Little Current Brewery Announces Closure
Manitoulin Brewing Company, based in Little Current, is set to close after over ten years in operation. The announcement was made on social media on April 9, highlighting “changing market conditions” and “evolving challenges” as key factors in the decision.
Closure Announcement Details
The company emphasized the difficulty of this decision, stating, “After thoughtful consideration, we have chosen to close this chapter with intention, pride, and respect for what has been built.” The founders, Nishin Meawasige and Blair Hagman, began brewing in 2015, during a peak period for Ontario’s craft beer scene.
A Journey Through Craft Brewing
Meawasige and Hagman initially brewed for fun in their garage before transitioning to a full-fledged business. Their product lineup featured beers named after various locations on Manitoulin Island, including:
- Swingbridge Ale
- Haw Eaters’ Brew
- Cup and Saucer English Ale
- Twin Bluffs Vienna Lager
The brewery’s products eventually achieved retail success, being stocked in both The Beer Store and the LCBO.
Community Impact and Appreciation
In their farewell message, the brewery expressed deep gratitude for the community support it received throughout its existence. It stated, “From the very beginning, this company was about more than beer. It was about community, relationships, and creating a place where people could gather, celebrate, and feel at home.”
Recent Trends in the Craft Brewery Scene
Manitoulin Brewing Company’s closure represents a larger trend in Northern Ontario’s craft brewing industry. Just weeks earlier, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company in Thunder Bay announced its closure as well. Founded in 2012, Sleeping Giant indicated that plans to merge with Newark Brewing fell through.
As the landscape of craft brewing continues to evolve, these closures highlight the challenges faced by small breweries in maintaining sustainable operations.
