I like to keep it light and positive here on the report but but with the killing of three RCMP officers in my hometown of Moncton NB. I just want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers and the people on Moncton and I am so glad he has been captured so normal life can return.
The Canadian Brewing Awards took place last week end in Fredericton. Breweries from all three Maritime provinces took home four medals. The local winners were:
- Boxing Rock Brewing Co won bronze in the Imperial India Pale Ale category for their Vicar’s Cross Double IPA
- Picaroons Brewing Co. won bronze in North American Style Blonde/Golden Ale category for their Blonde Ale.
- PEI Brewing Co. won a bronze in Wheat Beer – North American Style category for their Sir John A Honey Wheat Ale.
- Rockbottom Brewpub won gold in the Imperial Stout category for their Wreckoning Russian Imperial Stout.
Barnone Brewing has a collaboration brew with an Ontario brewer Bicycle Craft Brewery called 'Broke Spoke' Pale Ale. They say Broke Spoke is for all the nasty potholes on the route 225 when cycling out to pick up your growlers.
Big Axe Brewery now has on tap its seasonal White Birch Porter made from birch sap from their own property, Double Bit IPA and soon their Simon Saaz Summer Ale. From Big Axe "[White Birch Porter is] our twist on the traditional American Porter brewed with pure white birch sap. It is dark brown in colour with medium body. White birch porter is slightly smokey with aroma of dark roasted nuts, rye bread and chocolate. Birch sap is naturally slightly bitter, it compliments bitterness of the noble hops nicely while making this porter complex and original." They also sent me their notes on the Simon Saaz Summer Ale saying "A ray of golden light shines through a thin patch of the blotchy white sky. Our summer ale is light gold in colour, dry and refreshing with a citric hop aroma and crisp flavours of orange and coriander. Released from a dark closet of winter, Simon Saaz Summer Ale is moderately hopped with 5.5% ABV and is sure to satisfy. It's a perfect summer day in New Brunswick."
Big Tide Brewing Co. announced that they have Blueberry Ale back on tap.
Hammond River Brewing released that its inaugural batch of Too Hop To Handle Double IPA was kegged this week. They say "it tips the scale at a hefty 8.4% ABV and 103 IBUs. It is brewed with a significant amount of Zythos hops. Waiting on ANBL to get it listed and then it will be hitting the local places.
Picaroons Traditional Ales announced Melonhead is back. This year they picked a grumpy looking kitty for the label. the cat is Ruby and is owned by Madison Sagle. It is now on tap at The Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton, and the bottles will be all around the Maritimes over the next couple of weeks. The Brewers Bash is now sold out but they announced the bands playing this year will be Zeus, Cyndi Cain and The Chronos Band. See you all on July 12th.
Railcar Brewing Company has released the details on its CSA progam. I love the community supported agriculture initiative and the perks are nice too. For details on what they are offering check out the document on the facebook page.
Garrison Brewing Co. finally started brewing Sugar Moon Maple. This is a favorite of many beer drinkers and with sap from Sugar Moon Farms from Earltown Nova Scotia.
Looking for some summer reading? Garrison is selling Canadian beer crusader, Mirella Amato's, first book called "Beerology" in their retail store. It contains everything you need to know about beer styles, pairing, beer parties and more. You can get it for $24.95.
Garrison also says it's your last week to take advantage of their sweet deal in the NSLC. Until Sunday you'll get $1.50 off at any NSLC location when you buy two 6-packs.
Meander River Farm says that their Lunch Box Pale Ale will be on tap again at noon on Saturday at Bar Stillwell in Halifax. They also ask if you are looking for a hands on experience in the hop yard this weekend? They will be stringing hops and welcome you to help out. They are looking for a few volunteers, starting Saturday. Beer, bonfire and BBQ at the end of the day is guaranteed! Message them if you're interested in helping out on the farm and for further details.
North Brewing Company say that their new 10 BBL fermenters should be ready by next week. Made for them at DME on PEI, as they say "keeping it local". They also have their Summer Saison
RockBottom Brewpub would like share their gold medal stout with everyone and will have it available next Wednesday June 11th at 4 PM for their Firkin Wednesday.
There has been a few announcements at Rockbottom of late being that they are open for lunch again during the week and after missing last month Brewers Dinner it is on again June 24th with a delicious menu, check it out on their facebook page.
Schoolhouse Brewery released a photo of their first keg of Principal Ale on route to the Library Pub in Wolfville. It will be on tap today. They will also have a keg at Spitfire Arms in Windsor tomorrow. Cam says he will not have growlers for he time being to concentrate on tap accounts, stayed tuned for updates.
Sea Level Brewing announced the launch of a Summer Blonde Pilsner today.They should have it in 355 ml cans and growlers at their shop by Monday and is now on tap at the The Port Pub and at Lucketts Vineyard. Randy describes it as "a crisp refreshing pilsner to enjoy on those dog day afternoons of summer. Made from 100% pilsner malt, Czech pilsner yeast and an Australian hop aptly named "Summer"". The brew is 4.8% ABV and 40 IBUs.
They also,have a surprise, just in time for Father's Day' they are bringing back the SOUTHERN CROSS IPA coming in cans, growlers, and kegs. This should also be ready by Monday as well. If you missed it the first time around Randy's notes are that it "is layered with a resiney spiciness that gives way to a fresh squeezed citrus aroma with subtle pine notes.This one weighs in at 6.5% ABV and 78.8 IBUs. Sea Level says the Pilsner and the I.P.A. will be around for most of the summer so "get ready to celebrate!".
Tatamagouche Brewing Co. has been busy brewing this week and testing out their hopback while making their first double batch of red ale with smell of El Dorado hops in the air. They are hoping to be open next week end, stay posted
Thanks for joining me again this week, stay safe and until next week enjoy responsibly.