(Story by RE, Photos by Mark Girdauskas). It was Railway City Brewing Company’s fourth anniversary and their first off-site tasting night on Thursday (April 19) at Kenny Iguana’s on Talbot Street. “The restaurant regularly features the RCB beer on tap,” says Ken Kokko, “even the stranger-sounding seasonals – many patrons love to try something new”. Ken welcomed the brewery and tasters for the evening.
As well as their fourth anniversary, Railway City has been celebrating another win at Queen’s Park. Breweries from across Ontario compete in six categories for the right to be served in the Legislature Dining room and at Queen’s Park events. Dead Elephant Ale was in the winner’s circle again this spring with the best bold flavoured ale, stout or porter. You can also find the Dead Elephant (in the funkily labelled can version) in this year’s Craft Beer Discovery 6-Pak at the LCBO.
As well as their fourth anniversary, Railway City has been celebrating another win at Queen’s Park. Breweries from across Ontario compete in six categories for the right to be served in the Legislature Dining room and at Queen’s Park events. Dead Elephant Ale was in the winner’s circle again this spring with the best bold flavoured ale, stout or porter. You can also find the Dead Elephant (in the funkily labelled can version) in this year’s Craft Beer Discovery 6-Pak at the LCBO.
Paul Corriveau noted the brewery’s thanks for the support they have received since opening. The evening was both an anniversary celebration and the launch of two new seasonals - Honey Elixer and Canada Southern Draft. Both were also offered for taste testing against two other craft beers. They got great reviews and the brewery stayed open late for purchases after the tasting.
Steve Peters was also on hand, smiling “I’m not a politician anymore and it’s great.” Seven years ago, while Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly he started the annual craft beer selection event at Queen’s Park. He has had a longstanding interest in all things “hop” - he has collected bottles from breweries located in St. Thomas in the 1800s and early 1900s and even has hops growing in his back yard. Last year some of the Peters hop crop ended up in a batch of Double Dead Ale.
Steve Peters was also on hand, smiling “I’m not a politician anymore and it’s great.” Seven years ago, while Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly he started the annual craft beer selection event at Queen’s Park. He has had a longstanding interest in all things “hop” - he has collected bottles from breweries located in St. Thomas in the 1800s and early 1900s and even has hops growing in his back yard. Last year some of the Peters hop crop ended up in a batch of Double Dead Ale.
Steve noted that there were two craft breweries in St. Thomas’ past, but the second closed in 1916 and there wasn’t another till Railway City opened four years ago. There was also, a brewery started by the Kolb family during prohibition – they hit hard financial times, however, and the brewery was never completed. The huge unfinished building remained standing for many years on the south side of Talbot Street near Balaclava and became known as “The Skeleton” .
Steve also mentioned an upcoming event that will be of interest to beer and/or history lovers. He will be leading a walking tour, “Beer Tasting & Hotel Walk – History & Jaunt”, a historic walk of St. Thomas Taverns where you can “taste the finest today, and experience the best of the past.” It’s put on by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (St. Thomas-Elgin Branch), June 17 at 2pm. Call 519-631-1881 for tickets, $20 per person.
Congratulations and happy anniversary to all the folks at Railway City Brewing. Railway City Brewing Company is a member of Savour Elgin. Below, see some of Mark Girdauskas' photos from the evening.
Steve also mentioned an upcoming event that will be of interest to beer and/or history lovers. He will be leading a walking tour, “Beer Tasting & Hotel Walk – History & Jaunt”, a historic walk of St. Thomas Taverns where you can “taste the finest today, and experience the best of the past.” It’s put on by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (St. Thomas-Elgin Branch), June 17 at 2pm. Call 519-631-1881 for tickets, $20 per person.
Congratulations and happy anniversary to all the folks at Railway City Brewing. Railway City Brewing Company is a member of Savour Elgin. Below, see some of Mark Girdauskas' photos from the evening.
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