Our History
Barley Days Brewery beers and labels are made to honour the people and the proud agricultural heritage of Prince Edward County.
The
revolt of 1775-1783 in the British colonies of the Atlantic seaboard
was the single most important event leading to the settlement of Prince
Edward County. About five hundred Loyalists came in the first wave. The
settlers faced huge challenges in this new land but, because of their
hard work, subsequent generations prospered.
The latter half of the nineteenth century (1860-1890) brought new
wealth to Prince Edward County. Bay barley, reputed to be the best
malting barley available, along with hops, were grown in the County and
exported across Lake Ontario to breweries in the United States. Farming,
shipbuilding, and shipping flourished and this period became known in
local history as "The Barley Days".
