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Roll out the Barrel – A new craft brewery with an Estonian connection opens in Dundas, ON

I have been following the progress of the Shawn and Ed Brewing Company in local newspapers with great interest for over a year, as Shawn is none other than Shawn Till, a student of mine many, many years ago at the Hamilton Estonian School (Hamiltoni Eesti Kool). He traces his Estonian roots through his father Erik and grandfather Arnold Till.

Shawn Till and co-owner Ed Madronich finally opened their doors at a sold-out Grand Opening on Friday April 1st. I was unable to attend so I set out the next day, on Saturday, to have a taste, hoping Shawn would be there. To my delight, he was and we had fun catching up. He apparently still has his old Estonian School books but admits his Estonian is rusty. He would love to spruce up his skills at our current "Eesti Kool" but this is not possible as Shawn now resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife and three children. He still has extended family in the area.
Shawn Till and Merike Koger in front of the shiny new kettles. Photo: Merike Koger

Co-owners Ed Madronich and Shawn Till with the oaken barrels where their beer is aging. Photo: Merike KogerThe brewery is located in a former curling rink and warehouse of historical significance. Many hurdles had to be overcome to get the necessary permits but in the end this was accomplished, with quite outstanding results. The long narrow building with high roof and exposed ceiling beams is an excellent fit for the brewing equipment and a heritage building has been preserved and put to a practical use: a win-win situation.

Shawn and Ed's brew is called LagerShed Original. Brewed in huge, shiny kettles, the beer is aged in oaken barrels. To age properly, it takes four weeks for a lager and two for an ale.

Shawn and Ed's plan is to open as many sales channels as possible. With Shawn residing in the Washington, possible exports to the U.S. are being explored as well. For now, sales are from their brewery on Hatt St. in Dundas, where it is also possible to sample the beer. I certainly enjoyed my flight of four different beers. If the huge line-up to sample their beer was any indication, Shawn and Ed are off to a great start. Congratulations! Palju õnne! And “Proosit”!

Merike Koger

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