The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery / Caiseal Beer & Spirits

Visited for dinner while I was in town on business. I was so impressed that I talked it up and brought a group of coworkers here for dinner a few nights later.

This brewery and restaurant is in a beautifully restored historic building near the port and marina area. There is a a large wraparound bar in the center with tables all around, along with a large open area for dancing, etc. They also have a good-sized stage and an upstairs balcony with more tables. If you're getting the impression this is a big facility, you're right. It is simply appointed, but emphasizes the building's historic roots, with lots of dark wood and iron, brass, etc. All in all, it is an impressive and welcoming space. They were not overly busy on the nights I visited, but had a friendly vibe, with patrons seeming to be laid-back and enjoying themselves. There was a singer-songwriter doing an acoustic set the first night I went, and a line dance lesson or club doing their thing on the dance floor the second time.

The food was amazing, with an original mix of ingredients creating distinctive dishes that go way beyond typical brewpub fare. The menu was not too extensive, but it all sounded unusual and appealing. Everything I tried was made from fresh natural ingredients and was delicious. The service was also good, with wait staff showing good knowledge of the beer and liquor that was made in-house.

They seemed to have about 10-12 taps of their own beer on offer. I got a flight of 6 to try and was very impressed with most of them. They ranged from excellent to good, with no duds among them. There were sours, Belgian varieties, and barrel-aged offerings, alongside more mainstream styles. To make things even better, this is also a working distillery. I tried their single malt, Scotch-style whisky and found it excellent! I have never found peat smoke character like that in an American-made whisky. I don't know how they got that authentic Islay aroma and flavor, but I really enjoyed it.

Would I go back? Definitely (I already did)! I recommend you check them out as well.

 

 

 

Pleasant service, amazingly beautiful history old armory. Tasty beer, incredible burgers. Very spacious place and will def visit !. They are doing it rightagain