Maple sap beer brewed in Ontario taps into a taste of Canada

An Ontario brewery has crafted a new beverage made with maple tree sap, tapping into Canada’s historical roots while working to protect the Credit River Watershed.

Made by Caledon-based GoodLot Farmstead Brewing, the new brew is called Tree Hug Sap Ale and is made with 100 per cent pure sugar maple sap instead of water.

GoodLot says the beer “is a celebration of Canada’s natural abundance” and is brewed with Canadian grains, Ontario hops and pure maple sap, making for “a deeply complex” and uniquely Canadian flavour.

A portion of the Tree Hug sales are going towards protecting land along the Credit River Watershed in a partnership with the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and Wilder Climate Solutions.

“The idea behind Tree Hug was to create a beer that not only tastes like Canada but actively works to protect its landscapes for future generations,” Phil Winters of GoodLot Farmstead Brewing said in a statement. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our values of sustainable brewing and local stewardship.”

The brewery and CVCF say the “ecologically significant” lands will be “protected indefinitely, contributing to biodiversity, climate resilience, and the well-being of local communities.”

“This is about more than just beer—it’s about securing a future where our landscapes remain protected,” said Dayana Gomez of the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation. “By enjoying Tree Hug, a proudly Canadian-made drink, Canadians can take pride in knowing they’re making a tangible difference.”

GoodLot Farmstead Brewing got its start in 2017 by Gail and Phil Winters after buying a 30 acre farm and starting to grow their own organic hops for “hyper-local farm-raised beer using ingredients grown on our farm and by other small Ontario Farmers.”

The brewery and farm are available for bookings and private events, and you can purchase their products including the new Tree Hug Sap Ale by visiting www.goodlot.beer.