Maritime Beer Report - June 5, 2015

Hello and welcome to the June 5th edition of Maritime Beer Report.

Big Axe Brewery says just in time for the camping season, Big Axe is serving up Hatchet blonde ale, weighing in at 4.6% ABV that they say is "light and refreshingly hoppy".

Distillerie Fils du Roy released their spring beer, Stella Maris is now available from their small store in Petit-Paquetville in 750 ml bottles. Stella Maris mean in Latin Sea Star and it’s the name of the star in the Acadian Flag. Their inspiration is from the French beer style called ‘’Bière de Garde’’ that can be translated as ‘’Beer to Keep’’. It’s a malty sweet made from French malt and French hops, the beer has 7.5% ABV.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says Melonhead is back and they would like to introduce Sir Winston Snaggletooth (c/o Jordan Stephens). Melonhead is now on tap at the brewtique in Downtown Fredericton, and will be on the shelves at Alcool NB Liquor now.

Breton Brewing is waiting for art work to officially announce their beer names but has shared them with us in the meantime. Their three initial beers are Black Angus IPA, Stirling Hefeweizen and Sons of Hector Brown Ale. Looking forward to their opening later this month. Remember this is our secret.

Garrison Brewing Company has been hinting at their collaboration for months now. What I can tell you it is an Imperial ESB with Phillips Brewing, Flying Monkey Brewing and Trou du Diable. It will be at the Back lot bash next week end but no time frame on when it will be hitting the brewery and the NSLC, but the are saying this month.
Great Lakes Brewery did a collaboration yesterday with Garrison. It is very secretive and I haven't got any details yet.  Garrison did another collaboration recently, see Meander River news.

Good Robot Brewing Company says on Sunday, they officially release their Crown on the Ground steam beer. From Good Robot "Steam beer brewers traditionally used lager (cold-fermenting, crisp) yeast but lacked the funds for proper cooling equipment, so they let the cool San Francisco harbour winds chill the beer naturally. In other words, a steam beer is a common man's lager, a crisp tribute to Americana and music festivals, something to drink all day in the sun or the Chevy Suburban while jamming to malt-rock bands." On Sunday, they'll be playing tunes in the driveway, Halifax Press will be on site, and there will be games they played at those original festivals.

Hell Bay Brewing Company says OPA (oatmeal pale ale) is available this week at the brewery and on tap at select bars. This is a very drinkable ale, crisp hop profile, at 5% ABV and  49 IBUs.

Meander River Farm  has a new release. Summer solstice IPA 4.5% ABV. A balanced hoppy flavour and aroma from Amarillo, Citra hops and dry hopped with Cascade. It was releasing at the Taste of Nova Scotia 12 Tides event. Look for it at Stillwell and on tap at the brewery all weekend.
Daniel Girard from Garrison Brewing and  brewmaster Alan Bailey are putting their heads together to brew a Strong Scotch Ale with seaweed, peated malt and other special ingredients. A unique brew for "Dinner on the Ocean Floor" with the The Flying Apron Cookery and Avondale Sky Winery, put on by Taste of Nova Scotia. More details as I get them.

On the heels of North Brewing Company and Brooklyn Warehouse's beer dinner during Nova Scotia craft beer they announced a new beer-centric restaurant. They have bought the space where Nectar currently resides which is closing this month.

Propeller Brewing Company launched their newest One Hit Wonder Series - Point Pleasant Pale Ale.From Propeller "This single hopped, crisp and balanced brew is true to the American Pale Ale style. Solely Columbus hops were used for the bittering and aroma additions of this brew, and we feel it displays this hop at its best. Enjoy this sessionable Craft Brew!" It is a 27 IBUs and 5% ABV beer.

Sea Level Brewing released its seasonal Apple Blossom Ale. This is made annually in celebration of the Apple Blossom Festival in the Annapolis Valley. It is made with Maritime Malt, California ale yeast, a hop called Calypso, and infused with apple flavour. It is a light 4.8% ABV and available now in cans or kegs. Limited time only.

Stillwell's Beer Garden is near completion. co-owner Christopher Reynolds is hoping to have a soft-opening on Sunday. Watch their social media for announcements.

The long awaited taps at Bishops Cellar are on the way. The growler fill station's fridge has shipped and construction will start in-store next week.  They estimate they will be pouring 5 local brews in just over 2 weeks.

Thanks for supporting me again this week 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 - November 14, 2014.

Hello and welcome to the November 14th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company released details on their new Double IPA. They're calling it 8 Cord (as in cord wood), and it's an 8.5% ABV at about 80 IBU's. Colour is deep amber and aromas are pine, citrus, and tropical with a mild maltiness. Brewed with Canadian 2 Row, Munich and Honey malts, hopped with Warrior, Amarillo and Columbus in the boil, and dry hopped - twice of course - with Columbus, Amarillo, Cascade and Comet. Availability will be in PEI only at first in 473 ml cans and on draft at select locations.

Picaroons Traditional Ales are officially a certified B Corporation. A B-corporation is a type of for-profit entity that wishes to consider society and the environment in addition to profit in their decision-making process. It differs from traditional corporations in its purpose, accountability, and transparency. Well done.

Big Spruce Brewing released Statler & Waldorf, an American  IPA brewed with only hops grown on their farm. They say coming to a tap near you and available at the brewery and this weekend at the Cape Breton Farmers' Market. It is 6.4% ABV.

Hell Bay Brewing Company released 'Chocolat' today. It's a smooth chocolate wheat ale made in a brown porter style, rich chocolate aroma and flavour, with hints of roasted coffee and vanilla, along with a slight rum character, that was used to infuse the cocoa and vanilla beans! It is 6% ABV and will be available at the brewery in growlers and in selected bars and restaurants.

Propeller Brewing gave me some hints on their next Lambic release coming around the holidays. They're not certain yet for an exact release date. However, I can tell you it is a Blackberry Version aged in oak barrels from Blomidon Estate Winery. 

Tatamagouche Brewing Company have a new one off. North Shore Lagered Ale. They say they are hanging onto the last taste of fall with this refreshing, lightly hopped brew.

Uncle Leo’s Brewery are releasing a seasonal beer It is a milk stout called Uncle Leo’s Cream Stout. It will be 5% ABV and 23 IBU's.  It's should be available tomorrow at the brewery for growler refills for now. They say they will be brewing it until the end of December.

A new start-up brewery popped up on the radar this week. Wayfarers' Ale is looking to open in Port Williams summer of 2015. I asked to meet them them when they are ready to write a full report. For now this is their description from their facebook page "A company formed to provide a tax efficient way for persons interested in craft beer to invest in the craft beer industry in Nova Scotia. To that end, the company will invest the proceeds received through a public share offering under the CEDIF program in Wayfarers' Ale Ltd., a developing craft brewery, through the purchase of Wayfarers' Ale Ltd. Class A common shares". They have a couple of websites to check out if you want to learn more.

Sunday is the first anniversary of Bar Stillwell in Halifax. They are bringing back some favorites and debuting Red Rover Scrumpy Cider, Bad Apple Boxcutter IPA, their collaboration with Boxing Rock called Merci Bière and their collaboration with North Brewing called Nuppeppo. The Merci Bière is technically a super saison, or a strong farmhouse ale. It uses a portion of beech smoked malt, but the effect is pretty subtle and balanced, as well as dry and slightly tart. Nuppeppo is less subtle, it's a big, spiced black saison. It uses Tokyo Steak Spice, direct from Graeme's recipe book. Both beers are kind of food beers. Merci Biere will be available at the bottle shops the day after the party, and Nuppeppo will be available in growlers from North. In addition there is 4 casks and of course cake. All the fun starts at 4 PM.

Thanks for checking in again this week, until next week enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - October 17, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - October 10, 2014

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

Pumphouse Brewery released a status update on their Stonefire Stienbier, it is going to be released on October 31st and is a limited addition, be on the look out for that one in the Maritimes.

The long awaited opening of Railcar Brewing Company is now here. Mitch happily announced on his facebook page that they are now fully open for business.

Shiretown Beer released that its Siren's T'ale was being brewed with Southan Farm's Golding hops. Look for Batch #146 to sample this wet-hopped one-off.

Stillwell's New Brunswick Nano-brewery Tap-takeover line-up on October 18th has been released. It is all subject to change but as of right now it looks like Hammond River Brewing, Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault, Railcar Brewing, Big Axe Brewing, Acadie-Broue, Grimross Brewing and Red Rover Brewing. There are tickets available for both sessions but you are too late to get in on the t-shirt.

Rare Bird Craft Beer Pumpkin Ale that won gold at the Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards should be released next week. I will release more details as I get them.

Big Spruce Brewing has a couple of seasonals on at the brewery this week end. The Das Sprucebier Octoberfest Ale that I mentioned last week and Smoking Jack It. They say "we brewed this with 58 kg of our own organic, on farm produced pumpkin. We hot smoked the pumpkin for 5 hours and then incorporated it into the mash. This beer conditioned on Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cardamom that we had soaked for 72 hrs in a bottle of 15 yr old Flor de Caña Centenario rum.....oh and that made it into the beer too!"

Boxing Rock Brewing Company announced that they are planning a fall party for November 1st at the brewery and to stay tuned for details. They also teased that they brewed a new fall seasonal. All they are saying is that it is an amber with a very special hop that they believed to be unobtainable.

Hell Bay Brewing has its Honey Blonde beer out in bottles. It is a light refreshing ale with a sweet honey finish that is lightly hopped with a light body. They go on to say that it is a North American style beer and has a bit of sweet, with hints of citrus, which makes this beer light and refreshing. The  beer is unfiltered, unpasteurized and contains no preservatives. It is a 5% ABV and 17 IBUs.

North Brewing has a new beer coming out. It is a Winter Saison. I tried it last week end and it has pepper and ginger as the predominant spices, it went very nice paired with the duck. It was also leaked that they are working on a milk stout, so some exciting new beers coming.

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 16, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for May 16th 2014

Hammond River Brewing announced they are brewing two summer seasonals. The first one they are currently working on is a Hawaiian Pale Ale brewed with fresh pineapple and they posted a picture of all the pineapples this week. The other is a Blueberry Ale that will be brewed with fresh blueberries. The Blueberry Ale will be a purple beer since it's brewed with real blueberries, so it won't be your typical Blueberry Ale. I can't wait to try it.

Seems like from now until October there will be a beer festival somewhere in the Maritimes. Picaroons' Brewers Bash tickets will be going on sale starting 10 AM on Tuesday.May 20th at the Cedar Tree Cafe in Downtown Fredericton, or online at http://brewersbash.picaroons.ca/. Get them fast as they will not last.

Hell Bay Brewing Company released their latest iteration of R.I.P.(A.) ver. 3.0. This one is supposed to be slightly maltier, with biscuit notes, and citrus on the hop end. It weighs in at 7.2% ABV and 70 IBUs.

Meander River Farm and Brewery's big day is tomorrow. Saturday is your chance to grab Nova Scotia's newest microbrew. They will be selling growlers of their Lunch Box Pale Ale and some of your favourite farm products. For tomporrow only, $5 for a MRFB branded growler and $5 for the fill. They'll be open from 10-5 and I will be there to get some. They also say to be sure to share your visit from Saturday's opening on social media and tag them to receive $1 off your next growler.

Uncle Leo's Brewery says that due to the busy summer season approaching this will be their last weekend at the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. They go on to say "If you bought a growler from us you can either keep it as a keep sake, return it this weekend at the market or keep it and get it filled at another Brewery (call ahead to make sure they will fill another Brewery's growler)." Don't forget you get your Uncle Leo's fix at Premier Wine & Spirits, Bishop's Cellar, Harvest Wines and Cristall Wines.

Halifax Seaport Beerfest, which is August 8 & 9 this year, said that tickets for the 8th annual event will go on sale beginning June 13th. This Atlantic Canada’s largest gathering of craft beer, imports & cider with over 275 unique products available for sampling and discussion. In addition to the beer there is local music, food and new VIP sessions with guided tastings and early entry.

Lastly but not least the oldest beer fest in the Maritimes, the 9th annual Atlantic Beer Fest, is happening in Moncton two weeks from tomorrow on May 31st. I talked to Scott MacLeod, one of the organizers last week and he offer a few tidbits for me to share with you. There is over 175 beers and ciders coming from eastern Canada and New England. There will also be food vendors to for the expected 3000 people that will attend one of the two sessions on the 31st. Scott also shared several brewers coming but asked me to only share a few as a full list will be in the Moncton Times-Transcript on May 24th. There are several exciting brewers for Quebec and Ontario including 10 offerings from a favorite of mine Le Trou du Diable, Muskoka Brewing from Ontario, all the way from BC Howe Sound Brewing, Belfast Bay Brewing bring a Lobster Ale and most exciting for me Smuttynose Brewing Company. There is also free buses to and from areas to Agrena A sponsored by ANBL to provide a safe ride. Something new this year, The Moncton Area Beer League is offering VIP tickets that provide Tapetizers and a couple special beer at Pumphouse, then limos out to a private entrance where you by-pass the line,after the session you get limoed back downtown. As of this afternoon there are four tickets available for $65 per ticket available from The Moncton Beer League. If you have trouble email me and I will forward it to the organizer.Moncton Area Beer League and the Atlantic Beer Festival will donate all proceeds to Support to Single Parents Inc. ~ Support aux parents uniques inc.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my report again this week, enjoy the long week end for my Canadian fans and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - May 2, 2014

Hello and welcome to the May 2nd edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault had a big week this week with their tanks arriving at the brewery. Also their own "Hoppy Diva" Mychèle is breaking in her new boots. She's been accepted as a member of the Pink Boots Society which aims at promoting the work of women in breweries. 

Grimross Brewing was bottling Pugnacious Porter this week. Pugnacious is conditioned on pure cocao and whole vanilla beans. They use a Belgian yeast and it attenuates fairly well so is a little more dry than typical Porter. Aroma is faint chocolate - flavour is coffee/dark chocolate with a hint of roastiness - mouthfeel is light, crisp, dry for a porter enjoy a few. It will be at King Street Ale House, Tide & Boar and of course the Brewtique. The Porter weighs in at 5% ABV

Picaroons Traditional Ales said it is HOP time! Citra & SorachiAce hops went into the EASTBOUND & DOWN IPA online collaboration with Great Lakes Brewery. Look out for the EASTBOUND & DOWN IPA to be on tap around Downtown Fredericton during the Canadian Brewing Awards at the end of May.

Rock Bottom Brew Pub released the Intergalactic SMaSH'd Lager on tap on Thursday. It is brewed exclusively with Superior Pale Ale malt and Galaxy hops. From Greg Nash "An intergalactic amped-up lager; hopped to the hilt starting at the mash and finishing with multiple dry-hop additions. The single malt brew coupled with the clean lager fermentation make this an epic canvas for a true taste of this newer Australian hop cultivar." It has a 7.1% ABV and a calculated 70 IBUs.


Rogues Roost is brewing a Dunkel Weizenbock, details are thin now but I will have more on release.

There is a craft beer week end going on at White Point Beach Lodge this week end. There is barbeque, buffet, craft beer and a tap takeover featuring Hell Bay Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing. Lots going on, check out the website.

That is all for this week so until time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - April 4, 2014

Hello and welcome to the April 4th, World Belgian Beer Day, edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Hammond River Brewing helped in the inaugural brew at Big Axe Brewery last week end. Big Axe are going to have a cream ale and IPA for their initial offerings.

Celtic Knot Brewing was busy this week brewing their first test batch of a new recipe they developed. From the brewer "The beer will be called "For Shore", kinda poking fun at how Maritimers say "for sure" This new beer will be in the style of an India Session Ale, meaning it will be light in colour, around 5% alcohol, low in bittering but very high in hop flavour and aroma. I won't be calling it an India Session Ale though, I will be calling it a Maritime Session Ale. This beer will be brewed using only hops from Australia and New Zealand".

Grimross Brewing told me they are bringing two versions of Cheval D'Or to the Saint John Beer Fest. They are similar beers - one brewed with French Saison yeast and the other with Farmhouse Ale.

Picaroons Traditional Ales have annouced this years Dooryard will be out on Earth Day, April 22nd. They also ask do you want your cat to become famous? They need your cat again. Send them a HI-RES pic of your awesome cat, that they will use for their new Melonhead label. They will let you know if your cat made the cut, right before Melonhead hits the shelves in June.Send your cat pictures to MelonheadContest@gmail.com by Thursday April 24th in jpg/.pdf/.tif filetypes.

Pumphouse brewery are searching for a qualified Brewer to join their Brew Crew, feel you got what it takes and looking for a new challenge drop them a resume.

Big Spruce Brewing is turning 1 year old this Saturday April 5th from 5pm to close at the Bras d'Or Yacht Club in Baddeck, NS. The event will feature the release of our 1 year Anniversary Scotch Ale, plus will have Kitchen Party Pale Ale, Ready Yer Knot....Regatta Red, Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout, and You Spin Me White Round Wheat IPA on tap. Speaking of the Anniversary Scotch Ale, they were busy in the brewery infusing their "The Whole Nine Yards" 1 Year Anniversary Scotch Ale with Glenora Single Malt 10 yr old Whisky. Jeremy says "Malty, with a distinct roast flavour and all the smoky/peaty goodness from the Glenora Whisky, this beer weighs in at 6.5% ABV."

Garrison Brewing Co. announced the return of the Test Batch #3459 today. I don't have any details yet. They also announced that Daniel brewed the first beer in the new brewery and of course it's Irish Red - the beer that started it all.

Hell Bay Brewing Company also celebrated their 3rd anniversary on April 1st. Congrats Mark

North Brewing Company announced Glenora Barrel Aged Strong Dark Belgian is back , just in time for Belgian Beer Day. Very limited quantities available so get down to the brewery as soon as possible. Josh also told me Farmhouse is back next week!! The recipe is tweeked a bit I bet it is going to be awesome.

Thanks for joining me again this week and I will be back next week, until then, enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - March 21, 2014

Hello and welcome to the March 21st edition of the Maritime Beer Report

Barnone Brewing is working on a very special creation this week. They are brewing a Red IPA called Red Eye PA using 150 oz hops, 150 kg's malt and 150 IBU's for 150 hr music Jam session at Baba's lounge on April 1-7.

Hammond River Brewing have been busy this week kegging a batch of Covered Bridge ESB and working on a batch of Hop Flash IPA. They did something different with the Hop Flash IPA and dry hopped it with different hops. When available on tap in a couple of days, anyone that can guess the two different hops it was dry hopped with will get a free HRB ball cap.

Smoke's Poutinerie Fredericton has introduced a new poutine, that's exclusive to Fredericton, that uses Picaroons Traditional Ales 104th REGIMENT braised local beef. Man that sounds awesome.

Garrison Brewing Co. released their Grand Baltic Porter today at the  brewery and all four private stores in HRM. It must be spring. I also see they are brewing the next iteration of their test brews called #3459. On one last note their St Peters Belgian Style Strong Ale will hit the shelves next week.

Granite Brewing says that their Dunkelbock is back on for the spring. It is a dark German lager at 6.0% ABV and 30IBUs. It is available in growlers at the brewery.

Hell Bay Brewing Company also has their next release out. The R.I.P.(A.) Ver. 2.0 is now available at the brewery in growlers, and kegs are being sent to the city. They say it is basically the same as the first version, but we tripled the hops. 

I had a nice chat with Authentic Seacoast Brewing rep today and things are busy in Guysborough, they are getting more space for storage and looking at some uniquely Maritime seasonals and distilling as well. Certainly exciting times for the town.

I would also like to thanks Fredericton Craft Beer Fest for giving me a great growler and Chris MacDonald for bringing it to Halifax for me.

That is all I have for this week, thanks for joining me and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - March 7, 2014

Hello and welcome to the March 7th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

PEI Brewing released they are bringing a barrel aged honey wheat to Fredericton Craft Beer Festival as a treat.

Celtic Knot Brewing reminds us that The Laundromat in Moncton always has Celtic Knot beer on tap and they will be releasing a limited edition Oak Bourbon version of the Dark Passage very soon.

Hammond River Brewing had two new fermenters arrive which will double their capacity. Hopefully this will help them keep up with demand.

Picaroons Traditional Ales are bringing Yippee IPA, and Plaid to the Bone on tap to the Fredericton Craft Beer Fest and three casks. Those casks being: Parcel Of Rogues, Maple Cream Ale, and Ember Ale Smoked Porter!
Also O.B. WON is now on tap at the brewtique. This was Joe Goodine's winning beer from last falls NB Home Brew Challenge, Go get this winning brew while you can.

Shiretown Beer says that their Honey Wheat now available at the brewery! Made with Charlo Honey House Buckwheat Honey!! This one comes in at 5% ABV.

Hell Bay Brewing Company Dunkelweizen will be released this week and will be available at the brewery in growlers, and the Argyle in Halifax will have it on tap. Dunkelweizen, the darker, smoother cousin of the Hefeweizen .This beer is a well carbonated wheat beer with a light – medium body. Lightly hopped, with hints of banana and clove, and complex malty flavours ranging from chocolate to caramel. This beer is unfiltered and slightly hazy as traditional wheat beers are meant to be, and desirable for the style. It has a IBU of 16 and ABV is 6%.

Sea Level Brewing has finally released their El Rojo Diablo Double IPA. It is a bold hoppy brew layered with intense herbal aromas. Its bitterness is balanced with a tropical fruit maltiness. It comes in with an ABV 7.666% and an IBU of 88. It is at the Port Pub, in Halifax on tap Stillwell Beer Bar and on the shelf at the brewery in 1 litre growlers.

One last note, The Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery in Antigonish is open again from their winter break.

That is all for this week, I will be at Fredericton Beer Fest if you happen to see me say hi. Until next week enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - January 17, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for January 17, 2014

Bridge Brewing released a collaboration brew with Java Blend Coffee Roasters today. A Belgian Coffee Brown Ale, made with 2 kg of Guatemalan El Injerto Pandora del Carmen. I tried some last night and it was good. It is in limited supply so get some early.

Thinking of signing up for the Garrison Brewing's 2014 Home Brew Off or do you want to brush up on your Weizen-brewing skills? On Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm, Steven Haynes from Noble Grape will be at Garrison doing an all-grain demonstration. Best of it's free so swing by and check it out.

Hell Bay Brewing Company has released a new new IPA the R.I.P.(A.). Hell Bay will be doing a different version each month for the next few months, and having a taste off at the end to determine which IPA version will be added to their regular line up. This version is pale, dry, 7.2% ABV and moderately hopped for the style.In version #2, they are saying more hops.

Paddys Irish Brewpub released details on their new Fitz's Belgian Dubbel Ale, now on tap at Paddys in Wolfville and coming soon to Kentville location. From Paddy's "Fitz’s Belgian Dubbel: bronze, light body and lively carbonation; complex, fruity and spicy notes, 7% ABV".

Rockbottom Brewpub reports that Firkin Saturdays are no more and have been replaced with Firkin Wednesday. They say "every hump-day at 4:00 PM they'll be offering up a 20 L cask (dubbed a 'pin') of unique brew on the bar top".

This past Wednesday was dubbed the "Day of Wreckoning" and coincided with the launch of two seasonal beers to their taps. First was Balticus, a Smoked Baltic Porter. From the Brewers Blog "Mashing with 35% beechwood smoked malt lends a wonderful twist to our otherwise classic Baltic Porter; licorice, roasted malt, raisins, caramel, fruit, smokey phenols, malty richness, and oh-so-smooth. It comes in at 7.8 % ABV and 40 IBUs.

The other seasonal released was Wreckoning, a Russian Imperial Stout.  Again from Greg Nash "This one screams crème brûlée with roasted malts and dark fruit, quickly settling into an amazing complexity of serious flavour. Layer after layer; toffee, dried fruit, hops, vanilla, dark caramel and chocolate. Her luscious bouquet, vinous mouth-feel, alcoholic warmth and silky legs will leave you callin' for more, no doubt. Finishes with superb tannin balance".. This one has a 10.5% ABV and 100+ (112 calculated) IBU. Sounds like dessert in a cup my friends.

Lastly the menu for the RockBottom Brewpub First beer dinner is now ready. Join them on the January 27th at 6:00 pm. For the following menu: 

     Drunken carrot, ginger and goat cheese soup
     Beer batter mini onion rings
     Fathom IPA

     Boilermaker BBQ braised beef short rib
     Pork belly and beer mac & cheese
     Smoked Baltic Porter

     Chocolate & Russian imperial stout pecan pie
     Bourbon sauce
     Russian Imperial Stout

Three courses including beer $30 plus taxes and Gratuity and is limited to 40 guests. It is over 50% full so make your reservation soon.

Sea Level Brewing's latest seasonal, High St Wee Heavy Scotch Ale is out in cans at the usual spots and Bar Stillwell. 

The Townhouse Brewpub & Eatery is having a Craft Beer Tasting on Feb 8th. They're bringing Tracy Phillippi, of The Ladies Beer League, back to town to host another guided craft beer tasting. It will be open to the public, and feature 7-8 Maritime Craft Beers paired with appetizers from Chef Jacob Buckley and the Townhouse kitchen. 

I went to the Local Connections Halifax Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration last night and had a great time. I am going to Bar Stillwell's Tap Takeover tomorrow. I will try to have blog posts on both of these next week.

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

Maritime Beer Report - January 10, 2014

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

CBC reported this week that the Great Canadian Beer Expo is cancelled. From CBC.com:
The Nova Scotia installments of a beer tasting event has been cancelled, just one day after CBC ran a story about how the organizer was selling unauthorized tickets.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Great Canadian Beer Expo has to be postponed at this time," reads an email sent to a Maritime brewery set to take part in the event.
"Because we are unable to set new dates, we will be issuing full refunds to all participants. The refund process has already begun and will be completed by January 31st, 2014."
The emailed is signed, "The GCBE Team."

Credit for breaking this story and alerting CBC goes to a group of guys over on the Brewnosers forum, way to go guys.
Unfortunate turn of events, I heard some are getting refunds already look in to it as soon as possible. I would like mention their are several Beer fest that are approved and been around for at least one year so you shouldn't have reservations about supporting them. 

Big Tide Brewing Co. is brewing Bourbon Stock Ale. It is a Stock Ale that is also known as a winter warmer or a strong ale. It is estimated be about 8% ABV and 50 IBU's and should be ready the week of the 20th at the pub and in growlers.

The Pump House Brewery have a new beer called Pompier à vos garde. From facebook "The style is biere de garde and is brewed in the style of northern France. Biere de garde or Beer to Keep is a traditional french farmhouse beer. Our deep chestnut brown ale is brewed with Crystal malt, Cara dark and good Canadian 2 row malt, Brew master Glenn lightly hops his ale with his own combination of 3 distinctive hops. Fruity esters are evident and despite a 7% ABV there is no noticeable alcohol taste." 

PEI Brewing Company are introducing the new Fathers 2014 Commemorative 4 Pack. The new 4 pack will be shipped to PEI and New Brunswick, sorry Nova Scotia. The four types of beer included in the pack are their Blueberry Ale named 1864, their Coles Cream Ale branded Premier George Coles, their signature Sir John A’s Honey Wheat Ale and Colonel John Hamilton Gray representing their Brown Ale.

Bad Apple Brewhouse has announced their next beer, Black & Tackle, will be available tomorrow at the brewhouse. It is a Russian Imperial Stout that comes in at 9% ABV and as they put it, "it will definitely help with the winter chills!"

Big Spruce Brewing will be releasing a brand new beer at The Craft Beer and Local Food Celebration next Thursday. Tim's Dirty, an American IPA. This was the winning recipe from the winner of the 1st Annual Big Spruce Homebrew Challenge, Tim Gregory. 

Hell Bay Brewing Company released that its English Ale is coming to a participating NSLC near you by the end of the month. Good news for Nova Scotians

Rockbottom Brewpub ‏has set a date for their first beer dinner. It will be January 27th at 6pm. Three courses of food paired with three beers. It will $30 and the menu will be released soon.

Rogue's Roost ‏is having their 2nd Brewmaster Monday event on the 13th with the next one scheduled for January 27th.  Ticket info will be posted next week and i will try to pass it along.

The Stubborn Goat Gastropub has announced their first Cask Friday to go today. They will have a firkin of Garrison Winter Warmer, and a pin of Garrison Spruce Beer. It starts at 4 PM and goes until they are gone. I will report them as I get information.

Stillwell Beer Bar has released the details on their Tap takeover featuring Boxing Rock Brewing and Big Spruce Brewing on January 18th. $10 gets you a glass to take home and a drink ticket. The event starts at noon and runs until 5 pm. Featuring, from Boxing Rock: Many Hands Pale Ale (collab with Bridge Brewing), Hunky Dory Pale Ale, Temptation Red, Crafty Jack English Brown, U-889 Russian Imperial Stout and Vicar's Cross DIPA. From Big Spruce: Tim's Dirty American IPA, Blackout Conundrum, Left Breton Organic Conspiracy Imperial IPA (collab with Crannóg), Regatta Red , Bitter Get'r India Black IPA, Kitchen Party Pale Ale and Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout. In addition cask ales from both breweries. Tickets are at the bar or for information email tix@barstillwell.com .

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

Beer Review - Hell Bay Brewing Wee Heavy Scotch Ale

The is a seasonal from Hell Bay Brewing in Liverpool Nova Scotia, a scotch ale coming in at 8% ABV. It is a dark copper colour with a thin foamy head. Getting a malty aroma from this. The ale has a medium body and light carbonation. On the taste I definitely get smoke right away, it is a sweet nice beer with some smoke and a bit of a malty aftertaste. Very nice beer for this time of the year. Definitely like this beer, try to find it.

Maritime Beer Report - December 13, 2013

Hello and welcome to the December 13, 2013 edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

Big Spruce Brewing's 1st Annual Big Spruce Brewing Home Brew Challenge crowned a winner last Friday. The winner is Tim Gregory of Dartmouth with his Dirty Grain IPA. I look forward to trying it in January.

Boxing Rock Brewing ‏announced Wednesday that they now have U-889 Russian Imperial Stout available at the brewery store and will be at Halifax Seaport Market and Bishops Cellar this weekend. They tell us to think coffee and vanilla.

Garrison Brewing released its seasonal Spruce Beer today in Halifax in bottles and growlers

Hell Bay Brewing Company revealed that once again they are releasing our Black Fog Oatmeal Stout. Hell Bay tells us "This is a dark, rich beer with lots of roasted aroma and flavour with hints of chocolate and coffee along with a silky mouth feel. Available in growlers now and bottles next week." 'Tis the Season!

Paddys Irish Brewpub Kentville shared that "Frost Biter Winter Warmer now available on tap and growlers - Chestnut colour with notes of holiday chocolate and expresses a pleasant warming due to the slightly higher 6% Abv."

Rogues Roost released its Russian Imperial Stout yesterday. I comes in at  8.5% ABV and 55 IBUs. 

Saint John Beerfest is April 5 2014 7:00 PM- 09:30 PM  This event is being held at Market Square. Tickets are VIP - $70 and General Admission - $60.

That is all for this very light news week so until next time, enjoy responsibly

Maritime Beer Report - December 6, 2013

Hello and welcome to the December 6, 2013 edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Congratulations to Joe Goodine of Moncton NB for winning The New Brunswick Home-brew Challenge. The finalist were Marc Levesque (Busy Day Bitter), Kynan Hughson (Raging Grampa), Mark McGraw (The Bitter End), Jake Saunders (British Bulldog Bitter), Brian Steeves (Broadway Bitter) and Joe Goodine (OB Juan).

Picaroons' THE "12 BEERS OF CHRISTMAS" are coming back. Starting next Thursday, December 12 , at THE BREWTQUE in Downtown Fredericton, they will be releasing a different festive brew each day, for 12 days. They will announce the day's beers everyday at 12 NOON, and the beer will be ready for your Growlers starting at 3 PM. Sounds fun.

Pump House Brewery ‏have released on tap their seasonal Nor'Easter Beater Winter Warmer. Dark amber color, big malt presence, subtly spiced with clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and 7% A.B.V. 

Shiretown Beer said their Siren T'ale will be in a ANBL store near you in the near future. 

Authentic Seacoast Brewing is spreading holiday cheer across Nova Scotia this month with free Rare Bird Craft Beer tastings in select NSLC stores, check their facebook page for times and locations. The Full Steam Stout has been making its way to private stores this week and the released their pumpkin seasonal will be available real soon. Exciting times in Guysborough.

Big Spruce Brewing's released a Home Brew Challenge Update "We received 17 sets of samples! Judging will be this Friday Dec 6th, with an announcement shortly thereafter to confirm the winner. Thanks to all that participated, and see you for the release of this exciting beer at the Craft Beer and Local Food Festival in Halifax on Jan 16th" 

Garrison is saying the Spruce Beer is bottled and will be out on December 13th in their retail store.

Hell Bay Brewing is now available at Harvest Wine & Spirits and Cristall Wine Merchants in Halifax, great news for us local fans.

Rogue's Roost 1st Brew Master Monday was held this week to a great crowd. It was a chance to sample all their beers, with an opportunity to talk and ask questions with their brewmaster. It didn't appear to be publicized too well but I hope i can let you know when the next one is. 

Cam from Schoolhouse Brewery reported enjoying a beer with master brewer Greg Nash from Rockbottom Brewpub at the soon to open Bad Apple Brewhouse near Berwick. I emailed the Jeff at Bad Apple for some information and will pass it along if I hear anything.

Sea Level Brewing announced its much loved HIGH STREET WEE HEAVY SCOTCH ALE is in the making. An ale with a complex malty body and a slight hint of smokiness in the finish.

Finally this week Yardarm Holdings who is negotiating opening a new brewery in Bayport has applied to also have a distillery at the site of the former Riverport and District Elementary School. It would be nice to see more movement in this project but for now I will keep watching it.

That is all for this week, send all your news tips to toddthebeerdude@gmail.com and until next time, enjoy responsibly and take care.

Ladies Beer League Cask Event - November 17, 2013

I could not make the cask event as I was unfortunately on a boat in the Caribbean ;) I did asked my friend Krista Spurr to cover this event for the Maritime Beer Report and I think she did a great job. Thanks Krista.

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I’m a recent beer enthusiast, however, my formal beer knowledge consists of “I like it!” or “I don’t like it!” To improve this dire situation, I’ve been attending Ladies Beer League events in Halifax since the summer, made some friends with more learned beer drinkers, and I’ve learned one thing: supporting local craft beer is an awful lot of fun.

On an otherwise dreary Sunday afternoon, ladies and dudes took over the upper level at the Stubborn Goat, Halifax’s newest gastropub, to experience Cask Fest. And what great fun it was!

A terrific selection of craft brews, mostly from Nova Scotia, greeted us. Attendees were given handy passports-ballots. You check off each of the seven beers on offer as the afternoon wore on, and the eighth sample was obtained by presenting your completed passport to your favourite beer.

 

The Stubborn Goat has only been open for about a month, but it’s already a favourite. Warm lighting, a spacious interior full of cozy spaces, and a food menu that is divine. They have a terrific selection of beers, including plenty of local craft brew options, which made it an ideal setting for Cask Fest.

In the spirit making good choices, my friend and I made a strategic decision to drink lightest to darkest. As best as we could tell the lighter beers from the darker ones, with no cask beer knowledge to rely on:

 

1.     Propeller Brewing Dry-hopped IPA

2.     Bridge Brewing Belgian Apricot IPA

3.     Boxing  Rock Brewing English Brown Ale

4.     Hell Bay Brewing Dark Cream Ale

5.     Big Spruce Brewing Glenora-infused Cereal Killer Stout

6.     Picaroons Brewing Smoked Porter

7.     Garrison Brewing Winter Warmer

Even through it was the middle of a Sunday afternoon, the crowd was lively. The Stubborn Goat’s space was really ideal for moving around, grabbing a seat and chatting, or just leaning on the bar. Throughout the afternoon, the merriment was on the rise as the beer flowed. I learned a little bit and enjoyed a lot. Like the hint of apricot on the nose of Bridge Brewing’s Belgian Apricot IPA. The rich creaminess of Hell Bay’s Dark Cream Ale. The little bit of patience required to enjoy the hearty stout from Big Spruce, because warming up the glass brought out the Glenora whisky. Garrison’s Winter Warmer was a welcome strong beer companion for a chilly November afternoon. In short, there was a lot to love.

 

When the weather changes, I usually move from my white wine and summery beers to a steady routine of dark, heavy red wines, leaving beer off the schedule until the first sun of spring. I think a lot of this is because I simply don’t know much about more complex beers, which made Cask Fest an ideal experience for someone like me.

Later in the afternoon, it was time to choose my eighth sample and cast my vote. The preceding seven samples had fuelled plenty of spirited conversation at my table, but in the end, I went with the beer that left the biggest impression: Hell Bay Brewing’s Dark Cream Ale. It was a nice balance of flavours, hearty but not overwhelming, rich, but just enough.

For more information about the Ladies Beer League, check them out on Twitter or like their Facebook page find out about upcoming events. For more information about what I eat, drink, see and do, visit me at http://bitesizedtravel.ca.

Krista Spurr

http://bitesizedtravel.ca  

Twitter: @krisp131 and @bitesizedtravel

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kristaspurr

LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/krista-spurr/73/882/b68