Find good times and heritage-inspired brews at Lost Villages Brewery

Lost Villages Brewery is a special place. Sitting just minutes away from the beautiful St. Lawrence River in the village of Long Sault, the brewery has become a place where people enjoy great beer and also connect with the history of the region.

There’s history and community at the heart of Lost Villages Brewery – and it shows. Although the owners began their obsession with brewing years ago, they made their dream a reality during the pandemic, buying an old, derelict building to renovate.

 “The history of the Lost Villages is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for progress, and we wanted to celebrate and preserve this heritage,” Wright said.

“By naming our brews after these villages and historical events, we keep their stories alive and create a unique identity that sets us apart,” he said noting that they drew deep inspiration from the work of former MPP Jim Brownell and the Lost Villages Museum which is only a few kilometres from the brewery.

Community is at the heart of Lost Villages Brewery. Wright said from the beginning, local support has been crucial to their success. “We see ourselves as more than just a brewery; we’re a gathering place for friends, families, and neighbours. We host events, collaborate with local businesses, and support community initiatives.”

To carry that forward, he said the taproom is a space where everyone is welcome, and they strive to create an inclusive and inviting atmosphere where people can relax, connect, and enjoy themselves. The taproom is a cozy space with lots of seating indoors. A vibrant patio awaits, with lots of seating and room for pup too!. Looking around affords guests a unique experience, as the brewery incorporates historic elements and local artifacts to enhance the ambiance, including an eye-catching mural highlighting the villages above the brewhouse windows.

“Our space is designed to be warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that reflects the history we celebrate,” he said. “Visitors can expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where they can enjoy our beers, learn about the Lost Villages, and feel like a part of our community.”

Every Beer Has a Story

Lost Villages Brewery currently has 16 beers on tap, the newest of which is a Double IPA (DIPA) called the Prince of Wales.

As with all of the beer at Lost Villages Brewery, the new beer’s name has an interesting back story. According to the Lost Villages Historical Society, in 1860 Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), toured the area and disembarked at Dickinson’s Landing, intent on travelling out to the St. Lawrence River for a journey through the Long Sault Rapids. Following his visit, local residents applied for a post office in the community and the village was renamed in the Prince’s honour to simply be known as “Wales”. The community was bustling, and when the hydro and seaway project inundated the community in the 1950s, two brick churches stood in Wales, as well as an apple orchard with more than 1000 trees, a hatchery, several general stores, trades of all sorts, a modern plant and many homes.

The new Prince of Wales beer is a nod to the story of this community as part of The Lost Villages. This IPA is hop forward and is very smooth at 8.4%.

Wright said their most popular beers are Aultsville Burns Hazy IPA and Seaway Light. Aultsville is a 6% Hazy IPA with lots of hoppy citrusy punch while Seaway Light is a clean crisp lager - at 4% it’s perfect on a hot summer day. 

According to Wright, the best way to experience Lost Villages Brewery is to start with a flight of their beers. “This allows visitors to sample a variety of brews and find their favourites,” he said. “Our patio is also a great spot to relax and enjoy a pint, especially on a sunny day. We often have live music and events that enhance the experience, making it a perfect outing for friends and family.”

Get your munch on
While savouring a beer, pair it with a pizza! Fraser Creek Pizza Farm is a regular feature at our brewery, serving delicious wood-fired pizzas as well as Hapi Pizza which splits duty with them. Lost Villages Brewery also collaborates with other local food vendors to offer a variety of options, including food trucks and pop-up kitchens. “This ensures that there’s always something tasty to complement our beers, whether it’s a classic pizza or something new and exciting,” Wright said.

Events are brewing
The brewery recently hosted the Seaway Star Search, which was an open mic competition featuring local artists and some celebrity judges. It proved popular and included two preliminary rounds, a semi final and the final was set to happen on July 13. Not only did the winner of the event earn money, but they also secured a spot on the big stage at the brewery’s upcoming Lost and Sound Festival, opening for the Chesterfields on August 24, 2024.

The Lost and Sound Festival is a whole day of local live music and craft beer, welcoming artists from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Joining The Chesterfields are The Lee Sisters, The Shiners, Issabel with Jimi Martin, The Pickheads, The Country Lads, Hoople Creek, Two for the Road, The Book Endz, Crash Course and more! More than 25 local vendors will also be on site to sell merchandise. Tickets are available through www.lostandsoundfest.com.

Keep an eye out for other events throughout the summer, too, like cornhole and Hops N’ Shops pop-ups. There’s always something good brewing at LVB.