Saturday, July 30, 2016

Distillerie Fils du Roy Releases Hommage à 1755

courtesy of Fils du Roy
(Petit-Paquetville, N-B) Distillerie Fils du Roy released a Belgian Strong Ale called Hommage à 1755 (7% ABV 22 IBUs). Described as a pale, bitter, highly attenuated and well carbonated Belgian Ale, showing a fruity-spicy phenolic yeast character, a spicy/fruity-resinous hop profile, and a soft, supportive grainy-sweet malt palate. Fruity, hoppy, bitter, and dry. Initial malty-sweet impression, with a grainy-sweet soft malt palate, and a dry, hoppy finish. Available now at the brewery

Bulwark Releases a Premium Barrel Aged Cider

(New Ross, NS) - The community of New Ross has a long and storied history when it comes to apple barrels. In the mid-1800’s, resident Daniel O’Neill was the first one to modify a typical fish barrel in a way that made it lighter and better suited for apples. His design became a hit with apple growers throughout the region and spawned an industry that, at its peak, saw 120 cooper shops in the area producing barrels.
To celebrate New Ross’ 200th anniversary and it’s important place in the apple industry, Bulwark's parent company Muwin Estate Wines has been working hard on a very special offering – a premium barrel aged cider. This delicious product has been slowly perking away to perfection for the past six months and has now finished languishing in American oak barrels. The product comes bottled in a special edition 750 ml bottle, with a screen-printed label designed by New Ross resident, Bonnie Keddy. As a way of giving back to the community and thanking them for all of their support, a portion of the sales will be donated to the New Ross Development Society.
The New Ross premium cider is a limited release, as only 1,000 L of the cider has been made. Each bottle costs $19.95 and can be ordered by calling Muwin Estate Wines or through e-mailing sales@muwinestate.com (subject: New Ross 200th cider). Any remaining bottles will be sold at the New Ross 200th Anniversary Night Market on Friday, August 5. 

Keith's Brewing Releases Latest Small Batch Beer


(Halifax, NS) - Brewer Stefan Gagliardi tapped a new beer on the growler station at the A. Keith’s brewery. Fundy Low Tide White IPA is a 5.7% ABV  and 60 IBU bright and slightly cloudy yellow wheat beer. It’s brewed with 50% torrified wheat flakes and 50% Golden Promise malt. This gives the beer a nice bready, wheaty character. They added 7 kg of seaweed provided by Seaboost to the kettle while brewing making the brewery smell like a fresh morning by the ocean. The seaweed is a blend of 50% dulse and 50% sea lettuce harvested during low tide off the island of Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy. The seaweed provides a mild brininess to the beer as well as salts and minerals that emphasizes the hop aromas of the beer. There is a lot od hop flavour coming from Amarillo, Cascade, Mosaic and El Dorado giving it a beautiful grapefruit rind and sweet melon aroma and taste 

Propeller Brewing releases Pokemon Pilsner

(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing have released their latest One Hit Wonder, Pokemon Pilsner (IBU: 20 ABV: 5% ). They say to stop at your favourite Gottingen Street Pokestop, Propeller Brewery and grab a growler full. This brilliant golden American-style Pilsner is clean, dry and summer-drinkable, with a creamy white head and balanced taste profile. Acidulated malt adds a refreshing contrast to the tartness, while Northern Brewer hops provides a spicy, herbaceous profile. Pokemon Pilsner is available in growlers only at Gottingen and Windmill locations, select private stores, and on tap at select local establishments in the Halifax region. 

Friday, July 29, 2016

Maritime Beer Report - July 29, 2016


Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault's guest brewer Andrew "Esty" Estabrooks has created a SMaSH (Single Malt-Single Hop) Pale Ale at the brewery. La Glazier Pale Ale showcases citrus notes and slight bitterness from northern Maine grown Aroostook hops and gets its delicate malty/biscuit character from Témiscouata Pale Malt coming from a neighbouring Québec micromaltery. This is the brewery's first 100% locally sourced brew. The 4.9% ABV and 30 IBU beer is available for a limited timeand unfortunately won't be bottled. Get it now at the brewtique and Thursday at select ANBL growler filling stations. 

Distillerie Fils du Roy released Hommage à 1755, a Belgian Strong Ale. Described as a pale, bitter, highly attenuated and well carbonated Belgian Ale, showing a fruity-spicy phenolic yeast character, a spicy/fruity-resinous hop profile, and a soft, supportive grainy-sweet malt palate The 7% ABV ale is available now. 

Grimross Brewing is now available in cans. Maritime Pale Ale ise the first beer available. Available now at the brewery and soon to available at ANBL locations as well.

Maybee Brewing has something special coming. Long Carry Brett Red will be hand bottled by hand one at a time in cork and cage bottles. They only be available at the brewery and more details as I get them. 

After an absence of a year Shiretown Beer will be returning this Saturday at Bon Ami Flavour Fest in Dalhousie. They will be releasing more details soon as the new brewery get close to opening. 

Big Spruce Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing have a new collaboration out. Stark Craving Mad is an Amber American IPA that checks in at 7.2% ABV and 65 IBUs. Big Spruce says this summer beer is "Outrageous late addition hops, smooth malty body!".

Boxing Rock Brewing hit a major milestone this week. They filled their one millionth bottle of beer and to celebrate they've hidden six coupons inside six-packs of Hunky Dory Pale Ale. If you find one and return it to them you will get some great swag. Six packs will be on NSLC shelves soon. 

Breton Brewing says to come out to the breweryu on Saturday Morning, July 30th as they celebrate their 1st Birthday with a Pancake Breakfast. Music by Colin Grant and Jason MacDonald, breakfast by STAND & STUFF Your Face! They will also be launching their Mug Club starting at 12:00 PM. The mug club will give you your own mug at the tap room as well as a bunch of other perks. Details are on their facebook page. 

To celebrate New Ross’ 200th anniversary Bulwark has been working hard on a very special offering a premium barrel aged cider. The cider has bee slowly perking for the last six months and has now finished in the American oak barrels. The product comes bottled in a special edition 750 ml bottle, with a screen-printed label designed by New Ross resident, Bonnie Keddy. As a way of giving back to the community and thanking them for all of their support, a portion of the sales will be donated to the New Ross Development Society. The New Ross premium cider is a limited release, as only 1,000L of the cider has been made. Each bottle costs $19.95 and can be ordered by calling Muwin Estate Wines or through e-mailing sales@muwinestate.com (subject: New Ross 200th cider). Any remaining bottles will be sold at the New Ross 200th Anniversary Night Market on Friday, August 5th. 
The ABV of the cider is 7.0%.

Garrison Brewing says they are bringing a special Cask of Honey Lavender to the 10th Annual  Seaport Beerfest along with a bunch of other beer. As they did the last couple of years they are doing a Beerfest Mashup Collaboration Brew with various other breweries. The beer style and details are secret but it should be great

Hell Bay Brewing has Black Flag IPA now available in growlers and on tap. They say "This brew pours black with roasted malt and rum flavours upfront, followed by earthy and citrus notes!" It is a 6.1% ABV and  55 IBUs.

Nine Locks Brewing did a huge expansion over doubling their capacity to meet demand. They also say just in time for the long weekend they are releasing their first seasonal. Watermelon Blonde is light, crisp ad summery with a hint of watermelon. It is 5% ABV, 12 IBUs and available for a limited time  in cans and growler fills.

Propeller Brewing asks "Where else can you grab a growler full of the latest one hit wonder, Pokemon Pilsner, while stocking up on your Pokemon supplies? Why, at your favourite Gottingen Street Pokestop, Propeller Brewery, of course". 
This brilliant golden American-style Pilsner is clean, dry and summer-drinkable, with a creamy white head and balanced taste profile. Acidulated malt adds a refreshing contrast to the tartness, while Northern Brewer hops provides a spicy, herbaceous profile.
Pokemon Pilsner (5% ABV and 20 IBUs) is available in growlers only at the Gottingen and Windmill locations, select private stores, and on tap at select local establishments in the Halifax region.
And they don’t plan to apologize for the fact that after one sip of this one hit sensation you’ll might forget all about Niantic’s feet-on-the-street game changer. Then again, it might be just what you need to chase down a Charizard.

Saltbox Brewing will be officially open this week end serving tasters at the Mahone Bay Heritage Boat Yard Festival on July 30 and 31 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. You can also fill your growler at the store and grab some Salt Box Brewing gear.

Unfiltered Brewing & Charm School Pub are one year old and to celebrate they will have $5 pints all day at the pub with Food Wolf on site serving up a special Nash-inspired menu 5:00 to 9:00 PM. 

Halifax Seaport Beerfest released the Brewery and Beer list. On August 5th and 6 th Seaport Beerfest will play host to a record breaking 326 craft beer and cider brands from around the world with over 75% of which aren't available at the NSLC. See the list here: http://seaportbeerfest.com/breweries 

The Maritime Beer Report turn 3 on Monday sip tip a glass in our honour, but as always enjoy responsibly. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Ladies Beer League to Give Sneak Peek While Helping Food Bank

(Halifax, NS) - Ladies Beer League (LBL) are partnering with 2 Crows Brewing for an exclusive event in aid of Feed Nova Scotia
Join LBL along with Mark, Kelly and Jeremy of 2 Crows Brewing in an intimate setting to taste and give feedback on their three core beers before they open plus maybe a few surprises.
ALL ticket sales go to Feed Nova Scotia and there will be boxes at the event to collect non-perishable food items as well.
Tickets on sale now at Eventbrite 

The Ladies Beer League is a non-profit organization that fosters a welcoming space for women to learn about craft beer and local breweries through social events and fundraising activities. Since its inception, LBL has opened its membership to all genders, and has made supporting local womens’ charities and causes a high priority. 

2 Crows Brewing plans to open a microbrewery this fall in the heart of downtown Halifax and intends to create beers that are approachable with a "twist". 

Nine Lock Brewing Over Doubles Capacity to Meet Demand

(Dartmouth, NS) - As I mentioned back in May, Nine Locks Brewing has recently over doubled capacity by adding three 60 BBL fermentors to its current two 40 BBL and three 20 BBL tanks. The expansion also included a 60 BBL bright tank and four 10 BBL holding tanks. 
The demand for beer from the brewery that opened almost five months ago required this expansion but also allowed them start brewing seasonals and one offs right away. The first seasonal will be out this Friday, look for Watermelon Blonde (5% ABV and 12 IBUs) a fun, summery ale in cans and growler fills.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault announces limited release Pale Ale

(Edmundston, NB) - Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault's guest brewer Andrew "Esty" Estabrooks has created a SMaSH (Single Malt-Single Hop) Pale Ale at the brewery. 
La Glazier Pale Ale showcases citrus notes and slight bitterness from northern Maine grown Aroostook hops and gets its delicate malty/biscuit character from Témiscouata Pale Malt coming from a neighbouring Québec micromaltery. This is the breweries first 100% locally sourced brew.
The 4.9% ABV and 30 IBU beer is available for a limited timeand unfortunately won't be bottled. Get it now at the brewtique and Thursday at select ANBL growler filling stations. 

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Maritime Beer Report - July 22, 2016


Welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for the week of July 22nd.

Brightwood Brewery is back at Alderney Landing Farmers' Market this Saturday with their 'Big Lift' AIPA and their new honey smoked ale, 'Smokey the Beer'. See them there. 

The Auction House is having another Beer School on Wednesday, July 27th. It is being hosted by Boxing Rock Brewing

Good Robot Brewing says Burban Legend APA v. 6.0, is now on tap. It is dry-hopped with HBC 342 Experimental hops for a cantaloupe and honeydew kick. 

Bore City Brewing says due to overwhelming demand from the public regarding growler fills. In a few days they will be releasing details on their growler program. 

Flying Boats Brewing says Kissing Rock Blonde Ale will be available at the Dieppe and Sackville ANBL Growler Stations from Thursday, July 28th for the NB Day weekend (while supplies last). Smooth, clean and crisp ale with 5.3% ABV, with a slight floral, lemon citrusy flavor and aroma (Centennial hops - 32IBUs). 

Half Cut Brewing released Numbskull IPA  It's a single hopped IPA with Sorachi Ace. Approx 73 IBU's and 6% ABV. It's currently available at a few spots around Fredericton.

Hammond River Brewing announced a new beer. Rum & Raisin Belgian Dubbel, brewed with a lot of Sultana Raisins, El Dorado 12 Rum, Chapman's Vanilla Ice Cream, and Madagascar Vanilla Beans. It is 7.3% ABV and 24 IBUs.

Mama's Brew Pub released Orange Grove Summertime Ale (4.7% ABV). This new brew is a crisp, lightly hopped ale with hints of orange citrus and they say "a perfect way to beat the heat".

The Pump House Brewery has put Raspberry Wheat on tap. It is a German style wheat beer bombarded with 70 kg of raspberries. It is a 6.2% ABV delectably tart and refreshing raspberry bomb. 

New Brunswick Beer Tours is offering a tour to what Fredericton beer scene has to offer. On August 6th they will visit 5 brewery/cidery stops to sample their products and meet the people serving up some great products. Each stop includes 4 samples and a great time. 

Grimross Brewing (11;30-12:30)
Trailway Brewing (12:45-1:45)
Gray Stone Brewing (2:00-3:00)
Maybee Brewing (3:15-4:15)
Red Rover Craft Cider (4:30-5:30)

The price is $77.00 and  all fees & HST included in price, beer samples at each location (min 4-4oz samples) no food included in price.

Light week this week. Have a great week end and enjoy responsibly. 

Friday, July 15, 2016

Maritime Beer Report - July 15, 2016


Welcome to the July 15th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

A new Dartmouth brewery will start selling its beer tomorrow. Partners Matthew McGrail and Ian Lawson have opened Brightwood Brewing. They will be at the Alderney Landing Farmers Market  and bringing their first beer It is an AIPA called "The Big Lift" and its 6% ABV and 71 IBUs. You can purchase either size of their growlers for $9.00 (refundable)  and $15 for 1.89l fill $9 for 750 fill. They will fill other clean growlers, clean being key.
They currently have a 1 BBL brew system with 4 - 1 BBL fermenters. They are only starting with the one beer this week but will be coming out with another in the coming weeks as their production increases and expanding to the Halifax Forum Farmers Market and ultimately a few taps.

Breton Brewing's next seasonal was tapped yesterday. Ol' Mick's Tart-an Juicy Grapefruit Pale Ale is the brain child of Mike Morrison, local home brewer extraordinaire. Coming in at 4.0% ABV, this beer pairs well with summer and real grapefruit juice in it.

Lazy Bear Brewing brewed a new beer for Clean Annapolis River Project's  (CARP) annual river festival in Bridgetown tomorrow. They brewed a special Paddler's Pale Ale (5% ABV) that will go well in your canoe's cup holder.

North Brewing will be selling their new North X Bar Stillwell Gose starting today. They used Horton Ridge malt to make the Lactobacillus starter and Black Whale Salt Company sea salt to give the beer a light salty finish.

Propeller Brewery welcomed a new Head Brewer recently. They welcome Rod Daigle, to the team. He is a veteran of the craft brewing industry and has been in the business since 2008 and attended the Siebel Institute of Technology, which provides international educational programs in professional brewing. He worked in several craft breweries before co-founding Brimstone Brewery in Ontario’s Niagara Region in 2012. Welcome Rod.

Saltbox Brewing's Pioneer club members got a sneak 'taste' of three beers this week in Mahone Bay. They were Foundation Brew - IPA, a Dark Cream Ale and a Hefeweizen.

The Townhouse Brewpub was busy this week brewing a new batch of beer. Terry is making a brand new experimental pale ale with Horton Ridge organic malt, Maritime grown & floor malted barley, a bit of wheat malt and Fuggles hops. Look for it on tap in about 3 weeks

Unfiltered Brewing has its Double Orange Ale SMaSH DIPA on again. Get this 7.5% ABV and 100+ IBU beer while it lasts. 

Annapolis Cider which just had its Grand Opening has a new Something Different on tap this week. Garden Strawberry is now on tap, so come in and try a sample or refill your bottles. The strawberries are soaked in basil, sage, and thyme with the juice being added to the cider. It is 6.9% and I got to try some yesterday and it was delicious. They are truly community focused with $0.50 from each sale will be donated to the Wolfville Children's Center.

Brasseux d'la Côte is set to open as soon as their sales licence is issued in the northern New Brunswick town of Tracadie. The brewer is Jason Haché and is currently working on a 100 litre system until their 10 BBL system arrives this fall. 
Their first beer is "La Classique 28", an American light lager that comes in at 4.5% ABV. The beer is an homage to local hockey player Luc Bourdon who was number 28 on the Vancouver Canucks and died tragically at 21 years old in an accident. In his memory la fondation du défunt hockeyeur de Shippagan was set up to allow youth to play hockey in the area that that otherwise couldn't afford it. Brasseux d'la Côte in true community spirit will be donating some of the proceeds from sales to the organization.
The brewery is part of Association Coopérative Microbrasserie that will give members benefits benefits like early access and use of the pilot system but everyone will be able to buy the beer. 

Long term plans include packaging, tap room and engaging and helping the community. Their next beers will be "La Belle Amenchure" an Americam Wheat (5% ABV) and Lemon Head Radler that is a fun twist on Picaroons Melonhead. 

Bore City Brewing has a new ale that they had a bit of fun naming. Introducing Brettxit - Wanker ale a 6.1% ABV Belgian ale hopped with Equinox and Simcoe fermented with Brettanomyces bruxellensis Trois. They say "Notes of mango and pineapple with a clean, dry finish". On tap now at the Laundromat Expresso Bar in Moncton.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault are looking for a Head Brewer. If you are interested I have the details on my Maritime Craft Brewing Jobs page

Gray Stone Brewing have released another beer this week. Their India Session Ale (ISA) is now on tap at the brewery and rings in at4% ABV and 50 IBUs.

In light of the regulations change Picaroons have announced they are officially selling other NB producer's products at both The Brewtique and The General Store. They have been doing this for a while but made the announcement this week. You can currently find the following NB Craft Beers

Fils Du Roy
Caraquet Flyer: $14.25
Stella Maris: $10.20
North Shore Regiment: $12.80
 ------------
Maybee Brewing Company
Maybee Roseway Red $3.90 (currently stocked out)
Maybee Workhorse IPA $3.90
Maybee Elevensies Espresso Stout $3.90
Maybee Birds Eye Pale Ale $3.90
Maybee Stonehouse Tripel $4.40
 ------------
Brasseurs du Petit-Sault
La Kedgwick  $2.50
La Renous  $2.50
Tante Blanche  $2.50
Bob LaBeouf  $2.50
Seour Catherine  $2.50
Louis XVII  $2.50
 ------------
Verger Belliveau Orchard
Scow Craft Cider $4.10
  ------------
Red Rover Craft Cider (Only at The General Store in Uptown Saint John)
Red Rover Summer $9.79
Red Rover Spring $9.79
Red Rover Fire $9.79
  ------------
Dunhams Run
Dunhams Run InCider $15.30

In other news, Picaroons christened the General Store's 2.5 BBLsystem. They brewed up an English Pale recipe thought up by Craig Pinhey. The beer, Live Transmission Ale, is in support of the 107.3 CFMH Local Campus radio. It's being released today at The General Store in limited quantities. Look for more small batch releases 

Savoie's Brewhouse was processing strawberries for their Bon Ami Strawberry Blonde that will be served at the Herons Nest Pub and Summer Splash festival. 

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Shiretown Beer says they are returning and will announce their official opening date soon.

Thanks for all your support and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Brasseux d'la Côte to open in the Acadian Peninsula


(Tracadie, NB) - Brasseux d'la Côte is set to open as soon as their sales licence is issued in the northern New Brunswick town of Tracadie. The brewer is Jason Haché and is currently working on a 100 litre system until their 10 BBL system arrives this fall. 
Their first beer is "La Classique 28", an American light lager that comes in at 4.5% ABV. The beer is an homage to local hockey player Luc Bourdon who was number 28 on the Vancouver Canucks and died tragically at 21 years old in an accident. In his memory la fondation du défunt hockeyeur de Shippagan was set up to allow youth to play hockey in the area that that otherwise couldn't afford it. Brasseux d'la Côte in true community spirit will be donating some of the proceeds from sales to the organization.
The brewery is part of Association Coopérative Microbrasserie that will give members benefits benefits like early access and use of the pilot system but everyone will be able to buy the beer. 
Long term plans include packaging, tap room and engaging and helping the community. Their next beers will be "La Belle Amenchure" an Americam Wheat (5% ABV) and Lemon Head Radler that is a fun twist on Picaroons Melonhead. 

Propeller Brewing welcomes new Head Brewer.

Rod Daigle
(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing welcomed new Head Brewer Rod Daigle to the team recently. Rod has been in the brewing business since 2008 and attended the Siebel Institute of Technology and worked in several craft breweries before co-founding Brimstone Brewing in Ontario’s Niagara Region in 2012.

Rod is eager to put his passion for craft brewing and the industry to work at Propeller and says he has a long list of one off to do.

“We’re excited to have Rod join our team. He is very experienced and comes with a great passion for the craft brewing, along with a solid track record. He also is quite adept at recipes, which is a must to stay competitive and satisfy an every-more educated market. Craft drinkers are open to new flavours, but at the end of the day, the important part is to make sure it adds up to good tasting beer” Says founder and owner of Propeller John Allen,

Brightwood Brewery opens in Dartmouth, NS

(Dartmouth, NS) - The Darkside brewing community is set to grow again with partners Matthew McGrail and Ian Lawson opening Brightwood Brewery.

They will start selling tomorrow at the Alderney Landing Farmers Market and are bringing their first beer which is an American IPA called "The Big Lift". The brew weighs in at 6% ABV and 71 IBUs. You can purchase either size of their growlers for $9.00 (refundable)  and $15 for 1.89l fill $9 for 750 fill. They will fill other clean growlers, clean being key. 

They currently have a 1 BBL brew system with 4 - 1 BBL fermenters. They are starting with the one beer this week but will be coming out with another in the coming weeks as their production increases and expanding to the Halifax Forum Farmers Market and ultimately a few taps.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Trophy Brewing - Raleigh, NC

I recently had a brief visit to Raleigh and I had the opportunity to visit Trophy Brewing and Pizza on Morgan Street. We arrived prior to opening on a Saturday morning and a crowd had already formed. The location I visited opened in February 2013 and has a 3 Barrel Brewhouse. Trophy now has a second location on Maywood Avenue that opened in December of 2015 and features a taproom attached to their 20 Barrel production facility and often hosts food trucks.


I had the the Best Dressed pizza, that was fantastic, and a flight of four of their beers. The beers were unique and tasty. I had Unanimous Decision - Smoked and Salted Rye Porter, Roseberry Gose - Rosemary and Raspberry Gose, Wit-Tea-Est - Witbier with Ginseng Tea and Yard of the Month - Cream Ale.

If in Raleigh it is well worth a visit.




Sunday, July 10, 2016

NBCAPA Announces a New Gala to Recognize Excellence


(Fredericton, NB) - New Brunswick Association of Craft Alcohol Producers (NBCAPA), following a General Members Meeting held yesterday in Fredericton, have announced there will be an annual gala to recognize the best of what the industry in New Brunswick has to offer. The gala will coincide with the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival in March each year.

NBCAPA says leading up to the gala, fun monthly contests will be organized on social media under different categories, like naming New Brunswick's “hoppiest product” for example. While there are still items that need to be finalized, nominated products would be available for tasting in New Brunswick bars, pubs and tap rooms.


Members at NBCAPA meeting yesterday
“The Gala is a fantastic opportunity to highlight all the great products made by our members and it’s an opportunity to highlight all the artisans involved as well as getting the word out about our Association’s activities,” says President Stephen Dixon.

Among other issues discussed at yesterdays meeting are the ongoing complexities each producer has regarding distribution. “We are a fast growing industry. We share a lot of common issues that we can work towards solving together,” Dixon stated.

NBCAPA represents close to 30 craft brewers, cideries, meaderies, wineries and distillers in New Brunswick. It was created last year to help the industry promote its products and its economic contribution to the provincial economy.

For any details on the gala or NBCAPA contact Stephen Dixon, president at (506) 454-4810.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Maritime Beer Report - July 8, 2016


Hope everyone had a great long week end, here is the Beer Report for July 8th.

Downeast Beer Factory tells me they had a setback in the brewhouse that they are working on. When it is fixed their new brewer, Dave Doran, will be producing their core brands and the retail store will be opening. For now they have growlers on sale of the one-offs red and IPA for sale at the restaurant.

FirkinStein Brewing have released their new Anchors Aweigh Pale Ale. It is a 6% ABV and they tell me a mellow ale.

Garrison Brewing collected $6800 for the Ecology Action Centre from this year's Backlot Bash. It was given to them this week to go towards their capital campaign.

Good Robot Brewing has released their first true collaboration beer with Schoolhouse Brewery. It is a tribute to the nature of music festivals and the artists that grace them: collaborative, exploratory and ridiculously fun. Skratch Plaskett (named after two prominent Nova Scotian artists, Skratch Bastid and Joel Plaskett) is a laid back yet quirky beer featuring a refreshingly light body, tropical nose and citrusy taste. Like the artists it's named for, the breweries are very different in scope, and yet they feel a mutual respect and interest in each other's style. To be released Saturday on tap at Good Robot and for sale at Schoolhouse soon. It weighs in at 5.8% ABV and 25 IBUs.
Next week look for two releases before Friday. The return of The Shocking Pink,classic gose cut with pink lemonade and hibiscus tea, as well as version 6.0 of their APA, which is dry-hopped with HBC Experimental 342 for a floral, citrus and melon flavour.

Propeller Brewing are releasing their latest One Hit Wonder today. Citrus Pale Ale is 5.8% ABV and 25 IBU's beer using Centennial, Columbus, and Ahtanum hops as well as Pale and Wheat Malts and Orange Peels. They say "this summer ale is brewed with clean American Ale yeast that highlights a citrus hop profile of orange and grapefruit. Orange Curacao peel and Ahtanum hops added in the whirlpool, at the end of the brew, give it a clean, dry assertive orange flavour and aroma finish. As always it will be available in growlers only as well as a few select bars.

Saltbox Brewing says their Pioneers Club will be tasting their first beer offerings next week and they tell me everyone else will see it shortly after. The wait is almost over Mahone Bay.

Unfiltered Brewing says Front Line Rocker DIPA is back. Described as monstrous, juicy, Nash-y, and available today for fills and pints. It is 8% ABV and 100+ IBUs.

Bishop's Cellar staff visited Tatamagouche Brewing a couple of weeks ago to create a collaboration brew. Cellar Slammer India Session Ale is easy drinking summer beer coming in at 4.4% ABV that is on tap now at Bishop's Cellar and Tatamagouche as well as in cans.


PEI Brewing has packaged its CBA gold medal winners in a special four pack. Setting Day Saison, Rogues Roost IPA, Vic Park Pale Ale and Sir John A's Honey Wheat are now in a limited-release 4-pack simply called the Gold Pack and it is now at PEI Liquor locations. 
Coffee Belgian Blonde is making its way to New Brunswick as part of ANBL's keg program, They've brewed up a Belgian Blonde infused with coffee from our local roastery - Receiver Coffee Company. They say keep an eye out for this one to fill up your growlers it's an incredible brew that comes out almost sweet with coffee and floral notes.
Lastly they've recently acquired a used 7-barrel tank which will allow their brewers to play around and make small scale brews and test batches. They say to expect double dry hopped such and such, variations on standard brews and other shenanigans that brewers consider fun.  Up first is a dry-hopped Sir John A's Honey Wheat, followed by a double-dry-hopped 1772 IPA. Rumor has it that a special saison might be coming after that. Check in with the Taproom or with your favorite local beer purveyor to see if they're lucky enough to get one of the limited brews.

The Taste Halifax Beer Bus is expanding over to the Darkside. Every Saturday join them starting from Unfiltered Brewing & Charm School Pub before heading to Spindrift Brewing, Nine Locks Brewing, Battery Park Beer Bar and returning to Good Robot Brewing. Their original tour still goes every Sunday.

Murphys The Cable Wharf are offering a two hour harbour cruise while showcasing four of Nova Scotia's microbreweries. The cruise is set to go every Tuesday for July and August and will feature different beers throughout with most breweries having a representative onboard to talk about the beer and answer any questions.

A couple of beer events in Moncton to save the dates for. First the Urban Beer Hike takes place on Saturday, July 23rd at five beer bars downtown Moncton where there will be plenty of beer and food on this walking tour and all Urban Beer Hike ticket holders will get $5 off their Atlantic Canadian Craft Beer Oktoberfest ticket. They’re planning to repeat the hike on August 20th and September 10th as well.
The second Atlantic Canadian Craft Beer Oktoberfest takes place on Saturday, September 24th at the Moncton Lions Club to support United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick. Enjoy dozens of Atlantic Canadian craft beers and ciders, local food and more. Tickets are on sale tomorrow

Of interest to brewers, a new brewing e-store has opened in Rothesay New Brunswick. The NB Craft Brewers Market will be carrying grains, hops, and yeast from White Labs. The owner Michael Hebert says he is open to bringing in ingredients for customers, so be sure to drop him a hote to see is you can work something out. While not a physical store there will be local pick up available for orders ordered at least two hours prior to pick up. 

That is all for this week, have a great week and as always enjoy responsibly. 

Good Robot Brewing and Schoolhouse Brewery Collaborate on new Beer

(Halifax, NS) - Good Robot Brewing has collaborated with Schoolhouse Brewery to create a beer that is a tribute to the nature of music festivals and the artists that grace them, it is collaborative, exploratory and ridiculously fun. Skratch Plaskett - Electric Tambourine Ale (named after two prominent Nova Scotian artists, Skratch Bastid and Joel Plaskett) is a laid back yet quirky beer featuring a refreshingly light body, tropical nose and citrusy taste. Like the artists it's named for, the breweries are very different in scope, and yet they feel a mutual respect and interest in each other's style. To be released Saturday on tap at Good Robot and for sale at Schoolhouse soon. This Pale Ale weighs in at 5.8% ABV and 25 IBUs.

Propeller releases new One Hit Wonder

(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing are releasing their latest One Hit Wonder today. Citrus Pale Ale is 5.8% ABV and 25 IBU's beer using Centennial, Columbus, and Ahtanum hops as well as Pale and Wheat Malts and Orange Peels. They say "this summer ale is brewed with clean american ale yeast that highlights a citrus hop profile of orange and grapefruit. Orange Curacao peel and Ahtanum hops added in the whirlpool, at the end of the brew, give it a clean, dry assertive orange flavour and aroma finish. As always it will be available in growlers at the Propeller Shops only as well as a few select bars.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

High Seas Craft Beers in Halifax

Cruising the Northwest Arm 

The beers
Well that is a bit of an exaggeration but Murphys The Cable Wharf are offering a two hour harbour cruise while showcasing four of Nova Scotia's microbreweries. The cruise is set to go every Tuesday for July and August and will feature different beers throughout with most breweries having a representative onboard to talk about the beer and answer any questions.
The food
I was lucky enough to be aboard for the inaugural trip thanks to the Ladies Beer League. Our cruise took us on the tall ship Silva and we traveled south past Point Pleasant Park and and into the Northwest Arm up past the Dingle (Sir Sandford Fleming Park) and then reverse. A friendly seal popped up along the way to say howdy too. 
Friendly seal
The Dingle
My ticket included samples of Spin Drift Brewing's Knotty Buoy, Boxing Rock Brewing's Hunky Dory, Good Robot Brewing's Burban Legend and Garrison Brewing's Raspberry Wheat ale. If the samples left you wanting more the were available for purchase at the ship's bar as well as other drinks. The ticket also includes "snacks" that were ample and included sliders, mussels, spring rolls and cheeses. 
Sun setting over Point Pleasant Park
The Silva was plenty big to move around and mingle and view the shorelines as the pass by. The ship also had washrooms and a smoking area to round out your comfort needs. 
Get your ticket on Murphy's website and set sail for suds (also bring a sweater it gets chilly on the water at night).

Full cruise album on MBR Facebook page