Sip, Shop, and Be Merry:
MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co.’s Christmas Market
The holiday season is upon us, Arth and I wanted to find the perfect Christmas gifts for our family. We knew just where to go, “the Christmas market at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co.” We expected to find a wide array of authentic, unique, and handcrafted goodies.
Located immediately north of Bath, the Brewery is locally known for its exceptional craft beers. However, during this festive season, it transforms into a Christmas wonderland, offering a wide array of handmade treasures.
Savouring the Heart of the Home
When Arth and I arrived at the Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Holiday Market, we were immediately captivated by the charm of the atmosphere of the country. The vibrant-red barn contrasting against the green glass and clear-blue sky, the warm fire pits surrounded by the wooden benches, and the lively visitors gathering around the horse-drawn wagon drew our attention.
The history of MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. is impressive. The same family has owned and operated this land for over 200 years. With the long-standing connection to the land, the Miller family established their seed farm in Bath, Ontario in 1784. Meanwhile, the MacKinnon family settled in Madoc, a town to the north. Eventually, the two families became connected through marriage and the family has been farming the same land since.
Inspired by their family’s farming heritage and a love for craft beer, Ivan and Daniel, the eighth generation of the family, wanted to create a brewery that not only produced exceptional beer but also celebrated the agricultural heritage of the region. The result! the brother have successfully run a sustainable brewery that built on their family‘s seeding business.
Cultivating their own crops as brewing ingredients sets MacKinnon Brothers apart from others in the industry. They grow their own hops and malting barley in the fields surrounding the brewery. This incredible commitment to using local ingredients has not only given the brewery a unique identity but also helped support the local economy.
You Can’t Visit the Brewery Without Visiting the Taproom!
Having the opportunity to taste the brother‘s varieties is a fantastic experience as it allows us to explore their unique flavours, styles, and character. The Crosscut Canadian Ale, the flagship beer, greatly represents the brewery’s style. This intriguing beverage offers a light but complex flavour profile. The Harvest Ale is made with 100% ingredients from the family farm. Its flavours capture the essence of the MacKinnon Brothers’ impressive commitment and dedication to using their own harvest. And, my favourite, The Lunenburg fruit beer, with the blend of cranberry, blueberry, and strawberry, is absolutely delightful. It is a perfect choice for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing beer.
Savouring the Season
The process of the Christmas gift exchange begins long before the anticipated day arrives. In the Victorian era, although the shops were overflowed with an array of goods, families delightfully and joyfully dedicated countless hours to craft their own special presents. The time invested was truly worthwhile because these heartfelt creations brought immense pleasure to the people who received this privileged gift.
The art of handcrafting thrived during this festive season, with knitting, crocheting, and needlework taking center stage. Clothing was customarily given as gifts for both the young and the old. A lot of time was devoted to stitching aprons, knit mittens, mufflers, and socks, and ensuring that each gift was imbued with love and care.
Handmade Means Love!
At the brewery, the Holiday market was held in a 100-year-old barn, which added a rustic and nostalgic touch to the entire experience. As we entered, we were greeted by numerous handcrafted items. We saw Christmas cards, wood crafts, and knitting scarves, each showing the talent, skill, and creativity of the local artisans. This holiday is about celebrating the simplicity of farm life that intertwines with the magic of Christmas.
Wooden figurines, hand-painted ornaments, and delicate glass baubles were hung from every corner. They invite you to take a piece of the holiday magic home with you. The decorations come in all shapes and sizes, catering to every taste and style.
Once we had stepped into the barn, we were immediately drawn to a booth by Twisted Thistle Art. We found a beautiful needlework piece that we knew would be perfect for my mom. The flowers, made from colorful thread, were stitched together by the creativity and skill of the artist. The vibrant colours used in the stitching bring the flower to life. The intricate design and attention to detail made this piece of art unique and personal. It would be a truly special gift of love and appreciation that we knew she would cherish.
Next, we came across the booth of Made By Miss Maria, where we met a charming crochet doll. The cute rabbit crochet plush, with its floppy ears and round chubby body, was made from soft, gray wool. The rabbit, with a plushy soft-to-touch texture, is meant to be hugged and cuddled. It was love at first sight, and we instantly knew that it would be the ideal gift for my mother-in-law.
However, when it came to choosing a gift for my husband’s sister, we found ourselves in a bit of a dilemma. There were so many wonderful options that we knew she would love. After much deliberation, we finally settled on a set of Christmas-gnomes plush toys. These adorable little creatures seemed to embody her whimsical personality, and we were confident that they would bring a smile to her face.
Savouring the Magic of Christmas Drinks
After hours of exploring, we finally achieved our mission. We headed outside the barn to one of the highlights of our visit, the fire pit. We join other visitors around the fire pit to warm ourselves on the chilly winter evening. We couldn’t resist indulging in the classic campfire treat, S’mores – chocolate and freshly toasted marshmallows sandwiched between two graham crackers. The crackling of the fire and the laughter of fellow market-goers created a cozy and joyful atmosphere.
What could be more delightful and soothing than sipping a warm beverage on a cold day? We found ourselves at an outdoor bar, and it had plenty of options. Whether you prefer the classics or crave something a little more indulgent, there’s a drink to suit your taste.
Naughty or Nice?
For those who enjoy the traditional flavours, coffee from Lord and Lady is a fantastic choice. The rich aroma of coffee comforts and warms you from the inside out. If you have a sweet tooth (like Arth!), hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with candy-cane dust is sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to explore more unique flavours, Apple Cider with sliced orange and cinnamon sticks is a fantastic option. The tangy sweetness of the apple cider perfectly complements the citrusy notes of the orange, while the cinnamon adds a warm and comforting twist.
However, I was in the mood to be a little naughty and would like to indulge in something more sinful. Spice Rum & Eggnog is a decadent choice. The drink combines the rich and spicy flavors of rum with the creamy goodness of eggnog. It’s a perfect treat for me who looking to add a little extra warmth and cheer to my day. The other tempting option is Apple Cider with salted caramel and whisky. The combination of the sweet caramel, the tangy apple cider, and the subtle kick of whisky creates a delightful blend. Maybe, I can have both.
Each culture has its own unique traditional drinking for Christmas. The custom of drinking during Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals, such as Saturnalia and Yule, in which people celebrate the winter solstice and the return of longer days. These festivals were marked by feasting, drinking, and revelry.
Alcohol has long been associated with celebration and social bonding. During Christmas, it serves as a symbol of joy, abundance, and hospitality. Regardless of your personal choice of whether to consume alcohol or not, sharing a drink with loved ones is seen as a way to foster camaraderie and strengthen relationships. It is also a way to toast to the blessing of the past year and the hopes for the coming one.
Savouring the Moment
As the sun began to set, a horse-drawn wagon ride would take you on a leisurely journey through the brewery and charming countryside. The golden hues of the sunset painted the landscape, creating a breathtaking backdrop for this enchanting experience. It was a serene and peaceful journey!
In a world where mass-produced gifts are the norm, we are happy to see that there are still places where the art of craftsmanship is celebrated. The picturesque farm and market, exuding a sense of tranquility and simplicity, reminded us of the happiness that can be found in the simple pleasure of life. Let’s toast to the festive decorations, delicious treats, and signature beers from the brewery that bring us this wonderful experience.
Cheers!