Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Moth Lane Brewing opens in PEI

(Ellerslie, PE) - Moth Lane Brewing got its Christmas wish and finally opened their doors on Christmas eve. The brewery is the dream of owner Eric Wagner and is situated on his family's land overlooking oyster beds on Conway Narrows at 101 Mickie Allen Shore Road in Ellerslie.

Their starting line-up consisted of three beers that were:

- Motorboat'r Blonde Ale - Refreshing, easy drinking
- The Answer Imperial IPA - Piney, hoppy bitterness
- Oyster Thief Stout - Creamy, chocolate & coffee notes and is made with oysters

Starting this Thursday they are going to be open regular hours allowing customers to stop by for a pint or a growler fill and on Saturday evenings they will be playing the hoedown. Hours are Noon to 5 PM Monday through Wednesday and 5 PM to 10 PM from Thursday to Saturday. 

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Top 5 Maritime Beer Report Blog posts of 2016

It has been a busy year and with 2016 winding to a close it is time for me to reflect on what happened and what people liked to read. Here is the top five read posts from this year.

5. Mama's Pub becomes a Brewpub from March 1st. 

4. Beckwith Road Brewing Rolls into NB Craft Beer Scene from August 2nd. 

3. Government reducing markup charged to NS Craft brewers from December 20th 

2. The Gahan House Restauarant and Brewery comes to Moncton from June 29th. 

1. Trider's Craft Beer to open Brewery in Amherst from June 27th.

These five stories account for over 10 000 page reads alone showing Maritimers thirst not only for their beer but their beer news also. 

Saturday, December 24, 2016

MBR December 23, 2016 - New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Edition


Welcome to the last edition of the Maritime Beer Report for 2016. 

Moth Lane Brewing says after many delays "It's a Christmas Miracle!" They will be open on Christmas Eve for tasting & growler sales from 10 AM - 7 PM. They will be waiving the growler fee on the first 50 growlers. One growler per customer and cash only for the time being.

PEI Brewing is having a surprise tap takeover on Christmas Eve. If you missed out on any of their Crafty Christmas Countdown limited edition beers they'll have them all on tap from 11 AM to 4PM 

Acadie-Broue released his Zirable lambic yesterday at The Laundromat in Moncton. It's a beer that was fermented in oak barrels and then aged for 3 years. Extremely limited release. 

Bogtrotter released Snapping turtle Stout just in time for Christmas. The 4.8% ABV beer is available at York St and Oromocto ANBL.

Celtic Knot Brewing revealed that coming early in the new year his Orange Chocolate Oatmeal Stout will be coming to his tap accounts.  

Graystone Brewing also released a very limited beer this week. Holiday Stout is Pitch Stout infused with cranberries and cocoa nibs. It is a crushable 4.0% ABV and 38 IBUs.

Loyalist City Brewing had a soft opening this week at Cask and Kettle. They officially sold out of their first release after a great launch. Alcool NB Liquor sold out of the 5 kegs they delivered in 24 hours. I am trying to get more details on when they are opening and will let you know all the details. 

Mama's Brew Pub now has crowlers on sale now at at the pub becoming the third Maritime brewer to add the option. 

The Pump House Brewery has released its Nor'easter Winter Warmer. The Winter Warmer is a traditional malty-sweet English style that is brewed in the winter months and spiced with cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Deep dark amber coloured with a big malt presence and lingering spicy notes and rings in at 8.0% ABV.

Savoie's Brewhouse has released Holiday Peppermint Blonde for the holidays exclusively at the Herons Nest Pub.

Trail Way Brewing has a brand new imperial stout, Christmas Rascal, now on tap. They took half a batch of Rascal, their imperial American stout, and infused it with lactose then aged it briefly on cocoa nibs, and a blend of cinnamon, cayenne, cardamom and vanilla. The inspiration for this one was Mexican chocolate and is 8% ABV and available immediately.

New Years Eve Water Front Craft Beer Garden is happening Saturday, December 31 at 4 PM - 9 PM at Tide and Boar Gastropub 700 Main Street, Moncton, New Brunswick. On New years join them on the water front to celebrate Canada turning 150 years old. Not only will Jimmy Rankin, Joseph Edgar and Izzy and the Prohibition will be there but so will 
Acadie Broue 
Beckwith Road Brewing
Bore City Brewing
Celtic Knot Brewing
Flying Boats Brewery
Scow Cider
Tide & Boar Brewing
the Beer Garden will have a full view of the Concert and last from 4-9pm. See all of you Local Beer lovers there!!

Thanks for your support this year, enjoy the festive season and all it has to offer. I will return on January 6th 2017 with more reports. 

Friday, December 23, 2016

MBR December 23, 2016 - Nova Scotia Edition


Welcome to the last Beer Report for 2016. 

There was two big stories this week that will positively effect the industry in 2017. 

Atlantic Bottle Wash, a Burnside-based company, received $250,00 this week from ACOA. André Anglehart, president of Atlantic Bottle Wash, says it is part of an $800,000 investment that the company is making in bottle washing. They will be allowed to clean and resell 4.2 million 341-ml beer bottles a year to craft brewers saving brewers such as Propeller, Garrison and Boxing Rock saving them over $400,000. The company hopes to get more equipment to allow them to clean and provide other bottle sizes like the popular 500 ml and 650 ml bottles to craft brewers in the future. 

Premier Stephen McNeil announced this week that Nova Scotia's Liberal government is changing the fee structure it currently levies on craft breweries. The Retail Sales Markup Allocation (RSMA) that is charged to craft brewers will change from $0.50 per litre on their beer to five per cent of wholesale costs of sales made directly. The Craft Brewers of Nova Scotia (CBANS) have been lobbying for this change for some time to bring the sector inline with both the wine and spirits industry in the province.
The change for craft brewers will take effect April 1, 2017 and will reduce the amount craft brewers pay by about $800,000 per year which will go into reinvesting in their breweries.

Gahan House in Halifax released Santa's Little Helper, their Christmas ale aged in a red wine barrel on mulling spices. They serve it with a complimentary gingerbread cookie. Perfect for the holiday's. 

Good Robot Brewing announced some new beers coming in 2017. They will be releasing Sickbot Epidemic ESB on January 5th in collaboration with Sickboy Podcast. 220 Volts (working name) tripel in collaboration with North Brewing that was brewed at both facilities with slight tweaks and to be released in February for their back-to-back Battery Park and Good Robot taproom takeovers. Lastly, a yet-to-be-named barleywine which they say will take some time to mellow out.
At the Good Robot staff's request they will be open every day through the holidays, consider it a safe space if needed. On January 1st they will be celebrating a No Frills New Year's - nothing but beer and glasses to serve them in, plus finger foods from Rinaldo's.

Saltbox Brewery now has Batch 56 on tap in Mahone Bay. The beer is a crisp light bodied lager that is mildly malty, with a hint of fruit hop character and has an ABV of 5.4%. 

Sober Island Brewing's Christmas came early with the arrival of its tanks from Big Spruce and DME. Owner Becky Atkinson says they are hoping to start brewing by mid February on the new gear. 

Annapolis Cider Company introduced Old-Fashioned Gravenstein. This cider is made exclusively from 100% hand-picked local Gravenstein apples, a traditional heirloom variety. Harvested early and pressed shortly after it is picked, this dry fermented Gravenstein cider is carefully blended with freshly pressed Gravenstein juice and is finished off with a slight effervescence. This elegant pale-hued cider with crisp apple flavour and fresh apple aroma, is 7.4% alcohol and $19.95, including a refillable bottle. 

A few other items of note. 

End of the Line Pub in Bridgetown is hosting a Roof Hound Brewing Take Over & Mixings with Still Fired Distillery on Thursday, December 29 from 7 PM - 10 PM. Les Barr will take over the taps along with mixing from Still Fired Distillery and also have sample trays and food pairings available. There will also be music by Tide and Timber.

Bad Apple Brewhouse turns 3 years old on December 31st. They will be celebrating and invite everyone to drop in from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Halifax Seaport Beerfest has a special deal on now until December 24th. Get 2017 Seaport Beerfest now and save nearly $10 off the price of regular admission. The link to buy tickets is here

Have a great holiday season, remember to plan ahead if you plan to enjoy a beer and make sure your holiday is happy. The Maritime Beer Report returns January 6th 2017. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Government reducing markup charged to NS Craft brewers


(Halifax, NS) - Inside Garrison Brewing's brewhouse Premier Stephen McNeil announced that Nova Scotia's Liberal government is changing the fee structure it currently levies on craft breweries. 

The Retail Sales Markup Allocation (RSMA) that is charged to craft brewers will change from $0.50 per litre on their beer to five per cent of wholesale costs of sales made directly. The Craft Brewers of Nova Scotia (CBANS) have been lobbying for this change for some time to bring the sector inline with both the wine and spirits industry in the province. 

"Craft brewers are playing an increasingly significant role in the economy and tourism in communities across the province," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "We're pleased to see the success of these entrepreneurs and look forward to this measure helping the sector keep growing."

"This change will have a positive impact in every region of the province," said Emily Tipton, president of the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia. "With more craft breweries per capita than any other province in Canada, and 12 per cent of Nova Scotia's tourists visiting a craft brewery this year, this announcement will help craft breweries grow and make more world-class beer." 

The change for craft brewers will take effect April 1, 2017 and will reduce the amount craft brewers pay by about $800,000 per year which will go into reinvesting in their breweries.

Friday, December 16, 2016

MBR December 16, 2016 - New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Edition


Welcome to a very chilly Maritime beer report for December 16th. 

Upstreet Craft Brewing released Into The Weeds a Seaweed Blonde Ale today. Into The Weeds is a seaweed blonde ale made with sea lettuce and dulse on a maritime 2-row base with some light crystal malt. A unique blend of sweet, salty, and umami (pleasant savory taste), this beer is sure to get you thinking. The 4% ABV 20 IBU beer is a new creation from Upstreet Beer Ambassador Jesse H.

Big Axe Brewery is releasing their annual Shakespeare Chocolate Mint Stout and will be available tomorrow from noon to 6 PM just in time for Christmas. Please note that Big Axe will be on hiatus until January 14th after tomorrow. 

Big Tide Brewing has both of their winter specialty brews are on tap. Santa's Chocolate Porter (5.4% ABV) and Crazberry Cream Ale (5.6% ABV) are available in house, and will soon be available in Fredericton at Grimross, Red Rover, and the James Joyce Pub. The Moncton ANBL location will also be receiving a shipment of Crazberry this weekend. 

Bogtrotter has kegged and released Snowy Spruce IPA. They say it's a Little Christmas spirit in every sip. This American IPA is 6.2% ABV and 82 IBUs.

Hammond River Brewing brewed a brand new Russian Imperial Stout called Quicksand Jesus. A portion of this beer will be aged in an oak barrel and should be around 10.2% ABV. 

Mama's Brew Pub has put N.B. White Out on tap. They describe it as a citrusy, palate cleansing wheat beer that is a great break from shovelling and comes in at 4.5% ABV.

Maybee Brewing made a big beer for their 50th brew, a Quadrupel. It is the biggest beer they've ever done with 470kg of grain. This Belgian Dark Strong ale will ring in around 11.5% ABV. Watch here for release date. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales is now licensed to sell growlers and beer to go at both The Picaroons Roundhouse and at The 5 Kings Restaurant & Picaroons Brewhouse. 
They also started their traditional 12 beers of Christmas this week where a new limited release beer is out each day for growler fills. Check out their social media for details. 

Stay warm and have a great seven days. 

MBR December 16, 2016 - Nova Scotia Edition




Welcome to the December 16th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

Big Spruce Brewing has a new beer called One Hundred. It is the first ever beer made with 100% organic Nova Scotia grown ingredients with organic barley from Taproot Farms, organic rye from Stewart's Organics (both malted at Horton Ridge Malt), organic goldings and willamette hops from Breton Fields (their farm at the brewery) and their own proprietary yeast harvested from the surface of a wild Eastern Canadian Pin Cherry that grew on their farm. Distinctly Belgian, dry and crisp, with spicy notes from the rye malt, this beer weighs in at 4.9% ABV and 24 IBUs. 

Boxing Rock Brewing are releasing their U-889 Russian Imperial Stout infused with coffee and vanilla starting this week end at the private stores in Halifax and a very limited release at the NSLC Port of Wines store. You can also get it this Saturday at their stall at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, and of course, at the retail store in Shelburne.
Also their collaboration with Big Spruce Brewing was put into a special one-off collectible bottle for a very limited edition release for the holidays. Shame on You IPA is an awesome IPA with lots of great malt and super aromatic hops and is available at private stores and Seaport Market and Alderney Market this Saturday.

FirkinStein Brewing has a new beer this week end similar to their pale ale with a pleasant late bitter finish called "Beet This" Ale. It was made with many beets giving it a great reddish colour and unique flavour. 

Garrison Brewing launched a new one-off beer yesterday "Miley Citrus” Double IPA. The beer used Maritime Pale Ale malt and Wheat malt, Citra, Simcoe, and Topaz hops and comes in at 7.6% ABV and 66 IBUs. Described as a citrus-forward brew that is a strong but very approachable double IPA brewed with copious amounts of hops and malt. The beer boasts fresh peeled orange, tangerine and sweet orange marmalade aromas and flavours with a delicious grapefruit pith finish.  
Released only for draft down at the brewery for the time being and will be going out to some licensees shortly as well.

Good Robot Brewing released Dave & Morley Coffee Brown Ale that is a tribute to Stuart McLean & The Vinyl Cafe. The 6.3% ABV ale features Bottleneck Coffee cold-brewed Rwanda Gisuma sourced from Java Blend Coffee Roasters

Granite Brewery will have their Darkside Black IPA out in about two weeks and coincidentally Star Wars Rogue One opens today. 

Schoolhouse Brewing invite everyone to celebrate the last few days before Christmas. On December 22nd and 23rd, they'll be open from noon to eight with flights, growlers, beer swag, music and food truck(s). Details to follow about beer list & food truck(s).

Sea Level Brewing have their seasonal High Street Wee Heavy Scotch Ale out now. Available now in 1L growlers at the brewery and on tap at The Port Pub and Bistro. Cans will be released today and sent to Halifax for the week end.

Tatamagouche Brewing released a new beer in their Giant Beer Series last week end. Tatamagouche says .50 cents from each bottle of Adopter Doppelbock will be donated to Home To Stay Dog Rescue. The 7.6% ABV beer is on sale at the brewery now. 

After a successful launch last week end Tidehouse Brewing's retail space is opening Saturday at 1 PM at 2-5187 Salter Street in Halifax.

Have a great week end and here's to hoping you finish up your shopping. 

Friday, December 9, 2016

MBR December 9, 2016 - New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Edition


It is another busy week in New Brunswick for beer and cider. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released a teaser that Canon Franchetti Cappuccino Stout will be out soon. 

Loyalist City Brewing says that they are now officially a licensed brewery. Their first two batches as they await the arrival of four other fermenters in the next two weeks. Stay tuned for more details. 

Mama's Brew Pub has a new beer out. Stone Bridge IPA has short bursts of well rounded bitterness that brings hop lovers back for more. Get it now on tap at the pub. 

Off Grid Ales' four beers went into ANBL stores today in the Fredericton area. The brewery on a cove on Harvey Lake in southeastern NB and is a completely off grid, using solar and wind power supplemented by propane and is going to specialize in full-bodies IPAs.
The beers out today are Sunny Day IPA, High Tower Double IPA, Campfire Red and Unplugged Porter.

Picaroons has been very busy of late but have released a new beer. It was done at their facility in Devon and is called The Vinyl Cut Black IPA. They found it hard to pigeon hole this beer as a style but says it is roasty and hoppy). You may recall they did the 'One For The Road" Black IPA in Saint John a little while back but this is a different recipe altogether and they used their signature Ringwood yeast.
The tasting description is "full-bodied roasted hoppy beauty rings in at 8% Alc./Vol. and was brewed right here at our main brewery on Fredericton's Northside". Because it was brewed in the main facility rather than one of their small batch system there is more to spread around. Look for it on tap throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Tide and Boar Gastropub has a new beer on tap from their brewery. Sour Otis Cranberry with cranberries that were sourced from a local farm and used when they were nice and fresh. This beer is nice and sour, refreshing and comes in at only 4.2% ABV.

Coastliner Craft Cider announced that they are now listed with ANBL. They are initially offering a semi dry cider described as a dry, crisp and tangy cider with a subtle zesty sweetness made with 100% NB apple juice with no additives except sulphates. It will be in single 355 ml bottles as well as four packs and at 5.4% they say it's an easy drinking cider with a balanced acid level.
Look for Coastliner to hit the shelves in the Fredericton area are next week and throughout New Brunswick after that as demand warrants.

Red Rover Craft Cider teamed up with Distillerie Fils du Roy for a very special Christmas collaboration. Inspired by Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, in which Mr. Scrooge is visited by three spirits they have three special releases over the next three Fridays leading up to Christmas. On December 9th PAST ( 7.3% ABV ) will be available that combines dry crab apple cider, vanilla, Crosby's molasses and brandy Fort LaTour. The following Friday PRESENT ( 7.3% ABV ) will be out and is a mixture of their wild blueberry cider infused with Gin Thuya. Finally FUTURE ( 7.4% ABV ) will be out on December 23rd that infuses a semi-dry floral cider with the particular tastes of wormwood from The Courailleuse.
Red Rover has made a limited amount of special wax sealed 750 ml bottles, 200 per style. On December 9th only, customers will have the opportunity to pre purchase all three at a special price of $45 or buy each for $16.50. These will not be listed with ANBL and only sold at the Ciderhouse in downtown Fredericton at 546 Queen Street.
Red Rover has also released Jingleberry Cider made with wild NB blueberries, cardamom and festive spirit.

York County Cider has released its Christmas cider that has blended maritime cranberries with cinnamon, ginger and cloves to create a semi-dry cider that is sure to please. Available for growler fills at 418 York Street. Only available for a limited time.

Have a great week and I will be back next Friday. 

Off Grid Ales beers hit the shelves in NB

(Harvey Station, NB) - Off Grid Ales' four beers went into ANBL stores today in the Fredericton area. The brewery on a cove on Harvey Lake in southeastern NB and is a completely off grid, using solar and wind power supplemented by propane and is going to specialize in full-bodies IPAs. 
The beers out today are Sunny Day IPA, High Tower Double IPA, Campfire Red and Unplugged Porter.

MBR December 9, 2016 - Nova Scotia Edition


As we coast towards Christmas we are seeing some exciting new beers and some old favorites returning. 

Big Spruce Brewing is taking over the taps at Lion & Bright in Halifax on Sunday, December 11 from 9 PM until 12. They'll have some new beers as well as their favorites, so come out for an evening of early holiday cheer.

Boxing Rock Brewing ‏has released 2016's U-889 Russian Imperial stout. This always sells fast so secure your bottle as soon as you can. 

Breton Brewing also released their Storm Chaser Vanilla Stout for taproom pints and growler fills. 

A new brewery popped on my radar. Lunn's Mill Beer Company will be opening in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia in very early 2017. Look for details in January. 

Nine Locks Brewing released their Double Chocolate Stout on tap. Double Chocolate Stout is 6.1 ABV and 28 IBUs. Nine Locks says "This chocolate stout is smooth, dark and full-bodied. Chocolate dominates the palate with notes of coffee and roasted grain. Hopping with East Kent Goldings provides a balanced finish".

North Brewing released Midnight their Glenora Barrel-aged Strong Dark Belgian  for 2016 and Dartmouth Dark the Dark Lagered Ale infused with Cannon cold brew from Anchored Coffee. They are available in both the Halifax and Dartmouth bottle shops.
North also announced the launch of our new Artist Series labels for their six core beers. They worked with five local female artists to bring the new look. Starting on Sunday, they will highlight each label, and give a little background on the artists involved.
Lastly today North launches Saison de Pinot (6.4% ABV) made in collaboration with Benjamin Bridge using their pinot must

Roof Hound Brewing announced that they will be having a new twist for their next Supper Club coming up on Thursday, January 19th. The Lumberjack Supper Club will be an old-fashioned, plaid flannel shirt-wearing affair with a rustic, hearty 3-course menu, back woods stories and live music. Doors will open at 6:30 PM with the first course being served at 7 PM.

Tidehouse Brewing Company (TBC) officially launches this week end in Halifax with two events.
They'll be bringing their core four beer plus a special "one off" to Bar Stillwell on Friday December 9th at noon and the following day, December 10th, at noon as well to Good Robot Brewing's taproom.
TBC four core beer are:

Mild Thing - An English style dark mild.
The Copper - A dark amber beer with hints of smoke from an addition of beech smoked malt.
Golden Glacier - An American pale ale made only using the Glacier hop variety. Grains for this are Horton Ridge Pale and Munich malts.
Like A Motorcyc-ale - A black ale (TBC says  "think of a baby India Black Ale") with some dank, earthy hop character. The name is an homage to their friends in the local punk rock foursome Like A Motorcycle.
For the Stillwell event they will also be pouring an India Saison that they say is "a well hopped Saison" and for the Good Robot event they will be bringing a spruced up amber they have dubbed Sprucey The Wonder Beer.
As far as their retail space it is still awaiting a final inspection with hopes of opening with a couple of weeks.

Bulwark Cider is releasing a Rum Cider (8.8% ABV) for the festive season. Their newest seasonal brings our traditional apple cider and barrel-aged dark rum together in harmonious fashion to deliver a smooth and distinct rum taste. Hints of spice and subtle caramel overtones gently complement the cider's apple blossom aroma to create a full-bodied, golden-hued resplendent cider. It's the perfect drink to add a little warmth to a cold, winter day. Should be hitting NSLC shelves within the next week.

Have a great week end everyone and see you next week.


Thursday, December 8, 2016

Tidehouse Brewing officially launches in Halifax

(Halifax, NS) - Tidehouse Brewing Company (TBC) officially launches this week end in Halifax with two events.
They'll be bringing their core four beer plus a special "one off" to Bar Stillwell on Friday December 9th at noon and the following day, December 10th, at noon as well to Good Robot Brewing's taproom.
TBC four core beer are:

  • Mild Thing - An English style dark mild. 
  • The Copper - A dark amber beer with hints of smoke from an addition of beech smoked malt. 
  • Golden Glacier - An American pale ale made only using the Glacier hop variety. Grains for this are Horton Ridge Pale and Munich malts. 
  • Like A Motorcyc-ale - A black ale (TBC says  "think of a baby India Black Ale") with some dank, earthy hop character. The name is an homage to their friends in the local punk rock foursome Like A Motorcycle.
For the Stillwell event they will also be pouring an India Saison that they say is "a well hopped Saison" and for the Good Robot event they will be bringing a spruced up amber they have dubbed Sprucey The Wonder Beer.
As far as their retail space it is still awaiting a final inspection with hopes of opening with a couple of weeks.

Coastliner Craft Cider gets listed at ANBL

(Fredericton, NB) - Coastliner Craft Cider announced that they are now listed with ANBL. They are initially offering a semi dry cider described as a dry, crisp and tangy cider with a subtle zesty sweetness made with 100% NB apple juice with no additives except sulphates. It will be in single 355 ml bottles as well as four packs and at 5.4% they say it's an easy drinking cider with a balanced acid level. 
Look for Coastliner to hit the shelves in the Fredericton area are next week and throughout New Brunswick after that as demand warrants. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Picaroons releases The Vinyl Cut Black IPA

(Fredericton, NB) - Picaroons has been very busy of late but have released a new beer. It was done at their facility in Devon and is called The Vinyl Cut Black IPA. They found it hard to pigeon hole this beer as a style but says it is roasty and hoppy). You may recall they did the 'One For The Road" Black IPA in Saint John a little while back but this is a different recipe altogether and they used their signature Ringwood yeast.
The tasting description is "full-bodied roasted hoppy beauty rings in at 8% Alc./Vol. and was brewed right here at our main brewery on Fredericton's Northside". Because it was brewed in the main facility rather than one of their small batch system there is more to spread around. Look for it on tap throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

Red Rover Craft Cider and Distillerie Fils du Roy to release a Christmas collaboration

(Fredericton, NB) - Red Rover Craft Cider are teaming up with Distillerie Fils du Roy for a very special Christmas collaboration. Inspired by Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, in which Mr. Scrooge is visited by three spirits they have three special releases over the next three Fridays leading up to Christmas. On December 9th PAST ( 7.3% ABV ) will be available that combines dry crab apple cider, vanilla, Crosby's molasses and brandy Fort LaTour. The following Friday PRESENT ( 7.3% ABV ) will be out and is a mixture of their wild blueberry cider infused with Gin Thuya. Finally FUTURE ( 7.4% ABV ) will be out on December 23rd that infuses a semi-dry floral cider with the particular tastes of wormwood from The Courailleuse.
Red Rover has made a limited amount of special wax sealed 750 ml bottles, 200 per style. On December 9th only, customers will have the opportunity to pre purchase all three at a special price of $45 or buy each for $16.50. These will not be listed with ANBL and only sold at the Ciderhouse in downtown Fredericton at 546 Queen Street.

Friday, December 2, 2016

MBR December 2, 2016 - New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Edition

 

Welcome to the December 2nd edition of the Beer Report for PEI and New Brunswick. 

PEI Brewing has released the 2016 version of Hell Street barrel-aged doppelbock. After 8 months of aging it is in waxed topped bottles and available for sale. The name was inspired by local boxing legend Tom McCluskey who grew up on Dorchester Street, nicknamed Hell Street at the time.It is a healthy 8.1% ABV. 

Acadie-Broue has launched an exclusive beer for the Bar le Coude at the University of Moncton tonight between 5 and 7 tonight. La Kacho is inspired by German style Kölsch. 

Big Axe Brewery has harvested a bunch of New Brunswick's native Staghorn Sumac and will be brewing a new beer that is planning to release in time for Christmas. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault continues to expand and headed north this time. Soeur Catherine is now in Quebec at SAQ stores. 

Maybee Brewing released new beer this week, Sumac Witbier. It's a limited edition Belgian Witbier made with locally foraged Sumac berries that they describe as "Very light and slightly tart, it's a deliciously refreshing" Available exclusively at Maybee Brew.

Picaroons released a surprise beer this week. They brewed The City On Fire, a small batch Picaroons take on a Roggenbier, infused with lots of real ginger. It was for their good pals at Hemmings House Pictures as they all celebrated their City on Fire movie. There's only a limited amount of the 4.5%  ABV ale available.
Picaroons also announced The Roundhouse is now open. There is currently food and beer but unfortunately they're not able to sell growlers or bottles to go just yet, they still haven't received the final piece of licensing to allow this to happen. 

Trail Way Brewing is excited to announce that in the near future they will have cans available at the brewery and select stores. They did a run of Hu Jon Hops IPA and Luster Session Ale. They say expect to see a detailed canning schedule and further details to be provided on distribution. They also have a new brew called Seeing Citra that is a single hop IPA hopped with Citra.

Red Rover Craft Cider excited to be teaming up with La Distillerie Fils du Roy for a Christmas collaboration. Inspired by A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, in which Mr. Scrooge is visited by three spirits they present:

PAST (ABV - 7.3%)  The Spirit of PAST combines dry crab apple cider, vanilla, Crosby's molasses and  brandy Fort LaTour. - Release date December 9th.

PRESENT (ABV - 7.3%) The Spirit of PRESENT is a mixture of our wild blueberry cider infused with Gin Thuya. - Release date December 16th.

FUTURE (ABV 7.4%)  The Spirit of FUTURE infuses a semi-dry floral cider with the particular tastes of wormwood  from The Courailleuse. - Release date December 23rd

These ciders will be available each Friday in December leading up to Christmas starting December 9th.  Red Rover made a limited amount of these bottles, 200 per style each 750 ml bottle will be $16.50. On December 9th only, customers will have the opportunity to pre purchase all three at a special price of $45. 

Lastly Coastliner Craft Cider, Fredericton based,  announced it will be in ANBL next Friday December 9th. Stay tuned for more details. 

Thanks for reading the blog again this week, have a great 7 days. 

MBR December 2, 2016 - Nova Scotia Edition


Welcome to the first report for December 2016. 

Big Spruce Brewing's Blood Donair is now in the wild after being released at Battery Park last night. The beer is an Imperial Donair Meat Stout aged on Raspberries and combines a rich chocolaty body, the complexity of rendered donair meat, and the flavour and sweetness of 100 lbs of raspberries. 
The results for the Big Spruce 4th Annual Home Brew Challenge were released :

Dark Mild:
1st - David Pepper
2nd - Jonah Chaput
3rd - Rod McVicar

Double IPA:
1st - Mitch Kehoe
2nd - Julien Belliveau & Jean Marc Landry
3rd - Brian Harvey & Aaron Spanik

Experimental Sour :
1st - Jeramy Slaunwhite
2nd - Rod McVicar
3rd - Eric Gauthier

Best in show: David Pepper's Dark Mild called Risky Biscuits and look for it next year.

Good Robot Brewing's BrewBot Homebrew Takeover with Brathair Brewing is today and they released the line up. They've brewed six beers on the pilot system, some old but mostly new.

- Kissed by Elvis (IPA), 1st place at Stillwell Open 'Imperial Session'
- 3 Scots & a Frenchman (Scottish ale with saison yeast)
- Daughter of Sin (double IPA), using only whirlpool hops
- Berliner weisse with raspberries
- Berliner weisse with peaches
- IPLish (sort-of India Pale Lager)

Lazy Bear Brewing got kveik yeast last summer from some friends from Norway.  This yeast was the starting point for a traditional Norwegian farmhouse ale and the next essential ingredient was juniper sprigs which they recovered much closer to home.  The Norwegian was mashed with an infusion of freshly harvested juniper sprigs and noble Hallertau hops and this ale brings you a flavour that imparts orange peel and a Christmas-like spice. Available now it is a 7% ABV and 17 IBU ale.

Saltbox Brewery has launched their version of of a home brew competition. Their 1st home brew competition is open to style and will go over several weeks as each brewer gets to present their beers early next year. Go to: http://www.saltboxbrewingcompany.ca/events.html for more details and to register.

Tatamagouche Brewing released more details on their Square One Brewing. Using New World Saison Blend from Escarpment Labs and dry hopped with Citra, Amarillo and Hallertau Blanc hops. Let's Get Funky. The 6.1% ABV beer is available at the Tatamagouche Store now.

Tidehouse Brewing will be Nova Scotia's newest craft brewery next week and will be hosting a weekend long tasting party at Stillwell on Friday December 9th and Good Robot on Saturday 10th. They'll have their core four beers available at both locations, plus a special "one off" each day. 
Their retail space at 5187 Salter Street will be open in a week or two following.

Unfiltered Brewing says Double Orange Ale returns. This batch made with Horton Ridge malt only for a little something extra and local. It's a bit meatier and juicier with an underlying floral maltiness. Horton Ridge Malt donated the malt for this batch in a show of support for the on going legal battle with the NSLC. It is also Charm School's birthday on Sunday, there will be beer and food, need I say more.

Speaking of next week end it will be a big one for beer nerds. After the Tidehouse launch on Saturday two of the best brewers from Maine take over Stillwell, Bissell Brothers and Orono Brewing bring their beers to Nova Scotia for the first time from Noon to late. 
On Sunday Ladies Beer League have their annual brunch also at Stillwell. The ticket gets you a special menu item as well as a vertical tasting on Picaroons Winter Warmer 2014, 2015 and 2016. 

Giving a shout out to a new local beer podcast. 902BrewCast is a group of local guys talking to local brewers and bars. They have a couple of casts out from North and Good Robot with Spindrift and 2 Crows coming soon. Good luck guys.

That is it for this time, have a great week and enjoy responsibly.


Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Five Kings Restaurant & Picaroons Brewhouse opens in St Stephen

(St. Stephen, NB) - Picaroons Traditional Ales has announced the opening of The Five Kings Restaurant & Picaroons Brewhouse at 5 King Street, St Stephen New Brunswick. Located in the old Canadian Pacific Railway Station in the heart of the town, the new restaurant will meld together the dining experience of top notch pub fare, fresh beer brewed on site, as well as beer-to-go and merchandise that you normally expect to see at The Brewtique and The Roundhouse in Fredericton, and the General Store in Saint John. The Five Kings offers a full seasonal menu designed and created by Chef Lisa Aronson that will be served from lunchtime until late, 7 days a week. The Picaroons Brewhouse will serve as a 3 barrel brewery where they will be brewing and as such this also means that you’ll be able to purchase Growlers, as well as bottled Picaroons and other NB Craft beer, cider, and mead to take out. 

Friday, November 25, 2016

MBR November 25, 2016 - New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Edition


Welcome to the November 25th edition of the Beer Report for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Picaroons Traditional Ales is extending their brand to St Stephen New Brunswick. The Five Kings Restaurant and Picaroons Brewhouse is located in the old Canadian Pacific Railway Station in the heart of St. Stephen at 5 King Street. The restaurant offers a full seasonal menu designed and created by Chef Lisa Aronson that will be served from lunchtime until late, 7 days a week with fresh and bottled Picaroons. 

PEI Brewing says 2016 Hell Street Release Hell Street is back and the 2016 batch will be launched Monday, November 28 at 6 PM for sampling and there will be entertainment in the Taproom. The first 50 people to purchase a bottle will receive a custom Hell Street poster. Hell Street is a barrel-aged doppelbock with a name inspired by local boxing legend Tom McCluskey who grew up on Dorchester Street, nicknamed Hell Street at the time.

Big Axe Brewery have Double chocolate and peanut butter milk Stout on tap this week as well as Two Rivers India Black Ale that is 7% ABV and 77 IBUs. Limited release. 

The Pump House Brewery now has Schwarzbier or "black beer" on tap at the brewery. It is a traditional German Style black lager and as the name implies it is black in colour yet very drinkable with subtle hints of chocolate and coffee leading into a light-bodied, clean finish. This beer is 7% ABV.

Shiretown Beer says the Venezuelan Express Porter is ready for purchase at the Brewery. Check out the cool new artwork on the Label. It is a 5% ABV and 25 IBU beer.

Beckwith Road Brewing have their Launch Party tomorrow. It is from 7 PM to 11 PM at 400 St George Street in Moncton. The tickets are $15 for Admission, Glass and 2 Pints or $10 for Admisson and  2 Pints with additional drink tickets are available for $5 per ticket. 

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival tickets went on sale today. A new record with the Evening VIP Sold out in 1 min, Grab a ticket soon they won't last long. 

Thanks for checking me out again this week. 

MBR November 25, 2016 - Nova Scotia Edition


Here is all the beer news for November 25th of Nova Scotia. 

Good Robot Brewing has been very busy. Returning on tap is  Burban Legend APA v7.0  that is dry-hopped with Mosaic hops and Awesome Beer, Great Job! what they call an autumn saison that is 6.4% ABV and 22 IBUs.
The funky folk groove band Earthbound Trio has collaborated with the next one and is on tap only at Time Traveller's Soiree, Thyme Hopper is a pale ale with organic Nugget hops from Lunahop in Cornhill, New Brunswick. Lunahop is owned by "Big Orange" Bob, the bass player from Earthbound Trio, who are featuring the beer at their Seahorse show on Friday. Time Traveller's Soiree is Friday, November 25 at 10 PM as part of their brewery tour concert series. They are also performing a sneaky peek matinee set from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday right in their own taproom.
On Sunday, Good Robot are hosting a charitable Toy Drive and Cookie Decorating holiday event. A new-in-box toy of $20 value or more from you means a free pint with proceeds to Every Woman's Centre. Additionally, Rinaldo's will be selling fresh cookies for patrons to decorate with the proceeds going to Prescott Group which aids adults with learning disabilities.

Garrison Brewing released another beer in their cellar series, Rum-Barrel Aged Spruce Beer. This 11% ABV brew will retail for $15.95 and is on sale exclusively at the brewery. Like the Rum-Barrel Aged Honey Lavender from last week this beer is perfect for cellaring. The historic brew was aged in rum barrels from Lunenburg craft-distiller, Ironworks

Hell Bay Brewing collaborated with the Christmas Tree Association of NS to create a unique Honey Blond Ale infused with Balsam Fir. Tannen Bomb will be available shortly and rings in at 5% ABV and 17 IBUs. 

Saltbox Brewery now has Ironbound Scotch Ale back on tap. They say "It’s smooth and slightly smokey" that is 5.5% ABV and 15 IBUs.

Tatamagouche Brewing released Square One, a Farmhouse Ale, at Stillwell earlier this week. Dry-hopped with Citra, Amarillo and Hallertau Blanc and is 6.1% ABV.

Annapolis Cider latest Something Different is now on tap. Hopped Pear is a 6.5% ABV cider crafted from fermented dry cider made from diverse locally grown apples cold-steeped with three different hop varieties - Cascade, Mosaic, and Northern Brewer. This hopped dry cider was then blended with fresh-pressed Flemish Beauty heirloom pear juice. The result is a clear and golden cider with the light flavour and aromas of citrusy-hops without any added bitterness that is balanced out by mellow notes of fresh pear. Fifty cents from every refill will support the Wolfville Area Food Bank.

Have a great week and I will be back in one week. 

Saturday, November 19, 2016

MBR November 18, 2016 - New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Edition


Welcome to the November 18th edition of the Maritime Beer Report for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. 

PEI Brewing says one of their favorite specialty brews from last year is making a return. They'll be releasing this year's version of Hell Street barrel-aged doppelbock on Monday, November 28th in their Taproom. More details coming soon. 

HopUp: An Upstreet Takeover is on Friday, November 25 from 6 PM to 12 AM. Upstreet Brewing is taking over the taps, the food menu and the sound system at HopYard. Chef Jane is preparing a full menu inspired by Upstreet, and they've collaborated on a special beer release that will only be available at Hopyard. 

Foghorn Brewing opened its doors today at 47 Clark Road in Rothesay. They have five beers on tap, Dunham's Run InCider serving pints and filling growlers. Stop by and check them out soon. 

Hammond River Brewing says they have brought back Into The Dark Hawaiian Porter after a two year hiatus. This is a 6.3% Robust Porter brewed with lots of fresh toasted Coconut, Cacao Nibs, and Madagascar Vanilla Beans. On tap soon at local HRBC tap accounts.

Picaroons have a new beer, a cranberry wheat. Brewed with cranberries from Sunberry Cranberry Producers in Maugerville, NB. This easy drinking wheat ale is 4.2% ABV and is sweet, smooth and just a tiny bit tart. It is on tap at the Picaroons General Store in Uptown Saint John while supplies last. 

Thanks for checking the blog out this week. 

Friday, November 18, 2016

MBR November 18, 2016 - Nova Scotia Edition


Welcome to this very rainy November 18th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

Big Spruce Brewing has Langered Stook, a hoppy half wit coming out this week end. This Hopfenweisse has made it's way to Stillwell, Battery Park Beer Bar, Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar and select taps near you. It will also be featured Saturday night at the Governor's Pub & Eatery tap takeover taking place after the inaugural Cape Breton Beer Fest this Saturday night.
In other news Big Spruce's 2016 Beer of the Year Ra Ra Rasputin is being barreled for 2017 this week. 

Garrison Brewing launched their newest Cellar Series beer, Rum Barrel-Aged Honey Lavender. Unique & truly local, this ale is brewed with hand-cut NS lavender and raw honey, then aged several months in Ironworks Distillery rum barrels for added complexity and smoothness. Rum-Barrel Aged Honey Lavender clocks in at 11% ABV and is an ideal beer for cellaring. Drop down to the brewery to get some of this extremely limited release in 650 ml bottles. 

Good Robot Brewing released a new beer today. Extra BIG-ASS Beer. It is a malty lager they say is in the vien of Märzen/Oktoberfest/Munich Dunkel. This beer is loaded with bready flavours and a huge roasted taste. It weighs in at 5.2% ABV and 24 IBUs. 
Good Robot Brewing is also hosting another homebrewer takeover, BrewBot: Brathair Brewing Homebrew Takeover will have 5 taps, all designed and brewed on the pilot system by local homebrewers  Brathair Brewing (Justin Clarke, Rod McVicar, Jason McVicar and Eric Gautier).

North Brewing has a bunch of beers in the pipeline. They have their Milk Stout aging on cherrywood and blackberries coming out February 2017. Glenora Strong Dark Belgian hits their shelves soon with new labeling. Saison de Pinot, their Benjamin Bridge collaboration will be out December 9th to kick of the first Battery Beer Bar birthday weekend. Lastly on Monday Stillwell 3 will hit be in stores. 

Roof Hound Brewing releases Grumpy Cranberry Orange Sour tomorrow. It is a 3.8% ABV beer kettle soured with yogurt and has orange zest at the end of boil and a giant pot of cranberry sauce in the brite tank. Why "grumpy"? it is an homage to the brewer's dad who the grandkids refer to him as that rather than grampy. 

Saltbox Brewing and Rebecca's Restaurant are presenting a Belgian Theme Night with Saltbox Beer Pairings on Saturday November 26th. It consists of beer Pairing of 2-3 oz glasses served with appetizers and dessert along with one 12 oz glass served with the main course for $55. Three Course Meal without Saltbox beer pairing is $40. 

Sea Level Brewing has its Crossing Muddy Waters Brown Ale now available in growlers and cans. 

Uncle Leo's Brewery's Launch Party for Sunburst Beer is on Wednesday at 7 PM at Piper's Landing in Pictou. Come chat with brewmaster Karl, Dave Gunning, JP Cormier & Jamie Robinson over a glass of  cask conditioned Sunburst Ale and delicious appetizers from Piper's Landing Restaurant. There will be 5 Uncle Leo's Ales available on tap throughout the night with proceeds going to the Pictou County Christmas Fund. It costs $20 per person; includes admission, a glass of cask conditioned ale & appetizers with only 60 tickets available.

Unfiltered Brewing has Attention: Warning Label DIPA out today. It was conditioned on white oak for approximately eight weeks that they say shows "no sign of its alcoholic content, this DIPA deserves respect" The beer is 10% ABV and 100+ IBUs and available now. 

Salvatores Halifax is hosting a tap and menu takeover. They are bringing in Unfiltered Brewing to match up with their menu. Greg Nash is smoking a Getaway Farms brisket to shred on a special pizza along with his sausage for the Hero's, This is happening on November 22 and 23. 

Stillwell turns 3 on Sunday and is have a beer offering that is not to be missed. They also have a lot of fun surprises in store. Fun starts at 4 PM and goes to late. 

Thanks for checking me out again this week. Care care of each other and I will be back in a week.