Independently owned and operated, Great Lakes Brewery (GLB) is celebrating over 30 years in the craft beer business, making them one of the oldest craft breweries in Ontario! They specialize in producing flavourful beers that are sure to awaken your taste buds with each sip. From unique seasonal ales, bottle conditioned releases, year-round ales and premium lagers, GLB produces a variety of products to be enjoyed by everyone!

We talk to Troy Burtch, the Marketing and Communications manager, about his journey into the beer and spirits world. He details the importance of local breweries and how they compete in the ever popular craft beer space. Troy also explains the amazing pivot that GLB made at the start of the pandemic where they recalled their beer kegs and began producing hand sanitizers to support the community.

GLB is a true success story, starting out of a strip-mall in Brampton, Ontario to becoming one of Canada’s most beloved and recognized craft breweries. We hope you enjoy this fun conversation and highly recommend you crack open a cold one before you hit play!

Timestamps
2:20 - The story behind Great Lakes Brewery
11:58 - What is a craft beer/brewery?
17:00 - GLB’s Marketing strategy
26:32 - Why this generation loves and prefers craft beer
30:27 - Forming connections with customers
32:15 - GLB’s pivot from beer to hand sanitizers
43:10 - Lightning Round

GHP #20 - The Rise of Craft Beer with Troy Burtch from Great Lakes Brewery!