Did you know that Windsor is the birthplace of whisky in Canada?
It was also home to some serious rum-running. In 1916, the State of Michigan, banned the sale of alcohol, three years before prohibition became the national law in 1919. From that point forward, the City of Windsor, Ontario was a major site for alcohol smuggling and gang activity.
The tradition continues today with a new generation of craft brewers and distillers. It’s so alive, folks in the area have come together to create a ‘Barrels, Bottles & Brews’ self-guided trail. Visit one of the stops along the Trail to experience the history of Canadian Whisky, Prohibition, and enjoy a flight of craft beer or small batch-ultra premium spirits.
We can’t think of a better reason to roadtrip to Windsor-Essex. Here’s what our perfect weekend along the trail looks like!
- touring will have you working up an appetite. Head to Motor Burger — home of nano-brewery Motor Ales — for a burger. The classic is amazing, but if you want a few more bells and whistles, we suggest the ‘Autostrada’. Hand ground chuck, that’s chipotle rubbed, with italian sausage, blue cheese, fennel-apple slaw, and motor sauce.
- All that beer and whisky may send you to bed early. We suggest Caesars Windsor for a nap before heading for some nighttime entertainment.
- In the morning, rent a car and head for Kingsville in Essex County. Stop in at Wolfhead Distillery. If the weather permits, do a tasting on their patio.
- Continue south to Banded Goose Brewing Co., the brewing ?wing� of Feast On? certified Jack�s GastroPub. We suggest a tasting flight and a plate of Loop Fisheries Lake Erie perch & chips.
- After your late lunch, head north and check into The Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast. It’s a great home base for exploring wine country — or just sipping on some of the beers you collected while travelling the Barrels, Bottles & Brews Trail!
Discover the other stops along the trail and download your Barrels, Bottles & Brews trail passport here!
