It’s one of the hidden gems of Ontario’s Thousand Islands. An hour’s drive from Kingston, this Ontario brewery is anything but a neighborhood brewery. Arbru is off the grid, as if in another world. Yet tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians visit every year for another reason: to discover Canada’s first solar-powered brewery.
Address: 71 Quabbin Rd, Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0
Website: https://www.arbrubeer.com/
Number: +1 613 699 7258
Phil Audet is the owner and mastermind behind this daring project. « This whole thing has been a science experiment from day one. This has never really been done. We are trying to run the business and have enough power without using a generator. »
« Solar Beer is Better »
The solar panels alone cost nearly $60,000. In a way, the brewery had to pay its entire energy bill upfront, before even opening, without any government funding. ArBru has always looked to the sun for solutions.
But Phil has always loved a challenge. For him, the opportunity to brew entirely on solar power was a major motivator. Imagine brewing hundreds or thousands of liters of beer, relying solely on good weather. Heating the boiler requires most of the energy, and because energy storage batteries are prohibitively expensive, the brewery depends heavily on nature’s good will.
When I ask about the challenges of heat loss during winter brewing, Phil breaks into a wide grin: « You could be surprised : we get much more efficiency during the Winter under cold temperature. »
That’s because, as Phil explains, the efficiency of solar panels decreases slightly as they warm up—higher temperatures increase electrical resistance within the circuit. However, winter brings an unexpected advantage: snow reflection, or the albedo effect, can boost solar gain by up to 120%. Although shorter winter days reduce the duration of solar exposure, this effect provides a helpful energy boost.
« Interestingly, ArBru consumes less energy in winter, and there’s potential to use cool air to help with brewing processes, particularly for cooling tanks—a significant part of their energy requirements. »
Cooling is key to a good brew as well. After boiling the mash with the added hops, brewers need to cool down their beer as quick as possible before inoculating them with their select yeast. The longer it takes to cool, the higher the chances of beer infection. Fun fact : up until the widespread adoption of hops in the 15th century in Europe, beer was cooked and served in 12 hours. It had to be drunk quickly as it spoiled too quickly to be kept.
Engineering Bold Moves
Phil Audet’s journey to solar brewing started long before ArBru came to life. As a passionate advocate for renewable energy, he studied sustainable energy engineering in Ireland.
At just 21, he launched Ontario Solar Experts, helping businesses switch to green energy. « Back then, government incentives made renewable energy an easy sell, » he says. « I was balancing studies and work, learning both the technical and business side of things by installing systems on weekends and during the summers. »
For five years, Phil thrived in the renewable energy world, but when the incentive program was cut, the industry shifted. But then the conservative government of Stephen Harper decided to tank the program and incentives stopped being a driver. The golden days were over.
For five years, Phil thrived in the renewable energy world. But when the conservative government led by Stephen Harper cut incentive programs, the industry shifted. With the golden days over, Phil sought stability and took on project management roles, including construction management. Eventually, a new opportunity emerged within his family: his father introduced him to the world of craft beverages through his cidery.
Working at the cidery was my way in, Phil explains. I learned how to make cider, but just as importantly, I learned how to engage an audience and manage a beverage company. » This experience soon led him to a role managing a cannabis-infused beverage project, where he refined his marketing and project management skills, paving the way for his next big move: a solar-powered brewery.
Thanks to this setup, Phil can control all brewery activities with a single click through an app on his phone.
« I was fortunate enough that I had already managed a company before, and I had learned from the cidery how to draw a good crowd to our events. »
When ArBru opened, CTV covered the event live on national television, and a line stretched out to the road. People from all over wanted to see what this brewery was all about.
What you can expect at your Next Visit to the Brewery
ArBru has something for everyone. Alongside regular concerts at the heart of the brewery, they always have surprises in store, like Oktoberfest with helicopter rides. That’s right—over the past two years, the brewery has offered ten-minute helicopter rides for about $60 to enjoy with their Oktoberfest lager (our humble writer traded his laptop for a Märzen).
At the center of ArBru’s charm is its rustic beer garden, a peaceful riverside spot perfect for enjoying eco-friendly brews. Thanks to partnerships with local tourism programs like Harvest Hosts, RV travelers can stay overnight for free, as long as they make a purchase—any purchase. Plus, the beer itself is a reason to visit. From session lagers to NEIPAs, each beer reflects ArBru’s commitment to sustainable brewing and local flavor (and yes, the Oktoberfest was excellent).
For those seeking a special experience, ArBru’s geodesic tents offer a cozy, immersive night under the stars, truly off-grid. With unique events throughout the year, from pumpkin fest celebrations to live music for their anniversary, ArBru Brewing has become a vibrant, community-driven destination where craft and sustainability come together in perfect harmony.
Editor-in-Chief or Le Temps d’une Bière and producer of Hoppy History. Pierre wrote for The Diplomat, Global Risk Insights and the NATO Association of Canada.
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