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Beer has been flowing at the former Lakeport plant in Hamilton since June and this weekend the public will have a chance to take a behind the scenes look at how Arts and Science Brewery operates.

On their own, Collective Arts and Nickel Brook wouldn’t be able to afford to brew out of the 40 000 square foot old Lakeport plant. Together, they make up one of the first collaboration breweries in Canada – Arts and Science.

“We have a 5 vessel brew house. We hope to have the capacity to produce up to 100 000 hectolitres eventually.”

Brewmaster Ryan Morrow says in order for the craft brewers to expand they needed more space.

“This became available and everything lined up and we decided to jump on board. And a year and a half later we’re making beer here.”

When they moved in, they faced a bitter reality. The facility had been gutted and the breweries poured millions into renovations, including equipment purchased from the shuttered Sleeman’s plant in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

“It’s been a long road, which makes us appreciate it that much more.” said Collective Arts co-founder Matt Johnston.

Johnston says while they do well in the 200 LCBO stores they’re in the company is looking forward to Ontario expanding beer sales to grocery stores.

Government regulations stipulate only one brewer can have a retail store on site, so you can only purchase Collective Arts products here. Nickel Brook still retails out of its Burlington location.

On Saturday, the brewery will open its doors to the public, offerings tours, tunes and tastings.