Where it all started

Bryan and Andrew have always shared a passion for homebrewing. Brewing batch after batch in their kitchens, garages, and driveways (of which their neighbours often mistook as lobster), they honed their skills over the years. Although they both worked in other professions, an entrepreneurial spirit ran through their veins. This would plant the seeds for what would become Breton Brewing Co.

After several years of dreaming and planning, Breton Brewing Co. opened its doors on June 27th, 2015. The company started with keg and growler sales and were welcomed throughout the community and Nova Scotia with open arms. With the help of family and friends, the two worked hard to meet the demand. A year later, in 2016, Breton launched its cans in the NSLC, and has since expanded to Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. Breton Brewing Co started with just 3 employees, and now has grown to an amazing team of 20+ people!

Land Acknowledgement

Breton Brewing Company is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, and we acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land.

This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations. We are all Treaty people.

Mi’kma’ki includes all of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, part of New Brunswick, the Gaspé region of Quebec, part of Maine, and southwestern Newfoundland.

The Founders

Breton’s founders have two things in common. They both wanted to raise their families in Cape Breton, and both are passionate about beer!

Andrew was born and raised in Sydney. He graduated from CBU with a Bachelor’s in Science in Biology & Chemistry, and from UPEI in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Education. Andrew moved back to Sydney to teach, and to begin his new hobby: home brewing.

Bryan was born and raised in Coxheath, nearby to Sydney. He graduated with Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie in 2007. After a brief career in aeronautical engineering, Bryan worked as a consulting Engineer in the HVAC industry. While in Halifax, he was exposed to the beginnings of the Nova Scotia Craft Beer industry. Often visiting Propeller & Garrison, as well as Ginger’s Tavern & Rogue’s Roost, he fell in love with Craft Beer. In 2010, Bryan moved back home to Sydney from Halifax. Although he brewed a few batches of beer in Halifax, it was when he moved back to Sydney that his passion for home brewing really took off. This is also when he met his future business partner, Andrew, who was also taking over his kitchen and driveway on a weekly basis experimenting with many recipes.

Throughout their home brewing journey, they learned as much as they possibly could on the topic and aimed to make the best beer possible. They entered many home brewing competitions, and even took home a couple awards. It wasn’t long before Bryan and Andrew began planning Sydney’s first Brewery.

Our Code of Conduct

Breton Brewing is committed to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming space for all, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or gender expression.

There will be zero tolerance for harassment, bullying or discrimination of any kind.

If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe please alert a staff member. It will be addressed without question or judgement.  The comfort and safety of our team and valued guests is our top priority.

Charities & Donations

Donation Request
If you are seeking a donation for your charity event, please send an email to charity@bretonbrewing.ca and complete the Donation Request Form that will be emailed to you. Please note that donation requests must be received 30 days prior to the date of the event. We receive many requests throughout the year and need this allotted time to fairly determine which requests are successful.

Our management team will review your request and will reach out if you have been selected to receive a donation. Only those who have been selected will be contacted.

Trivia Night Charity of the Month
Breton Brewing supports many charities throughout the year. Every Thursday from 6pm-8pm we host Trivia Night. Every participant donates $5 at the door, with 100% of the proceeds going to the monthly charity. Since August 2015, our patrons have donated over $35,000 toward these local organizations. If you are interested in your charity being chosen as our monthly recipient, please send us an email to info@bretonbrewing.ca

Contact us for information