Parsons Brewing Company

“Ughhh!” Our little hatchback bumped and rattled its way south on Highway 49, swerving to escape potholes of varying sizes. My partner and trusted co-pilot, Natalie, shot me a big smile. It was not our first trip to Prince Edward County; like many couples and families from Quebec, we regularly visited the County. In fact, my parents now lived in Picton, transplants from Toronto, happily ensconced in PEC going on twenty years. Natalie and I knew from experience that many locals referred to the highway as one of “the worst roads in Canada.” But having lived in Montreal for many years, we were well accustomed to scarred roads, patched up willy-nilly. Besides, we had more important things to worry about – like what were going to have for lunch!

We zoomed past the sign and turnoff for Three Dog Winery, one of our favourite vineyards in the County (but that’s a story for another day). To our left, through the leaves we glimpsed Lake Ontario, the sun reflecting off the water, inviting us deeper into the County. Ten minutes later we turned into a long, winding gravel road, surrounded by lush hop vines and a vast green lawn, that ended at a stunning wood farmhouse. We had arrived: Parsons Brewing Company.

I had visited Parsons several times in the past year, but just to pick up some craft beer to go. At the time, only the bottleshop had been completed, but today we were meeting my parents for lunch at the brewery’s newly opened taproom. Before stepping inside, Natalie and I took a selfie with the brewery’s 1972 VW Westphalia beer delivery fan, a stunning flash of orange metal with white decals.

Immediately upon entering the brewery, I was amazed by its transformation since my last visit. In addition to two fully-stocked beer fridges, the bottleshop’s shelves were now lined with tulip-shaped pint glasses and other essential craft beer and Parsons paraphernalia – must haves for the craft beer aficionado in your life. We were warmly greeted by co-owners, husband and wife, Samantha and Chris Parsons. Spotting my parents, Samantha led us into the taproom. As if on cue, Natalie and I simultaneously turned to one another and silently exclaimed, “Wow.” Ten tables, seating approximately 30 people, were nestled comfortably beneath high vaulted ceilings, large wooden beams running the length of the converted barn. Local art covered the walls, giving an already bright and airy room extra splashes of colour. The room’s centrepiece, however, was its magnificent bar, beautifully stained to bring out the wood’s original grain. And along the bar were 17 taps – teasing us, begging us to try what was on offer.

Formalities concluded (sorry Mom and Dad!), we quickly turned our attention to the menus. To drink, Parsons offers a range of flagship beers, including Crushable Pilsner and Westy Pale Ale, plus a large number of seasonal, rotating beers. My dad and I both ordered a flight of beer. My flight included the Westy; Rinda Rinda, an incredible yuzu flavoured ale; The Father, a rich stout aged in whiskey barrels; and my favourite of the afternoon, Marysburgh Vortex, a juicy IPA named after the County’s very own Bermuda Triangle, home to over 100 shipwrecks. Natalie ordered the Rizbal Mango Lassi, a sour beer, while my mom tried Miss Supertest, a low alcohol, IPA session beer.

To eat, Parsons offers what they describe as “Authentic Mexican Fare,” their chef another County transplant, albeit in this case, from Mexico. As a table, we shared the Tinga Tostada, Carnitas Tacos, plus the shrimp and chorizo tacos. Individually, we each ordered a bowl of the Pozole Rojo, a traditional Mexican soup. Mesmerized by the levels of flavour and complexity, we sat in virtual silence devouring each dish, only occasionally breaking the spell to smile or nod in satisfaction to one another.

 It was clear that we were not the only people enjoying ourselves. Every seat in the taproom was occupied, including those at the bar. Next to us, two grandparents happily ate lunch with their two young grandchildren. Two tables down, a young couple sampled a flight of Parsons’ Devils Right Hand premium stout series; they agreed that each glass better than the last. And two construction workers chatted with the bartender, excitedly discussing the the taproom’s interior design.

 As we paid the cheque, we thanked Samantha and Chris for a wonderful lunch. The beer, food, and atmosphere were second-to-none and you would be hard-pressed to find a similar experience in Toronto or Montreal. On our way out the door, I could not resist making a final purchase. Along with a Parsons pint glass, I stocked up on Marysburgh Vortex, unsure of when I’d next be back. We all agreed however that the wait would not be long.