The Ladies Beer League and Lunn’s Mill Beer Co. Release Hoppers’ Bazaar

(Lawrencetown, NS) - The Ladies Beer League traveled down to Lunn’s Mill Beer Company on December 19th to brew their latest collaboration. Hoppers’ Bazaar is a Dark  Belgian Dubbel brewed with a Pilsner base malt, Amber, Dark Munich, Special B, Chocolate Wheat & Dark Belgian Candi sugar. It was then gently hopped with Saaz, Tettnang and just to keep things kind. of bazaar a late addition of Garam Masala.  The beer is a rich semi-sweet and spicy beer with hints of cumin and cardamom that comes in at 6.7% ABV and 14 IBU.
The beer was brewed on Lunn's “Bazaar” pilot system that was their first piece of equipment and was funded by a grant from AIRO, the Annapolis Invests In Rural Opportunities. It was released 
The LBL came down on Dec 19th and we had a great day. They released the beer on Friday at The Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth and can also be found at Good Robot Brewing as well as at Lunn's Mill

Ladies Beer League to Give Sneak Peek While Helping Food Bank

(Halifax, NS) - Ladies Beer League (LBL) are partnering with 2 Crows Brewing for an exclusive event in aid of Feed Nova Scotia. 
Join LBL along with Mark, Kelly and Jeremy of 2 Crows Brewing in an intimate setting to taste and give feedback on their three core beers before they open plus maybe a few surprises.
ALL ticket sales go to Feed Nova Scotia and there will be boxes at the event to collect non-perishable food items as well.
Tickets on sale now at Eventbrite 

The Ladies Beer League is a non-profit organization that fosters a welcoming space for women to learn about craft beer and local breweries through social events and fundraising activities. Since its inception, LBL has opened its membership to all genders, and has made supporting local womens’ charities and causes a high priority. 

2 Crows Brewing plans to open a microbrewery this fall in the heart of downtown Halifax and intends to create beers that are approachable with a "twist". 

Big Spruce Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing release Triskaidekaphobia Imperial Brown Ale

(Nyanza, NS & Shelburne NS) - Big Spruce Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing are releasing Triskaidekaphobia Imperial Brown Ale on Saturday December 19, 2016 at both breweries, select taps and private wine and beer stores. This collaboration was brewed on November 13th by the two breweries and Ladies Beer League in Shelburne. The beer, whose name means "a fear of the number 13", was slow conditioned on Nova Scotia cherries and rum soaked vanilla beans. The limited release is 9% ABV and 40 IBU and will disappear quick.

Maritime Beer Report - July 10, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - June 19, 2015

Hello and welcome to the June 19th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

The latest Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation annual sales information released this week shows continued exceptional growth for Nova Scotia made craft beer. According to the NSLC, Nova Scotia craft beer sales grew last year by 25.4% compared to 22% the year before. This growth is even more significant given the 1.2% decline in sales in the beer category overall. Overall, the Nova Scotia Craft Beer industry grew 35.9 % last year, including more than $10 million in direct sales from breweries and the private wine stores, in addition to the over $5 million of sales through the NSLC retail outlets. 

Big Spruce Brewing is having a food truck party every Friday throughout the summer and next Friday, June 26th is the first  first day. The folks at Free Range Bio Farm will be there with their custom Big Yellow food truck, featuring some of their on-farm raised/processed, German style, Berkshire pork sausages. There will be potato salad, sauerkraut, chili, and lots of other delicious local treats. 

Boxing Rock tells me that the last batch of Sessionista is ready to be released. Sad news but they are brewing a new session ale on Monday and rumor has it there will be rye in it. Stay tuned for details.

Garrison Brewing says they are pouring "Brewhouse Cider" in conjunction with their friends Bulwark Ciders, and produced right in the old seaport brewery. Also Garrison's Coast to Coastless Imperial ESB will be released on Monday. This is a strong 7.6% ABV and 50 IBUs beer and was made with Philips Brewing, Flying Monkeys Craft Brewing and Trou du Diable. This will be available at the brewery, bottle shops and NSLC eventually.

Granite Brewery was brewing Honey Ginger this week. It should be available next week end and for the rest of the summer.

North Brewing Company has produced "Hang Ten" birthday beer for The Local Source and will be out this Saturday in their store and Lion and Bright. It is a 4.5% ABV hybrid lager dry hopped with Wakatu and Columbus. 

Rare Bird Pub opened yesterday for the summer season on the Guysborough waterfront. A great place to have a Rare Bird Craft beer. 

The Gahan House says they are heading to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival. Located at the top of the festival grounds will be the Gahan at the Beach Pop-up Restaurant featuring handcrafted ales on tap, beer and food demos, a pig roast and so much more.

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.
Tickets are $25 and include five 5 oz cask samples, a belly full of the Wooden Monkey's amazing pizza and - of course - birthday cake.
To celebrate their second year there are new Ladies Beer League swag. Come out to celebrate, hang out with awesome people, share ideas for future events, or just come for the beer. 
The casks include: 
- Boxing Rock is bringing Rule 42, which is an English IPA collaboration with Hell Bay, Sea Level and Gahan House.
- Big Spruce is doing up a Pump Le Mousse Grapefruit Wheat. 
- Garrison firkin and North Brewing cask, 
In celebration of their 2nd birthday they want to know where you have gone with the Ladies Beer League. Post a picture of you in your LBL shirt before Friday June 26 and you could win one of their new shirts designed by Dartmouth Clothing Company. Check on the facebook for details.

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 , Grimross Brewing , Railcar Brewing, The Pump House Brewery and Restaurant, Belleisle Winery, Red Rover Brewing, Pollen Angels Meade and Fils du Roy Spirits. Additional producers still to be announced. This is taking place Saturday July 11, 2015 from 7PM - 10PM.

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

Maritime Beer Report - April 10, 2015

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

Big Axe Brewery had a truck full of barrels delivered this week and asked "What does Big Axe Brewery have planned for June 6?". Sounds intriguing.

Grimross Brewing Company's new ‎Serendipity Series‬ Abbey Ale has a name, it will be called Monks Choice. They name came from Ryan Jacobson. This is a fitting name as Monks Choice is a lower alcohol Abbey beer and this is the beer the Monks would have kept to drink themselves, offering the stronger Dubbels, Tripels and Quads for sale to the public.

Picaroons Traditional Ales has a new experimental beer out this week. It is a Belgian Scotch Ale It is on tap at the Brewtique and is described as a little malty sweetness and a tiny bit of smoke, blanketed by a clove-y and spicy Belgian yeast.

Trail Way Brewing Company collaborated with Adam Jones and Roger Ringuette to create Trail Way's newest offering, "Sensible Nonsense" Double IPA. Look for this on tap in the coming weeks, and stay tuned for a couple special Sensible Nonsense cask releases with a Spanish cedar aged cask for launch.

Big Spruce Brewing announced it will once again will be taking over the taps at Lion & Bright Cafe Wine Bar for Spruce Up the Planet! Earth Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm. Last year was a great time and I expect this year will be no different.

Garrison Brewing Company says for the month of April when you get a taster paddle, buy 4 samples and the 5th is on them. It is part of the ‪#‎SpringForLocal‬ campaign.

North Brewing has a beer dinner in the works for Dartmouth during NS Craft beer week. It is in collaboration with Brooklyn Warehouse and will be in the Two If By Sea Cafe on Ochterloney Street. Look for more details in a future blog.

Propeller Brewing's next Lambic release will be on April 25th at Bar Stillwell. All I know currently is that it is not a fruit one. These have been extremely popular and this one will be no exception.

Sea Level Brewing’s next seasonal release is one of Brewmaster Randy Lawrence’s favourites, the recipe given to him from a friend who makes this beer in Düsseldorf, a master brewer at the Brauerei im Füchschen, Germany. The New World ALT is a clean medium bodied ale with a background hop presence provided by the Hallertau Saphir hop and comes in at 4.8% ABV. It is now available in kegs, and in cans. Will be on tap soon at the Port Pub, and in 1 L growlers at our retail shop.

Unfiltered Brewing has opened sales on its club. It has three levels that has various rewards and varies from 250.00, 1000.00 and 5000.00. Check out the blog on their website to see details and ask to join.

Ladies Beer League collaboration beer, Cinnamon Spin, with Boxing Rock Beer is going to be released on April 18th at 6:00 at Bar Stillwell. It is a robust porter with cinnamon. No tickets required and there will be a cask at 6:30.

Last item tonight, on the heels of Nook & Cranny's announcement, four partners are opening Trestle Brewing in the Truro area this fall. Not a lot of details yet but I will let you know as soon as I do.

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

Maritime Beer Report - January 23, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says  their "royally good'' amber ale, Louis XVII is bottled and will be available in many NB Liquor stores over the coming days and they say if you don't see it on the shelves, ask for it. 

Hammond River Brewing and Saint John Ale House's First Annual Home Brew competition was last week end. The winners were:
1st place Mike Hebert/Jason Dobbelsteyn (Rothesay/Quispamsis)
2nd place Marc Melanson (Moncton)
3rd place Liam Walsh (Quispamsis)
Congrats to all the winners.

Garrison Brewing Company has a couple of great items next week. On Friday there is a vertical tasting of Ol' Fog Burner from 2009 to date excluding last year (wasn't produced). Tickets are $25.00 ans it includes snacks and a special treat from Dee Dee's Ice Cream included. Participates also get first crack at the Cellar Saturday Stock. On Saturday they are opening up their cellar to sell some vintage ales and the new barrel-aged Spruce Beer. 

North Brewing Company announced a couple of new purchases to expand their production.They include a 1300L brite tank that arrived this week. They also have a 2300L fermenter coming in March. Great news for North fans.
They are also hiring a retail management position. Apply with resume and cover letter to info@northbrewing.ca. 

Ladies Beer League is once again collaborating with Boxing Rock Brewing Company for a beer release in March. This beer will be in support of two local women's charities in honour of International Women's Day (March 8). They'll put the Ladies Beer League touch on the recipe, but they would like you to have a say on what type of beer they brew. Check out their facebook page to do the survey.

Stillwell Beer Bar are doing something special for Valentine's Day. They will be hosting Trou du Diable with 12 taps over 3 sessions (12-3pm, 4-7pm and 8pm), It will be by-the-glass pours from their barrel program and representatives from the brewery in attendance. $20 gets you your first pour and an awesome piece of glassware to keep - tickets can be purchased at the bar or reserved via tix@barstillwell.com.

Thanks for joining me again this week and as always enjoy responsibly.

Gahan House Harbourfront - Great new brewpub for Halifax

I had the recent privilege to attend a guided beer tasting at the newly opened Gahan House in Halifax with the Ladies Beer League. The pub is in the heart of downtown sticking out into Halifax harbour in the The Historic Properties. There is an ample outdoor area but entry is in the Historic Properties. You are greeted by a host at the door and you enter into the large airy space with lots of windows and vaulted ceiling, then there is the bar sporting 14 taps and the oyster bar. 

The tasting was led by the new in-house brew master Karen Allen, who is a native of Antigonish. The tasting ran the gamut of Gahan offerings from Beach Chair Lager to Sydney Street Stout, but the two at the end were the two current offerings brewed in the pub. The first was a dry-hopped IPA called Hippy Cousin weighing in at 6% ABV and 65 IBUs, it is hoppy, earthy and delicious. The other one that was available was Beer & Loathing, a strong Belgian ale at 8% ABV, I really enjoyed this one. It was spicy and sweet and even had a little hoppiness to boot.

After the tastings Karen took small groups up, yes the brewing is done up above the main floor (I hate to be the guy to carry the bags of malt up there). She says to look forward to a valley peach lager coming very soon. 
I think Gahan has a winner in the new location and I look forward to many visits here in the future.

Maritime Beer Report - August 29, 2014

Hello and welcome to the August 29th edition of the Maritime beer report.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault announced that Taunte Blanche was bottled and is making its way down to ANBL stores on York Street in Fredericton, Régis Street in Dieppe and Vaughn Harvey Blvd in Moncton.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says Upstream Ale is now getting released around New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. They say "Help support the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation by drinking BEER!" On the shelves for a limited time in support of the Foundation.

Picaroons' also announced that they've brewed a new beer. Announcing the Selection Double IPA, a new IPA that's hopped to the max with Pride of Ringwood, Brambling Cross, Cascade, Orbit, Galaxy, Sorachi Ace, & Slovenian hops. But say say beware, this is a strong ale weighing in at 7.9% ABV. The Selection Double IPA will be getting tapped on Thursday September 4th for in-Growlers only, at the BREWTIQUE in Downtown Fredericton, and at the Alcool NB Liquor Prospect Street location in Uptown Fredericton.

Pump House to Brew Ancient Stone Beer in Celebration of 15th Anniversary. During the Middle Ages, brew kettles were made of wood and could not be direct-fired from a heat source without the fear of burning the kettle to the ground. With necessity being the mother of invention, brewers of the day developed what is now known as Stein Beer, stein meaning “stone”.
These clever beer-making alchemists of the day would add super flame-heated stones to the beer wort which achieved the desired heat levels required. During this process, the malt sugars that are present would caramelize directly and immediately to the stones creating a very distinct flavour.
Pump House Stonefire Ale will commence its path into Maritime brewing history on September 3rd complete with a “Stone Drop” event. Only 4000 750-mL bottles of Stonefire Ale will be available for purchase and will be on the shelves at ANBL and NSLC stores in late October.

Big Spruce Brewing thanks the hop pickers and says they are using the first of their on farm, fresh organic hops to this year's wet hopped ale. They call it Hoppily Remarried. They say it is a slimmer and younger version of last year's harvest beer. They say the IBUs are incalculable - lots of magnum, cascade and Mt Hood hops. They are brewing as an Imperial IPA and hope to reach 8.4% ABV.

Rock Bottom Brewpub says that Rhubarb π will be on tap Today. This lacto sour is 4.6% ABV and is acidic and tangy, refreshing, barny, and tastes like, you guessed it, rhubarb.

Ladies Beer League is offering a sneak peak of The Gahan House Harbourfront. Join them on September 8th at 7 pm and sample 10 of Gahan's brews with brewmaster Karen Allen. There were a few tickets left a lunch time today.

Thanks for joining me again this week and enjoy responsibly over the long week end.

Maritime Beer Report - July 18, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for July 18, 2014.

Mitch Biggar from Railcar Brewing Company released this distressing news "Due to a recent board (late June) of directors meeting NBLC informed us today that we will not be able to obtain our Brewery Agency Store license which allows us to sell to the public for offsite consumption until we have sold 100 HL during 12 months through NBLC first.

This is a major show stopper for us so we may close before we even open. As our business plan accounted for direct sales from Brewery."

This I feel is unfair to Railcar and counter-productive to business in New Brunswick. It is unfair to change the rules without notice for any business. There is a petition started by Southan Farms stating "Allow microbreweries with applications into the Province to sell beer on-site to the public for consumption off-site to proceed under the old regulations in place when the application was made." I have this pinned to the top of the Todd the Beer Dude facebook page, I signed it and I encourage you to as well to help out Railcar.

Celtic Knot Brewing announced that they have new fermenters which will allow them to double their output and experiment with some new one offs and recipes.

Grimross Brewing has released their new beer "Summer Serendipity" and it is in the fridge at the Brewtique now. The say the notes are "Floral sweet lemongrass aroma, tropical fruit taste and subtle hop bitterness".

Rare Bird Craft Beer released Maple Ale this week. It uses fresh sap from local maple farms went in to make this new brew. They say "we add a nice balance of hops and malt along a hint of fresh local maple syrup and spice to create a copper coloured, light-bodied ale that celebrates the bounty of our Nova Scotia forests." It is currently available the Rare Bird Pub in Guysborough on tap at Stillwell Beer Bar in Halifax with a more locations coming. This beer is 5.5% ABV.

Big Spruce Brewing noted that their tasting lounge and deck is screened in from the bugs, some bad ass doors, and flights of samples of our beers. Opening very soon. They also said the brewery was smelling like the zest from 40 grapefruits. From Big Spruce "All this heat has inspired a new beer, Pump Le Mousse, a grapefruit wheat beer, coming soon from Big Spruce." I very punny name again, if you don't know what I am talking about, look up the french translation of grapefruit.

Garrison Brewing Co. showed Daniel with some lavender from Meander River Farm this week. Does that mean Honey Lavender Ale will reappear this year? Perhaps at the Seaport Beerfest?  

Propeller Brewing Company and Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar announced Brews and Brats Tap Takeover for Sausage Fest on Tuesday August 19th from 6:30pm to 11pm.  Propeller Brewing Company will takeover all eight taps at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar with One Hit Wonders and specialty brews. The team in the kitchen will be serving from an inspired menu featuring the the mighty sausage. As well a live DJ will keep the room lively all night. a mere $15 gets you in the door and a ticket for your first beer. As well you will take home an official commemorative Sausage Fest glass. Tickets are for sale on Local Connections Halifax website.
Propeller Brewing Company has also restarted their Open Tours at their Gottingen St brewery. The tours are on Wednesday nights 6:00-7:30pm (July 9th -September 1st). No booking is required for open tours, just show up and have a great time. Arrive early as space is limited.

Ladies Beer League is also working on an event for Sausage Fest with Boxing Rock Brewing with a twist. They are looking for you to create a cask. You pick a Boxing Rock Beer, add some ingredients and share it on their facebook and you may win a shirt.

Halifax Seaport Beerfest has opened the call for volunteers for the August 9th and 10th event. You will receive all kinds of perks! Learn more and sign up at http://seaportbeerfest.com/interested-volunteering

Like to say thanks to everyone that said hi to me at the Picaroons' Brewers Bash last Saturday. It was an exceptional event and I think everyone really enjoyed it. Hats off to the organizers and all the volunteers.

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

Maritime Beer Report - June 13, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Release - Halifax Seaport BeerFest: Atlantic Canada’s largest beer festival is back for its 8th year, August 8 & 9. Tickets on sale this Friday at 10am!

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Halifax Seaport BeerFest: Atlantic Canada’s largest beer festival
is back for its 8^th year in Halifax, August 8 & 9

Tickets on sale this Friday at 10am!

(Halifax, NS) - Halifax Seaport BeerFest: Atlantic Canada’s largest beer festival returns for its 8th annual “Beer on the Pier”. The event will take place at the Cunard Centre on Halifax’s Waterfront, Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9.

This year the festival will showcase exclusively craft beers, premium imports and ciders. Over 275 unique brands from 110 participating breweries, representing the best from local producers, national and 15 other countries.

Attendees have three sessions to choose from. The first session is Friday evening from 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., the second is Saturday afternoon from 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and the final isSaturday evening from 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. New this year, both Saturday sessions will offer a special VIP option. A limited number of festival-goers will enjoy a panel discussion and exclusive beer tasting with special guests and visiting brewers’ plus early access to the festival floor.

Local Maritime beer features prominently in this festival and this year will be no different. "Last year saw an explosion of new Nova Scotia craft brewers and all came out to sample and talk with attendees,” said Brian Titus, festival co-founder. "With upwards of 10 breweries slated to open in 2014 there should be plenty of new local beers."

New to the festival this year is the Cask Beer Pavilion. Seaport BeerFest is pleased to partner with Bar Stillwell and Ladies Beer League to profile the amazing world of Real Ale/Cask Beer. Local brewers will create unique and tasty cask-conditioned beers to be tapped on site.

Once again, the Halifax Seaport BeerFest will profile a number of great beer regions and nations. The popular Irish Craft Beer Village will profile beers and ciders from some of Ireland’s best independent producers shipped direct from Dublin. Other great pavilions will include, Maine, Ontario and Quebec. There will also be an amazing selection of premium imports from Belgium, Germany, England and the Czech Republic.

This year, the event is proudly hosting two special beer guests. The first guest is
Nick Pashley, author of Notes on a Beermat: Drinking and Why It’s Necessary and Cheers: An Intemperate History of Beer in Canada. Born 13.6 miles from the Harveys Brewery in East Sussex, Pashley is a longtime member of the Campaign for Real Ale (UK). He is also a founding board member of Toronto Beer Week and CASK! Toronto, an organization bent on promoting cask-conditioned ale.

Well-known for his erudition and sardonic wit, Pashley has written comic material for Dave Broadfoot and three governor-generals. He has also written a humour column for the University of Toronto Bulletin for fifteen years. A long-time resident of Toronto and a connoisseur of pubs and publishing, he now devotes his time to hosting literary events and writing his next book.          

The second special guest is Stephen Clinch, co-founder and co-owner of Trouble Brewing and part of the second wave of Irish craft breweries pushing the boundaries of beer in Ireland over the last five years. Started in 2010, Trouble Brewing produces diverse and interesting beer styles, many of which have not previously been produced in Ireland. Trouble Brewing moved locations in 2013, expanding its brewery and continuing to produce outstanding beer from only natural ingredients. His love for beer is matched only by his love for sport. If he is not in the pub, sampling the latest brew, he is in a park somewhere playing soccer.

The Halifax Seaport BeerFest is also pleased to present local live entertainment during each session. DJ Stilldrunk returns to spin tracks on Friday evening, Saturdayafternoon features acoustic duo, Tyler Key & Trevor Conrad and Saturday evening will feature one of the hottest DJ’s on the East Coast, DJ Savory.

Local food vendors will be on hand offering mouth-watering and beer-friendly cuisine, including the Waterfront Warehouse Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Stubborn Goat Gastropub and Bramoso Gourmet Pizzeria.  All food items are priced at $5 or less with gluten-free options available.

Tickets for the Halifax Seaport BeerFest go on sale this Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased at select NSLC locations throughout Nova Scotia. They may also be purchased through the Ticket Atlantic box office, by phone at 451-1221 (1-877-451-1221) and online at ticketatlantic.com/. All sessions are $45 per person in advance ($50 at the festival box office). VIP tickets (Saturday only) are $65 per person. Prices do not include tax and applicable surcharges.

New this year, a Festival Box Office at Cunard Centre will be open from noon until 10 p.m.on Friday and Saturday for cash sales only. Tickets at the onsite box office are limited as sessions do sell out.

The Halifax Seaport BeerFest welcomes back Prostate Cancer Canada Atlantic as the official festival charity, with a portion of net event proceeds helping to provide men and their families with support and information about prostate cancer. For more information, visit: prostatecancer.ca/

For full event details on the Halifax Seaport BeerFest, visit: seaportbeerfest.com/,like on Facebook: /HalifaxSeaportBeerFest and follow on Twitter: /@seaportbeerfest

Maritime Beer Report - April 18, 2014

Hello and welcome to the April 18th, Good Friday, edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

The Gahan House crowned the winners of the first annual Home Brew Challenge. Congrats to Ryan Palmer and Lee Nicholson. They won with their Cranberry White Ale. This brew will be on tap at Gahan House in a couple of weeks.

Big Spruce Brewing grew a little this week. They added 2 x 10bbl unitank fermenters and hoped to passivate them on Thursday and then brew. There is still 1 more fermenter and 2 conditioning tanks to come. Jeremy is also brewing a 2nd batch of You Spin Me White Round Wheat IPA because as he puts it "you loved it!"

Boxing Rock Brewing Company and The Ladies Beer League released Alewife's Revenge last evening at The Stillwell Beer Bar. At 4% ABV it will a great session beer. It will be available in 1 l growlers at the Halifax Seaport Market on Saturday, and in 650 mL bottles at Bishop's Cellar, Premier Wine & Spirits, Harvest Wines and Cristall Wine Merchants. I had a glass last night and I quite like it.

Rock Bottom Brewpub have their latest beer on tap. Dubbed the mighty Thulsa Doom, it was spawned from the dregs of a tiny little can of Heady Topper. From Rockbottom "The yeast strain (VPB1188 known simply as 'Conan') is highly sought after and regarded for it's intensely fruity, apricot-like ester production and powerful fermentations. So we thought we'd have a time brewing up a DIPA with it. Local Brewnoser Rob Shortt harvested yeast from a can of the deliciously hoppy Vermont-born brew, cultured up a starter and ran it across the harbour to us. We continued nurturing and feeding the beast, growing it into a concentrated 50 L starter for the main batch of hoppy (Columbus, Simcoe, Centennial, Chinook) goodness." They also add that it was created with a nod to John Kimmich and team at Alchemist, brewers of Heady Topper. By the way it is 7.8% ABV and 100+ IBUs  (calculated)

Rogues Roost ‏said last Saturday that their Oatmeal Stout on!  First time in 6 years so get it while it lasts.

I stopped it to Lion & Bright yesterday to talk to the owner Sean about this Tuesday's Tap Takeover by Big Spruce. The event starts at 6:00 PM and goes to close with a DJ until 9:00 and Modern Grass on after that. Entrance is free and $1.00 will be donated for each pint you buy for the Ecology Action Centres Greenbelt initiative and musicians will pass the hat. There is also going to me special menu items that night with recommended pairings. What beers are coming? Kitchen Party, Cereal Killer, Bitter Get'er and Ready Yer Knot of course with You Spin Me White Round and the last keg on earth of The Whole 9 Yards Scotch Ale. You want more? Ok, a cask of Glenmorangie infused Cereal Killer to boot. For more details I will have a blog post tomorrow.

For all the people affected by flooding in New Brunswick, my thoughts are with you. Until next week take care and enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - April 11, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - March 14, 2014

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

In Halifax we are looking forward to the Picaroons Tap take-over at Stillwell tomorrow but Picaroons already announced a another tap takeover in Moncton. Join Picaroons at Plan B Lounge on Friday March 28th with Gravity Strike. 

PEI Brewing Company will be tapping a green Double-Hopped Cask/ described as a "punch in the face by hoppy goodness" tomorrow, Saturday, at the brewery. Drop by if you get a chance. They are also developing a Custom Cask Program where you can create your own casks for events held at 96 Kensington Road in 20 and 50 litre sizes. Details on this and a new beer are going to be released soon.

Ye Olde Argyler Lodge in Argyle NS is having a Boxing Rock Brewers Dinner. Join the Brew Master from Boxing Rock and Chef Jonathan Joseph for a three course craft beer and culinary experience on Saturday April 5 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are going for $35 per person plus tax. Call the Lodge for tickets.
Ladies Beer League and Boxing Rock did a collaboration brew for International Women's Collaboration Brew Day. The beer will be released April 17th at Stillwell Beer Bar. The beer is a sessions with some changes such as using the fruity, floral Amarillo hop instead of Cascade, cranberries, sourced locally in Shelburne and orange peel. The name given to the beer is Alewife's Revenge which as with most of Boxing Rock's beers has an interesting story.

The Garrison Home Brew-off 2014 winner was crowned last night and it was Jason McDougall. It was his first time brewing a Weisen and his first time entering a brewing competition. Well done. They also hope to be brewing in their new facility within 10 days.

Paddys Irish Brewpub announced that their Brewer is kegging up “Solo Citra”, their latest seasonal ale. They go on to say "You’re first met with the sweet pleasing flavor of grapefruit that wakes up your mouth, and following fast behind is a pleasant grapefruit bitterness that leaves your palate asking for a refresher, painted on a canvas of dry grain." It comes in at  50 IBSs and 5.3% ABV. It is available in Kentville now and in Wolfville on Paddys Day, Monday March 17th.

Just in time for St Patrick's Day Propeller released a new beer, Irish Red coming in at  5% ABV. Propellor describes it as "a full-bodied yet refreshing ale with a complex malt aroma and character". It will be available in 650 ml bottles and growlers at Propeller shoppes,  private liquor stores in Nova Scotia, and at select watering holes. They are also doing a small expansion by adding a 60 bbl tank to the Windmill road plant as well as new yeast propagators.

Rock Bottom Brewpub announced their menu for theit March Brewmakers Dinner on March 31st

Brown ale, bacon, potato & leek soup
Crisp leek
12oz Balticus

Hop smashed bangers & mash
Mushy peas | pork jus
12oz Fathom IPA

RIS & chocolate cheesecake
Sour cherry compote
7oz Wreckoning

Three course menu with beer $35 + Tax & Gratuity

Sea Level Brewing released their El Rojo Diablo Double IPA in cans this week. Look for them in the private stores this weekend.

Ladies Beer League says Uncle Leo's Brewing is bringing a cask of their sinfully smooth Smoked Porter to their film screening at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar. Just $15 gets you a pint, popcorn & a chance to watch The Beer Hunter. This event is open to women and men.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival last week end was successful with 160 beers and 30 brewers and distributors I had a great time. Look for a full report this week end. I am also happy to say the "Best of the Fest" went to Le microbrasserie le Naufrageur , Boxing Rock Brewing Company and Bad Apple Brewhouse. Awesome guys.

Thanks for joining me again this week, everyone have a great week and a happy St Paddy's day on Monday. 

Maritime Beer Report - February 28, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Brewing
Belgian IPA
Saison
Strong Dark Belgian

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

Uncle Leo's Brewing
IPA
Red
Smoked

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

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

Bad Apple Brewhouse 
Black & Tackle RIS
American Pale Ale

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

Grimross Brewing
Ben's Pale Ale
Rye IPA

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

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

Big Tide Brewing
Simms Pale Ale
Whistlepig Stout

Red Rover Brewing
Spring Cider
Summer Cider
Fall Cider

Barnone Brewing
IPA
Pale Ale
Sessions

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

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

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