(The Covered Bridge Brewing team – holding their 6th Anniversary brew ‘6’ and re-released brews from year 5 and 4 – at their 6th Anniversary Holiday Market held on December 7, 2019. Photo: Stittsville Central.)
The inspiration for the business came from a Mr. Beer home brew kit and an existing covered bridge on their property. John van Dyck and wife Kathy have not looked back since December 19, 2013 when Covered Bridge Brewing Company opened their doors at 6-119 Iber Road.
A lot has happened since that opening day. The couple work tirelessly, along with their team, to bring Stittsville and area some of the best craft beers in the Valley. They have six popular brews in their regular line-up, while also offering a variety of seasonal and small batch brews. Using only the highest ingredients, the brew masters are always formulating recipes to bring more to the brewery. Covered Bridge won Gold for their Year 2 beer – a Wood and Barrel Aged Strong Beer – by producing a 11.5% bourbon barrel aged barley wine beer to win the medal – quite an accomplishment. Each year an anniversary beer is produced to be ready for release in December. This year’s choice is a Bourbon Barrel Aged Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA called 6.
To coincide with the anniversary, a Holiday Market is held each year. The Brewery has recently teamed up with Euro-Bites who provide fresh, home cooked European food in the dining room from their food truck parked outside. Thursday and Friday nights now offer Happy Hour savings. Extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings offers another option for weekend dining and entertainment. Book the dining room for special events – special menus and specially priced drinks are available. You can even take a tour to see the process used by Covered Bridge to brew their perfect beer.
(Jon Lester owner of Live Edge Creations displays his creative woodwork and unique barrel furniture at the CB 2019 Anniversary Holiday Market)
At the Holiday Market this year were, Jon Lester of Live Edge Creations; the Euro-Bites European Kitchen team; Purely Natural – Bath, Body & Beauty; Beer Snacks International; Castallemmare Jewelry; and Gael Glen Farms & Apiary.
(Serving up some Euro-Bites samples at the Holiday Market – December 7-2019)
(Marianna Palazzolo owner of Castallemmare Jewelry; honey from Glen Gael Farm; and creations from Purely Natural.)
With all of the new craft-breweries opening up in the area, Stittsville is quickly becoming a micro-brewery destination. “It’s good for business!” said the couple. “New customers are visiting Covered Bridge every day”.
The success of Covered Bridge, guarantees they will be providing Stittsville residents and visitors many exceptional brews for several more years!
Visit the web site at www.coveredbridgebrewing.com to find out about upcoming events and more.