Unique, inspired, bringing beer and art together: Gather Brewery and Glassworks
The story of Merrickville’s Gather Brewery and Glassworks has been one of evolution and a melding of passions.
What started as an internationally recognized glassblowing business has transformed into a one-of-a-kind brewery experience where patrons can watch an artist work while sipping at the bar, browse stunning glass pieces, or even participate in a glassblowing workshop. Co-owner Michael Gray reflects on Canada’s first brewery and glassworks as being somewhere between a working studio and a cozy community gathering place.
Gray said his father started the glassblowing business 39 years ago. Michael himself began blowing glass when he was six years old and later studied craft and design before completing training in Seattle. Shortly after he returned home, his father passed away from cancer - so Michael dove into all aspects of taking over the family business.
Operating at first as Gray Art Glass, he said the focus soon started to evolve. “As trends shifted, we started creating more functional glassware — wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, and beer mugs — and those pieces really took off,” Gray said.
Then in 2022, they renovated the gallery and added a bar into the space. “We began serving local wine and beer in our handmade glassware, and that’s when the idea for the brewery started to take shape.”
Gray said he has always been a craft beer enthusiast, visiting breweries in his travels. But it wasn’t until he and his lifelong friend, Mike McFadden, started seriously talking while playing Dungeons & Dungeons about opening a brewery that they decided to jump in with both feet. The concept behind Gather was announced in November 2023 and by June 2024, they opened the taphouse.
Canada’s first - and only - brewery and glassworks
This is where things get interesting: the taproom at Gather sits adjacent to the hotshop (glassblowing studio) so guests to the taproom can actually watch glass being blown while they enjoy a pint! The experience awakens all senses.
The space feels bright, open, and alive — you can hear the roar of the furnace, see the glow of molten glass, and smell the hops in the air. We designed it to feel welcoming and creative.
Michael Gray -Co-owner, Gather Brewery & Glassworks,
The beer
Gray went on to say that their brewing philosophy is about balance and intention. “We focus on expressive, hop-forward beers that stay drinkable, and we try to keep a strong sense of craft behind every batch,” he said. “The same care and precision that goes into a hand-blown glass piece goes into our brewing — it’s all about process and creativity.”
To that end, the Glass Blower IPA is a fan favourite at the brewery. Each volume highlights a different hop blend, but they all share that juicy, aromatic, West Coast-meets-hazy profile. In addition, their Dam Good Lager has also come out as a frontrunner. It’s a crisp, easy-drinking beer that hits right for every occasion.
Keep an eye out for these holiday releases
Gray noted that they’re always brewing new beers, so it’s easy to find something different on tap every visit to Gather Brewery and Glassworks. That even holds true for the holiday season. For late fall and Christmas, they have a couple of new beers in the works — including a spiced stout built around caramel and cinnamon notes.
“We’ll also have our 12 Days of Christmas holiday beer box going up for pre-sale shortly, along with lots of ornaments and great handmade gifts available in the gallery,” he said.
Events and workshops
This season, the public has the opportunity to get in on the glassblowing action! Gather is offering hand-on snowman workshops where guests can create their own glass snowman for the holidays in 20-minute sessions. “We’ll also have sessions for creating antique-style Christmas ornaments and small glass balls to hang on the tree — always a hit during the holidays,” he said.
Lastly, on Dec. 6, Gather will be celebrating Christmas in Merrickville, an incredible, fun-filled and festive day in town. Gather will be giving away free hot dogs, hot chocolate and snacks for kids all day. To top it all off, the parade goes right past the brewery, and they usually watch from the patio.
Find out more about Gather Brewery and Glassworks by visiting www.gatherbreweryandglassworks.com or follow along on socials on Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest @gatherbreweryandglassworks. Better yet, stop by to experience it in person at 635 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville.
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