Second Wedge Brewing in Uxbridge celebrating post-tornado grand re-opening

Thirteen months after their roof was torn off and the brewery severely damaged by the EF2 tornado that devasted Uxbridge on May 21, 2022, Second Wedge Brewery Uxbridge is back in business.

Technically, the brewery’s beer garden re-opened last month in time to be the main venue for Uxbridge’s annual Springtide Festival and the brewery itself returned to seven-day service June 23, but the big party is this weekend, with events planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including a ribbon cutting Saturday at noon.

“This is really, finally happening,” the brewery posted on Facebook. “Hope you can come see our new pride and joy and join the party!”

Second Wedge Brewery – May 21, 2022

Second Wedge is still putting the finishing touches in place for the re-opening, including the last of their brewing tanks arriving on the weekend from Market Brewing in Newmarket, which “opened their hearts and their space” to the Uxbridge brewery while the brewhouse was being re-built.

“It’s a bittersweet celebration as we get back to full capacity at our home brewery,” Second Wedge reported as the tanks showed up. “We’ll miss working daily with the gang over there and we’ll always feel a special bond with them.”

Second Wedge called the shared working arrangement over the past year a “revolutionary solution to our extreme, unusual circumstance” and also praised Carefoote Beverage Solutions for coming up with the idea and helping make it all come together.

Market had the extra space and Second Wedge brought over four fermentation vessels and a brite tank that weren’t damaged by the tornado last August and the two companies proceeded to brew together for most of a year. Second Wedge was able to brew and package 35 batches of their own beer in Newmarket, as well as a couple of collaborations.

Market Brewing, Newmarket

“Today, our roommates have moved out,” Market Brewing posted on Instagram Sunday. “We will miss sharing the space, but we’re excited that they have their own brewery back.”

Second Wedge Head Brewer Mike Lounds called the arrangement an “incredible experience” the two teams got to share together. “Impossible to thank you enough for the hard work, support, and oh, so much help making this a reality! Love all you folks for life now.”

The arrangement was likely the first (and possibly last) time such an arrangement had been tried (it has been featured in the pages of brewing magazines The Growler and Brewers Journal Canada) and required the blessing of the Canada Revenue Agency and a special licensing exemption from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.

This weekend’s party begins Friday with a very appropriate art opening  by Lynn McIlvride and Tracy Walker entitled ‘Off Kilter: An Exhibition About Tornados.’ The reunion with brewery customers kicks off after the ribbon cutting Saturday, with an All-Star Music Celebration from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The party will continue at the brewery Sunday with live music from Heavy Head and commemorative shirt printing all weekend long.

Second Wedge also received news in the past week that their tied license had been approved, meaning they can serve beverages other than their own. This weekend ciders from nearby Banjo Cider will be on tap, along with all of Second Wedge’s brews.

“It’s been a long, hard, horrible year, but it’s finally time to turn our smiles around,” Second Wedge Brewery said in a post. “Come hang!”