By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON -- The St. Lawrence Brewing Company will host a grand opening tonight from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 19 Commerce Lane.

"It's pretty exciting," owner Ken Hebb said." We are going to have a taproom opening tonight and we'll have our IPA, porter, pilsner and bock for sale.

Hebb said he and his staff will also be offering tours of the facility, which will highlight the brewery and offer details on the different types of beers offered.

"I think people will be interested in taking a look at the operation," he said.

Hebb said his beers are available at Bessette's Bottles-N-Beverage, the Blackbird Cafe, Between the Buns and McDuffs.

"We want to get them anywhere that will take them," he said. "We are working on distributing across the North Country."

Hebb said he plans to distribute St. Lawrence Brewing Company from Sackets Harbor to Plattsburgh and as far south as Saranac Lake.

Hebb said locally brewed beers are becoming popular and he has always had an interest in producing his own alcohol.

"I really like the do it yourself aspect," he said. "I enjoy the process and the craft."

Hebb said he decided to take that hobby to next level to add to bring something new to the area.

There are no other breweries around here," he said. "It seemed like a lot of fun and I thought it could improve the culture of the North Country."

Currently Hebb's beers are only available in growlers, which are 64 ounce jugs made from glass or stainless steel.

Hebb said people who aren't able to make it to the grand opening can still see the brewery and taproom, which will soon be open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"We will also offer tours at those times," he said.

Anyone interested in carrying St. Lawrence Brewing Co. beers, should call 714-3200.