom embraces a cozy Nordic vibe and features chandeliers and tap handles crafted out of moose antlers by a local artist. This Norse ambiance makes sense since the L’Anse aux Meadows Viking settlement is nearby.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 227 West St, St. Anthony, NL A0K 4S0
• First Brewed: 2020
• Availability: Not yet brewing

 

Labrador

Iron Rock Brewing Company

Iron Rock Brewing Company is the first microbrewery in Labrador, taking their name from the vast mineral resource of iron ore that surrounds the communities of Labrador West. They have a unique advantage in that the next closest brewery is over 600km away. They have also taken an uncommon step by producing a cream ale, knowing that their customers may not be used to more forward craft styles. They call their Lawn Sweeper Cream Ale a gateway beer for those just being introduced to craft beers.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 118 Humphrey Rd, Labrador City, NL A2V 2J8
• First Brewed: October 19, 2019
• Availability: Quidi Vidi Brewing Hops Shop, Urban Market 1919, Marie’s Mini Mart

 

Not Beer

Newfoundland Cider Company

While not a brewery, I’m including the Newfoundland Cider Company on the list. They’re using previously neglected apple trees to develop ultra-local cider.

Fact Sheet

• Location: Milton
• First Opened: N/A
• Availability: NLC and at their taproom

 

Newfoundland Distillery Company

Fact Sheet

• Location: 14 Conception Bay Hwy, Shearstown, NL A0A 3V0
• First Opened: 
• Availability: At NLC stores

 

Wooden Walls Distilling

Fact Sheet

• Location: 140 Harbour Dr, St. John’s, NL A1C 5N8
• First Opened: 
• Availability: At NLC stores

 

Find Local Newfoundland Beer at the NLC

All this talk of beer and breweries has made me pretty thirsty. It’s also made me daydream about opening up my own microbrewery on the Baccalieu Trail. I bet Brigus or Cupids would be a great spot. For now, I’ll content myself with planning a cross-province tour to check out all of the great brews coming out of Newfoundland.

Are you a craft beer drinker? Which brewery are you most excited about?