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Old Fort Erie, Fort Erie

History on Tap at Old Fort Erie

History on Tap transforms the old stone fort into an immersive after-hours experience with costumed interpreters sharing stories of beer rations and military life in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.
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History on Tap at Old Fort Erie

October 24, 2026 | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. | $90 per person | Age Requirement: 19+ 

Step inside Canada’s bloodiest battlefield and discover what life was really like for the soldiers who defended its walls during the War of 1812. As you explore the historic fort after hours, you’ll enjoy five, 4oz craft beer samples from NC Craft, each paired with a chef-inspired bite and stories from the front lines of history. 

You’ll learn about the beer ration, a daily staple for British soldiers, and hear tales of military life in Upper Canada. Featured pairings include dishes inspired by historic provisions, including a hearty Three Sisters stew made with corn, beans and squash. 

The evening also features live black-powder demonstrations and traditional Irish music from The O’Deadly’s, creating an unforgettable atmosphere within the walls of this nationally significant historic site. 

Round up your troops, you don’t want to miss this one!

Additional NC Craft beers will be for sale, and free parking is available at the Old Fort Erie welcome centre.

Old Fort Erie & Niagara College Beer Pairing Menu

  • Ration 1 – The Kitchen

    Three Sisters Stew

    traditional Indigenous stew, corn, beans & squash


    Beer Pairing: Niagara College Craft IPA

    India Pale Ale highlights a historic brewing style originally formulated in the late 1700s and early 1800s for shipping to the colonies – specifically India – leading up to the first documented record of beer specifically called the 1820s “India Pale Ale.” The NC Craft IPA won a silver at the U.S. Open Beer Championship in 2025.

  • Ration 2 – The Commissary Office

    Pickled Vegetable with “Salted Pork”

    house pickled pearl onion, Pingue prosciutto


    Beer Pairing: Niagara College Porter 101

    Porter was a cornerstone style of the 18th and 19th centuries, emblematic of the robust dark ales favoured by working-class soldiers and citizens of the period.

  • Ration 3 – The Guard Room

    Bread & Hard Cheese

    sourdough bread, Bright’s old cheddar cheese


    Beer Pairing: Niagara College Butler’s Bitter

    Originally released by the NC Teaching Brewery in 2012 as a flagship beer to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, this multi-award winning ale will feature its retro 2012 commemorative label applied directly to NC Craft cans exclusively for this event. Butler's Bitter is a modern take on the traditional English bitter style of the 1800s brewed with caramel malts and classic English hops.

  • Ration 4 – Outdoor BBQ

    Bison Slider Burger


    caramelized onions, blueberry chutney, brioche bun


    Mushroom Slider

    caramelized onions, white cheddar cheese, brioche bun


    Beer Pairing: Niagara College Craft Light Lager

    Representing the traditional Leichtbier style first developed in the 1870s and popularized into the 1900s, the Light Lager offers a crisp clean profile.

  • Ration 5 – Officer’s Quarters

    Old Fort Erie’s House-Made Shortbread


    Cider Pairing: Niagara College Craft Cherry Cider

    The traditional Cherry Cider produced by the Teaching Winery reflects the longstanding historical tradition of blending seasonal fruit into apple ferments to impart a vibrant flavour and acidity. It won a bronze medal at the 2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship.

The History of Beer in the War of 1812

NC Craft is proud to partner with Niagara Parks for the inaugural History on Tap event, celebrating Niagara’s rich brewing heritage through historically inspired food and beer pairings that reflect what would have been enjoyed in the early 1800s.

The beverage lineup for the event was carefully selected from the College’s roster of NC Craft beverages to complement the historical theme. The featured products are produced at NC’s Teaching Brewery and Teaching Winery and highlight authentic brewing and cider-making heritage.

As Canada’s first teaching winery, brewery and distillery, we’re especially excited that Niagara College students will be serving guests throughout the event, gaining valuable hands-on experience while sharing the award-winning beverages they help create. It’s a unique opportunity to connect our region’s history with the next generation of craft beverage professionals.

NC Craft Beer
Aerial view of the War of 1812 National Historic Site

Experience Old Fort Erie Like Never Before

As Autumn paints the Niagara River corridor in rich hues of red, gold and orange and cooler evenings settle in, step through the gates of Old Fort Erie for a different kind of journey into the past. History on Tap transforms the old stone fort into an immersive after-hours experience with costumed interpreters sharing stories of beer rations and military life in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.

Tickets include admission, five 4 oz. NC Craft beer samples and five themed dishes paired with each beer selection. Additional NC Craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Black-powder demonstrations and live music performed by Celtic rock band, The O’Deadly’s, will bring the sights and sounds of the era to life. Together, the stories, flavours and music invite guests to tap into the past and experience Old Fort Erie like never before.

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