Bad Apple Brewhouse Releases Allie’s Fearless IPA

(Somerset, NS) - A little over a year ago, Jeff Saunders from Bad Apple Brewhouse started chatting with Dale Jollota about creating a beer to honour her daughter’s memory.  Olivia Jollota passed away in 2012 at the age of 15, her mom Dale has created The Olivia Jollota Memorial Trust and has continued to honour her daughter by creating a high school scholarship at Prince Andrew High as well as many community donations for those in need, be it people or animals.  

With all of Olivia’s friend now in fourth year at university or four years in their new career, it seemed appropriate at this time to create a beer that was similar to her personality to share with her friends and public.  

This IPA has been brewed in dedication to Olivia (A.K.A. Allie).  It represents her fun loving, fearless, adventurous, spirited and larger than life personality.  This American style IPA is a different soul from the reincarnated IPA style.  Wet hops from GroupofSe7en give this IPA a big juicy, herbal, citric and fruity character.  Light bodied with a mild bitter finish. Jeff Saunders stated that the nose of the beer “was just like Five Alive” which is fitting as it was one of Olivia’s favorites.  

This is a limited release with only 400 custom screened bottles to be filled. These will be sold for $7.50 per bottle.  There may be a few kegs as well at select bars including Stillwell and Jamieson’s Irish Pub, with Jamieson’s donating $1.00 for each glass poured to The Olivia Jollota Memorial Trust. 

Bad Apple Brewhouse Announces Cans and a Collaboration

photo from Bad Apple
Brewhouse

(Somerset, NS) - Bad Apple Brewhouse dipped its toe into canning last week sending out two of its top beers out. The Mosaic DIPA and Black & Tackle Russian Imperial Stout. They are currently available at the brewery and all four private liquor stores in Halifax. 

photo from 5 Paddles
Brewing

While brewer Jeff Saunders was in Ontario last month he collaborated with he brewed at 5 Paddles Brewing to help create 321 IPA. 321 is a west-coast style IPA with intense late hop and dry hop additions. This beer expresses aromas of pine and resin. On the palate, expect a crisp mouthfeel with pine and resin notes and moderate bitterness. Like Bad Apple does with its Mosaic, 5 Paddles says $1 from the sale of each bottle of 321 IPA will be donated to the Durham Down Syndrome Association which supports those living with Down syndrome, their families, and community through encouraging and promoting inclusion, participation, and respect within the Durham region.

Bad Apple Brewhouse in trademark dispute

(Somerset, NS) - After opening in December 2013 and producing multi-award winning beer Bad Apple Brewhouse, in an on going trademark dispute, are now also brewing beer as the Mosaic Brewing Company.

What brought this on was in 2014 an operation in Ontario opened calling themselves the Bad Apple Brewing Company and trade marked the name. Shortly after they contacted the Nova Scotia namesake and threatened to sue for infringing on their trademark. The local Bad Apple met and attempted to come to an arrangement that would allow them to continue using the name. Unfortunately they were unable to come to an agreement.

So what does this mean? Because they properly registered their business in Nova Scotia the trademark infringement doesn't stand in that province. Unfortunately they can no longer sell beer outside of Nova Scotia as Bad Apple Brewhouse, hence the birth of the Mosaic Brewing Company which officially launched at the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival last week end.

Bad Apple Brewhouse fans are familiar with their Mosaic DIPA and will recognize Mosaic Brewing Company's logo. Which ever brand you find the beer under they promise to continue brewing great craft beer with an attitude.

Bad Apple Brewhouse releases Mosaic Double IPA in support of Down Syndrome

(Somerset, NS) Bad Apple Brewhouse (BAB) has released their latest batch of Mosaic Double IPA. This beer is brewed to raise money and awareness of Down syndrome. Bewmaster Jeff Saunders' son has Mosaic Down syndrome which accounts for about 2 to 4% of all cases of Down syndrome and BAB donate all the proceeds from this beer to send kids to camp and fund other community projects.
     This 8% ABV beer is brewed using mostly Mosaic hops this beer won the Gold Medal in the 2014 Atlantic Canada Beer Awards in the Imperial IPA category and is in honour of all the families affected by Down Syndrome.
      This beer will be available at the brewery and will also have a limited bottle run over the two batches that will be produced this fall. It will hit some special taps in New Brunswick, and is graciously being supported by the following locations in Halifax and the Annapolis Valley - The Stubborn Goat, Lion & Bright and LaTorta Pizzeria.

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 - March 13, 2015

Hello and welcome to the March 13th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

First I would like to thank everyone one who said hi at the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival. Your support means a lot to me. 

Upstreet Craft Brewing did a small reveal this week. They are a PEI start-up coming on stream this summer. They are owned by Mitch Cobb, Mike Hogan (Hogie) and Joey Seaman and will be at 41 Allen St. You can expect to find them on tap and in bottles in many of your favourite restaurants and bars across the Island. You'll also be able to pop into their tasting room on evenings and weekends. More details will be coming soon.

Picaroons Traditional Ales have you released five different versions of their Timber Hog Stout. Regular Timber Hog, COFFEE infused Timber Hog (12 Beers Of Xmas style), A chocolate and vanilla infused Timber Hog, ginger Timber Hog, and a dry-hopped Timber Hog with Willamette hops. They hope it will last until March 17th. Picaroon’s Yipee IPA was the Category Champion for IPAs at the Northern Lands Festival Craft Beer Competition Awards.

Pump House Brewery released it Red Leaf Lager and is available at the brewery and ANBL growler stations. It is deep red in color, dry hopped with leave hops, medium in bitterness, with all the nut-like malt of their Fire Chief Red but fermented with lager style yeast. Pump House Pilsner was the runner-up at Northern Lands Festival Craft Beer Competition Awards for Pale Lagers & Hybrids.

Bad Apple Brewhouse says its award-winning Mosaic DIPA will be available in bottles, and all forms of fills while it lasts at the brewhouse. They will be delivering it to Toms Little Havana, Stubborn Goat, Lion & Bright, and Stillwell on Monday. It will be brewed a few more times this year, and all the sales will be to send kids to Down syndrome camp for free this year. Camp is in June at Camp Brigadoon.

Garrison Brewing Company released its new In Session ISA. It is hop-driven and big on flavour, but eased back on alcohol at 4.4% ABV. It will be available in six packs throughout Nova Scotia.

Spindrift Brewing released they are opening this summer in Dartmouth Nova Scotia and have Kellye Robertson at the helm as brewer. More details coming out soon.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival was a great success and with the exciting growth in New Brunswick it will be back next year bigger and better.

NB Beer Tours are going for a road trip to Microbrasserie le Naufrageur - bar & spectacles, with a stop at Shiretown Beer along the way. It is on May 16th and will be an overnight trip. Tickets are available now.

You have a couple of more days to get in NB Craft Beer Dinner presented by Moncton area Beer League. A four course meal paired with New Brunswick craft beer on March 21st.

That is all for this week, thanks for supporting the blog and until next week, 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 - July 4, 2014

Hello and welcome to the July 4th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company released a beer late last Friday called VIC Park Pale Ale. It  is now on tap only at PEIBC. They describe it as follows "effervescence and balanced bitterness make it a great summer beer" and this one comes in at 5.2% ABV.

Big Spruce Brewing teased us with a picture of spruce tips a say it is "almost time to brew Tip of the Spear Spruce Tip IPA". This is an extremely delicious beer and if you get the chance to have some don't pass it up. It should be out in 3 or 4 weeks

The Summerfest Blonde is being brewed by Garrison Brewing brewmaster Daniel Girard celebrating their sponsorship of the TD Halifax Jazz Festival. The beer was described by Tenille Goodspeed, Marketing Assistant at the Halifax Jazzfest, as "a light, crystal clear, refreshing beer that is just the thing to have at an outdoor festival" She also relayed that the beer recipe breaks down as about 10% wheat, 90% 2nd Row (Maritime) barley and a dash of Columbus hop with a IBU of 8 and a 4% ABV.

Granite Brewery says the Honey Ginger Beer is back on for the summer. They say "It is a light pale ale with a hint of honey and ginger. It is available in growlers at the beer store". This beer is 4.8% ABV.

North Brewing Company shared that their beer dinner with the Harbourstone on July 10th was sold out, but have decided to add a few more tickets and expand the event. You can get tickets before they are gone on eventbrite.

Propeller Brewing Company has a couple of items to relay, first is that as of today, July 4th, they will be raising prices to $10 for 1.89L Growlers and $6.50 for 1L Flip-Tops. They will continue to have Growler Wednesdays. They say the price increase is due to rising costs of raw ingredients such as malt, hops, and even water. I think we can all understand that. 
They also released news of their newest One Hit Wonder that is a Session IPA and is now available at the Prop Shop. They say "this dry hopped Pale Ale arrives weighing in at a modest 4.5% ABV. and 45 IBU's. However, due to ample late hop additions it packs flavourful hop kick".

Tatamagouche Brewing Co. say they now have 650mL of our Hippie Dippie Pale and Butcher Block Red available at the brewery and the Truro Farmers Market on Saturdays. I noticed they are also hiring. If you are interested in joining Nova Scotia's newest brewery drop them a line.

Lastly, tomorrow is the Stillwell takeover by Bad Apple Brewhouse. when Jeff told me about this a few months ago I thought it was cool but really ambitious. I am glad it is coming to fruition. For more details see my post on my blog listing the 15 beers BAB is bringing.

Thanks for joining me this week. Have a great week and I'll be here again next week so until then enjoy responsible. 

Bad Apple Brewhouse Tap Takeover at Bar Stillwell

Been waiting for this for months since Jeff from Bad Apple Brewhouse told me about it, going to be a lot of fun. Hope to see you there.

Here is tomorrows tap and cask list

1. Cider 7.7% ABV
2. Summer Slurper Session Ale 5% ABV
3. Dry-Hopped American Pale Ale 5.7% ABV
4. East Coast Beer (Sea Salt, Carmel & Dulse Aged on Cedar) 6% ABV
5. Mother Pucker Sour Ale 4.8% ABV
6. That's Falcon Teamwork IPA 6.7% ABV
7. White Side Up White IPA 6.5% ABV
8. Mosaic DIPA 8% ABV
9. Impresser DIPA 10.2% ABV
10. Black & Tackle Russian Imperial Stout 9% ABV
11. Hopscotch Barrel-Aged DIPA 10% ABV
12. Barrel-Aged Black & Tackle Russian Imperial Stout 11.6% ABV
13. Smokehouse Lager (100% Smoked Malt Ale) 6.7% ABV
14. American Pale Ale 5.7% ABV
15. Cask Ale TBA

There are three session with a very few tickets left to the 12 and 8 PM session and the 4 PM is sold out. Contact Stillwell to check availability

Maritime Beer Report - June 27, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for June 27th 2014

Big Axe Brewery is happy to announce that they are now licensed to sell by the glass on site. They currently have Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, Chanterelle Cream Ale and IPA back on tap.

Bad Apple Brewhouse announced a Tap takeover at Stillwell on July 5th. From Bad Apple's web page "Six months ago Annapolis Valley homebrewer Jeff Saunders got his brewing licence. From day one, Jeff has been brewing adventurous, bold, flavourful beers specifically for one event on July 5th. Beers aged on cedar, oak barrel-aged beers, a sour (a first at Stillwell), a 100% smoked-malt beer and much more. Twelve taps, 2 casks and 3 sessions - 12-3, 4-7, 8-11. $10 gets you a glass to keep and your first taste. Reserve your spot by contacting Stillwell."

Tatamagouche Brewing Co. announced they had a great opening week starting tomorrow they will be at the Truro Farmers Market on Saturdays with our 650mL bottles.

Stone City Ales is brewing a Imperial IPA collaboration brew with Big Spruce called Watchtower Conspiracy. Not sure if any will be available here.

Rogues Roost has a Hefeweizen, with a 5.4% ABV, on tap at the brewpub. Nice summer ale.

Thanks for joining me this time, hope you enjoy Canada Day and as always enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - June 20, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for June 20, 2014

PEI Brewing Company released Landing Day Lager last week. This is an all malt lager hopped with a couple of New Zealand hops. They use Kohatu in the boil and dry-hopped with Motueka. It  is currently available on tap at the PEI Brewing tasting room and at Gahan House pub. This one is a 4% ABV.

Big Tide Brewing announced they are starting brunch next Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th from 10 am to 3 pm. They also announced that the new Princess Street Imperial Ale is on tap, weighing in at 7.5% ABV.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released that this morning, their brewers Jason Dionne and Gavin Anderson started brewing the very first batch of blonde ale, Bob LeBoeuf! It will be available early next month.

After enjoying great success over the last year Grimross Brewing revealed they are getting commercial space on Bishop Drive for the brewery and retail. I am excited to see where this will take them. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales are still looking for volunteers for the PICAROONS' BREWER'S BASH, though the list is getting full so if you are interested send an email to volunteer@picaroons.ca soon.

Pump House Brewery announced that Nick Lowe is their winner for Name Our IPA with 4 ALARM (Hop Blaze) IPA. So now it has a name and Congrats Nick.

Shiretown Beer said their Big Brown Ale is making its way to the ANBL which is good news. They also sent me the notes for their IPA "Hop's on for nowhere". They say "A toasted marble swirl of Cara & Prairie malt toting a Waimea type temper packin Green Bullets with a comforting earthy orange finish. It is a North Shore IPA that has a ABV of 5-5.5% and 75 IBUs.

Authentic Seacoast Brewing Company shared that The Rare Bird Pub opened today. They look forward to welcoming friends new and old for great Guysborough harbour views and Rare Bird Craft Beer.

Bad Apple Brewhouse released more locations where you can get Mosaic Double IPA. You can try it on tap at Stillwell Beer Bar, Lion and Bright, and The Stubborn Goat. It is also available while it lasts at the Private liquor stores in HRM.

Granite Brewery was brewing the Honey Ginger yesterday. It should be ready in about a week.

North Brewing Company put their first batch through the new fermenters this week and it was BIPA. They also told me they are doing a California Common this summer, it has been one style Josh wanted to takle since the brewery opened.

Tatamagouche Brewing Co.opened this week, they are now open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Their first two brews are Hippie Dippie Pale Ale, an unfiltered ale with ahtanum hops that lend floral and spicy hints with an earthy pine aroma, and Butcher Block Red, it gets its flavor from el dorado's fruity whole hops and the bitterness of roasted barley. Hippie Dippie is 5% ABV and Butcher Block is 6% ABV. 

Uncle Leo's Brewing is releasing their summer beer this week end, a German Wheat Beer called Vohs Weizenbier. It is a German Wheat beer named for their friends and neighbours Matt & Brenda Vohs of Piper's Landing Restaurant in Lyon's Brook. They were also Uncle Leo's first customer to put them on tap. The Vohs Weizenbier is a nice, summer beer with notes of cloves and banana. It is light in taste, 5% alcohol with a cloudy appearance. It is an unfiltered beer so that it retains all its flavour. It is available at the store today and select taps around the province.

Stillwell Beer Bar's Garrison Brewing cask takeover event is tomorrow at 2 PM. The 12 casks have been released and some are very interesting to say the least. The full list can be seen here.

The Ladies Beer League turns One tonight at the Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth. Drop by and have some special cask beer from North Brewing, Garrison Brewing and Big Spruce Brewing. It is pay as you go and they will also be selling LBL swag.

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

Beer Review - Bad Apple Brewhouse Mosiac Double IPA

The Mosaic DIPA is the latest offering from Bad Apple. This beer uses the Mosaic hops to give it a unique flavor. The beer is a respectable 8% ABV. 

Appearance - The beer is amber in color and is nice and clear. It had a very slim head that mostly dissipated. 

Aroma - I could smell aromas three feet away from me. It has strong hop, fruity and piney aroma.

Taste - It is complex to say the least. There is hops, floral, resiny, fruity. It has a bit of sweetness and a nice bit of dryness the lingers.

Mouthfeel - It has a good amount carbonation with a medium mouth feel. 

Overall - This is a strong beer but very enjoyable 

Maritime Beer Report - June 13, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for June the 13th, 2014.

The Gahan House started pouring the new Cranberry Wit this week. It was the winner of the first annual homebrewer's challenge and was created by Ryan Palmer and Lee Nicholson.

Big Tide Brewing Co. wanted to celebrate the fact that they will soon be open for brunch, and the restoration of a nearby urban gem, and the beginning of camping season, Tin Can Coffee Porter will be on tap soon and it is brewed with local Java Moose coffee. They used the base recipe from their chocolate porter which is 2 row, chocolate, carafa and caramunich malts‎, and lightly hopped with nugget and Willamette hops. In the mash they used Java Moose dark roasted coffee and also added fresh brewed coffee at flame out. They were a little worried about bitterness so they added some vanilla to smooth it out but just a hint. It will be served unfiltered and will be about 5% ABV and about 45 IBU's. They also recently released a blueberry ale that is a seasonal favorite at Big Tide. It's a cream ale base with blueberry juice added. Brewed with 2 row and Munich malts. Lightly hopped with saaz hops and is about 5% ABV.

There will be two new summer seasonal beers released soon at Hammond River Brewing. The first one is a Hawaiian Pale Ale and expect this one to be available within the next week at the normal local establishments. The Hawaiian Pale Ale is brewed with fresh pineapples and is a slightly hoppy pale ale.  It's 56 IBUs and 5.8% ABV. The second one is a Blueberry Ale made with only real blueberries and no extract and should also be available within the next week. It's a mild 14 IBUs and 5.1% ABV.  Since he uses real blueberries, it's slightly purplish in colour. 

Bad Apple Brewhouse shared news on their new beer the Mosiac DIPA and the story behind it. From Bad Apple "The name of this beer represents my sons affliction of Mosaic Down Syndrome, and also at the same time is a display of the not so common Mosaic Hops. The hops give the beer a unique and complex blend of floral, tropical, fruity notes. Making it an easy drinking DIPA at 8% ABV. By doing our part to help the groups who make life better for others we are donating all of the proceeds from this beer to the Down Syndrome Society of NS and also Camp Brigadoon." The beer is available now in multiple formats at the Brewhouse, and further abroad later. They issued a special thanks to the local support, as they gave the first bottle to representatives from Brigadoon Village and NS Down Syndrome Society.

Garrison Brewing Co. released its popular Sugar Moon Maple and they say it is now available in their retail store and coming very soon the the NSLC, ANBL and four Halifax private stores! This strong ale comes in at 6.3% ABV

Propeller Brewing Company says you can now find six packs of their award winning Bohemian Style Pilsner at select NSLC stores.

There are many events coming up over the next few months starting with a couple next week end.

The Ladies Beer League is celebrating their 1st Beerthday party on Friday June 20th. There are asking everyone to join them The Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth at 7:30. They are bringing some cask-conditioned ale from their friends. Big Spruce is sending Double Dry Hopped All night Kitchen Party, North Brewing is bringing a Farmhouse Ale and Garrison Brewing has a Sticky Toffee Pudding Birthday Cake. It is pay as you go and they will have brand new LBL swag and merchandise for sale.

Stillwell Beer Bar released a few of the casks coming do the Garrison cask takeover event on June 21st.
Cask 1  Spiceman's Session Saison - Spiced Belgian-style Saison with Spiceman's Casia buds and Wild Voatsiperifery Pepper.
Cask 2 - Christmas in June - Pale Spruce Ale with Meander River Farm's Lunch Box Pale Ale and Garrisons Spruce Beer.
Cask 3 - Summit Buzz - Vanilla Expresso Brown with Spiceman's Vanilla Bean and Javablend K2 expresso.

Picaroons' Brewers Bash announced the list of who is attending the July 12th event in Fredericton NB. In all there are 62 brewers attending from all ten provinces and one territory. For the full list check their facebook page or my blog.

Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour House is having another beer pairing dinner, this time with North Brewing Company. Six beers from North Brewing Co. will be paired with delicious and savoury creations from Chef Ted Young. Some teaser samples: Belgian Blonde paired with orange scented lobster dip with sweet potato chips as well as the Strong Dark Belgian with chocolate covered cherries with Mexican pot au creme. Tickets are on sale now through eventbrite. 

Tickets for Halifax Seaport Beerfest are now on sale. Tickets allows you to sample from 275 unique beers and ciders plus listen to great live music in a fun atmosphere. Delicious local food also available for $5.00 or under. New this year, both Saturday sessions will have a VIP option. VIPs will have one hour early access to the site, limited edition sampling glass, panel discussion and guided tasting with our guest speakers. Also new this year is a cask beer pavilion. Tickets are $45.00 to any of the three sessions or $50.00 at the gate. The VIP tickets will cost $65.00. 

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 23, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for May 23, 2014.

PEI Brewing Company has been talking alot about their custom cask program this spring and had an interesting article on their website. From PEI Brewing "We barreled a bit of our wort today. 225 liters of Honey Wheat wort (unfermented beer) went into a former red wine barrel with Belgian Saison yeast. In about 30 days we’ll taste the fruits of our labours and see what we have. We’re expecting to have a dry, light-golden beer with lots of esters and spicy, fruity notes. Undertones of toasted oak and vinousness will add complexity and interest.

Most of this beer will be used for our cask program. It might be dry hopped, aged on fruit, or spiced in a naturally carbonated cask – whatever tickles our fancy! Look for it at special PEIBC events or at our cask-friendly licencees like Stillwell in Halifax."

Big Axe Brewery are on tap at Ducky's in Sackville NB with their Chanterelle Cream Ale. Ducky's tap selection of craft is outstanding, their tweets make me thirsty.

Great news for Celtic Knot Brewing in addition to adding a couple of taps at Ducky's they declared demand requires them to order 3 new fermeters. Celtic Knot is also looking for a used large or medium freezer for the brewery. Pm them if you have one.

Picaroons' Brewers Bash tickets are on sale now. Some details are out including that the ticket includes entry from 11AM-11PM, a custom 5oz tasting cup, and 8 beer tickets with additional tickets costing 1.00 each. There will be lots of food, lots of music and of course there will be lots of beer. More details soon and I will pass them along.
Picaroons also relays that the EASTBOUND & DOWN IPA, their online collab-brew with Great Lakes Brewery, will be ready and on tap in Downtown Fredericton next week. 

Bad Apple Brewhouse now has on tap tomorrow their newest one-off limited edition Double IPA called The Impresser DIPA. It is hammered with hops and weighs in at 300 IBUs and 10.2% ABV. It is fermented on Conan Yeast and that makes this beer unique and definitely a one of a kind. Very limited quantities until it runs out. Coming up near Fathers Day they will have a Mosaic DIPA available. They still have barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout on tap which I had the privilege to help brew.

Garrison Brewing released two beers yesterday. The Nit Wit new IPA in 6-packs. The new IPA has Citra, Columbus and Amarillo featured in this brew and comes in at 6.5% ABV and 50 IBUs. More on Garrison in a moment. 

At Rogues Roost the Dunkel WeizenBock is on tap. It is described as dark traditional German Wheat style that is rich and bready, with a soft banana and clove finish. 7.5% ABV.

Sea Level Brewing released Apple Blossom Ale yesterday. They tell me it is made with pilsner malt, ale yeast, a New Zealand hop called "Nelson Sauvin" and infused with valley apples and blossoms. Look for it at the brewery and it comes in at 4.8% ABV.

The Stillwell Beer Bar is hosting a Garrison Brewing Cask Takeover on June 21st. There will be 12 casks on the bar in 3s showcasing some exciting and creative one-offs. There will be a a "First sip session from 12 until 2:00 PM with tickets on sale now and a general session starting at 2:00 PM with tickets sold at the door.


One of Canada's most respected breweries, Le Trou du diable, will be taking over the Tide and Boar Gastropub on May 29th. Isaac Tremblay from Le Trou du diable will be on hand to help out with this great event. 

They will be featuring on tap Their McTavish Ale and an assortment of their bottled beer and of course a few surprises.

I went to the Grand Opening of Meander River Farm and Brewery last Saturday. I was there between 10 and 10:30 and the crowds were steady. I wanted to talk to the Baileys but alas it was not to be. I settled to show myself around and drink a glass of the Lunch Box Pale Ale and pick up a growler. The ale is hoppy to be sure, watch for a review soon. I hear they ran out of beer and are dry for another week. When the juice is flowing again I will let you know.

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

Maritime Beer Report - April 25, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for April 25, 2014.

Hot on the heels of their Chanterelle Cream Ale and Double Bit IPA Big Axe Brewery started brewing a new seasonal, Maple Wheat Amber Ale with pure sap right from their property.

Good news from Picaroons this week beside the release of their Dooryard organic wheat ale, the 2014 Brewers Bash is a go. Mark July 12th on your calendars and stay tuned for details.

Bad Apple Brewhouse now have Smokehouse Lager on tap in the Brewhouse. From Bad Apple "A Rauchbier made with 100% Beechwood smoked 2-Row Barley. An enjoyable smokey,spicy copperish 6.7% ABV Growlers and Squealers only"

Also the first batch of Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout will go on Tap next Friday May 2nd. It will be available in Squealers only ($10 fill) with 500mL Bottles ($8 ea) to follow very shortly after. There will be some Dry Hopped APA coming on board soon, along with a massive DIPA".

Propeller Brewing released their latest beer yesterday, a Black IPA. I didn't get a lot of details but it has a 6.7% ABV and 83 IBUs. It is available at both Prop shops.

Rock Bottom Brewpub's next Brewers dinner is April 29th. The menu is as follows 

Sauteed Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Roast Mushrooms & Brown Butter with 12oz Bigwater Brown

Stout Braised Lamb Shank and Deadwood Wheat Polenta , Seasonal Vegetable and 12oz Jacktar Stout

Unbaked Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce with 12oz Fathom IPA

Three course menu with beer $35 + Tax & Gratuity.

Sea Level brewing has released its next seasonal called The Southern Cross IPA. This I.P.A. is inspired by a funky New Zealand Hop and Crosby, Stills & Nash song called ‘Southern Cross'. It is layered with a resiny spiciness that gives way to a fresh squeezed citrus aroma with subtle pine notes. This beer will be available on the brewery’s shelves by next week and comes in at 6.5% ABV and 78.8 IBUs.

Stillwell Beer Bar's 2nd release of Bellwoods Brewery is happening this Sunday. They say that Brettal Head All Brett Pale Ale, Lost River Baltic Porter and Hellwoods Russian Imperial Stout will be pouring from noon.

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

Maritime Beer Report - April 11, 2014

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

Gahan House Brewery have announced the five finalists in their 1st Annual Homebrewers Challenge. The top five are:

     - Aaron Mills –“Moss Horse Belgium Pale Ale”
     - Matt Bryenton-“English Pale Ale”
     - Ryan Palmer & Lee Nickerson- “PEI Cranberry Wit”
     - Bobby Jay - “Pale Ale”
     - Matt Bryenton – “Amarillo/Citra Pale Ale”

The Judging will be based on:  Flavour Characteristics, Off Flavours, Appearance, General taste, Creativity and Overall balance. The winner will be announced Saturday with the winner getting the chance to brew on The Gahan’s industrial brew system and have their beer on tap at The Gahan.

PEI Brewing Company have released a new beer. Honey Brown Ale combines quality malt and hops with PEI Honey. This ale has a rich copper colour with flavours reminiscent of honey on toast. This beer has a 4.8% ABV.

Hammond River Brewing's Hop Flash IPA won best of show at the Saint John Beer Fest. A huge congrats.

Picaroons continue their road show with another tap takeover but this time on theit home turf. Celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition on Saturday April 19th in the Wilser's Room at The Capital Complex in Downtown Fredericton.

Bad Apple Brewhouse released that they now have Russian Imperial Stout back on tap, the Barrel Aged version will be out around the end of the month. There is a limited amount of Cider left, and they always plan to have APA available. Coming in the future they will also have a Barrel Aged DIPA, and also some of a 300L one off DIPA that has yet to be named. They are now have APA on tap at the Union Street Cafe/Wick Pub in Berwick if you find yourself looking for lunch ideas.

Big Spruce Brewing is doing another tap takeover. This time at Lion & Bright in Halifax on Earth Day, April 22nd, In support of the Ecology Action Centre. I hope to have the details next week.

North Brewing Company now has their Farmhouse back at the brewery as I mentioned last week.

A reminder that the release of Alewife's Revenge collaboration between Ladies Beer League and Boxing Rock Brewing is being released on April 17th at Stillwell Beer Bar in Halifax.

Burgers n'Beer Fredericton is on Tuesday and Burgers n'Beer Moncton has been announced for the 29th. They both sound great and a little bird told me a Halifax edition is being worked on, so lets keep our fingers crossed. 

Ducky's Bar will be installing 8 new taps within a couple weeks! Soon they`ll have 22 taps mainly devoted to local craft brews. They confirmed Celtic Knot Brewing will have two taps and others to follow.

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

Fredericton Craft Beer Fest Wrap-up - March 8, 2014

I attended and had a great time at the 2nd annual Fredericton Craft Beer Festival (FCBF) on March 8th at the Fredericton Convention Centre. This years event attracted 30 brewers and suppliers toting in 160 different beers from the all the maritime provinces, Quebec, Maine, Saskatchewan, Europe and beyond. In true maritime fashion it didn't matter where you were from as all the brewers were all intermingled. 

There were a few food options available that were included. I enjoyed the salmon and beer chili and made several trips to the popcorn table (boy I bet the guy who vacuums must have hates those guys).

The layout of the FCBF worked really well having the event on the second floor. Entry was past ticket takers and a coat check with an escalator up. The festival was in a large main room with lots of area to go sit in a more quiet setting if you needed a break or wanted a chat with friends.

The 1025 tickets sold were four types Ladies VIP, VIP, regular and designated driver. The Ladies VIP ticket was in partnership with the Ladies Beer League Halifax and was in recognition of International Women's Day. It offered access at 6:00, a Beer 101 with brewmaster Kellye Robertson, special beer samples and a custom glass. VIP tickets granted access an hour earlier than regular holders and of course the designated drivers tickets.

Photo courtesy of Dassouki Photos 

This festival goers were taken care of by 40 volunteers, 80 brewery employees and convention centre wait staff and they all did a great job from start to finish.

FCBF organizer Lloyd Chambers seems like a guy he is not satisfied with status quo and took many notes he said to improve next years event in the same location and noted five more breweries are planning on attending.

For me I got to try and some awesome Maritime beers and ciders, meet the brewers, and some very nice people. I had too hits to mention them all. A nice ending was that two Nova Scotia breweries, Boxing Rock Brewing and Bad Apple Brewhouse, won Best of Fest.

I am looking forward to attending next for an even bigger and better show.

Beer Review - Bad Apple Brewhouse Black & Tackle Russian Imperial Stout

Bad Apple Brewhouse is currently Nova Scotia's newest brewery. The Black & Tackle is one other their two original beers and quickly became a favorite of mine. I also got to help make a batch of this 9.0% ABV stout.


Appearance
The Black & Tackle is as the name states black with a tan head that dissipates fairly quickly.

Aroma
There is a distinct chocolate and coffee aroma with a slight berry like sweetness.

Taste
The coffee and chocolate are dominant in the beginning with a nice dry finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium mouth feel with a good amount of carbonation. There is a slight alcohol feel but not much surprisingly for this high alcohol brew.

Overall
It is a nice beer to sip for a evening or to have with food. It can be purchased at the brewery in Somerset Nova Scotia or occasionally on tap at Stillwell. I guess the bottomline on this is a great beer brewed here.

Maritime Beer Report - February 28, 2014

Hello and welcome to the February 28th edition of the Maritime Beer Report

Gahan House Brewery announced a slight change in its First Annual Home Brewer’s Challenge.  "After talking with some of the home brewer’s we have decided to change the dates for the contest.  This will allow everyone the proper amount of time to brew their beer to perfection.   We are asking everyone to have their finished product handed into Gahan by 5:00 pm on Friday April 4th.  From there we will narrow down the contest to the top 5 and the final judging will be done on Saturday Afternoon at 2:00pm on April 12th." Good luck everyone

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault said on Wednesday that the countdown was beginning saying around 95 days until they open. Going to be an exciting time in Edmundston this summer.

Bad Apple Brewhouse ‏has been busy in more ways than one. First their Barrel Aged Black & Tackle will be ready soon and Double IPA coming on tap as well. I would also like to congratulate Jeff and The Brewers Wife on the news they are expecting another baby to help in the brewery.

Big Spruce Brewing was busy brewing a Wheat IPA today with Aaron Spinney from Sawdust City Brewing. They are calling it "You Spin Me White Round Wheat IPA". I will keep you updated on availability.They also announced their second expansion and have procured 3 10 bbl fermenters and 2 serving tanks so that they can continue to grow and meet demand.

Garrison Brewing started with 76 entries in their Home Brew Off and narrowed it down to 13 semi-finalists and then further narrowed down to just 4 stayed tuned for the here the winner announced on March 13th.

Meander River Farm looks like they got some nice shiney tanks and fermenters in this week. Their project is really coming together nice this winter.

Rogue's Roost ‏have put their new porter on tap and tell us it is "Nice and dark and tasty" 

Ladies Beer League first event of 2014 is on March 25th they'll be screening "The Beer Hunter" at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar, and will be featuring cask-conditioned ale from Uncle Leo's Brewery. Tickets cost $15 and include a pint of the ale and popcorn. Go to their brand spanking new website to get the details and buy tickets. I also see that their collaboration with Boxing Rock Brewing will be released on Thursday April 17th from 7:00 pm - 12:00 am at Stillwell Beer Bar 1672 Barrington Street in Halifax. I am not sure what it is but I think it uses a lot of apples.

Speaking of Stillwell Beer Bar they released the tap list for the Picaroons Tap Takeover on March 15th. The offerings are:
Winter warmer
Maple cream ale
Ember ale smoked porter
Timber hog stout
104th regiment brown ale
Best bitter
Simeon jones river valley amber ale
Feels good imperial pilsner
Plaid to the bone heather ale
Blonde
Yippee ipa
Irish red

CASKS:
Ember Ale smoked porter
Afterglow Aphrodisiac Ale
Parcel of Rogues session ale

As of Friday there are 5 tickets left so hurry if you want one. Not to be missed.

Fredericton Craft Beer Fest is about a week away and excitement is building. Here is the beer list of maritime breweries as of February 22nd and is subject to change (there are many other beers besides this list)

North Brewing
Belgian IPA
Saison
Strong Dark Belgian

Big Spruce Brewing
Bitter Get'er India Black IPA
Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout

Uncle Leo's Brewing
IPA
Red
Smoked

Boxing Rock Brewing
The Vicar's cross Double IPA
Hunky Dory Pale Ale
Temptation Red Ale

Garrison Brewing Company
Nut Brown
Irish Red Ale
Raspberry Wheat
Hopyard Pale Ale 
Imperial Pale Ale
Martello Stout

Bad Apple Brewhouse 
Black & Tackle RIS
American Pale Ale

Shiretown
Blonde du Quai
Siren's t'ale
Brown Ale

Grimross Brewing
Ben's Pale Ale
Rye IPA

Picaroons
Maple Cream
A Parcel of Rogues
Ember Ale
Afterglow Aphrodisiac Ale
Mans Best Friend
Dark and Stromy Night
Best Bitter

Pump House Brewery
Fire Chief Red Ale
Scotch Ale
Special Old Bitter Ale (SOB)
Cadian Cream Ale
Premium Lager
Blue Berry Ale

Big Tide Brewing
Simms Pale Ale
Whistlepig Stout

Red Rover Brewing
Spring Cider
Summer Cider
Fall Cider

Barnone Brewing
IPA
Pale Ale
Sessions

PEI Brewing Company
Sir John A Honey Wheat
Island Red
Iron Bridge
1772 IPA
Beach Chair Lager
Blueberry Ale
Sydney Street Stout
Cask Ale

Congrats to Adam Jones of Fredericton on winning the 2 VIP tickets to the FCBF 14 

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