Thursday, August 31, 2017

2 Crows Brewing lands Promiseland DIPA

(Halifax, NS) - 2 Crows Brewing is releasing Promiseland Double IPA. It is coming in at 8.3% ABV and 64 IBU and is loaded with Simcoe and Citra hops. It is a seasonal release so it will be around for the fall. 2 Crows are selling it in cans, pints and growlers out of tap room and it will also be sold at private liquor stores.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Loyalist City Brewing Releases Barefoot Blonde

(Saint John, NB) - Loyalist City Brewing has launched their latest summer series brew, Barefoot Blonde, a New Zealand Blonde ale brewed with fresh pineapple and dry hopped with the New Zealand super hop, Nelson Sauvin. 
The beer pours a brilliant yellow with a crisp white head that gives off an aroma of fresh pineapple and a hint of grape from the Nelson Sauvin hops. The initial malty sweet flavor from the blend of 2-row and malted wheat used is complemented by the fresh pineapple flavor that lingers on the palate. The light bitterness from boil hops rounds out the flavor of this beer resulting in an extremely sessionable blonde ale that balances the fresh fruit, malt and hops. 
Made with only grains, yeast, hops, and fruit, this beer is unfiltered and meant to be enjoyed fresh. Kegs were delivered to local accounts so make sure you get out to try this one while its fresh.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Trider's Craft Beer releases Strawberry Sour

(Amherst, NS) - Trider's Craft Beer made a lacto kettle soured beer featuring a healthy percentage of rice for lightness of body as the base. They added three separate additions of fresh local strawberries sourced from Nicnat Farms, located just down the road on the shore of the Northumberland Strait.
The berries were fermented with a base beer, added for some warm aging, and again during cold conditioning. The beer came out with a great rosy colour, and clocks in at 3.5% ABV and  9.5 IBU. The moderate to high carbonation level provides a thick slightly pink head with clear and distinct strawberry aromas on the nose. The lacto provides some definite tartness, but not so much that the strawberry flavour doesn't shine through. Despite a fairly clean tartness the beer retains a slight farmy character as well. This beer will be released in growlers only, and be made available by the keg while quantities last. They had so many great ideas for a name, the decision became nearly impossible. In light of that, this easy drinking late summer crusher, is dubbed quite simply, the Strawberry Sour.

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Roof Hound Brewing Releases Beer in "Stubbies"

(Digby, NS) - Roof Hound Brewing released select beers in bottles this week. On the heels of an expansion three beers hit retro 500 ml "stubbies" this week at the brewery and private liquor stores in the Halifax area. Available is Average Joe Pale Ale , Big Stink IPA and Sweet Little SIPA. 

Maybee Brewing releases Owd Bob Sour Brown Ale

(Fredericton, NB) - Maybee Brewing released Owd Bob Kettle Sour Brown Ale this week. The 5.9% ABV beer is an Oud Bruin style sour with Chocolate notes.  Available on tap and in cans at the Maybee Taproom on Wilsey Road in Fredericton. 

Trailway Brewing Releases Voyager Double IPA

(Fredericton, NB) - Trailway Brewing released a new beer yesterday. Voyager is a Double IPA was brewed exclusively with the Australian super-hop, Galaxy. Trailway says it is "Juicy, pungent, tropical and scary drinkable at a fresh 7.8% ABV". The limited release is  $18/4pack and you need to hit the brewery to grab cans as there is no distribution and limited kegs will be distributed 

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Annapolis Brewing is Coming to Annapolis Royal

(Annapolis Royal, NS) - Annapolis Brewing is coming to Nova Scotia's first capital, co-founded by two successful entrepreneurs, Paul St Laurent and Danny McClair. Both men have a brewing passion and a taste for quality crafted beer. They have been all grain brewing for personal consumption for years and this has allowed them to share their passion and beer with friends and family. They say the town of Annapolis Royal and its historic roots make for a perfect backdrop for their craft.
The pair are currently brewing and perfecting recipes on a 30 Gallon Spike brewing electric system with 2 BBL in fermenting capacity and will be moving to a 5 BBL system in Q2 of 2018 once the permitting process is completed at a small location near the Historic Gardens to start.
They current plan is to start sales with growlers at the Annapolis Royal Farmers Market and kegs at local pubs, golf course and restaurants. 
The ales they plan to serve is W&A (Windsor and Annapolis) Railway Rye IPA, 84th Regiment IPA, Acadian Honey Brown, Sir Williams Ale, King George Porter and seasonal beers as well.
Follow their progress by following them on Facebook and Twitter 

Tidehouse Releases its Coffee Porter in Bottles

(Halifax, NS) - Tidehouse Brewing Company have announced their first bottle release. Low Tide Coffee Porter was made with coffee that was aged in a Calvedos oak foedre before roasted and made into cold brew by Low Point Coffee.The 5.5% ABV beer will be available tomorrow only at the brewery in 650 ml bottles. 

Hammond River Releases Its First Bottles

(Rothesay, NB) - Quick on the heels of opening their new facility Hammond River Brewing (HRB) have released their first bottled product. Bottles of Hop Flash IPA (6.6% ABV) are now available for sale in the HRB Beer Bar as well as the KV and Uptown ANBL with other locations being added soon. 

NS Craft Beers sales grew 48.0% in Q1 NSLC Reports

(Halifax, NS) - The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) released its quarter-end results today for April 1, 2017 to July 2, 2017. Although overall sales, income and volume all edged down Nova Scotia craft beers sales grew by 48.0% year-over-year to $3.2M.
A large portion of the sales increase was the NSLC putting many local products on their shelves this spread, especially leading up to NS Craft Beer Week in May. 
Another great highlight is sales of Nova Scotia ready-to-drink products, which are largely ciders made with locally grown apples, increased 75.7% to $1.0M.
Overall beer at the NSLC dropped 1.2% to $74.6M to make up 47.0% of total sales. 

Full news release here NSLC Announces First Quarter FY 2018 Results

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Foghorn Brewing Releases Leitest Von Viegott Kölsch

(Rothesay, NB) - Foghorn Brewing Company recently released Leitest Von Viegott Kölsch. The kölsch was brewed using German kölsch, yeast from White Labs, perle and magnum hops from Darling Island Farm. Brewer Andrew Estabrooks says the 5.5% ABV and 18 IBU "has a gentle fruity character with lots of grainy Pilsner character".

Flying Boats Brewing Announces Expansion

(Shediac, NB) - Flying Boats Brewing announces after brewing for 2.5 years in the garage they are expanding production into a commercial location. Owner Marc Melanson says the plan is to build a retail taproom that will sell beer flights, beer by the glass, growlers,  as well as canned products. He is not set to release the location just yet but reveals the facility will be in Dieppe close to all major roads and highways for easy access for southeast NB. 

Brasseux d'la Côte Brews First Batch in New Facility

(Tracadie,NB) - Brasseux d'la Côte announced they have brewed their inaugral brew at their new facility. The new brewery is at 3216 Rue Principale in Tracadie New Brunswick. The beer chosen was their La Classique 28 lager, 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.

Chain Yard Urban Cidery Releases The Fuzz

(Halifax, NS) - Chain Yard Urban Cidery released their latest creation The Fuzz. The cider is a cryo extracted peach juice fermented and blended with their Foundation cider base. Chain Yard descibes it as "bright and crisp with notes of stone fruit". Available now at the cidery on Agricola Street. 

Friday, August 18, 2017

Annapolis Cider Releases New 'Something Different'

(Wolfville, NS) - Annapolis Cider Company have released their latest 'Something Different". "Raspberry and Rooibos" is a 6.7% ABV unfiltered, sparkling cider crafted from a unique blend of dry cider, fermented over red delicious apple skins, with fresh juice from local, handpicked raspberries. It's then cold-steeped with loose leaf red rooibos tea from Just Us! Coffee. The apple skins lend tannin and structure to this scarlet-hued cider that showcases the bright aroma and flavour of fresh raspberries and is rounded out by mellow hints of earthy rooibos.
$0.50 from each refill of Raspberry and Rooibos will support the Wolfville Children's Centre, an organization with the philosophy that every child is entitled to quality care.

Roof Hound Releases Hoppy Seconds Pale Ale

(Digby, NS) - Roof Hound Brewing released an experimental Pale Ale called Hoppy Seconds. The beer earned the moniker because Roof Hound reused the massive amounts of dry hops used in their Big Stink IPA. Les Barr says Hoppy Seconds is easier drinking than the Big Stink but still has that citrus and savoury flavour and creamy mouth feel. Check it out the 6% ABV beer now at the brewery and select taps.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Trider's Craft Beer Releases Blueberry Ale

Photo by Rob Rolfe 
(Amherst, NS) - Trider's Craft Beer released Blue Me Away Blueberry Ale. They brewed the ale with 100% local Amherst blueberries from Hawkes Blueberry Farm, which is right under the windmills that are along the Trans Canada Highway.
They used no extracts so the beer has a nice blue tint and aroma of blueberries with a subtle blueberry flavour.The beer weighs in at 4.6% ABV, 13 IBU and used 2 row, pilsner malt, and corn. Available now in 500 ml stubbies and growler fills. It is a one batch limited release, get it while you can. 

Trailway Brewing Releases LOMAH SMaSH Ale

(Fredericton, NB) - Trailway Brewing releases LOMAH SMaSH (Single hop and single malt) today. Brewed with 100% Columbus hops and 100% Pilsner malt. Trailway says "This brew is dank, spicy and surprisingly tropical and fruity. Pilsner malt is the absolute perfect base providing enough malt character while letting the Columbus shine. It's crisp and clean and completely crushable." LOMAH will be available in cans on Wednesday, August16th at 4 PM and will go for $17/4pack or $4.50 per can. It will also be on tap for pints and growler fills at 11 AM.

Bagtown Brewing Releases new beers

(Sackville, NB) - Bagtown Brewing added two new beers to their line up as well as business hours. Joining their Wobbly Duck English Pale Ale (ABV 5%, IBU 15) is a Belgian Pale Ale (ABV 4%, IBU 22) that does not have a name yet but was part of a naming contest for the customers who came to the grand opening. There is a 3rd beer is SubtleTEA Session Ale (ABV 3.9%, IBU 45), it has characteristics like a British Golden Ale. Bagtown incorporated green tea leaves into this brew, which gives it some interesting flavours.
Hours of operation, we will be open Thursday and Friday from 4-10 PM, Saturday 9 AM-2 PM, Sunday 5 PM-12 midnight. They will fill Grunters and Growlers as well taking orders for kegs.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

North Brewing Releasing Clementine Pale Ale

(Halifax, NS) - North Brewing will be releasing Oh My Darlin' Clementine Pale Ale on Friday August 18th. This will be the second release in their Finite series,  Ask and Embla were released late last year. Beer will be available on tap at Battery Park and Stillwell while supplies last and for sale in both North shops for $9.75 per bottle.
This beer was made with a secondary fermentation in stainless with Brettanomyces Claussenii for six months, dry hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and then bottle/keg conditioned for another 1.5 months. This is a limited release with only 3 kegs and 850 bottles produced.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Garrison Releases Honey Lavender Ale

(Halifax, NS) - Garrison Brewing released its seasonal Honey Lavender Ale. The beloved summer seasonal brewed with English lavender harvested from Meander River Farms and wildflower honey from G.G. Smeltzer & Son in Shubenacadie. This year’s brew is clocking in at 7% ABV and 16 IBUs. The beer is available from 10 AM on Friday, August 11th at the brewery with a 650 ml bottle retailing for $6.79. There is a limited amount of draft that will make its way into a few local taps. 

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Picaroons Traditional Ales Adds to Pivot Series

(Fredericton,NB) - Picaroons Traditional Ales has announced the fifth iteration of the Pivot series is out, this time focusing on Pekko and El Dorado hops. Described as "decidedly less tropical and fruity than some previous Pivots, expect some more complex herbal and floral aromas from the Pekko hops, coupled with lighter citrus notes from both El Dorado and Mandarina Bavaria". The imperial IPA is a strong 8% ABV and as with all of this series is a limited supply.

Trailway Brewing releases Seeing Enigma IPA

(Fredericton, NB) - Trailway Brewing released another installment in their "seeing" series - Seeing Enigma. Enigma is a brand new hop variety from Australia that is getting a ton of well-deserved attention and hype. Trailway says there are so many complex aromas and flavours coming from this brew.
Seeing Enigma checks in at 6% ABV and is available in cans or on tap at the brewery.  

Boxing Rock releases Three Sheets Cream Ale

(Shelburne, NS) - Boxing Rock Brewing released Three Sheets Cream Ale. The beer is a tribute to the 2017 Tall Ship Rendevous happening around the province. The brewery says the 5% ABV beer is mild, aromatic, smooth and refreshing. On sale now at the brewery in 650 ml bottles as well as growler fills. 

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Upstreet Craft Brewing becomes B Corporation Certified


(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) - Upstreet Craft Brewing recently announced that the company has gained B Corporation Certification. The prestigious designation recognizes companies who voluntarily meet standards of transparency, accountability and social impact. The brewery joins a movement of more than 2,000 highly vetted companies across more than 50 countries committed to being a force for good. They join other brewers Picaroons Traditional Ales in New Brunswick and Beau's Brewery in Ontario. 
To become certified, Upstreet had to undergo and pass an assessment by B Lab, an international non-profit that evaluates their mission, employment practices, governance structure, social impact and environmental stewardship. The brewery was recognized for using locally and ethically sourced ingredients, providing staff with paid volunteer hours, giving back a portion of profits to local charities, supporting community initiatives, and sourcing power produced by renewable resources. 
A big congratulations to Upstreet for becoming certified and being the first on Prince Edward Island. 

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Hammond River Brewing opens new plant in Rothesay


(Rothesay, NB) - After four years of brewing in neighboring Quispamsis Hammond River Brewing (HRBCo) opened its new 15 BBL brewery and taproom at 141 Old Hampton Road in Rothesay on Friday August 4th. The opening times are seven days a week at 11:30 AM and closes Sunday to Thursday at 9:00 PM and at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. They had seven beers on tap at opening including:

  • The Vegas SMaSH IPA (Galaxy Edition)
  • Blood Orange Hefeweizen
  • Gammie California Steam Ale
  • Hop Flash IPA
  • Red Coat India Red Ale
  • Blueberry Ale
  • Paisley Park Raspberry Berliner Weisse

All beers are available for growler fills in both the standard 1.89 L size and also a smaller 1 L size, with the exception of Paisley Park. The tap room has capacity for 12 beers on tap that will have HRBCo as well as guest taps. Additionally HRBCo has hoodies, t-shirts, ball caps, and 4 different sizes of glassware for sale.
HRBCo will also commence bottling at the new location and owner Shane Steeves hopes to bottle his first batch of beer in the next week, Hop Flash IPA. Bottles will be sold on site as well as ANBL stores when they approve the listings. 
Future plans include bottle conditioned beer as well as doing an extensive barrel aging program for certain beers. Shane also says his existing brewhouse will see the odd batch being brewed that wouldn't make sense on the large system. 
HRBCo is a top rated brewery in New Brunswick and joins Foghorn Brewing and Long Bay Brewery in Rothesay to become a beer destination in the province. 

Friday, August 4, 2017

Bagtown Brewing Begins Retail Sales

(Sackville, NB) - Bagtown Brewing has officially been granted their Brewery Agency Store License and will be opening for growler and keg sales to the public starting August 10th at 62 Main Street in Sackville.
They have branded grunters (0.95L) available for sale at $6 a piece but will fill other grunters and growlers with the fill prices posted at the brewery. 
The brewery launched in April by Mount Allison commerce students is now run by owner Anthony Maddalena.

2 Crows Brewing to Release Fandango Milkshake IPA

(Halifax, NS) - 2 Crows Brewing will be releasing a new beer on Saturday at noon. Fandango is a Calvados foedre-aged Milkshake IPA coming in at 6.8% ABV and 52 IBU. Hopped heavily with Azacca, Galaxy, and Citra, conditioned in a Calvados foedre for a couple weeks for added vanilla and fruit notes, then absolutely loaded with mango, peaches, more hops, and a bit of vanilla and lactose. Tastes like pure juice. Limited quantities available in glasses and cans, no growler fills.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Propeller Brewing releases new Small Batch Beer


(Halifax, NS) - The next beer in Propeller Brewing's Gottingen Small Batch series is set to keg Friday August 4th and should be available in the Tasting Room on Gottingen by 5 PM and then pouring for growler fills starting early next week.
The Tasman Pale Ale is an aromatic brew showcasing Motueka hops -- a specialty hop breed exclusive to New Zealand. It starts with a hoppy & citrus aroma and finishes crisp and clean with hints of malt and caramel and a bit of citrus that lingers in the back of your throat. It's named after the Tasman Sea which lies between Australia (the brewer's homeland) and New Zealand (home of the Motueka hop). It comes in at 5.2% ABV and 38 IBU.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Half Cocked Brewing Launches at Townhouse Friday

(North Grant, NS) - Half Cocked Brewing is officially launching this Friday at The Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery. From opening at 4 PM there will be five beers available consisting of Half Cocked four core beers and their current IPA experiment.  The core beers are

  • Cock of the Walk - India Black Ale - a rich roasty backbone hides the one hundred plus IBU with just a little taste of hoppy bitterness.  6.6% ABV 100+ IBU  29 SRM
  • XPA - Extra Pale Ale - floral aroma with a biscuity sweetness.  Hopped generously with five different varieties to create a truly delicious beer.  6% ABV  40 IBU  8.5  SRM
  • Pete's Sake - Blond Ale - Clean and crisp, light and refreshing.  Perfect if you want a few beers and great for the craft curious.  4.6% ABV   20  IBU  6.4  SRM
  • Fruit Cocked Ale - Fruit Beer -  A Pale Ale with Grapefruit juice.  A bit more punch than a typical radler.  5.3%  ABV  

Their first IPA experiment ended up being a double IPA brewed and dry hopped using a significant amount of Mosaic among other things and is a sneaky little sweet tasting beer they call 'Wait For It".  7.6% ABV   98 IBU  10 SRM.
The Cock of the Walk and XPA both have malt bills which are predominantly from Horton Ridge Malt & Grain
Their first growler fill dates have yet to be announced but they plan to be open once or twice a week and may pop up at the Antigonish farmers market from time to time.  When they are open they will fill and sell growlers and grunters and have shirts, hats, and glasses available for sale. 
The new brewery is located 6.5 km north of Antigonish on Route 245 which is also the way to Steinhart Distillery