In an old train station along a set of tracks just to the northern end of St. Marys, Ontario, you'll find a small brewery that pays homage to the Grand Trunk Railway of 1858, which used to service St. Marys Junction.
On the last day of our Stratford visit, DW and our travel companions, Nina and Brian, made a side trip to the small town of St. Marys and, in particular to this brewery. Because it participates in the Bacon & Ale trail, we took advantage of our remaining voucher to sample some of the brews on tap. You can read more about that visit in a previous blog post.
Having finished my four samples, I wanted to take some beer home with me: in particular, I wanted a couple of the brews that I had sampled and liked. However, our server, Meg, informed me that the beer that I wanted was either unavailable in cans or was sold out, so I perused the fridge to find other beer that might interest me.
There were cans of a sample I had wanted to try, but the tap at the time was pouring only foam. I picked up a couple of those. I also grabbed a couple of cans of a raspberry sour that Brian had tried and liked. And I also asked Meg to recommend something for me to complete the six-pack that I was building.
Meg pointed to an amber that she said was her favourite, so I went with her recommendation.
Here are my notes.
Broken Rail Brewing
St. Marys ON
Appearance: a clear, rusty-copper with a pale beige head that pours a creamy head that settles to a thin cap. According to the brewers, the rust colour of the ale matches the rusted, square nails that were used in the construction of the train station.
Nose: warm malt and toffee.
Palate: there's a slight bitterness that hits the tongue initially but a sweet toffee dominates the palate. There's even an impression of coffee and walnuts in the medium-length finish. The body is solid without being heavy.
Overall impression: Square Nail is a solid recommendation. Thanks, Meg! Now that we're into cooler weather, this amber would be enjoyable on a night in, relaxing around friends, in good conversation. Maybe with some cheeses and cold meats on the side, with some honey to boot.
This amber is one I'd happily drink whenever I had the opportunity. Though I don't drink this style of beer often, Square Nail has me wanting to reach for an amber more often.
Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺
Sadly, Broken Rail doesn't deliver to Ottawa. I can't even have it shipped to a friend in Guelph. Deliveries are only local. But as with the beer I enjoyed in Stratford, it's one more reason why I shouldn't be a stranger to this region of Ontario.
If you're in the Stratford–St. Marys area, whether living in the region or just passing through, make Broken Rail a destination.
Cheers!
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