Brewing Bold: Microbreweries in Newfoundland and Labrador Come of Age

I had this beer recently. It is the most refreshing-tasting beer you will ever drink. Amazing

If you’ve ever wandered into a cozy taproom in St. John’s or sipped a sour ale on the shores of Port Rexton, you’ve tasted a piece of Newfoundland and Labrador’s craft beer revolution.

Microbreweries are popping up across the province like wildflowers in spring, each with its own story, flavour, and fiercely local spirit. But what’s behind this boom? And what makes these small-batch brewers so special?

Let's crack open a cold one and venture forth into the world of Newfoundland and Labrador microbreweries.

A Brief History of Beer on the Rock

Believe it or not, craft beer is not new to Newfoundland and Labrador. The province boasts a brewing history that stretches back almost 200 years. Local Newfoundland breweries, such as Bennett Brewing, Newfoundland Brewery, and Bavarian Brewing, used to dominate the scene, creating legendary beers like Dominion Ale, India Beer, and Blue Star. In 1962, Molson, Labatt, and Carling O'Keefe acquired these local outfits, marking the end of the era of independent brewing.

Newfoundland beer was a mass-market lager for years, with little to differentiate it from other brands. That changed in the mid-1990s when Storm Brewing and Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. revived the local craft scene. Quidi Vidi opened its doors in 1996 and was an instant hit in every household, especially with its now-iconic Iceberg Beer.

YellowBelly Brewery joined the fray in 2008 with a brewpub in downtown St. John's. The floodgates then opened. By the late 2010s, microbreweries were popping up in Twillingate, Corner Brook, Deer Lake, and even Labrador City.

There are over 20 microbreweries across the province today, each contributing to a lively and growing beer culture.

A Taste of Place

One of the most endearing aspects of microbreweries in Newfoundland and Labrador is their deep entrenchment in their communities. These are not so much stop-offs for a pint as they are destinations.

Consider Quidi Vidi Brewing Co., tucked away in a historic fishing village in St. John's. It is renowned for its Iceberg Beer, which is made with icebergs pulled from the coast. That's not only local—that's legendary.

And there's Dildo Brewing Co., which lives up to its risqué name with a museum and taproom overlooking Trinity Bay. That's where you can enjoy a Codfather IPA while learning about the town's history.

Another highlight is Port Rexton Brewing, where hikers and beer lovers stop after a trek on the Skerwink Trail to enjoy a Baycation Blonde or Chasing Sunsets Sour. Each brewery reflects the character of its surroundings, making every visit a mini-adventure.

Local Ingredients, Bold Flavours

When in Rome, or Paradise, NL, stop in for a slog of these

It's not only location that sets these breweries apart—it's innovation. Brewers here are experimenters, often infusing their beers with wild berries, spruce tips, sea salt, and even kelp.

Paradise's Banished Brewing is renowned for its slushie beers and milkshake IPAs, which are often blended with tropical fruit and lactose for a creamy twist.

Cormack's Crooked Feeder Brewing Co. adds locally harvested raspberries to their wheat ales, while Deer Lake's Rough Waters Brewing creates a Sou'Wester Sour as refreshing as a sea breeze.

These flavours are not gimmicks—they are expressions of place. Newfoundland's vast wilderness and high biodiversity offer brewers willing to take the chance and a pantry of options. From a spruce-tipped saison to a blueberry blonde, every beer has a story to tell.

Where to Find Them

Microbreweries are no longer confined to urban centers. You’ll find them scattered across the province, each with its vibe. Eastern Newfoundland is home to heavy hitters like YellowBelly Brewery, Bannerman Brewing, and Quidi Vidi, while Landwash Brewery and Ninepenny Brewing thrive in Mount Pearl and Conception Bay South.

In central Newfoundland, craft breweries like Split Rock Brewing in Twillingate and Scudrunner Brewing in Gander are introducing craft beer to the island's core.

Western Newfoundland features Bootleg Brew Co. and Boomstick Brewing in Corner Brook, alongside Crooked Feeder and Rough Waters, which offer a rural charm. Even the Big Land is in on it—Iron Rock Brewing in Labrador City proves that craft beer knows no bounds.

Whether road-tripping or staying close to home, there's always a new taproom to visit.

The Craft Behind the Craft

My favourite flavour. I have had one more than one, or twice, or....

Microbreweries take pride in their quality and innovation. Unlike mass-market beers, craft beers are made in small batches, allowing for greater control and freedom.

Many Newfoundland brewers are experimenting with open fermentation for wild ales and sours, dry hopping to preserve aroma without bitterness, and barrel aging to add depth and complexity. Kettle souring is also popular for tart, fruit-style beers.

Brewers like experimenting with yeast strains, malt profiles, and hop varieties to create unique flavour profiles. Some even collaborate with local farmers and foragers to add honey, herbs, and berries. The result? Beers that are as diverse and colourful as the province.

Why They're So Popular

So why the microbrewery explosion? It combines local pride, experimentation with taste, and social experience. People enjoy supporting local enterprises that reflect their community.

Craft beer offers a galaxy of flavours outside the familiar lager, and taprooms have become hangouts—part pub, part café, part cultural centre.

Tourism also plays a role—visitors enjoy discovering local brews and bringing some back home to Newfoundland. And then there's the DIY spirit. The rise of homebrewing has convinced many to turn passion into a career.

Microbreweries also benefit from changing regulations and a move towards sustainable, small-scale production. It's a perfect storm of demand, innovation, and opportunity.

What the Future Holds

My first stop when I head out that way again.

The future of Newfoundland and Labrador microbreweries is bold and bright. More rural towns are taking up craft beer, with new breweries planned for cities like Bay de Verde and Bonavista. Expect more hybrid styles, non-alcoholic craft beers, and collaboration with distilleries and cideries.

Breweries invest in sustainable practices, including water conservation, local sourcing, and the use of reusable packaging. Beer festivals, tasting tours, and brewery trails are emerging as significant attractions for both locals and visitors.

Expect greater focus on storytelling, branding, and community involvement as the industry matures. These are not just companies—they are cultural institutions.

Final Sip

Microbreweries in Newfoundland and Labrador are more than places to drink—they’re places to connect. They unite people over shared stories, bold flavours, and a love for the land.

If you’re curious to explore Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant brewing scene, watch for tasting tours from local microbreweries throughout the year.

These tours are a great way to sample a variety of off-beat brews—typically limited seasonal and new releases—along with learning how they are made directly from the people who make them. 

Other breweries like Port Rexton, Bannerman, Landwash, and Quidi Vidi typically offer guided tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and pairings.

Taste tours are a tasty and rewarding way to experience the province's craft brews, making them a perfect companion to your St. John's weekend escape or island road trip.