Big things are brewing in Windsor-Essex — and folks are starting to notice. The town now boasts six breweries, each offering a unique array of brews, in all sorts of styles. We took it upon ourselves to taste our way through a few dozen of them. Hard job, we know.
The result? Five beers worth trekking to Windsor for as chosen by us.
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[/ezcol_1fifth] [ezcol_4fifth_end]THE BREW: Honest Lager
THE BREWERY: Walkerville Brewery, 525 Argyle Road, walkervillebrewery.com
This Marzen Lager is brewed in accordance with the Oktoberfest beer style. It’s made with magnum hops and three types of malts — definitely malt heavy, with subdued hops notes. It somehow manages to be luxurious and easy-drinking.
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[/ezcol_1fifth] [ezcol_4fifth_end]THE BREW: ‘Next On Stage’ Amber
THE BREWERY: Craft Heads Brewing Company, 89 University Ave W, craftheads.ca
This well rounded amber ale has notes of toffee and caramel so strong you’d think it was oaked. It’s not. It’s one of 30 rotating taps in the bottle shop at Craft Heads — that include experiments, flagships and all manor of concoctions. It’s hard to pick just one!
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[/ezcol_1fifth] [ezcol_4fifth_end]THE BREW: It’s Brew Mother Pucker
THE BREWERY: BREW, 635 University Avenue E, brewwindsor.com
These wild fermented ales are all a little different, but we think the raspberry is pretty darn great. They’ve done versions with rhubarb, citrus and other berries too — all equally delicious. They’re tart, refreshing and perfect for patio weather.
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[/ezcol_1fifth] [ezcol_4fifth_end]THE BREW: Honey Habanero
THE BREWERY: FRANK Brewing Co, 12000 Tecumseh Rd E, frankbeer.ca
This one is limited edition, but oh-so-amazing. Brewed with locally grown hot peppers, this lager style brew packs the heat of hot peppers and the earthiness of vegetables provides a nice after thought. BONUS: this bar boasts an all-you-can-eat peanut bin!
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[/ezcol_1fifth] [ezcol_4fifth_end]THE BREW: Deja Blue
THE BREWERY: Motor Nano Brewery, 888 Erie St E, motorcraftales.com
This locally-minded brew features blueberries and lavender in the mash. It’s everything you’d expect: fruity, herbaceous and light. Don’t limit yourself to just one here though — we couldn’t help but get a whole flight.
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For more brewery and distillery experiences, check out the Barrels, Bottles & Brews Passport in Windsor Essex.