Merger means increased Ontario brand presence for downtown Hamilton brewery

Downtown Hamilton brewery MERIT received a financial boost this week with its merger with Muskoka-area brewery Lake of Bays, a deal that should have the potential for Merit to increase its brand presence in the LCBO.

MERIT co-founder and CEO Tej Sandhu, brewmaster Aaron Spinney and consulting chef Jesse Vallins will remain a key part of the business moving forward as Lake of Bays Brewing said they want to preserve and respect the brand and its Hamilton roots, while “simultaneously growing it to a larger audience.”

“Lake of Bays Brewing has been a key player in craft beer for over 14 years, and we are excited to be formally linking arms with another brewery for the first time,” said Lake of Bays CEO Darren Smith, who opened the brewery in 2010, adding a brewhouse in Huntsville in 2018. “We’ve been able to build a track record and infrastructure that sets us up for continued success with other allied breweries and brands. We are eager to continue building the MERIT brand both in Hamilton and the broader marketplace.”

MERIT has created a loyal following in Hamilton since it opened on James Street in 2017 due to high quality beer, its signature house-made sausages and the atmosphere at its location in the heart of Hamilton.

Hamilton beer blogger Robert Arseneault – aka Drunk Polkeroo – said the deal should pay dividends for MERIT, who can now take advantage of Lake of Bays’ LCBO presence. “For MERIT, it will help them with distribution and expansion, plus it will mean better benefits and more for the employees.”

Lake of Bays CEO Darren Smith and MERIT co-founder Tej Sandu

MERIT’s flagship Young Rival IPA is already rolling out to LCBO and retail locations across Ontario, with more of the brands to follow in the coming months. MERIT will also continue to serve its full beer lineup and experimental small-batch brews at the brewery.

“Over the past seven years, MERIT has become part of the fabric of the City of Hamilton,” said Sandu, who named the brewery after a furniture store started by his grandparents in Nanaimo, B.C. “As our brewery has evolved, we’ve stepped out of our own space and begun introducing our brands across the province. Through this merger, MERIT will be able to continue to grow with the support from the Lake of Bays team that is like-minded in its integrity, values, and vision for craft beer in Ontario.”