The Kensington Brewing Company is Toronto's newest craft brewery. Founded by Brock Shepherd of Burger Bar, the first 30-keg batch of the brew is set to become available at the restaurant next week — just in time for spring. On offer will be the company's flagship beer, Augusta Ale (fittingly abbreviated as AA).

"It's a west coast style pale ale... a hoppier beer, but it's designed to appeal to a fairly wide audience — though probably not fans of Labbatt Blue," says Shepherd in appraisal of his product, which is currently being brewed at the Black Oak Brewing facility, but will operate out of a microbrewery at Burger Bar before year's end.

When asked what his inspiration for the project was, Shepherd tells me his obsession with craft breweries played a huge role, but that the neighbourhood after which his beer is named shouldn't be taken for granted. "All of our beers will relate to Kensington, and the market's unique culture." It's no surprise then that KBC's other beers will be named after nearby streets. Along with the Augusta Ale, look for the brewery to offer a Baldwin FisheyePA, Nassau Nectar, and some seasonal one-offs that have yet to be determined.

For now, KBC will only be offered as draught at Burger Bar, but Shepherd plans to get it into other restaurants and eventually into bottles and cans.

For updates and more information, check out the Kensington Brewing Company's website and Facebook page.