About - Sonnen Hill Brewing Skip to content
HOW IT STARTED

I didn’t set out to become a brewer. While studying business and playing soccer in Newcastle, I spent my spare time homebrewing and working in bars.

I went on to earn a Master’s in Brewing and Distilling in Edinburgh while working and volunteering at some of my favourite breweries across the UK and Europe like Tilquin (pictured), Cloudwater, Partizan, and Brew by Numbers. In 2017, I returned to Canada and took a road trip with my dad across the United States and Canada to do research which helped shape what Sonnen Hill would become. 

OUR HISTORY

In 1822, my mom’s great, great, great, grandfather Fidel Burgmaier started Sonnen Brauerei in Schmiechen, a small town in southern Germany. 

They brewed lager beer in open fermenters and conditioned beer in large horizontal lagering tanks, serving their local community for over 160 years. My grandmother grew up in the brewery, with her childhood bedroom directly above the brewery restaurant. Today, we continue the tradition by making simple and easy-drinking beers that can be enjoyed by all.
OUR HISTORY

In 1822, my mom’s great, great, great, grandfather Fidel Burgmaier started Sonnen Brauerei in Schmiechen, a small town in southern Germany. 

They brewed lager beer in open fermenters and conditioned beer in large horizontal lagering tanks, serving their local community for over 160 years. My grandmother grew up in the brewery, with her childhood bedroom directly above the brewery restaurant. Today, we continue the tradition by making simple and easy-drinking beers that can be enjoyed by all.
OUR HISTORY

In 1822, my mom’s great, great, great, grandfather Fidel Burgmaier started Sonnen Brauerei in Schmiechen, a small town in southern Germany. 

They brewed lager beer in open fermenters and conditioned beer in large horizontal lagering tanks, serving their local community for over 160 years. My grandmother grew up in the brewery, with her childhood bedroom directly above the brewery restaurant. Today, we continue the tradition by making simple and easy-drinking beers that can be enjoyed by all.
OUR PROCESS

The goal is not to chase trends, but to make high-quality beers that are balanced, refined, and timeless.

We're heavily inspired by European brewing techniques and traditions, particularly those from Germany, Belgiun, and the UK. We use simple malt bills, restrained hopping, and carefully selected yeasts, that prioritize clarity and structure over intensity. 

We aim to source the best ingredients and are constantly refining our process to make the best beer we can.

OUR APPROACH

We believe quality comes from paying attention to the details.

We’re intentionally small. Our whole team stays hands-on throughout the process, from packaging to pouring. This lets us focus on quality and build real relationships with the people who buy and drink our beer. We sell directly from the brewery and through a small network of bars, restaurants, and shops that share our values.