Three of Ontario’s most beloved breweries, Lake of Bays Brewing, Sawdust City
Brewing, and Merit Brewing, are proud to announce they will now begin operating as a unified family of brands and locations: Original Gravity Beverage + Hospitality Group.
Each brand and location within the group will continue to operate under its own name and unique personality, building on the history and passion behind each brewery. The introduction of Original Gravity will make it easier to engage as a group with business customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
“Our goal with Original Gravity is to keep growing what makes each brewery special,” said Darren Smith, President & CEO. “It’s about strengthening our foundation so we can support each brand, grow smarter, and continue doing what we love by making great beer, food and local spaces for our communities.”
With its head office and brewing operations based in Central Ontario, the aggregate volume within Original Gravity firmly entrenches the group as one of the top 10 craft beer producers in the Ontario market. In 2026, the company plans to add RTD beverages to its lineup. At the same time, Original Gravity will continue to invest deeply in brewing operational capabilities, enhanced hospitality experiences, and driving sales and distribution gains.
Building from a strong foundation in award winning craft beer, Original Gravity stands behind its lineup of strong consumer-facing brands. A full-service organization with expertise in brewing, beverage production, restaurant operations, logistics, sales and marketing, Original Gravity is a platform poised for growth, including through partnerships with other breweries, restaurants and alternative beverage producers.
“Whether it’s beer, food, or something entirely new, everything we do starts from the same place; a deep love of craft,” Smith added.
Original Gravity Beverage + Hospitality Group Synopsis
Original Gravity is a collective of Canadian craft breweries and hospitality ventures, started in Baysville, Ontario in 2010 with the Lake of Bays Brewing Co. Fast forward to 2026: after the amalgamation of Lake of Bays Brewing, Sawdust City Brewing, and Merit Brewing, plus 6 taproom and restaurant locations, the company is an established force in the Ontario Craft Beer landscape. Based in Central Ontario, the company brings together expertise in beer production, restaurants, sales, distribution and beverage innovation, all united by the shared tagline: “For the Love of Craft.”
