Graystone

Graystone Brewery is expanding this summer after only two and a half years of business. Their doors opened July 1, 2016 and have had nothing but support from the community since. It’s easy to understand why this microbrewery has been so successful amongst so many other microbreweries in the city. Their beer, location, dog friendly atmosphere, community oriented attitude and staff are all key ingredients to their growth.

There is something for everyone here. Graystone has over 23 taps; 18 of which are their own, 2 ciders, and 3 rotating guest taps. Their flagship beer Patagonia Pale Ale started a theme and now all of their beers are named to associate with the great outdoors. Most recently, Graystone has added a tribute beer to honour Malcolm MacAfee, a Fredericton local who shared his love for the outdoors with the community, called the MacAfee Lager.

Located at 221 King Street, in Fredericton, the taphouse is a downtown favourite. The atmosphere is filled with the conversation of both guests and staff, the clinking of glasses, the sound of laughter, and friendly smiles.  It’s a very relaxed environment, with hammocks and fireplaces, and community tables and boardgames to enjoy with a great beer in hand. Did I mention dogs are welcome?

Owner, Wes Ward and Director of Operations, Esther Wilby are extremely dedicated to the overall growth and changing environment of the business. Wilby describes her team as having “great comradery” and that they try to translate that comradery to all of their guests and the community of Fredericton.

Graystone gives back to the community through different initiatives. Often participating in Fredericton’s Pride celebrations, supporting both universities, and giving proceeds to charities like The United Way.

In September of 2018, Graystone broke in to the ANBL with their Patagonia Pale Ale in 473ml cans. They have since released Into The Woods in the same size available throughout the province. With more than 60 licensees and expansion into the ANBL it is time to accommodate the brewery with an expansion.

The expansion will have a canning station, three new conditioning tanks, keg storage and a loading bay for product delivery. The design is not only to facilitate the brewery but to give guests of the taphouse a glimpse behind the scene of the brewing process with bay windows. These details will match the tap house’s featured glass garage doors that open on warm summer days to keep with the theme of openness and inclusiveness.

One of the greatest things that Graystone introduced to the community with its open in 2016, was it’s dog friendly policy, something most places can’t facilitate because they have food licenses. This is a key contributor in their making of regular customers because these guests don’t feel guilty leaving their dogs at home to enjoy one more beer with friends.

Who could say no to a dog like this, after all? Guests flock to Graystone to enjoy the fantastic beer with friends and their four legged companions. Its hard to come up with a reason not to love this local watering hole.

It’s difficult to believe this small brewery is able to facilitate the high demand and volume that it does. Hard work and dedication have certainly paid of for this little brewery that could. They certainly deserve their exciting renovation. Be sure to come down to Graystone this summer to it out for yourself and to enjoy a cold beer with friends and dogs on the patio.