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On this episode of Between Two Fermenters, Troy Burtch is joined by someone who’s had a profound impact on his life – a mentor, pioneer, and dear friend: Ron Keefe, founder of Toronto’s family-owned Granite Brewery. If you heard Episode 15 with his daughter Mary-Beth, you’ll know how much the Keefe family means to Troy. Ron welcomed him into the world of Ontario craft beer back in 2007, answering every question with patience and generousity, and later entrusted me with his Beer Appreciation course at George Brown College. His quiet leadership, deep knowledge, and genuine kindness have shaped not just Troy’s beer journey, but the paths of countless others in the industry.
In this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, we explore Ron’s life before the Granite, the origins of the brewery in Halifax (opened by his late brother, Kevin Keefe), and how it became a midtown Toronto institution. We talked about the joys and challenges of running a family business, what it means to build a legacy, and Ron’s role in pushing for licensing reforms that opened doors for so many Ontario brewers. We also discussed his battle with ALS and the powerful story behind Ron’s Lager. Ron may be modest, but his influence is undeniable – this is a conversation with one of Ontario’s true craft beer trailblazers.
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About Between Two Fermenters
Ever wondered what life is really like in the craft beer industry? Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur, a homebrewing enthusiast, into Ontario beer history, or just someone who enjoys some good ol’ breezy beer banter, Between Two Fermenters is your go-to deep dive for all things beer from an insider perspective. So, grab a #FreshGLB, kick back, and join us as we share stories, spill the beans on new releases and brewery updates, and chat with other industry folk about the world of making (and drinking) beer.
