New Brunswick Brewers Place in Eight Categories at Canadian Brewing Awards

Photo by Grimross Brewing

(Halifax, NS) - The 2018 Canadian Brewing Awards were held in Halifax on May 26th with four brewers taking home awards in eight categories. Grimross Brewing took home four awards, Foghorn Brewing grabbed two awards and Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault and Pump House Brewery taking one each.

Photo by Foghorn Brewing 

Grimross took Gold in European Style Amber to Dark Lager category for Après Lager, Silver in American-Style Black Ale category for Maritime Black IPA and bronze in Porter category for Pugnacious Porter and Maritime Cream Ale in the Cream Ale category. 

Photo by Les Brasseurs
du Petit-Sault

Rothesay brewer Foghorn Brewing nabbed two bronzes Golden Grover in the English Style Pale Ale category and one for Esty Special Bitter in the English Bitters – Best Bitter or ESB category. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault achieved Gold for Col. John Baker Dubbel in the Belgian-Style Dubbel and Pump House Brewery took bronze in the Dry Stout category with its Muddy River Stout.
Full results for the 2018 winners available here.

Maritime Brewers Bring Home National Awards

The 2017 Canadian Brewing Awards were handed out last evening at the end of the 15th annual conference. the awards had 55 categories for beer with an additional 6 for ciders. The Brewery of the Year went to Mt. Begbie Brewing from British Columbia and Beer of the Year was Indie Ale House's Spadina Monkey. 
Local brewers successful in bringing home a lot of awards including many gold. The following list is of all the local breweries and their awards:
- Brasseurs du Petit-Sault won Bronze with La Kedgwick in European Style Lager (Pilsner).
- Boxing Rock Brewing captured Gold with Stayin’ Alive is Bock – Traditional German Style category
- Uncle Leo’s Brewery also grabbed Gold with its Vohs Weizenbier  in the Wheat Beer – German Style (Weiss) category 
- North Brewing had a double Gold night winning in the Belgian Style Abbey Ale/Pale Ale category with Gus’ 65m Ale and in Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer category with its newly rebranded Midnight Glenora Barrel Aged Strong Dark Belgian.
- PEI Brewing had a triple award outing with a Silver for Patience in Belgian-Style Brett Beer category, a Bronze in the Session India Pale Ale category for Vic Park APA, and another Bronze in Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer for Hell Street.
- Propeller Brewing won Bronze for its Porter in the Porter category. 
- Pump House Brewery took Gold in the Dry Stout category with their Muddy River Stout.
- Moosehead Breweries won a pair of Bronze awards for Moosehead Lager in North American Style Premium Lager category and for Moosehead Cracked Canoe in the Light (Calorie-Reduced) Lager category.
Nova Scotia cideries Bulwark Cider and Ship Builders Cider did very well in the cider category. Bulwark Cider took Silver with Bulwark Original for New World Cider, Bulwark Blush took Gold in Cider with Other Fruit, a Bronze for  Bulwark Hopped in the Cider with Herbs/Spices, and Gold in Specialty Cider for Bulwark Rum Cider.
Ship Builders Cider took a Gold and a Bronze in Sid’s Chai Cider in Cider with Herbs/Spices and Sid’s Wild Blueberry Cider in Cider  with Other Fruit respectively. 

View full results here http://www.momandhops.ca/winners-announced-2017-canadian-brewing-awards/

Le Renous Doppelbock collaboration released

(Edmunston, NB) - Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says that after a long lagering process, their doppelbock is finally ready. Le Renous Doppelbock is collaboration between Petit-Sault and Acadie-Broue that is 7.5% ABV. Petit-Sault says "It's warmth and strong malt profile are perfect for this undecided Spring weather." Now available at the Brewtique, Le Coude on the  l'université de Moncton campus and at the ANBL Growler fill stations this week end. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault releases new Tripel Beer

(Edmunston, NB) - Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released their latest creation yesterday, Maxime Albert Tripel. The 9.3% ABV strong ale is now available at their Brewtique in Edmunston. It is named in honour of New Brunswick's most notorious bootlegger, Maxime Albert of Saint-Hilaire. They note that this authentic tripel is a complex beer that explodes with flavours and was a bronze medal winner at the 2015 Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards. Look for it tomorrow at the ANBL growler stations.

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 - July 24, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for July 24th.

PEI Brewing Company says the next batch of the Vic Park Hop Sessions is in the tanks - this time with Mandarina Bavaria and the Galaxy hop version still available.

Upstreet Craft Brewing is kicking off a new weekly event on Sunday evenings. They have something for everyone, concerts on the big screen, staff prices on beer, and community board games.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault is celebrating summer with a brand new seasonal beer. Introducing Lt. Ingall- Summer Edition (dry-hopped and different malt for you beer geeks), available now at Brewtique and soon at ANBL growler filling stations.

Grimross Brewing Company says they recently kegged their Oat Saison, a 100% Oat Malt brewed beer. This is an experimental beer for those who cannot tolerate gluten and anyone else that wants a light summer beer. Their Oat Saison was fermented with a Saison strain of yeast. Aroma has hints of clove, the taste is light and crisp with subtle lemon peel and grass. At only 3% ABV you can have a few!

Half Cut Brewing Company opened today. It is Picaroons Traditional Ales' newest incubating brewery, just like the early days of Grimross Brewing Company, Picaroons is lending long time employee and friend, Matt Corey, the brewing system within The Brewtique to get this new brewing project off the ground. Matt was a Picaroons Sales rep from a few years ago and manager of the Picaroons Brewtique.  He’ll be creating various styles of beer based on how he interprets the style they belong to. The first brew is an interpretation of a Dusseldorf Altbier, a malty German ale that offers a generous amount of hop bitterness with a mild fruity nose. Alter Ego is now on tap at the Picaroons Brewtique.

The Pump House Brewery has released a new seasonal release, Rose Hip Ale, brewed with rose hips and orange peel. It is available at the Orange lane location, soon at all ANBL Stores. It comes in at 4.5% ABV.

Big Spruce Brewing and Jason Spears were working on the Tip of the Spear Spruce Tip IPA. Look for it in August where Big Spruce is served.

Meander River Farms says seventy pounds of fresh cut lavender is on its way to Garrison Brewing. Add some honey into the mix and it could only mean one thing, Honey Lavender Ale is brewing.

Wayfarers' Ale has broken ground in Port Williams on its new brewery. Look for more details on this as we move into fall.

On Thursday  August 6th Bar Stillwell is having Toronto's Great Lakes Brewery take over the taps. Great Lakes is a top tier Canadian craft beer company and the beers are worth trying if you can.

Thanks for joining me again this week and 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 - June 26, 2015

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

PEI Brewing Company launched their cask program this week with their first offering being a cask of Island Red with bourbon soaked wood chips. Every week they'll have something new on there so they say "Keep your eyes peeled!".

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault is celebrating their first anniversary tomorrow, June 27th, at the brewery. From 1 PM until 6 PM will be an open house and guided tours. At 6 PM there will be a short ceremony and tapping of the anniversary keg followed by music.

Celtic Knot Brewing release a teaser of what they are making this fall. Bruce says he has been wanting to make an oyster stout for quite some time and after he enjoys the summer. Look for notice once the time gets closer

Grimross Brewing is making a new experimental beer and for this one they are getting rid of the gluten, A Table Oat Saison. This will be a very light low alcohol beer (less than 4%), very light body and crisp taste. Brewed with 100% Oat Malt. They can't officially call Oat Saison "Gluten Free" because it was malted and packaged in a malterie that handles other grains, including Barley and Wheat and Grimross obviously handles other grains as well and are not "certified gluten free". As a result there may be trace amounts of other grains.

Breton Brewing is having a soft opening this Saturday June 27th from 10 AM-5 PM. They are releasing their first two beer: Sterling Hefeweizen and Black Angus IPA. Merchandise will also be available. Cash, debit, MasterCard or Visa. Samples will not be available due to licensing situation at the moment. 

Garrison Brewing says that The Coast to Coastless Imperial ESB is now available. In Nova Scotia look for it now at the brewery and private stores and the NSLC shortly. As well, look for it iin ANBL stores and PEILCC stores next month. I gave all the details on last weeks blog.
Garrison also donated $4300.00 to Ecology Action Centre raised at the ‪‎Backlot Bash. Well done.

Meander River Farm is releasing Surf & Turf, Seaweed and Peated Malt Strong Scotch Ale, From Meander "This deep copper, brown ale was mashed with seaweed and peated malt to give it a rich complex flavour of scotch, sweet caramel, slight salt and roasted malt. Surf & Turf was brewed in collaboration with Daniel Girard of Garrison Brewing Co. for the Taste of Nova Scotia "Dinner on the Ocean Floor" event, premiering this weekend. Recommended pairings are red meat dishes and teams fish chowders." This 6.2% ABV beer is on tap this week end at the brewery.

Propeller Brewing latest One Hit Wonder Halifornia Common is on tap at both brewery Prop Shops. Brewed using lager yeast and fermented at ale temperatures Propeller Halifornia Common is a malty brew that finishes dry and crisp, with a lingering hop bitterness. An American West Coast original style that is perfect to quench any beer drinkers thirst for something truly unique. The beer weighs in at 5.2% ABV and 32 IBU.

Sea Level Brewing has their latest seasonal out, Southern Cross IPA. The name is inspired by a Crosby, Stills & Nash song Southern Cross. The IPA is layered with resinous spiciness that gives way to a fresh squeezed citrus aroma with subtle pine notes and comes in at 6.5% ABV.

Tatamagouche Brewing canning line has been busy this week. Look for more and more of Tata's brews to be available in this format going forward.

Producers of craft alcohol In New Brunswick have joined together to form the New Brunswick Craft Alcohol Producers Association (NBCAPA). The purpose of this newly formed association is to act as the representative and formal voice for an expanding industry that includes microbreweries, meaderies, wineries, cider producers and distilleries.
To date membership includes 20 craft producers from all over the province and the expectation is that numbers will continue to grow. The production of craft alcohol has important economic development potential for the province and the goal of the association is to work with multiple stakeholders including the Province and NB Liquor to fully realize this potential. “We know for a fact that we are an important tourist attraction. We have created over 100 jobs in the province; we have a positive impact on our communities and are actively involved in events. We also support local producers. We invest in the province for the province,“ says Sean Dunbar of Northampton Brewing Co.

Tasting NB is bringing together NB craft alcohol producers of all varieties for the first time. This early evening outdoor event takes place across The Capital Complex patios and surrounding area. Producers include Picaroons Traditional Ales, Big Axe Brewery, Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault, TrailWay Brewing Co., Grimross Brewing Co., Railcar Brewing Company, The Pump House Brewery and Restaurant, Gillis of Belleisle Winery, Red Rover Brewing Company, Pollen Angels meade and Fils du Roy. It is taking place Saturday July 11, 2015 from 7 PM - 10 PM enjoy tasting a full range of products at your leisure, then join us for an NB Tap Takeover and afterparty in Wilser’s Room with musical guests Dub Antenna. Join us and see what NB has to offer. Tickets are $55.99 (taxes/fees included) online or in person at the etixnow kiosk located at the Isaac's Way Restaurant building (649 Queen St).

Also on July 11th in Moncton is the NS Craft Beer BBQ Deck Party. The Moncton Beer League is partnering with Chefs Dan & Cheryl McLenaghan from La Teraz and INFUZED Catering for a delectable 4-course menu - each paired with a different Nova Scotia brewed beer, plus an additional welcome beer from Propeller in a souvenir glass you can keep. Doors open at 5pm. Food will be served from platters beginning at 6 PM outside on the deck beside the pool (weather permitting). Indoor seating will be available, but feel free to mingle and enjoy the gorgeous outdoor deck.
Early bird tickets are on sale for $59+fees until June 30th, and $65+fees until Tuesday, July 7th at noon. Ticket sales are final. No refunds.

Join the Ladies Beer League at their Second Beerthday Party on June 27th at The Wooden Monkey Restaurant in Dartmouth. they will have four special casks made by some of our favourite local craft breweries - Boxing Rock Brewing (Rule 42), Big Spruce Brewing (Tims Dirty American IPA) Garrison Brewing (Dry hopped IPA) & North Brewing Company (Summer Saison with sour cherries). Tickets are $25 and include 5 (5oz) cask samples, a belly full of the Wooden Monkey's amazing pizza and - of course - birthday cake. Tickets available online and at the door.

Bishop's Cellar now has a Growler Fill Station and is now open for business featuring brews not easily available in bottle/can. Opening taps are :
Propeller Halifornia Common | Steam | 5.2%
Garrison Coast to Coastless | Imperial ESB | 7.6%
Granite Hopping Mad | Pale Ale | 6.0%
Good Robot Crown on the Ground | Steam| 4.7%
Tatamagouche Butcher's Block Red | Red Ale | 6.0%

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

Maritime Beer Report - June 12, 2015

Hello and welcome to the June 12th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Congrats to Maritime Breweries who won medals at ‪the 2015 Canadian Brewing Awards. PEI Brewing Company won Gold in the Brown Ale category for their Gahan Iron Bridge Brown. Red Rover Brewing Company also won Gold for Cider with Herbs/Spices with their Experimental Brew - Fire. Muwin Estate Wines  got Gold in Specialty Ciders for their Bulwark Gold Traditional Craft Cider. Tatamagouche Brewing captured a Bronze for German Style Kolsch with North Shore Lagered Ale. Garrison Brewing also got a Bronze for Barley Wine with Ol’ Fog Burner. Lastly Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault captured a Bronze in European Style Lager  with La Kedgwick. Congrats to all the brewers.

PEI Brewing Company says Island Red is now available in ‪‎Nova Scotia‬ at select NSLC locations. Let me know where you see it. 
They also say Vic Park Hop Sessions brew with the Citra hop variety is on tap now at the brewery - limited quantity - once it's gone, it's gone. This is a 5.7% ABV beer.

Upstreet Craft Brewing offered their first 50 memberships to their Mug Club this week and the went really fast. There is a waitlist to get yours when the start selling again. Their website is live now with beer listings and their first 18 tap accounts. 

Big Axe Brewery's Taproom grand-opening and belated 1 year birthday celebration is tomorrow June 13th at 1 PM. Big Axe taproom will be serving craft ales, cider and mead, the Southern Ukrainian grill  will be open from 5-7 PM and Julio's Garage playing 8 to 10 PM.

Hammond River Brewing says Blueberry Ale has returned this summer. From HRB "Brewed with all real Blueberries, this is one tasty and refreshing beer for the patio!" It is currently on tap at Saint John Ale House, Barrel's Head, and Bourbon Quarter.

Railcar Brewing says it is pleased to announce that in two weeks they will be offering bottles to go for sale at the brewery. Their IPA and Grapefruit Pale Ale will be available next weekend in bottles at the brewery. Listings submitted for Pale Ale and IPA to hit ANBL shelves soon. 
Railcar will be tapping a special keg of Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter tomorrow at noon. Only one keg available get your growler filled ASAP.

A brewery I heard about a couple of weeks ago in the Shediac area went on social media this week. Flying Boats Brewing launched a facebook page this week. They say they are working on the listings and recently kegged a 7.2% ABV Black IPA.

Garrison Brewing Company has their new brewery launch celebration tomorrow at the Back Lot Bash, tickets are still available. Also Seaport Beer Fest are now on sale, this is always a sell out so get them early.

Last week end I helped brew an Imperial Red at Rockbottom Brewpub with the Ladies Beer League. Look for Fizzgig coming to their taps in July.

Looks like after delays Stillwell's Beer Garden on the Halifax waterfront opens today. There was some negative press out this week but I for one think it will be a good addition to the waterfront area.

A little light this week. Thanks to Monica at Lion & Bright for the kind words and support of the blog. Until next week 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 1, 2015

Hello and welcome to the May 1st edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

The Big Axe Brewing and Hammond River Brewing collaboration has a name. Ask for Two Rivers India Black Ale when it hits the bars.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault have a new beer out today. La Kedgwick pilsner is now available at the Brewtique, next week at ANBL growler stations and this summer in bottles. 

Railcar Brewing is hosting He Said Beer She Said Wine on Saturday, May 23 at 7:00 PM. Join Brewer Mitch Biggar and his wife Sarah Nicholson as they pair 4 appetizers with a beer and a wine. You get to choose which is better and who wins this husband vs wife throw down. Tickets in advance due to food prep. $20.00 at the brewery.

Rare Bird Craft Beer has a Red Ale coming out on Monday but some NSLC stores put it out early so you are not seeing things.

Tatamagouche Brewing, Big Spruce Brewing & Propeller Brewing – have announced a one-off co-release to mark the upcoming inaugural Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week. Cerberus American IPA is a 7% ABV organic ale with the following description:
Cerberus is the 3 headed hellhound of Organic American-style India Pale Ales. Abundantly bitter and deeply aromatic, Cerberus combines late addition Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe and Zythos hops in copious, lip-smacking quantities for a balanced complexity that will have you craving more. Cerberus will be released on May 9th, and will be available in a limited run of 650 ml bottles, as well in growlers at the three participating breweries.

Big Spruce Brewing is introducing the first ever lager in our brewery's history, She's Maibock. They added the zest of 40 lemons to the boil, and then again dry hopped this beer with lemon zest. It is 6.1% ABV and 30 IBU.  Available now at our brewery, and also at Stillwell, The Stubborn Goat, Lion & Bright, The Townhouse, and Governors.

Boxing Rock Brewing has released Sessionista 2015 and is what they like to call a "Fractional IPA". It's still bold, and malty, but it's also aromatic and hoppy. The first thing that hits you is that great nose of floral hops. Think lemon blossom, orange, and tropical fruit. Then flavours of biscuit, roasty caramel and toasted bread on the palate backed up by a tropical fruity hop middle with just the right amount of bitterness and finishing with a piney citrusy blast. It weighs in at a slightly higher 4% ABV than last years.

Good Robot Brewing released their opening beers for next week, First up is Tom Waits for No One,Stout. Available on tap at The Brooklyn Warehouse and in 64-oz growlers and 32-oz grunters beginning on Saturday, May 9th. Goseface  Killah Gose is the second beer in our lineup. Available on tap at The Wooden Monkey Restaurant, The Auction House and 2 Doors Down and in 64-oz growlers and 32-oz grunters. They are also looking for a retail clerk, want to work in NS newest brewery, drop a resume over. 

Hell Bay Brewing Company says their Dark Cream Ale is coming Monday May 4th to an NSLC near you.

The Nook and Cranny is asking you to "Name That Beer". They are excited to announce that one of new brewed onsite Nook and Cranny beer will be a Black IPA. And they want you to name it. Put your suggestion on facebook and the winner will get a $25 food voucher and one of their new N and C brewpub hats.

Sea Level Brewing announced their new seasonal, Acadian Cross Extra Pale Ale. 260 years ago this September more than 2000 Acadians were expelled from Grand Pre. The deportation cross was erected to commemorate the tragedy of the expulsion in 1755. It was brewed with Maritime Malt, and fermented with California ale yeast. Hopped with the Apollo hop, and dry-hopped twice in fermenter and once in serving tank. This is an unfiltered. 5.5% ABV. Available now in kegs and coming soon in cans and growlers.

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

Maritime Beer Report - April 24, 2015

Hello and welcome to the April 24th edition of the Maritime Beer report

Barnone Brewing announced a music event at the Brewery. It is a Music/Beer Pairing of the 'Island Sol' collaboration. It is $15 admission at the door and they say come early 7:00+  and 1st come 1st seated.

Big Axe Brewery and Hammond River Brewing had a collaboration Brew Day this week in Quispamsis. The result is a India Black Ale weighing in at 7% ABV and 77 IBUs. It will be available in both the Saint John and Fredericton areas in a couple of weeks.

I had a great chat with Andre from Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault. Loads of great plans from the brewery. A few things to tempt your palate, look for their birthday party in June, their IPA returning, a new pilsner and perhaps a barrel aging program.

Trail Way Brewing Company says that after a nice long dry hop their collaboration brew "Sensible Nonsense Double IPA" is now in the bright tank. They also filled a couple special release casks. They added some bourbon soaked Spanish cedar to one cask and did a second dry hop in the other cask. Release date and further details will be announced early next week.

Big Spruce Brewing did a three way conspiracy this week with Tatamagouche Brewing and Propeller Brewing on a big new beer for NS Craft Beer week. Look for it May 9th.

Boxing Rock Brewing Company one-upped the last collaboration with a four way with Sea Level Brewing, Hell Bay Brewing and Gahan House Halifax's Karen Allen. Look for details on this one next month.

Garrison Brewing Company says Rum-barrel aged Grand Baltic Porter is back. Now in a 650 ml bomber bottle, It is $16.95 at the brewery and private stores now but is in very limited quantities.

Propeller Brewing Company says the launch for their next offering in the Lambic Style Series at Stillwell will be postponed until a future date. This unique bottle conditioned brew is dependent on nature and nature says it's not ready yet.

Tatamagouche Brewing Company released Sunrise Trail India Session Ale. It is 4.1% ABV beer that is amazing aroma and very refreshing. It will be available in growlers and 650 ml bottles.

Uncle Leo's Brewery says Vohs Weizenbier will be making its spring debut next week. This is a gold medal winner and one of my favorites from last year. 

This is the last report I will be mentioning Wrought Iron Brewing Company. The boys are changing their company name, logo and branding. From now on they will be know as Good Robot Brewing Company. They also introduced the first of their beers, Tom Waits for No One stout will be available on tap at The Brooklyn Warehouse next month and in 64-oz growlers and 32-oz grunters beginning on Saturday, May 9th.

It was a week of uber tank deliveries. New tanks arrived at Upstreet Craft Brewing, Breton Brewing Company,  Schoolhouse Brewing Company and Spindrift Brewing. Spindrift also released its branding and facebook page. 

That is all for this week. Thanks for your continued support and until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Maritime Beer Report - April 3, 2015

Welcome to the April 3rd edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Barnone Brewing has been very busy, they released a fresh Sessions asking if we remember the Solstice last year and this one has Citra. They also had Black Eye IPA, Pale, IPA, and some American Wheat last night and was brewing 'La Vaca Loca' Milk Stout.

Gahan House Pub in Charlottetown has released Angus Ale in conjunction with its burger week. Angus Ale is an unfiltered pale ale, dry hopped so lots of citrus aroma. It is 5% ABV and an 25 IBUs.

PEI Brewing Company says Reanimator is available in 473mL cans in their retail store. In case you forgot it is a 8.1% ABV Bock.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released its  Lancaster KB882 amber lager this week in growlers. It is a 4.6% ABV lager. I mentioned this before as they honor a Lancaster bomber that has been in the town for 50 years.

Grimross Brewing Company introduces the Serendipity Series with its first offering of an Abbey beer. From Grimross "As a brewer, exploring new ideas and new recipes is half the fun of what we do. This is what our Serendipity Series is all about. Whenever the opportunity arises we will try new recipes, new ingredients, new techniques and processes in order to explore the world of beer and brewing... and we want to share them with you." For the first one they experimented with a new Malt from a micro-malterie in Quebec and a new Abbey yeast. It is a single Abbey beer, meaning it is lower alcohol and the ale the Monks would save and drink for themselves. Grimross ran a naming contest so we will see a name for this soon.

Hammond River Brewing as I reported, brewed their last batch of Breakfast stout for the season but put some of it on an oak barrel for aging, look for this barrel aged beer in a few weeks.

Picaroons Traditional Ales is once again asking for your cat. Cat picture that is, they are once again getting the Melonhead label ready and need your hi-res picture that they can use. Get all the details on their website and the deadline is April 24. There is also a special Easter treat at the Brewtique on Saturday April 4th. They have a keg of Irish Red dry-hopped with Golding Hops, a keg of Man's Best Friend dry-hopped with Tettnang hops, a keg of Blonde dry-hopped with Cascade hops and a keg of Yippee IPA dry-hopped with Amarillo hops.

The Pump House Brewery announced tickets for the expanded Atlantic Beer Fest are now for sale. Tickets are 55.00 for the Friday or Saturday evening session and 45.00 for the Saturday afternoon session. The oldest festival in the Maritimes grew from 600 beer fans in its inaugural year to 3000 last year with 60 breweries from across Canada, the USA and beyond. New this year is the Friday evening session and plans on adding a Belgium pavilion that will feature hard to find Belgian Beers along with Belgian food and all patrons of the festival will get a chance to win a once in a life time beer vacation to Belgium that includes visits to centuries old Trappist breweries.

Hell Bay Brewing Company celebrated its 4th birthday this week and say as a special thanks they will be sending Dark Cream Ale to a NSLC near you in early May. 

Meander River Farm says Ashdale Honey Brown is brewing and Lunch Box and Shack Wacky cider will be on tap this weekend in addition to a few growlers of Smokey Chipotle Porter left. They are open regular hours this Easter weekend.

Propeller Brewing says its latest One Hit Wonder, Peated Scotch Ale, is available for Growler fills right now. I hear it is quite good and at  7.1 % ABV it will warm you up on these cool Spring nights.

The Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery are closing for a 10 day break (April 4-13) while the owners get some R&R and explore Real Ale in the UK. Follow their adventures on facebook and stay tuned.

One last item, I see Bar Stillwell have a new beer out called Crush. It is an unfiltered lager with Nelsom Sauvin hops that comes in at 6.1% ABV.

That is it for this week, enjoy what is a long week end for most of us and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - March 27, 2015

Hello and welcome to the March 27th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Upstreet Craft Brewing is looking for your help. They say they want to show the world how wise, quirky, insightful and hilarious Islanders are by printing “Islandism’s” under the cap of every beer they bottle and sell. They are calling it #UnderTheCap and they need you to help make it happen. Here’s how it’s going to work:
1) Dig deep in your brain to come up with the best Island phrases, advice, jokes, quirks or quotes you know. Try and keep it short.
2) Share your “Islandism” by commenting on Facebook or Instagram, or Tweet us using #UnderTheCap.
3) They will filter through the submissions and pick the best 250 to be featured #UnderTheCap.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault are commemorating, in their special way, the old Lancaster Bomber that's been an icon at the Québec-New Brunswick border for over 50 years. The Lanc will be moved to a museum in Alberta this summer. The "special edition" beer is a marvelous märzen, an amber lager brewed with a different type of yeast usually used by the brewers. The "Lancaster KB882" will be available in limited quantity at the Brewtique as of  March 30th. It will also be available in select NB Liquor growler filling stations over coming weeks.

Hammond River Brewing was brewing the first summer seasonal, Hawaiian Pale Ale, brewed with fresh Pineapples. They also brewed season's last batch of Breakfast Stout. Lots of Coffee goodness from Java Moose, Oats, and Cacao Nibs. Even threw in a few eggs to make it complete. The home smoked bacon will be added once fermentation is complete. Finally 16 kegs of Switchback Brown Ale was delivered to the KV ANBL store for Growler fill ups starting yesterday.

Picaroons Traditional Ales' newest beer experiment has landed, Kelp on the Way.This dark and smokey ale has been brewed with a generous helping of real organic sugar kelp harvested off of the shores near St. George, New Brunswick, by way of Dr. Thierry Chopin of UNB Saint John. The Kelp is heavily blanketed by a strong malt backbone of roasted and smoked malts, and balanced out by a gentle hopping of Fuggles and Goldings hops. At 22 IBUs, and 5.8% ABV, it's like drinking a dark, malty, smokey beer, right after a cool brisk swim in the Bay of Fundy. It is available exclusively The Brewtique for Growler fills in Downtown Fredericton while supplies last.

Railcar Brewing Company is a little ahead of schedule and tell me they will be open tomorrow, Saturday, from noon to 10 pm for growler fills. Right now they will only have their Artisan Brown Ale on tap with more beers coming next week. Tasting room should be open in a couple weeks pending inspections.

Big Spruce Brewing was busy zesting 80 lemons and making the first ever lager in Big Spruce history. They're brewing a lemon zest infused Maibock today. It will be boiled and dry hopped on fresh lemon zest. Bavarian 2206 lager yeast is at the ready. Look for it during ‎NS Craft Beer Week‬ in May.
Another beer they are working on is a kettle soured, raspberry wheat coming this summer. It is described as tarty, fruity, complex and every bit what they are intending to brew for a very select and limited summer release. Big Spruce worked with Parks Canada, the Bell Museum, and the upcoming summer production of The Bells of Baddeck: The Alexander Graham and Mabel Bell Story to develop this beer based on a recipe right out of Alexander Graham Bell's notes. Lastly the collaboration between Big Spruce Brewing and Barnone Brewing, Island Conspiracy DIPA has been released and is now available in limited release.

Boxing Rock Brewing Company has released its La Rive Du Sud again, available in 650ml bottles and 1L growlers at their retail store in Shelburne and available in 1L growlers at the Halifax Seaport Market on Saturday. The Next Chapter Rye IPA is available at select ANBL stores, you lucky NBers get it while it lasts.

Garrison Brewing Company says get ready to ‪pucker up. Their newest one off, a Cranberry Hibiscus Wit, coming in at 4% ABV with a wonderfully tart flavour. Available on tap at the brewery.

Granite Brewery released their India Pale Ale last week end in growlers from their brewery on Stairs Street. It is a British style IPA, hopped with Cascade and East Kent Goldings that is a 5.4% ABV and 45 IBUs beer.

Meander River Farm says that back by popular demand, their Smokey Chipotle Porter will be on tap this weekend alongside our new release Cider. Cider you say. Yes they are releasing Nova Scotia’s newest craft cider this weekend at their retail shop in Ashdale. From Meander River “Craft cider, like craft beer, is very popular right now. At the farm, we’ve always used the resources that are available to us seasonally; our pigs to till the land, our hops for the beer, and our lavender for our home and bath products. We live in an area of Nova Scotia where apples are everywhere, so why not make something delicious out of them?” said Alan Bailey, brewer and proprietor of Meander River Farm & Brewery.
The cider is made from a blend of valley apples and has clear Nova Scotia apple and citrus notes. It is dry with a crisp finish. 6.5% ABV. There are 200 litres of cider available for growlers fills from this small batch, the first of many.
A recent expansion in brewery tanks has allowed Bailey to not only brew more beer, but also add this
new cider to the product line. By bringing in two additional conditioning tanks, Meander River Farm & Brewery’s capacity has increased from 15,000 litres per year to 45,000 litres per year, approximately 330 litres per batch. Bailey will double production this coming summer season and triple production by summer 2017."

Propeller Brewing Company says another 4000 HL per year of capacity added to their Dartmouth brewery. Two new fermenters, both are 135 hectoliters (close to 40,000 bottles worth of beer each for perspective). The custom designed tanks were purchased from ABT (Allied Beverage Tanks Inc.) The new tanks will give them much needed additional capacity as they move into "beer drinking season". Growth in the craft beer segment has been exceptional in Nova Scotia over the past few years and it doesn't look like it's going to slow in the near future. Brands like their IPA and Organic Ale are leading the pack for growth. This addition was planned for when they moved into their new facility in 2013 and is the second tank addition, they added a 68 HL tank in 2014 since moving to their new home on Windmill Rd.    

Sea Level Brewing are having their first Tap Takeover at The Board Room Game Cafe from March 25-28. They have 7 beers, including the newest batch of El Rojo Diablo.

Speaking of Tap takeovers, on May14th Bad Apple Brewhouse will be bringing a whole lot of beer and a cask to Toms Little Havana. I will bring the tap list when I hear it.

The Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery says every Friday they add a second house-brewed beer to the tap list, Terry's English IPA is on the second hand-pump tonight.

Thanks for joining me again this week, have a fantastic week and until next time, enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - March 6, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for March 6th.

Big Axe Brewery introduced three new beers this week. First up is Blonde Ale Version 2. Light golden ale, weighs in at 4.6% ABV. Hopped to 26 IBUs with Perle and El Dorado, that gives this beer fruity and citrus aroma and a clean, refreshing taste. Next up is Partridgeberry Belgian Wheat. Belgian Witbier-style brewed with a mixture of pale malts, Saaz and other aroma hops, oranges and spices like coriander and cloves. Five pounds of partridgeberries were added at the secondary fermentation step, which gives this beer a mild but complex tartness and a wild berry aroma. Lastly is a Chaga Porter. Dark brown in colour this beer offers mild roastiness and pleasant caramel character. Brewed with traditional English aroma hops and a heaping pile of Chaga mushroom to create a unique tasting profile. It weighs in at 5.4% ABV. Chaga is harvested in birch forests and has been used in Europe for its health benefits for centuries. We use New Brunswick chaga that is responsibly harvested by our friend and wild foods enthusiast Dwight at Fiddlehead Heaven Forest Products. These will be available at the brewery and will premiere at Fredericton Craft Beer Festival tomorrow.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says it's finally here! Their Maple Brown Ale, brewed by women, on tap at the Brewtique as of noon yesterday and Saturday at the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival. Out also this week is Lt. Ingall Session Pale Ale. This is the collaboration with our friends at MaltBroue to use 100% local malts. Both these ales come in at 4.6% ABV.

Celtic Knot Brewing says  come on over and say hello at Fredericton Craft Beer Festival. he will be bringing Dubh Loki black IPA and Éire Irish red ale. Their next one off will be an all El Dorado hop IPA. It will be called Terminus. This will be the first of many one hop IPAs they plan to brew this spring/summer.

Hammond River Brewing will also be at Fredericton Craft Beer Festival plans on bringing the following beers for patrons to sample.
- Too Hop To Handle Double IPA - His flagship Double IPA brewed with a copious amount of Columbus, Chinook, Cascade, and Centennial hops. 8.4% ABV and 162 IBUs
- Imperial Bourbon Vanilla Porter - An Imperial Porter brewed with fresh Madagascar Vanilla beans and with Maker's Mark Bourbon added. 9.2% ABV and 32 IBUs
- Breakfast Stout - An Imperial Stout brewed with local Java Moose Coffee, Oats, Cacao Nibs, and my homemade Applewood Smoked Bacon. 8% ABV and 60 IBUs.
It's UNB's 50th Anniversary and they've asked HRB to brew a special beer to help celebrate the occasion. So since it's their "Golden" Anniversary the brewer decided to brew up a Golden Ale for them. This beer will be available on tap at the Beaverbrook House in Saint John on March 19th. 

Boxing Rock Brewing Company are launching a Rye India Pale Ale called The Next Chapter. It's a perfectly balanced IPA made with New Brunswick grown malt, with a healthy helping of premium rye malt and some dark roasted malt for a fantastic colour. Sorry Nova Scotia the whole batch is heading to New Brunswick. Not only will we launch it at the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival, we've sent some to The King Street Ale House, The Laundromat in Moncton, The Tide and Boar in Moncton, and Pepper's Pub in Saint John. It is available at select ANBL stores in 650 ml bottles and weighs in at 6.3% ABV.

Granite Brewery put out a quick note that they are reviving their India Pale Ale. It will be available next week.

Last night Garrison Brewing held their 7th Annual Home Brew-Off Gala.  With a record breaking 84 entries narrowing it down to one winner was challenging. The winner of this year’s competition was Dave Martin
This year’s style was Robust Porter – a dark, rich, malty, beer. Over 100 attendees packed the newly renovated brewery where they watched the award presentation and sampled beer from the finalists along with being the first to try and buy the 2014 winner’s brew Professor McDougall’s Weisse ~ Guy Hefeweizen, brewed by Jason McDougall under the watchful eye of Brewmaster Daniel Girard.
 Launched at last night’s gala Professor McDougall’s Weisse ~ Guy Hefeweizen glows hazy deep gold with notes of banana and clove with a hint of bubble-gum. This beer goes great with gouda cheese and cured meats. It is a 5.4% ABV and 8 IBUs beer.
 Professor McDougall’s Weisse ~ Guy Hefeweizen is hitting the shelves at NSLC, all private’s stores for brewery fresh at Garrison in the Halifax Seaport

Rock Bottom Brewpub says they changed up one of their "Standard" Beer on tap. For the next while they will not be carrying the Bigwater Brown but instead we will switch over to the Loyalist ESB. The Loyalist E.S.B.is a classic English pub ale. Burnished copper coloured with an aroma of toast, honey, and pear. A crisp malt body featuring bitter chocolate and toffee. Earthy, balanced bitter finish. Perfectly pairs with crispy appetizers and of course Fish'n Chips. It is a 5.6% ABV and 35 IBU beer.

Thanks for joining me again this week and I hope to see some of you tomorrow in Fredericton and as always enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - February 20, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for February 20th.

The Gahan House has launched its second Home Brewer's Challenge. You have until February 27th to register and the closing date is May 15th. Get details on their facebook page.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault are brewing a brand new pale ale made entirely with malt from their neighbours and friends at Malt Broue in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac. They say it is going to be ready in 3 weeks. Their diva was also busy recently brewing a maple brown ale with a few of her friends.

Hammond River Brewing's new beer has been tapped at Bourbon Quarter Restaurant & Bar. This is the winning beer from HRB's recent homebrew competition. It's a 7% ABV Winter Warmer, and due to the recent weather, the homebrewer has called it "F@‪#‎K‬ Winter". It's a deliciously spiced Winter Warmer so stop in for a pint of it.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says it is surprise beer time. Their latest brewing experiment at the Brewtique is a small batch of Scotch Ale. It is a 7.0% ABV full bodied ale that has plenty of roasted characteristics, that are all held together by an earthy Fuggles hop undertone.It is on tap at the Brewtique while supplies last.

The Pump House Brewery has released for a limited time Black Voodoo Ale, a smooth dark ale with a bite of a rattlesnake. In fact it is a blend of their 4 Alarm IPA and Muddy River Stout and will only be available through the end of the month.

Railcar Brewing Company will be closed until March 17th because they are on the move. Not far just across the street where they will be taking over the bottom floor of 2 Curtis Road underneath A.C. Sharkey's Pub. The new area will consist of a glassed in brewing area and a craft beer bar as well. More space will allow for more tanks as well. 

Boxing Rock Brewing Company has a new beer out. Wild Axe Bohemian Pilsener is 5.7% ABV made with our local lumberjacks in mind. It is a traditional bohemian pilsener, brewed exclusively with Saaz hops and fermented long and aged cold for a perfect pilsener taste. 
Boxing Rock brewed with Andrew "Esty" Estabrooks, former head brewer at Picaroons recently. The Next Chapter is a Rye IPA brewed with New Brunswick malt comes in at 6.3% ABV, This will be released at Fredericton Craft Beer Fest and released at ANBL. 

Garrison Brewing has partnered with Beer Thief, Newfoundland’s' special order beer club to create an exclusive brew - Imperial Chocolate Stout - especially for Canada's easternmost province. At 10% ABV, the Imperial Chocolate Stout was brewed big and bold for the time year and for Newfoundland’s craft beer fans.  Fans in Nova Scotia can also try this unique specialty brew in 650ml bottles starting this weekend either brewery fresh at Garrison Brewing or all four private stores.
Garrison is also releasing "This IS Radio Wheat!" for CKDU 88.1 FM's 30th birthday. A 4.6% ABV wheat beer at the brewery.
The first wave of judging is going on tomorrow for the Brew-off, hope is to narrow the 80 entries down to 12. 

Propeller Brewing Company has a couple of One Hit Wonder Series brews out. 6 More Weeks is an amped up Brown Ale is light bodied, rich in earthy, piny and spicy hop flavour. The dark malts used in this brew add a dash of roast characters that add a delicate creaminess. This beer is loaded with hop bitterness that doesn’t linger with plentiful hop aroma.  This is a 5.5% ABV 82 IBUs beer. Next up is Imperial ESB, is now available and is  6.2% ABV. Lastly the 2015 edition of their Irish Red is out today, now available at both locations in 650ml bottles.

Rock Bottom Brewpub has brought back its award winning Wreckoning - Russian Imperial Stout
Screams crème brûlée with roasted malt and dark fruit then quickly settles into an amazing complexity of tenacious flavours. Layer after layer; toffee, dried fruit, hops, vanilla, dark caramel and chocolate. Her luscious bouquet, soft mouth-feel, alcoholic warmth and silky legs will leave you callin' for more. Finishes with superb tannin balance. A strong 10.5% ABV and 100+ IBUs only available in 7&12 oz portions.

Rudder's Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub is closed for renovations for a week of two, watch here for updates.

Schoolhouse Brewery has a new fermenter coming at the end of March. Should help in production and trying some new beers.

Looking for something to do Saturday night? Pop by the Ladies Beer League Presents "Rocks Off" event at the Mayflower Curling Club and help us raise funds for Stepping Stone. We'll have 5 craft beers and 1 craft cider on tap, curling lessons from 8-10pm, oversized board games from The Board Room Game Cafe, wonderful bites from The Food Wolf, and a CKDU 88.1 FM dance party from 11pm - 2am. And the best part...It's free admission!

Adam Bower is having the 3rd installment of Winemaker vs Brewmaster series at Grand Banker in Lunenburg. This local Taste-Off is between Luckett Vineyards & Garrison Brewing Co. Pete Luckett, owner of Luckett Vineyards and Daniel Girard, brewmaster of Garrison Brewing will each receive our culinary team's 5 course menu in advance, with the mission to put their best pairing forward for each course. 5 Wines, 5 Brews, 5 Courses $80 (+tax & gratuity). Tickets available at the Grand Banker or by calling 902-634-3300.

Moncton area Beer League is planning a New Brunswick craft beer dinner you won't want to miss on Saturday, March 21. Details coming soon.

Strides N Suds is a new ,exclusive event to bring our craft beer and running communities together to raise funds for JDRF. The day will consist of a 5 or 10 km running race along the beautiful First Lake Trail in Lower Sackville and end in a social with samples of craft beer and entertainment. Registration begins at 10:00 am until 11:30 with Run beginning at Noon. MUST BE 19 Years and older to participate.

One last note, Harvest Wine and Spirits in Dartmouth has added four beer taps for growler fills called the Beer Parlour. Watch facebook for what is pouring.

Thanks for joining me again this week after my mid winter break. Until next time enjoy responsibly.