Rusty Wrench Brewing Company

One of my hobbies has been to go to each OHL arena to watch a game, and my travels lead me to Sarnia. Deciding to put full use of the trip, I decided to google what beer places may reside the the trip there, and low an behold Rusty Wrench came up. Thus I decided to make a stop on the trip in Strathroy to investigate.

The location could certainly use some signage, as I nearly passed by the place, having seen only a generic brown awning at the front of the brewpub. However, once I entered, a much more pleasing sight of taps with handles with tools attached, picnic tables and old school industrial vibe to the place was inviting. Loved the literal rusty wrench sign and the unique washroom signs.

The offerings were good and unique, and a lot more then I honestly expected from a small brewpub. I ended up getting a flight of a Roggenbier brewed with Apple Cider, a Jalapeno Mango pale ale, a Pumpkin IPA (which wasn't really that hoppy) and a Hefe, them being out of their Amber ale at the time. Service was quick and prompt, save that it took some time to get my howler filled up after my meal. Glad I saw no issues with their beer system, and the fact they had a nitro tap was good to see too.

The downside though, is the selection. I counted seven offerings in total of which one of them was out of stock, bringing it down to six. I will give some leeway that they have wine, apparently homemade soda and a coffee selection which is good for non-beer drinkers. Also the fact they had a nitro tap is good too. The complete lack of cans or bottles though is a bit of a bummer for a beer focused locale. They do offer growlers and did fill up my Howler after I ate, which is something I suppose, but wish I could have had more to take home.

Speaking of food, I ended up getting a nice Brisket sandwich with a Horseraddish sauce and a salad. Both were quite good and I'd be glad to have again. While the menu wasn't tremendously large, it was still a restaurant with a kitchen, and not just a brewery or beer bar with a couple of items. Nothing too fancy, but still a solid amount of good options.

All in all, it was a good place to stop, and I'd probably do so again if I was in the area. Not sure if that is going to happen soon, barring an Sting vs Bulldogs OHL Championship, but it was worth the stop off the highway.