Maritime Beer Report - September 18, 2015

Hello and welcome to September 18th edition of the Maritime Beer Report

Big Tide Brewing's head brewer says it is just about time for her favorite brewing day that uses fresh hops, and fresh pumpkin and soon their Indian Beach Pumpkin Ale will be on tap.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released Bonhomme Sept-heures Pumpkin Ale this week. They used more than 60 lbs of pumpkin and squash, 2 lbs of spices and all kinds of other good stuff. It clocks in at 8.6% ABV and is the strongest beer they have made. Available now at the Brewtique.

Hammond River Brewing Company were making the season's first Breakfast Stout. Oats, Java Moose Coffee, Chocolate, Cacao Nibs, Applewood Bacon smoked right here at HRB, and a few Eggs and Grits to top it off. This delicious 8% ABV Imperial Stout will be available soon.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says their 2015 Harvest Ales will start pouring next week. This year they have 7 different batches from 6 different local farmers, all made with a different local hops, all with the same local grain. Once again you will be able to find out about your Harvest Ale by checking out the batch code on the side of your label and going to http://picaroons.ca/myharvest/

Big Spruce Brewing says that its collaboration with Stillwell Gimme Citra is back. It is described as a nice hoppy beer and comes in at 4.7% ABV. Available now at the brewery and select taps.

Breton Brewing were busy this week brewing their first seasonal called Celtic Colours Maple Lager. Look out for this beer around Cape Breton during the Celtic Colours festival! The Maple Syrup they added came from Acadian Maple Products in Nova Scotia. 

FirkinStein Brewing started selling their beer this week. It is not available at bars yet but they have opted to start with home delivery in the Bridgewater, Mount Pleasant and Conquerall Mills areas. They are charging $8 for the bottle and $12 for the beer then you own the bottle and refills are just $12 after that. They're beer is called Nor'easter Ale and is a strong beer weighing in at 7.5% ABV.

Garrison Brewing says they got a boatload of Cinderella Pumpkins from their friends at Howard Dill's Pumpkin Farm in Windsor for the next batch of  their Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Good Robot Brewing is introducing the 5th addition to their lineup, Leave Me Blue Kentucky Corn Beer. In celebration of this on Sunday, October 4th, they will be hosting a good ol' fashioned hootenanny at the brewery complete with pig roast, bluegrass music and of course beers.

Sea Level Brewing notes that Hopfazupfa is back for fall. This is a 6% ABV American IPA. They are sad to announce that they are not making the New Scotland Heather Ale this year. They couldn't get enough heather & Randy won't compromise.

Tatamagouche Brewing released the next edition in their Giant Series, it is a Russian Imperial Stout coming in at 8.5% ABV. It is hopped with Pacific Gem and Chinook. Also Tatabrew is bringing back its award winning Lagerhosen and a new IPA called Deception Bay IPA that is a hefty 6.2% ABV.

Uncle Leo's Brewery says its Pictou County Harvest Ale made with fresh hops from Bramble Hill Farms. It is a 5.7% ABV limited quantity ale that is available in growlers only. 

Looking for something fun to do in Moncton next week end? Moncton Area Beer League is doing a beer hike that will visit five local watering holes for beer and food samples. Tickets are $49 to join in on the fun.

New Brunswick Beer Tour is running their River Valley Tour again on October 17th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM . Join King Street Ale House owners Doug Williams, Eat New Brunswick and the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival as they explore NB Craft Beers and Ciders. Along the way you will have samples and food from King Street Ale House and visit and sample at three breweries.

Ever wonder what it would be like to practice yoga inside the serene walls of a brewery, backdropped by massive stainless steel tanks? No? Ok, well even if you haven't thought about it before, here is your chance to do that at Upstreet Craft Brewing on September 26th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. For $15 you will get 1-hour practice and a glass of beer. 

Looking to expand your beer knowledge and get certified for personal or professional reasons? CAPS- Atlantic is offering two courses this fall. The Certified Beer Server course is designed to prepare students for the Certified Beer Server exam, the first level of certification in the Cicerone program. It is 1 evening a week for 4 weeks in September and October for $260. The Certified Beer Professional course is designed to prepare students for the Cicerone certification exam. It runs 1 evening a week for 10 weeks and costs $1240. Courses run consecutively, and can be taken individually or as a 14-week package. Check the website for registration forms.

Thanks for letting me share the news again this week, Until next week enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - September 11, 2015

Hello and welcome to the September 11th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company says their Vic Park Pale Ale is now in 473ml cans. Brewed with Citra hops for those sunny September days. They also say Pumpkin Ale and Rogues Roost IPA are expected to be out this month. The biggest news is the announcement of a barrel-aged bock titled "HELL STREET". Based on a local boxing legend, this brew will offer a similar smack to the face. Stay tuned for more information on their social media channels.

Upstreet Craft Brewing says White Noize is back for a very limited time grab it fast.

Big Axe Brewery revealed a new beer this week. Therapy Session IPA is now on tap. They say "Beautiful aroma of citrus and passion fruit from Topaz hops," It is a 5.2% ABV beer.

Big Tide Brewing have got Cascade, Nugget and Hallertauer hops from Dunhams Run Winery that will all be used over the next week for their special Indian Beach brews. Watch for them coming soon.

Half Cut Brewing Company have released a slightly boozier version of the of their Alter Ego. The newer one comes in at 6% ABV and is now at the Brewtique.

Picaroons Traditional Ales were bottling their Harvest Ale this week. Look for these popular brews coming soon.

Savoie's Brewhouse have already done one build out on the brewhouse by making a separate fermentation room and they tell me looking to move up from 20 gallon system to 45.

Big Spruce Brewing released a new beer and as always the name is exceptional. Ivana Drinkalot is a new IPA, available at the brewery and soon to arrive Bar Stillwell and The Stubborn Goat. It weighs in at a hefty 7.1% ABV and 89 IBUs. Big Spruce says "Deeply aromatic, and lots of gooey hoppy flavour. We intended to brew Crazy Ivan DIPA, but let's just say that we made a few mistakes."

Garrison Brewing says lasts years popular collaboration with Beau's Brewing, Sweet Rye'd Harvest Wheat Ale is back today, Look for it on sale now.

North Brewing was travelling this week visiting PEI to pick up gear for their brewhouse expansion. They are doubling the size going from a 5 BBL to 10 BBL. 

Propeller Brewing says its seasonal Nocturne Dark Lager has returned to its shops. This beer is in support of Nocturne: Art at Night that returns on October 17th.

Rudders Brewpub in Yarmouth tells me they hope to put together a new IPA in a couple of weeks if the hops are available.

Uncle Leo's Brewery brewed their first ever fresh hop beer this week. They got Cascade, Centiennial and Magnum hops from Bramble Hill Farms and Wally Moser. In about two weeks they should have the first limited quantity Wet Hopped Pale Ale. Karl has been busy, he also brewed a German Altbier. That will also be available in two weeks.

Lots of exciting events happening for Sausagefest coming next week end. Two of the beers I spoke about a few weeks ago are in the wild. Boxing Rock Kerfuffle APA and Propeller Wind Swell Wheat are now available.

Thanks for joining me again and until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Maritime Beer Report - August 14, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for August 14th.

PEI Brewing Company says they found 40 bottles of Ice Boat Barrel-Aged Stout. If your lucky enough to be in the area drop in to the brewery and see if you can grab some.

Upstreet Craft Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing Company worked on a collaboration brew that they will be releasing in a couple of weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for Rumble in the Alley: Round 1.

Acadie-Broue says Le Gaboteuse is currently available at The Tide and Boar in Moncton. This beer is a Belgian IPA brewed in collaboration with Big Tide Brewing.

NB Beer Tours is doing their River Valley again on October 17th. It leaves at 9:00 AM from King Street Ale House and returns at 6:15 PM. Includes beers at Petit-Sault, Railcar Brewing and Big Axe Brewing with samples on bus and a box lunch. Get tickets now. 

Breton Brewing is hiring, they are looking for retail, delivery and assistant brewer positions. If you are interested send a resume to bretonbrewing@gmail.com or drop by the brewery.

Garrison Brewing says Honey Lavender Ale is back,in 650ml bomber bottles. Available at the brewery and it weighs in at 6.3% ABV.

Good Robot is having a Dog Wash on Sunday August 16th. Get your dog pampered by All 4 Paws Pet Services, grab a custom-made T DOGS hot dog, 12 ounces of beer and jam to some Snoop all for 20 bucks with some of the proceeds will be going to ElderDog.


North Brewing and Brooklyn Warehouse released more details on the new joint venture, Battery Park, that is opening in October. As far as food Chef Mark Gray will be designing an ever-changing menu of snacks, small plates to share, and other surprises. North will have its beers on tap as well as one offs that will be brewed on site. North will also have a retail shop for growler fills. This is another step on North becoming a zero emission brewery by powering the new brewhouse with spent cooking oil. Lastly, as Brooklyn did, they are using crowdfunding as a means to finance this project. 

The owners of Paddy’s Pub in Kentville and Wolfville will add a new location on Cole Drive next to the Super 8 Hotel in Windsor. They hope to open by the Spring of next year and the new building will contain Paddy’s Pub, Rosie’s Restaurant, a 15 barrel brewery and a banquet hall. Long term plans include canning at the site as well. 

Unfiltered Brewing is releasing a new seasonal, Daytimer, a 3.4% ABV kettle-soured Berliner Weisse dry-hopped with plenty of Mosaic for a serious kick of tropical fruit. Available at the brewery now. 

On September 1st Bar Stillwell will be hosting brewers from Jester King and Brasserie Dunham as part of a celebration of the release of their new collaborative brew. Tickets to the 6 PM - 8 PM session will allow early access to the limited supply of draught and bottles and a piece of glassware to commemorate the event. Chef Graeme Ruppel will be cooking up some special dishes. Tickets available now.

That is all for this week, until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Maritime Beer Report - August 7, 2015

Hello and welcome to the August 7th, International Beer Day, edition of the Maritime Beer Report. First off I have been reporting the brews news for two years now and would like to thank you all for all the support.

PEI Brewing had a Kiwi IPA on tap for #IPADay and they say it was made by one of their Kiwis, Wax the logistics manager, in honor of our other Kiwi, Big Scotty. This IPA has freshly squeezed kiwi juice and is dry hopped with Citra and Comet. More on PEI Brewing in a moment.

Upstreet Craft Brewing launched their first seasonal beer on #IPADay. White Noize is a white IPA brewed with 50% wheat and generously hopped with Cascade, Centennial, Chinook and Columbus throughout. It weighs in at 7% ABV and 70 IBUs. The name is a tribute to the acoustical din of the tap room. 

Big Tide Brewing celebrated its sixth birthday this week. Wendy brewed their Anniversary Amber Ale again. This time using six types of malted barley an six hop varieties and hoping to get 6% ABV. It will be available shortly. They also launched the first collaboration between Big Tide an Hammond River Brewing, Rhubarbaric Saison. It was brewed with approximately 70 pounds of local rhubarb, pilsner and wheat malt and comes in around 7.1 ABV.

Distillerie Fils du Roy has a summer seasonal called La Messe Blanche. It is a 7% ABV weizenbock that has a great description on the facebook page. Looks like a very refreshing summer beer. The beer was made in the honor of Alexie Landry born in 1721 who officiated white masses, that is to say a mass without a priest for the people of Caraquet.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says Pride Sally Pride Apricot Ale will be back on tap starting this Sunday at the Brewtique and at the 2015 Fredericton Pride Festival Beer Garden in Downtown Fredericton. This is a 4.5% ABV beer and it is while supplies last. In honor of #IPADay they had 3 different dry-hopped Yippee IPAs on tap. One was Cascade & Tettnang, one with Saaz & Fuggles and one with Amarillo & Rakau. Picaroons is coming to Halifax and taking over the taps at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar this Saturday after the Halifax Seaport Beerfest. They are also bringing a special guest HALF CUT Brewing Company.

The Pump House Brewery has Strawberry Wheat now on tap at the brewery in Moncton. Flavoured with local strawberries and a 5.2% ABV.

Big Spruce Brewing released two beers this week, a collaboration and a seasonal. First is Gimme Citra, a single hopped pale ale made with Stillwell Beer Bar. Big Spruce says "Outrageously aromatic, flavourful, and perfect for summer, this will be hitting Halifax yesterday. 36 IBU and 5.5% ABV. Available now at the brewery." Next up is Tip of the Spear Spruce Tip IPA. Also available now at the brewery.

Garrison Brewing was working on a collaboration today while the folks from Great Lakes Brewery and Metalman Brewing are in town

As I mentioned in the Spring, Rogues Roost will be closing by October 1 because its building is being redeveloped. The exact closure date is to be announced. This is sad news but PEI Brewing will be producing a Rogues Roost IPA that will be available in cans and sold in liquor stores across the Maritimes starting in September. Details being released soon.

Stutz Cider has released a new Wild Blueberry cider. It is made from fresh Nova Scotia Apples and Blueberries. It is available across Nova Scotia and is 6.5% ABV. 

Halifax Oktoberfest is looking for volunteers for the 2015 installment if you are interested email beer@garrisonbrewing.com for more info.

Ending with a sad note this week with some bad news from Barnone Brewing. Hugh Campbell, father and business partner passed away. He was a charming man and full of life when I met him. The family has my condolences at this difficult time.

Thanks for joining me again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Maritime Beer Report - July 17, 2015

Hello and welcome to the July 17th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company says their new Vic Park Hop Sessions is coming out soon. It is Galaxy hops this time. Stay tuned for release time.

Big Axe Brewery has released their new FireFly IPA and is on tap at the brewery. Medium golden in colour, this IPA has a prominent hop aroma with both floral and citrucy notes. Some of the hops used are Chinook and Galena. This refreshing IPA has lighter body than their Double Bit IPA. It weighs in at 5.7% and 50 IBUs and has a very clean and crisp finish. Also the first batch of 2015 Chanterelle Cream Ale is on tap.

Grimross Brewing announces  Hops Festival on Saturday, August 22 from 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM. It is a celebration of New Brunswick Hops, Micro's and Music. They are holding the event in the back lot of the brewery and there will also be food vendors on site. Tickets are $30 advanced or $35 at the door and each ticket gets your first 3- 5 oz. drinks and you will be able to purchase additional drink tickets at the event.

Hammond River Brewing Company is doing a collaboration brew with another NB brewery. This time they will be pairing up with Wendy from Big Tide Brewing in Saint John and brewing a Rhubarb Saison with fresh rhubarb.

The Pump House Brewery says it is summer and and its Raspberry Weizen time. A German style wheat beer bombarded with 40 kg of raspberries! This is a beer for the raspberry connoisseur - delectably tart and refreshing. It weighs in at 5.5 % ABV.

Savoie's Brewhouse says they should be listed shortly at ANBL and look for their beer on the shelves of select stores by months end.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival announced Craft Beer and Hand Crafted Ice Cream event at King Street Ale House on Sunday, July 26 at 6:00 PM.

Sea Level Brewing is hiring a full time Retail Manager.This position will start part-time, and will lead to a full-time position by early August. Responsible for managing the retail shop, assisting with production, business communications, preparing and invoicing wholesale and retail orders, along with day to day operations. Please personally deliver resume to Randy at the brewery between 10am-4pm. 

Thanks for checking out the Maritime Beer Report again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - July 10, 2015

Hello and welcome to the July 10th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Big Tide Brewing Company put a new beer on tap called Marée Montante (Rising Tide) that is a Gose. It is the most recent collaboration with Patrice Godin from Acadie-Broue. A light 4.6% ABV sour mash, refreshing ancient German style ale. Lightly hopped, 15 IBUs and flavored with coriander and none other than straight from the Bay of Fundy salt water collected from Seely's Cove as the tide was rising. Won't last long, and available in-house only. 

Flying Boats Brewing says they will be serving at the Capitol Complex - Tasting NB event this Saturday. They are bringing Humpyard Steam Ale that has a nice malty caramel flavour balanced with Northern Brewer hops and a crisp finish taste that comes in at 5.8 ABV and 46 IBUs. Also Stove Pipe Gang Black IPA, which is a full flavor dark malt IPA with plenty of hops (4 varieties) including a dry hop for aroma. It comes in at 6.9% ABV and has 96 IBUs.

Hammond River Brewing was busy brewing  they're Hop Flash IPA and a brand new beer, a 10.5% Belgian Quad.

Boxing Rock Brewing Company put its new session ale out this week. Introducing Bottle Blonde Rye Ale. The description from Boxing Rock is as follows "It's malty. It's got that spicy hint of something in the background you just can't put your finger on. The hops are there and signal their presence but in a way that lets the malt come through. And with over 35% rye malt, it's different enough to grab your attention." Available now at the brewery and private stores.

Breton Brewing Company put on its third brew this week, Sons of Hector Brown Ale is now on tap at the brewery.

Garrison Brewing Company has a new session ale out, the Seaport Blonde is here now. A 4% ABV crafted light ale that they say is perfect for summer.

North Brewing Company has released its popular Halifax Common ale again this summer. Currently available at the brewery.

Rock Bottom Brewpub has a has a couple of beers to announce. They have a new Oatmeal stout on nitro tap. Raisin Hell is a dark, rich and chocolaty with coffee and cream notes and a bittersweet finish reminiscent of oatmeal raisin cookies. Aromas of roasted grains, vanilla and cheerios. This Traditional English Stout is brewed with steel cut oats, which provide a full, velvety body. It is 5.5% ABV and 35 IBUs. 
Also on Wednesday they'll launch the Ladies Beer League collaboration brew, Fizzgig. It is a big, bold, and hoppy Imperial Red ale that is a marriage of dark English crystal malts and bright punchy New Zealand hops. Ruby coloured with aromas of blackberry and cut grass. Long bitter lemon-lime finish. It is a hefty 7.5 ABV and 80 IBUs.

Finally Unfiltered Brewing ‏is brewing beer so look for it on the streets of Halifax later this month.

Thanks for joining me again this week. I am in the Nova Scotia bush for a week so next weeks blog will be delayed a  day or two. Until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - July 3, 2015

Hello and welcome to the July 3rd edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Barnone Brewing is now at the Charlottetown Farmers Market in Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company says the next Vic Park Pale Ale Hop Sessions is available and this one has Nelson Sauvin hops. It is now available at the PEI Brewing Company in limited quantities.
They also have a simple Keller Bier on tap this week. So simple and limited.

Acadie-Broue gave an update this week. They recently brewed in collaboration with Wendy from Big Tide Brewing on their system in Saint John. They brewed the Gaboteuse II, a Belgian IPA. It is a tripel at 9 % ABV and 70 IBUs. It will soon be available at Tide and Bore for a limited time.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says Soeur Catherine IPA is now available in bottles. Look for it at your ANBL store.

Flying Boats Brewing is officially starting to sell kegs to restaurants and special events. La Coast Restaurant and Maison Gabrielle Inn in Shediac currently have the Flying Boats Picnic Train Witbier (Bière Blanche/White Ale) on tap. They say it is a "Nice refreshing Saison style beer, brewed with Wheat/Pilsner malts and oatmeal with a touch of orange peel and coriander spice added".

Grimross Brewing says they are now available at:
FREDERICTON - King Street Ale House, Brewbakers, The Blue Door, Windsor Castle Pub (Grad House), James Joyce Irish Pub, Isaac's Way, Wilsors Room, Sam Sneads, Moma's Pub and Ringo's Grill - Coming soon to The Palate.
MONCTON - Tide and Boar and Old Triangle Irish Pub
SAINT JOHN - Saint John Ale House
SACKVILLE - Ducky's Pub

Breton Brewing announced their Brewery's Launch Party at Flavor on the Water, Saturday, July 18th. They will have their line up of beer available, along with 4 amazing bands, and some amazing food from the stellar folks at Flavor on the Water. Be sure to get your tickets soon online and in person at the brewery.

Granite Brewery says Honey Ginger Ale is now available in growlers at their beer store. It is a light pale ale at 4.8% ABV with a hint of honey and ginger and will be available all summer.

Meander River Farm will NOT be open this weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 3 to 5) - back on the 10th.

Rare Bird Craft Beer says their Spruce Ale is now available at the Rare Bird Pub.

Tatamagouche Brewing says cans are here. North Shore Lagered Ale and Hippie Dippie Pale Ale available in indivdual cans, 12 packs, and mix cases. Butcher Block Red and seasonals coming soon.

Thanks for joining me again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - May 22, 2015

Hello and welcome to the May 22nd edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Gahan House Charlottetown is crowning their Homebrew winner on Saturday from 2-4 PM. There will be some entertainment and refreshing craft beer as they judge the final 6 and  crown the 2015 winner.

I mentioned Upstreet Craft Brewing's first two beer last week and now we know their third, Rhuby Social Strawberry Rhubarb Witbier. Strawberry, rhubarb and spice make this witbier slightly tart and always refreshing.

Big Tide Brewing Company now has their collaboration with Acadie Broue, la Gaboteuse II on tap. A Belgian Tripel IPA that is pale in color from the all Pilsner malt, and generously hopped and dry hopped with Amarillo and Simcoe. It's about 70 IBUs, and 9 % ABV, and very well balanced. It won't last long.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says she's baaaaack! Their IPA, Soeur Catherine will be pouring at the brewtique today (Friday, May 22nd)! Get out those growlers.

Celtic Knot Brewing was making this years first batch of For Shore Session Ale. This year it will be just slightly bittered with a wee bit of Australian Ella and all the flavor and aroma from Galaxy and a new hop from Germany called Mandarina Bavaria. 

Distillerie Fils du Roy has another beer. Stella Maris is a bière de garde and comes in at a strong 7.5% ABV. Look for new details soon.

Picaroons Traditional Ales had some big news this week. They will be opening a Brewtique in Uptown Saint John on Canterbury Street. They do say the number one priority this year is the new brewery so a timeline is hard to say. They also shared a long term plan is to open it up to have some taps of other small brewery's beer.
They also released Selection Blonde Ale this week. A 4.5% ABV smooth Blonde Ale that's been dry-hopped with a plethora of aromatic Cascade hops. It is a limited release so get it at the brewtique and ANBL growler stations while you can.

Bad Apple Brewhouse says they have Mosaic available in the brewhouse in Growler form. They also have a new Smoked Porter on tap that is 6% ABV.

Good Robot Brewing's next beer is on the way. It is another somewhat uncommon beer, no pun intended. It is a California Common or Steam beer that is 4.2% ABV. 

The Nook and Cranny announced that their first seasonal beer will be a blueberry wheat. They've added Nova Scotia's very own Oxford blueberry juice and now they wait.

Atlantic Beer Festival still has tickets available if you haven't got yours yet. There is a lot of Belgian Beer events are happening all over Moncton next week from Monday to Thursday. Also don't forget about the Lake of Bays Craft Beer Dinner on Thursday from Moncton Beer League .

Last item, it was revealed today that a new brewery is coming to Fredericton in the Tannery. Gray Stone Brewing is the the name but there isn't much else right now. Look for more details as I get them.

Thanks for checking out the news again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Maritime Beer Report - May 8, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Report for May 8th.

PEI Brewing Company released a teaser this week that a limited release is in the offing. Last year they released Landing Day and now it is time for Setting day. Watch for it soon. 

Big Tide Brewing Company says it now has on tap their new Chocolate Amaretto Porter. It's unfiltered, flavoured with cocoa and Italian Amaretto, with a colour a bit on the light side compared to their other porters and comes in at 4.0% ABV.
They also had a brewing day with Patrice Godin of Acadie Broue brewing la Gaboteuse II- a Belgian style IPA.

Distillerie Fils du Roy says with great pleasure, that the Caraquet Flyer is now available at their boutique in Petit-Paquetville. If you don't remember this is an Ice beer that was ready a couple of months ago but was caught in regulatory issues with ANBL. 

Hammond River Brewing says the Two Rivers India Black Ale, brewed in collaboration with Big Axe Brewery is ready and look for it soon in the regular tap locations. This one is a  7% ABV and 77 IBUs beer.

Picaroons Traditional Ales made it official this week cancelling the Brewers Bash this year but vows to return in 2016. Sad news but I am glad it is only taking the year off. 

Rare Bird Craft Beer officially launched it Red Ale this week  in time for Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week. The Red Ale is now available in more than 35 NSLC stores as well as at the brewery. It weighs in at 5% ABV and 25 IBUs.

The British IPA Conspiracy beer that Big Spruce, North Brewing, Uncle Leos Brewing and Good Robot Brewing did together was heading to carbonation this week. Look for that one soon.

Garrison Brewing Company is presenting Backlot Bash! on Saturday, June 13 at 5:00pm at Halifax Seaport, behind the expanded Garrison Brewery. They say to help launch the new brewery in style they are hosing Canadian sensation USS, multi-ECMA winners Town Heroes, plus Glory Glory and Like A Motorcycle. Live Music, Food Trucks, Tours of the expanded brewery and fresh craft beer & cider! All in support of the Ecology Action Centre.

Good Robot Brewing is opening tomorrow and I for one am very happy. Opening tomorrow at 10 AM for tours and growler fills of the delicious and humorously named beers.

The Nook and Cranny says their brewing system is now installed. Look for the beer to start flowing in June.

Tatamagouche Brewing Company says they have purchased a canning line and look for tall cans coming this summer.

Uncle Leo's Brewery has brought their IPA in the 650ml bottles to the NSLC, check for it near you.

Stillwell Beer Bar will be doing a release party for the Big Spruce, Propeller, and Tatamagouche triple collaboration, Cerberus American IPA, at noon on Saturday, May 9. 

This is the start of Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week and there is something going on everyday. Tomorrow is open brewery day and almost all the breweries and brewpubs are participating so check out times. I will be at all breweries in HRM through the day tomorrow so look for tweets or me if you are out and about.

It is going to be a busy week, until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Maritime Beer Report - November 28, 2014

Hello and welcome to Canadian Beer Day edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Barnone Brewing says its new 'lil' DIPA is light in malt, big in hops. This is from lots of late additions and dry hopping. It weighs in at 8% ABV and look for this one at the brewery soon.

The Gahan House in Charlottetown says it has Legally Blonde now on tap. It is a light body Belgium Style Ale which comes in at 5.5% ABV. It's pale yellow in colour, lightly hopped, and has a slight fruity flavour. Served with a thick creamy froth and an orange wedge.

PEI Brewing Company pulled the curtain back a little futher on its new DIPA 8 Cord. PIEBC says "We pushed the malt aside to let the hops shine through on this big, dry and tropical brew. Expect citrus, pine and floral aromas with just enough bread malt flavour to carry the strong, smooth bitterness." It will be out in  473 mL cans in PEI and comes in at 8.5% ABV.

Big Tide Brewing Company says it was brewing Chocolate Porter this week as well as hopefully a double IPA this week end. Watch for those soon.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released their "festive" brown this week. Called Buckdjeuve or "jackalope" the brewers say it has a little spice , a little chocolate , a little molasses, a ton of flavor and  7.3 % ABV. Available now at the brewery. 

The latest news on Grimross Brewing Company's is that after time and many very long nights, they have their first batch fermenting in the new brewery at 600 Bishop Dr. They expect to be open for business in about 3 weeks. What a Christmas present for Fredericton area. 

Big Spruce Brewing has a new beer coming that is a slightly higher alcohol malty amber. I have to say it is their best name yet, meet Spruce Bringstein. Watch for it soon.

For you U-889 from Boxing Rock Brewing fans I heard through the hop vine it will be back in a week or two just in time for Christmas.

Meander River Farm had some big news this week with the release of a Imperial IPA. The new brew is Haymaker IIPA  and is a healthy 8.5% ABV. They say this brown ale is intensely hopped throughout the brewing process to achieve the rich hoppy flavour and bitter finish characteristic of the style. This brew packs a big punch, hence the name. Get it now at the brewery and select taps. 

North Brewing Company's new Belgian Milk Stout is the first beer on tap at the Smiling Goat Organic Espresso Bar at Bishops Landing new expanded food menu and beer on tap. Two great local companies together.

Propeller Brewing Company has a new One Hit Wonder that dropped today. A Vanilla Porter this time around. I don't have the details on this but I am sure it is great.

Tatamagouche Brewing Company has a new limited lager brewed with Malagash grown Crystal hops. It is called RR#2 after the rural route where the hops are grown. Available in growlers, and 650mL bottles in Tatamagouche.

Ladies Beer League wants people to mark December 14th on their calendars as they are joining forces with their best buds at Stillwell to host a brunch with a special holiday release from Tatamagouche Brewing. More details to follow as I get them.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival tickets went on Sale today at 10 AM. This is my favorite beer festival in the region and Lloyd and his crew know how to put on a good show. These tickets won't last long and make a great Christmas gift

Another great gift is tickets to the Second Annual Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration but they are down to less than 15 tickets so your window for this one is closing fast.

That is it for this week. I am busy working on three special reports coming out in December with the Christmas Beer guide coming in a couple of weeks. Until next Friday enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - October 17, 2014

Hello and welcome to the October 17th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company says Blood Orange Tangerine IPA has made a come back and is now on tap. In case you don't remember this is an American IPA with a 6.5% ABV and 50 IBUs.

Big Tide Brewing Company announced new this week, the Darkening Imperial Stout. They say it is "Rich, malty and sure to warm you up at 8.2 ABV. Brewed with 2 row and pale ale malts, lots of chocolate malt and some caramunich. About 70 IBUs from Goldings and Willamette hops".

Hammond River Brewing released that their newest beer, an Imperial Vanilla Porter is now available at select taps in the Saint John. It weighs in at 8.1% ABV. HRB had three new recipes that they are looking at brewing. They are a bold American Brown Ale, a hoppy Black IPA and a Coffee Porter using all local Java Moose coffee beans. They ran a poll on their facebook page to leave it up to fans to choose which one they brew. The winner is the American Brown Ale called "Switchback". They say it won't be your typical American Brown as it will be mash hopped, dry hopped and should be about 62 IBUs and 6% ABV.

Railcar Brewing Company is pleased to announce they will be open regular hrs and be able to fill growlers starting November 1st. They will have their Artisan Brown Ale and their Railcar Red ready for fills that Saturday. They also say they will fill any clean growler from any brewery. Prices are 1L for $5.00 and 2L for $10.00. Mitch also just worked out a Peanut Butter Porter recipe. This is an all organic recipe that features peanut butter, maple syrup, pale, caramel, and chocolate malts with fuggle hops.

Shiretown Beer's Runnin Down the Road Brass Ale is back. Packing a grapefruit aftertaste, but not big "pink" grapefruity taste more like straight regular grapefruit. Hopped entirely from Shiretown's own hops (unknown) grown on the Leslie property. Small quantity available at the brewery. 

Big Spruce Brewing has announced their second annual Home Brew Competition and is open to all Nova Scotia homebrewers. This year's style is BJCP 6D which is American Wheat or Rye. The competition is open now and beers are due November 24th at either the brewery or at a Halifax drop-off location and judging will take place the following weekend.
The winning brewer will be invited to brew their beer at Big Spruce in time for launching at the Local Connection Halifax Craft Beer and Local Food Event on January 15th, 2015 and in general release after that. I will release more details as I get them, getting brewing.

Gahan House - Halifax released their new seasonal ale. Hopgoblin is an imperial red ale, weighing in at 8.4% ABV, is now on tap.

Garrison Brewing Company shared that they are barrel-aging Spruce Beer and Grand Baltic Porter. The barrels started their journey at Wild Turkey with a stop at Ironworks Distillery. Stay tuned for more information and release dates.

Hell Bay Brewing Company released another batch of the R.I.P.(A.) this week in growlers and kegs. No details but Mark says limited quantity.

Rockbottom Brewpub is releasing Ultimate White IPA on Saturday Oct 18th at 4 PM. This latest brew is a hybrid of sorts; a redux of their Ultimate White IPA. From Greg Nash's blog "IPA meets Witbier. Brewed with malted barley, wheat, oats, coriander, bitter orange peel and plenty of hops: bright and fresh with hop forward citrus notes, coriander and orange cut through making their presence known - it's almost like orange soda plowed with hoppy goodness. Hybrid deliciousness for your glass." Rock Bottom is pairing this up with Cyra Belbin's famous deep-fried Mac'n Cheese bites. This beer comes in at 5.7% ABV and 8 IBUs. 

Looking forward to tomorrow's Nano tap takeover at Stillwell. This iteration is probably what I looked forward to the most as these beers I report on but rarely or never get to try. 

Speaking of Stillwell's they released today that they collaborated with Boxing Rock Brewing on their Anniversary Beer. It is called Merci Biere and it is a strong ale weighing in at 8.4% ABV. Look for this one at Stillwell on November 16th and in private stores after that.

That is all for this week, take care and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - October 3, 2014

Hello and welcome to the October 3rd edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

PEI Brewing Company has welcomed its Sydney Street Stout back to its shelves. Be on the look out for this, one of my favorites.

Big Tide Brewing Company now has its Pumpkin Ale on tap. They say to get it while you can and its Indian Beach Pumpkin Ale should be ready mid-week. They brewed another batch of pumpkin this week but no more fresh hops though. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault had Bob LeFrais available this week at the brewery, it is Bob LeBoeuf made with the fresh hops grown in Grand-Falls.Quantities of this are very limited.

Celtic Knot Brewing says for those who missed it the first go round Tide and Boar tapped a fresh keg of "Ring of Fire" smoked jalapeño and habanero beer for a limited time. Celtic Knot is now brewing a "Caledonia Scottish Ale". Brewed as a 70 or a heavy depending on what you prefer and will come in around 3.8% and guaranteed to be a malty quaffer.

Bad Apple Brewhouse has been quiet but busy this summer. They sent me a quick note to tell me what they are up to. They brewed a Cucumber Mint Beer called Operation Green Ring that is a 5% ABV, a 7% wet-hopped IPA called Terroir and they filled 2 red wine barrels with Black & Tackle and these should be ready around Christmas time.

Big Spruce Brewing has made Das Sprucebier! An Oktoberfest Amber they brewed especially for the Marion Bridge Oktoberfest on Saturday at the Mira Centre, 4037 Gabarus Highway from 3pm to 10pm. They released a small amount at the brewery. It is 5.9% ABV and 23 IBU and was brewed with 100 % imported malted barley from Germany.

Garrison Brewing Company has released its annual wet-hopped ale, 3 Fields Harvest Ale today. They also released its new Double Jack Imperial Pumpkin ale. This 8.0% ABV dark amber ale is made with local pumpkins from Howard Dill's Pumpkin Farm.

Rockbottom Brewpub made some beer changes this week. Thulsa Doom is out so they are putting on the Insidous Black IPA and they have also run out of our Jacktar stout for a bit so they will have a lovely London Style Porter on for a bit.

Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards are this week end. They will be judging 166 beer entries in 15 categories from 27 Breweries & Brewpubs on Saturday. Public events are a beer and food pairing event on Saturday afternoon, the awards gala on Sunday evening at The Stubborn Goat and the Ladies Beer League is having a book launch with Mirella Amato on Monday at Lion and Bright.

Bar Stillwell has announced another exciting event on October 18th. A NB Nano tap takeover highlighting seven breweries from our neighbor to the north. There are two sessions and the cost is 15.00 and that will get you a t-shirt and your first drink. There will be several styles on the taps that we've never poured before, including a young lambic, a berliner weisse and and an all-brett beer.

East Coast Beer Tours has adjusted their beer tour and cut the price in half to try to attract more people They've downsized the bus to a 28 passenger mini-coach. It's the same number of tickets but no tables or mini kitchen in the back and as a result, there is no space for a live musician or to offer/prepare food or beverage service while en route. They will still going to be visiting Meander River, Paddy's Brewpub and Bad Apple Brewhouse where you will still get to sample their beer and talk with the brewers.There will be a light snack provided at Paddy's and a BBQ in Berwick with some local sausage and pork. It is a great deal for 50 bucks check it out.

Tomorrow is City Harvest 3.0 and Halifax is teaming with great deals. I wrote a quick guide for beer lovers to highlight some of the beer stops. Check it out here

Thanks for joining me again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - September 26, 2014

Hello and welcome to September 26th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

Oktoberfest is in the air and the PEI Brewing Company has several events planned. The 2nd Annual Growler Challenge and the first Art Battle of the season all happening on October 18th. Watch here for more details. PEIBC also announced new growler prices, it will now cost 11 dollars for a regular fill and 13 to top up with a seasonal.

AWOL Brewery is to be congratulated on taking number one for Canada in the SJPORR Challenge for his D.A.G. Red and is now going to the internationals. The DAG Red is an amber ale with Rye Soaked Oak chips. Good luck and that judging will be in December. 

Big Axe Brewery has released their new Rusty Axe Amber Ale. From Big Axe "Rusty Axe Amber ale is brewed with brown sugar glazed carrots, roasted squash and homemade brittle, it boasts mild flavours of fall vegetables, hints of vanilla and cinnamon. This beer erupts with soft caramel flavour, mild hoppy taste, followed by a well rounded malty middle and finishes off with a hint of the harvest spices like nutmeg and clove". This is a 5.6% ABV and 28 IBUs ale and will soon be available at pubs in Fredericton.

Big Tide Brewing Company says its Indian Beach Pumpkin Ale smells "soooo good in the brew house this morning. All of the spicy warm flavors of the pumpkin ale brewing and the aroma of fresh Cascade and hallertau hops". Watch for this one soon.

Picaroons Traditional Ales announced a couple of "surprise" beers this week. Page Turner is an amber session ale, made with Gooseberries, brewed in celebration of Goose Lane Editions 60th Anniversary. It will be available on tap at The Brewtique beginning October 3rd, coinciding with Goose Lane's anniversary celebrations and UNB's celebrated "Poetry Weekend". It will also be available at Goose Lane's anniversary events in Toronto on September 30 and at James Joyce Irish Pub Fredericton on October 3rd. Picaroons will be donating proceeds to Laubach Literacy New Brunswick. 
Picaroons also announced the Tabulator. It is a "conservative Extra Special Bitter that's been dry-hopped quite liberally with an uncountable amount of green hops". It is a limited edition small batch brew and was tapped at 10 AM at The Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton. They also say it may possibly some other places too

Railcar Brewing Company has a couple of items this week, first they are looking for a part time cashier / growler filler. To apply email resume to mitch@railcarbrewing.com. Second Mitch says "after today’s ANBL visit it could be another 2 to 4 weeks before we are open for growler sales. As the next Board of Directors meeting is not until October 10th. All inspections are now done and we are just awaiting listings and Brewery Agency Store agreement. Will keep everyone updated as we know more. Thanks for your support and patience" 

Authentic Seacoast Brewing Company had pictures up this week of employees spicing and roasting pumpkins for their Rare Bird Craft Beer Pumpkin Ale. Look for this one probably next month.

Garrison Brewing Company released Sweet Rye'd Harvest Wheat Ale, its collaboration beer with  Beau's All Natural Brewing that I talked about a couple of weeks ago. They say that this tasty harvest ale features Rye and Beau's own Bog Myrtle.  They also say "Spicy and aromatic, this is the fall brew you have been waiting for! $12.95 here at the brewery and Private Stores. This beer weighs in at 6.0% ABV, and 40 IBUs.They also tell me that a couple of beers will be released next week end during City Harvest, There perennial favorite 3 Fields as well as a 8% ABV pumpkin brew called Double Jack.

Meander River Farm released their wet-hopped pale ale, Meander River Homegrown. All of the hops in this one batch, seasonal brew were grown on the Farm in Ashdale. 

Propeller Brewing Company release two of their seasonals this week, Pumpkin Ale and Nocturne Dark Lager. These are available at both Propeller shops now and the pumpkin at least a few select locations.

Tatamagouche Brewing Company says their first seasonal, Lagerhosen, is now available. It is available in growlers, kegs and 650mL bottles as well as at all THREE Oktoberfest events this weekend.

Tickets are now on sale for New Brunswick Beer Tours, On November 1st spend a full day exploring brewers up the Saint John River valley north of Fredericton. This trip starts and ends at King Street Ale House and visits three breweries with cider samples and a lunch included. Tickets available now on eventbrite. 

If you are in the Portland Hills area of Dartmouth stop by Piez Bistro for Sociables for Prostates. For 10 dollars you get three Piez bites and three Nova Scotia Craft Beer samples. Best of all five bucks goes to help research a cure that affects 1 in 8 men in Canada.

That is all for this week and however you decide to spend this first week end of autumn, enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - September 12, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for September 12th.

PEI Brewing Company acquired some barrels from Jack Daniels to barrel age some Sydney Street Stout. This will give the stout a mild bourbon and wood flavour. They say it will be available around Christmas. They also released a Fall four pack featuring Black Banks Cascadian Dark Ale, Blueberry Ale, Harvest Time Golden Lager and Sir John A Honey Wheat Ale. Sorry for us mainlanders this is only available on PEI. Lastly their Transmitter or Coffee Stout B is now available at the brewery.

Big Axe Brewery is now selling 950 ml Grunters for $5.50 for bottle and $7.50 for a fill. They also say Chanterelle Cream Ale back on tap as well as Simon Saaz Summer Ale and once it is gone that's it until next summer.

Big Tide Brewing Company now has Golden Ale now on tap. It is 5% ABV and uses Two-Row, Munich and Vienna malt and a bit of caramunich. Coming up they will be brewing with fresh hops this week end and next and getting ready for pumpkin ale.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault presents their 950 ml cruchette now available at the brewery. The brewers did some wet hopping with  Cascade and Chinook hops from France Yan Desjardins's farm in the Grand-Falls area. Watch for that beer real soon. Speaking of watching for beer their distribution through ANBL continues with stores in northeast NB now stocking their beer.

Celtic Knot Brewing announces due to overwhelming popularity of the Ring of Fire beer they will be brewing two back to back batches, so if you missed it you will still get a chance.

Hammond River Brewing is brewing a wet hopped Harvest Ale with their own hops. They are expecting a 70 IBU and 6.8% ABV beer. More details as I get them.

Picaroons Traditional Ales announced their Harvest Ales will be returning next week using 100% Maritime ingredients including fresh local hops. More details soon.

Red Rover Brewing Company announced that after the success of the Fredericton Farmers Market, they are now expanding their refillable bottle locations. Starting this Sunday they will now be available at Queens Square Farmers Market, a first for Saint John. 

Boxing Rock Brewing Company and North Brewing Company got together again this year to collaborate on Many Hands Pale Ale 2.0. This years will be different though. In addition to using Cascade, Mount Hood, and Centennial hops they harvested from LaHave Natural Farms, and over ten pounds of Chinook hops from Boxing Rock's own hop plants in Shelburne they used one hundred pounds of buttercup squash also from LaHave Natural Farms. To round out the beer they used Two-Row Pale Malt grown in Quebec, Maris Otter and some Kilned Amber Malt for some beautiful colour. They say the buttercup squash comes through nicely in the beer, with a great hoppy flavour that can only be had from a wet hopped harvest beer. They say it will be a 6.5% ABV and 37 IBU beer, look for it in a few weeks.

Garrison Brewing got together with Beau's All Natural Brewing last month when they were in town to create a collaboration brew. Sweet Rye'd Harvest Wheat Ale will be arriving next week at the brewery, private stores and eventually the NSLC. Brewed with rye, wheat and Munich malt this copper-coloured harvest ale is ripe with aroma of herb and black pepper melon and citrus. The addition of bog myrtle from Beau's provides additional herb and spice character. This beer weighs in at 6.0% ABV, and 40 IBUs,

Meander River Farm says their Honey Brown is back on tap at the brewery along side their Lunch Box Pale Ale. They held their first Shareholder Cask Night this week. They hosted an exclusive Cask tapping at the Brewery with farm fresh food. In the cask was their Wheat Beer dry-hopped with Glacier Leaf hops and infused with peaches and ginger and primed with local honey.

North Brewing Company says the last batch of Halifax Common is available for this year so time is running out if you haven't tried this one 

Propeller Brewing Company launched their newest year-round beer, Propeller Organic Ale, in 6 Packs and Growlers today. This 4.5% Blonde Ale has a clean body, subtle malt sweetness and a crisp finish.

Schoolhouse Brewery is excited to announce the Hants County Hop Series. They still haven't chosen all the hops for the beers but they want these beers to focus on the taste of our local hops and maritime grown grain.  All the beers will all be made single Maritime Malt. They go on to say hops will be added to the kettle as well as a hop back to get the most of the aromatics from the hops. They also go on to say brewing with whole hops can be a bit of a wild card. Recipes can be hard to replicate so these will be one of a kind beers. 

Uncle Leo's Brewery says Vohs Weizenbier is a seasonal beer so get it while you can. This has been a favorite of mine this summer and I for one will be sad to see it go.

Fredericton Poutine Festival announced that ticket for the second annual event on November 8th go on sale this coming Tuesday. Last year was a great success so get your tickets early.

Piez Bistro in Portland Hills in Dartmouth is holding a Sociables for Prostrates that will feature Craft Beer and Cider Tastings that will pair Nova Scotia brewed beer & ciders with PIEZ BITES, samples of Chef Leslie’s prostate healthy food creations. The $10.00 ticket will give you one Tasting Paddle with 3 craft beer samples and 3 PIEZ Bites. $5.00 going to Prostate Cancer Canada. Beers and ciders are tentatively from Garrison, Boxing Rock, Sea Level, Tata Brew, Propeller, Bad Apple, Schoolhouse, Uncle Leo's and Bulwark. This is happening on September 27th. 

Lots of news this week, have a great time whatever you decide to do and enjoy responsibly.