All aboard: Cassel Brewery opens its doors in Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Thursday, 09 August 2012 17:18

The microbrewery scene in Ottawa is adding yet another name to its roster. In late July, Cassel Brewery treated beer lovers to an impressive line of Canadian-made libations, and according to Ottawa Magazine, sold half its stock on the first day. Even the optimistic owners, Michel Racine and Mario Bourgeois, didn't expect to be this successful from the moment they opened the doors to their business.

Paying homage to the historic train tracks that run through the town, the brewers at Cassel remain humble about their roots, despite their immediate approval from Ottawans and beer connoisseurs alike.

"It all started 10 years ago," Racine told the news source. "Mario started out with beer kits. It didn't taste that good, so he started to make his own beer from scratch and developed six beers."

In February, the owners opened up production at a small factory in Casselman, just east of Ottawa, and began to churn out barrels of their refreshing brews. Within five months, there was enough beer to finally get business rolling.

Although visitors can only get Cassel beer in growler form straight from the brewery, Racine already has plans for expansion and opening up a canning facility. By the end of the year, these brews may be available in single-serving cans.

The beers

Cassel's flagship beer, Golden Rails, is definitely a crowd pleaser, and anyone who travels through Canada will enjoy this refreshing honey brown ale - even if they don't usually drink beer. With a smooth and well-rounded texture, this sweet brew is perfect for the warm summer months and a comforting reminder of the coming spring when winter rolls around. As the first batch to come out of the brewing kettles, Golden Rails holds a special place in Bourgeois' heart.

The strongest beer would have to be the Maple Rye, which, at 8 percent alcohol by volume, is definitely not for the faint of heart. This seasonal brew is only available when Canadian sugar taps are at their prime.

Visitors looking for a little less kick in their pint glass can try the Hopper Car IPA, which boasts similar tasting notes as many American IPAs, but with a subtle Canadian touch. Using chinook, cascade, amarillo and centennial hops, the Cassel brewmasters have concocted a multi-layered libation that any beer-lover will fawn over.