Un-fore-gettable brews at Broken Stick Brewing Company

Broken Stick Brewing Company is brewing inspiration while sharing pints. It’s the first brewery located on a golf course in Canada – and it’s right here in South Eastern Ontario.

Broken Stick Brewing Company is known throughout Prescott & Russell as a relaxed place to enjoy easy-drinking beer. It’s woven into the fabric of the Hammond Golf and Country Club, with golfers, beer aficionados, families and friends gathering at Broken Stick often to enjoy great drinks and delicious fare at the on-site restaurant. “It’s a really fun atmosphere,” said co-owner Stéphane Dicaire.

The current location is actually the second for Broken Stick. The brewery has roots dating back almost 10 years when three friends who enjoyed beer decided to start making their own. It originally opened on Canotek Road in Ottawa, making the jump to Hammond Golf in 2019 in an effort to stand out in a competitive craft brewery market in the city. “We thought selling beers to golfers might be a great idea,” he said. “We weren’t wrong.”

Brewed with passion and creativity

Dicaire said their talented brewer isn’t afraid to experiment, combining premium ingredients and innovative techniques. This results in rich and diverse flavours that define the brewery’s unique craft beer lineup.

With some beers made from ingredients harvested at the golf course, it brings a whole new meaning to a hole in one. Dicaire said they pick their own sumac to make Sumac Saison, as well as spruce tips to brew the Spruce Tip Pale Ale. These are highly anticipated and brewed annually, with the Spruce Tip in particular being a fan favourite.

Even so, the most popular brew at Broken Stick is a cream ale, Happy to Be Here, which is a light, easy-drinking blonde at 4.6%. However, Dicaire said the brewery’s Mully’s Red Ale also surprisingly ranks in the top three best sellers, although it wasn’t anticipated that a red ale would sell so well. The beer is adorably named after the dog of the golf course owner: Mulligan. Look for Mully also featured as the logo on the can!

Broken Stick has some new releases coming up for late fall and the festive season. Look for Hoptario IPA, which will be released at the end of November. It’s made with 100 percent Ontario hops in partnership with Chlodowig Farm, which produces high-quality organic hops in St-Eugène. Just in time for the holidays, Broken Stick’s Forbidden Fruit Raspberry Sour is coming out in early December. Wrap some up to put under the tree or as host gifts for your holiday parties!

Foodies rejoice

The beer is complemented by amazing food made in-house at the Hammond Golf Restaurant. Your cravings are covered: the doors at Broken Stick are open wide for everyone, whether in the mood for a robust ale or eager to indulge in a specially crafted winter menu. From woodfired Neopolitan pizza to poutine with real curd and from freshly-made burgers to juicy black Angus ribeyes, the menu at the Hammond Golf Restaurant sparkles like the holidays.

A rotating selection of handcrafted brews can be tasted in the impressive taproom, with Broken Stick’s knowledgeable and friendly staff offering insight into the brewing process or suggesting pairings. Still curious about the craft? Join an engaging brewery tour to learn about brewing, get insights into some unique recipes, and witness the passion that goes into making exceptional beers at Broken Stick.

The taproom makes way to a large patio overlooking the beautiful golf course. “We have the biggest patio in the region, which is also dog friendly, so it’s a great place to visit,” Dicaire said, noting you don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy Broken Stick as they’re open to everyone.

In fact, that spacious patio does double duty in the winter months – it turns into a skating rink for patrons to enjoy alongside free access to cross-country trails and snowshoe trails!

Make a day of it

Broken Stick has some fun and fanciful events planned for December! Start the festivities off with “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. Later that weekend, Drag Bingo Holiday Queens rolls out the red carpet for an evening of winter-wonderland-themed drag bingo on Sunday, December 3 at 6 p.m.

The following weekend, get into the holiday spirit with Sleigh Rides with Santa on Sunday, December 10, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The community is encouraged to take a ride through the forest with the jolly old elf himself!

Every Thursday, be a joiner for an unforgettable evening of fresh craft brews and enchanting tunes. Broken Stick is showcasing a different talented musician each week, bringing soulful sounds to pair perfectly with your favourite beers. Broken Stick is also known for its ability to host parties, which Dicaire said are popular bookings surrounding the holidays.

Find out more about Broken Stick Brewing Company, open year-round and located at 600 Du Golf Road, Hammond at www.brokenstick.com or by following on Facebook @brokenstickbrewing and on Instagram @brokenstickbrewco.