The beers of Muskoka Brewery -- Canada's first 'living wage' brewery

On June 24 Muskoka Brewery, a central Ontario cottage country beer maker, became the first brewery in Canada to commit to paying its workers a living wage:

Muskoka Brewery and the Poverty Reduction of Muskoka Planning Team – known as PROMPT- announced at a press conference Friday morning the company had become Canada’s first brewery to commit to a living wage for its employees.

What is a 'living wage'?

Different from the minimum wage, a living wage is based on the principle that full-time work should provide families a basic level of economic security above the poverty line. 

The living wage calculation includes the cost of living in the local community and social inclusion. The result is a decent quality of life and the ability to live healthier lives. 

PROMPT and Muskoka Brewery have joined forces to launch Muskoka’s living wage initiative to create “a better standard of living for the people in Muskoka and to educate local employers on the benefit for community, businesses and workforce,” according to a press release issued at the press conference.

To celebrate this step we are going to take a look at some of their line of truly excellent craft beers.

Craft Lager

Their Craft Lager is an unfiltered brew that is very easy to drink. Unfiltered beers may have a haze and a bit of sediment that is a totally normal part of this brewing method. Perfect for a hot afternoon, it is smooth and yet very flavourful.

An excellent introduction to their line for those who generally drink the big brewery beers.

Mad Tom

No, this is not named after the leader of the NDP!

This delicious beer is an India Pale Ale (unfiltered as well) that makes the most of the Chinook and Centennial hops for a full bodied and robust brew.

Kirby's Kolsch

Named after a friend of the brewers who passed away, Kirby Evans, this a really easy-drinking and fruity beer.

Its can features an illustration of a hammock by the lake, which would be a perfect setiing to enjoy it in!

Cream Ale

I am a huge fan of Cream Ales and this is one of the best I have had. Unfiltered, it hits all the right Cream Ale notes and is exceptionally smooth.

It is an award winning beer and if you have never had a Cream Ale, there could not possibly be a better one to start with.

You can see the full line up of their beers at their website.

So this summer if you want to enjoy top-notch craft beer with a side of social justice, check out this terrific brewery and what they have to offer.

See also: Lake of Bays Brewery combines beer, football and a good cause with its Pigskin Pilsner