Kichesippi Beer Company to Close After 16 Years, End of an Era for Ottawa Craft Beer

Ottawa's craft beer scene is losing one of its originals. Kichesippi Beer Company, the local brewery that helped put Ottawa on the craft beer map, announced it will be closing its doors on Friday after 16 years in business.

Founded in 2010 by Paul Meek, Kichesippi, named after the Algonquin word for the Ottawa River, became a fixture of the local craft scene, beloved for its approachable, quality brews and deep Ottawa roots.

A Craft Beer Pioneer

Long before IPAs and sours became standard menu items at every restaurant in the ByWard Market, Kichesippi was pouring pints for Ottawans who wanted locally made beer without having to drive to Montreal or Toronto. The brewery helped define what Ottawa craft beer could be: unpretentious, community-focused, and genuinely good.

Over 16 years, Kichesippi grew from a scrappy startup into a recognized name. Its beers showing up at festivals, bars, and LCBO shelves across the city. The Kichesippi India Pale Ale, lager, and seasonal offerings earned the brewery a loyal local following.

What's Next

Details on why the brewery is shutting down weren't immediately clear, but the closure reflects the tough reality many independent craft breweries face: rising costs, fierce competition, and a shifting beer market where consumer tastes change fast and margins are thin.

For Ottawa's craft beer community, the loss is real. Kichesippi wasn't just a brewery. It was proof that Ottawa could support homegrown beer culture.

Raise a Glass

If you haven't already, now is the time to stop in, pick up some cans, and say goodbye properly. The brewery closes Friday.

Ottawa's craft beer scene will carry on, there are still great local options across the city, but Kichesippi's particular brand of Ottawa pride will be hard to replace.

Here's to 16 great years. 🍺

Source: CBC Ottawa