- Inaugural event offers guests a unique way to connect with Niagara’s rich cultural heritage at one of the region’s most significant historic sites
- Guests will enjoy NC Craft beer samples paired with historically inspired food, immersive storytelling, live music and more at this 19+ event
- Media assets are available here.
Fort Erie, ON – Niagara Parks is proud to partner with Niagara College to present, History on Tap at Old Fort Erie, a one-of-a-kind experience that combines NC Craft beer samples by Niagara College Teaching Brewery with historically inspired food pairings and immersive storytelling, inviting guests to step back in time and discover life in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.
Brews, Bites and Ballads
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.
While exploring the fort, guests will enjoy five historically inspired bites prepared by Niagara Parks’ culinary team, each perfectly paired with a 4 oz. sample of NC Craft beer. Highlights include Three Sisters Stew with corn, beans and squash, paired with NC Craft IPA, and a Bison Slider with blueberry chutney and caramelized onions, paired with NC Craft Light Lager.
The History of Beer in the War of 1812
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.
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.
NC 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.
Leichtbier (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.
Porter
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.
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.
Event Details
History on Tap takes place at Old Fort Erie on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 7 to 10 p.m. and is a 19+ event. 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.
Free parking is available at the Old Fort Erie Welcome Centre. Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased here.
Quotes
“History on Tap is a wonderful opportunity for Niagara College Teaching Brewery to connect with the community while sharing our knowledge of brewing and exploring the important role beer production has played in Canadian heritage and culture. It also gives our students further practical experience engaging with guests, who can enjoy a variety of NC Craft products, many of which are available to take home from our retail store or online.” – Amanda Baldinelli, Hospitality and Events Manager, Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation
“History on Tap showcases the power of collaboration in creating innovative visitor experiences that allow guests to connect with Niagara’s rich cultural history in a whole new way. Through our partnership with Niagara College, we’re bringing together local history, culinary traditions and Niagara’s vibrant craft brewing industry to create a memorable new event at Old Fort Erie, a National Historic Site that was a pivotal battle ground during the War of 1812.” – Sarah Wood, Director, Cultural Services, Niagara Parks
Media assets are available here.
Explore NC Craft
Niagara College is Canada’s leader in applied beverage education. Located at its Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, NC’s Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery and Teaching Distillery were each the first facilities of their kind in Canada. Here, students gain hands-on, real-world experience alongside expert makers.
NC Craft Butler’s Bitter, India Pale Ale, Light Lager, and Cherry Cider are regular offerings available for purchase at the NC Craft Beverage Centre (formerly the Wine Visitor + Education Centre) while supplies last. Visit on campus (135 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake) or online at nccraft.ca.
About Niagara College
A leader in applied education, Niagara College offers diploma, bachelor degree, post-graduate and apprenticeship programs at specialized campuses in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland. Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research colleges, NC is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world that provide students with important hands-on-experience. NC welcomes students from across Niagara, Ontario, and around the world who are studying in in-demand programs that support key sectors and industries in Niagara and beyond, with graduates making important contributions in all corners of our community. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
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