Broadhead Brewery Co, Work Hard, Drink Easy well that is a motto I can get behind. Finally we came out of hiding, on a sunny Sunday afternoon we opted to head to Stray Dog Brewing Co. Noticing on the way that Broadhead had moved and we had not checked out their new facilities.
Honesty we were already out and about and safely masked so why not. Another tasty Ottawa Craft Brewery to share,
Ontario Craft Breweries
Goodness gracious it has been a while since I shared some tasty beer on the blog. Actually been housebound so long seems forever since I shared any activities. No matter I am about to remedy that. Touring around is slightly different, masks, anti bacterial gels and social distancing must be maintained.
On a positive note, at least here in Ontario companies and patrons are doing everything to stay safe. In addition to all the safety measures the brewery has put in lace there is a list for patrons as well. The precautions sure made this gal feel better about patio visits.
Broadhead Brewery Co
Time to chat about Broadhead. A beer I have sampled a time or two but I never had been to the Brewery. They recently re-located to a beautiful warehouse location in Orleans. Yea for me and the close proximity. They relocated Broadhead Brewery Co to the great community of Orleans, and in December kicked the doors open to meet their new neighbours and catch up with old friends. FYI 106-1680 Vimont Ct in case you wanted to visit.
Like many great craft breweries here in Ontario they also got their start in the basement. Seriously basements and garages make the best testing grounds for home brewing here in Canada.The Broadhead Brewery Co got its start in a basement. Two local Ottawa boys , Josh Larocque and Shane Matte, were determined to make their own beer. After some early hiccups (who knew you had to grind the grains?) the beer actually starting tasting pretty good. So good, in fact, that Josh and Shane kicked around the idea of opening their own craft brewery.
Jason Smale and Jamie White hopped on board (no pun intended) or should I say Broad and the dream grew. Tasting, testing and maybe sampling had them thinking bigger and bolder. Some might say liquid courage pushed their dream into a reality.
Ironically the name was inspired by the physically large noggins of the brewery owners. I am still unsure if that is an actual large or just one to many “big heads” after sampling the beer.
Broadhead Facilities
The Broadhead Brewery Co facility is beautiful if I can use that term, a large warehouse with amble room for visiting and tasting. I cannot wait to see the space when distancing is not but a faded memory. For now tables are spaced out, comfortable seating is available and conversation areas encourage a lengthy visit.
The taps are all wrench heads and the beer fights are served on wooden wrenches. A great theme that captures the imagination. Honesty I thought Broadhead must be a wrench until I did some research.
Warehouse setup encourages groups to stay safe and yet savour the moment. Also dogs are welcome. We thought we would be out on the patio with the dog but nope, four legged friends are welcome. Masks on until seated please.
How about the Beer at Broadhead Brewery
Obviously the beer is tasty, come’on folks does that surprise you? Broadhead Brewery Co have recently relocated to bigger, better space remember. The four of us ordered flights to get the full tasting experience.
I started with:
Pilsner-Brilliant straw in colour. Brewed in the German style with a light body, subtle toasty notes and a moderate, lingering bitterness. Except I did not find an aftertaste at all smooth and very much to my liking
Pale Ale-one of the 174 series. Straw in colour and slightly hazy. Aromas of grapefruit and grape, reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc. Assertive hop bitterness with bright flavours of tropical fruit leading to a crisp, dry finish
American Wheat-Pale yellow and cloudy in appearance, offering aroma’s and flavours of stone fruit and fresh orange peel and a crisp, refreshing finish.My favourite but I am a Wheat gal for sure
Oatmeal Stout-Dark and full-bodied. A rich flavour profile with big aromas of chocolate and coffee. Medium hop bitterness in harmony with a silky-smooth mouthfeel.This one was a heavier mocha and something I would probably not recommend on a 90 degree day in July. Keep this one for those cool fall evenings
Cait tried the Peach Mango Kolsch (also a 174 series) . Their version is unfiltered, bringing those nice grainy notes you expect from the style with a balanced hop bitterness (Magnum, El Dorado and Citra) that’s amplified using all natural fruit purees. The result is a stone cold patio crusher that drinks like a beer first, delivering mellow flavours of peach and mango and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Honestly their tasting description was far superior to mine. I just went yum, that is tasty.
Merchandise at Broadhead
Along with the standard tees,hats and glasses they also have a collection of sauces and soaps. And yes we did pick up Beer Soap it is Kent’s favourite.
Soap comes in four amazing “smells” aromas, flavours if you will, Grindstone,Nightshift, Tangerine and Blueberry. Well worth the price and we will be back for more.
If you are a real collector, there is an awesome Broadhead Tap Handle. it sure caught my eye. I personally am hoping for a metal sign to join our bar coection
We had a great visit and I am anxious to head back. On top of the lovely sitting area inside there is also a large patio/picnic area. Lots of Picnic tables and Umbrella shades.
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