Salty Dog Brewing Opening in Truro

(Truro, NS) - After about two years of brewing at Nook and Cranny Brew Pub management has decided to expand their brewing capacity and are introducing Salty Dog Brewing Company brand. The brewing for Salty Dog will remain in the Nook and Cranny using a SmartBrew System comprised of four 5 BBL fermenters and when the new company opens next door at 615 Prince Street in late May they will also have tasting room, retail space as well as growler fill ups. Owner Derek Forsyth says it will be the "same great beer, new name – and lots of new flavour experiences coming your way".

Expect to see the Salty Dog brand to be available on May 15th at the Nook and Cranny and BellyUp BBQ & Grill and a few select Truro establishments will have the beer on tap around the end of May or the first of June.

Look for them to brew Pale Ale, Blueberry Wheat, IPA, Vanilla Porter, White IPA, Coffee Stout, Black IPA, Session Ale and a Cider. The first three beers on the list will be available in 473 ml cans as well as on tap and available for growler fills on June 1st.

Maritime Beer Report - July 31, 2015

Hello and welcome to the July 31st edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company says that even though Reanimator Doppelbock is gone for now, look for a barrel-aged version coming this fall.

Picaroons brewed up an Extra Special Bitter made with all New Brunswick malts and hops. The ESB-231 is a moderately malty, moderately hopped, and extremely tasty all New Brunswick beer. This one-off ESB will get tapped this Thursday at the Picaroons Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton as well at the Alcool NB Liquor Growler Stations around the province. Some select bars and restaurants around New Brunswick will also follow suit so keep your ears to the ground.

Savoie's Brewhouse says the day has finally arrived, they are now listed with NB Liquor. The beers are in a few but growing liquor stores in northern NB. Watch for it near you soon.

Garrison Brewing has two completely different tastes of summer. Trop Yard is a radler made with fresh lime and orange juice and Hop Yard making a delightfully tropical fruity yet still bitter radler. It’s 3.4% ABV and available for Growler / Growlito fills and tasters. Fluffernutter is their Nut Brown infused with real marshmallow, it’s slightly sweet and tastes just like it’s namesake. It’s 5% ABV and available JUST for tasters - in a very limited quantity.

The Nook and Cranny will soon have a new beer on tap. They've partnered with their neighbours to bring you NovelTea Passionfruit Ale. Made with custom designed Satya Tea called Berry Bliss, steeped at the Nook with their wheat beer. With hints of hibiscus, chicory root, chamomile, strawberry, and mango, this summer sipping ale is sure to delight.

Unfiltered Brewing  are open for business and have three hoppy brews on. First is Hoppy Fingers APA that is a sessionable 4.8% ABV and 25 IBUs, next is Exile On North Street IPA that is a healthy 6.5% ABV and 65 IBUs and lastly a sippable DIPA called Twelve Years to Zion that is 8% ABV and over 100 IBUs. I asked if that last one was a religious beer and was told it will bring you to your knees. Unfiltered is open Tuesday-Sat 12-8, Sunday 12-6 and closed Monday.

The brewery and beer list for the Seaport Beerfest was released today. There is about 72 Maritime beers available and lots from around North America and Ireland. Tickets for most sessions are still available but choose carefully if there is a particular brewer you want to see as some are only available at certain sessions. 

This New Brunswick weekend the James Joyce Pub will have all 18 New Brunswick Breweries on tap. This starts today at 3 PM and they are here until they are gone.

The Moncton Beer League is having Flights 'n Bites: NS Craft Beer Edition on Friday, 28 August 2015. They bought extra Nova Scotia craft beer so more of you could try it. This event will be out on the deck again (weather permitting) and will feature 5 beers paired with food samples. Tickets are available now via eventbrite.

Thanks for joining me again this week and enjoy responsibly no matter where or what you do this week end.

Maritime Beer Report - May 29, 2015

Hello and welcome to the May 30th edition of the Maritime Beer Report

The newest label in the Picaroons' Historical Brown Ale series is The Connell Stamp. The newly relabelled Brown Ale, previously branded as the 104th Regiment, will start hitting the shelves this week at ANBL locations throughout New Brunswick, with 25 cents from every bottle being donated to the Carleton County Historical Society & Connell House in Woodstock, New Brunswick. In 1859, Postmaster General Charles Connell, a Carleton County Loyalist, ordered new postage for New Brunswick. An uproar ensued in 1860 when the 5 cent stamps appeared bearing Charles Connell's own face on them, soon resulting in his resignation. Most though not all specimens were destroyed and 115 years later, the extremely rare and valuable "Connell Stamp" is prized and sought by collectors around the world. Picaroons Traditional Ales has decided to commemorate this quirky event in New Brunswick's history the only way they know how; with beer.
The release of this second label in the Historical Brown Ale series also marks the end of the first label in the campaign, the 104th Regiment, which saw support going towards the Fredericton Region Museum. On May 21 Picaroons' Sean Dunbar presented a cheque for $10, 000 to the Museum.

A few events to consider in New Brunswick. The Canada Day Bash is Wednesday July 1 at the Lighthouse on the Green. from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. You get 14 4 oz samples of Beer/Cider/Mead featuring: Big Axe Brewing, Grimross Brewing, Railcar Brewing, Trailway Brewing, Redrover Brewing and Pollen Angels. With food served up by Food at the Crowne. All for 76.00

The Big Axe Taproom grand-opening and belated 1 year birthday celebration is on June 13th at 1 pm with Julio's Garage playing at 8 PM.

Play an instrument ? Want to help out a good cause? Join Railcar Brewing Company June 5th from 7 PM to 11 PM as they jam out some music. Musicians attending will be rewarded with food and beverage. General Public is asked for a donation at the door for a local Relay For Life team fundraiser. Join brewer Mitch Biggar as he explores the first of the Summer Tasting Sessions. These sessions are intended to introduce the history, the malt and hop builds of specific beer styles. The first will be IPA's join them as they sample six Maritime IPA's. Tickets $20 at the door.

Savoie Brewhouse in River Charlo released a few details on the new brewery. Their first two beers are a blonde called Island Lake and an amber called Cheleur Phantom. More details as I get them.
  
Boxing Rock Brewing Company has sent a pallet load of Crafty Jack English Ale to NB Liquor. Look for it at your local ANBL store soon.

Breton Brewing Company says their three fermenters are all piped, thirsty, and ready for their first fills next week. Looking forward to their beers next month.

Garrison Brewing Company announced they now have on tap at the Brewery the Wry & Ginger IPA. This was beer being brewed during Open City and Open Brewery Day. They also have OBEY available in honour of OBEY Convention. It is on tap and in 650ml bottles. They also have La Saison Froide on tap which Daniel brewed for the Science of Beer

Meander River Farm is looking for some strong, hard workers to join in the fun and help string the hop yard. Working from morning 'til... who knows! Send them a message if you're interested in getting your hands dirty for a bit this weekend.

The Nook and Cranny is pleased to present the Nook & Cranny Blueberry Wheat. This light wheat beer is infused with Oxford blueberry juice, and great for relaxing on the patio and soaking up the summer sun. Drink in house, or fill up one of  the new N&C growlers and take it home with you.

North Brewing Company has launched a new one off beer, Belgian Pale Ale is available in the store. Belgian Pale Malt, Belgian Vienna and Belgian Carapils come together for a robust malt character upfront. The finish is lime pith imparted from New Zealand Wakatu hops. 

Sea Level Brewing says their Privateers/ Rule 42 collaboration beer with Boxing Rock and Hell Bay is now on tap at the Port Pub & Bistro in Port Williams, Nova Scotia. This British IPA was the collaboration brew for the South Team at the Race the Kegs Event during Craft Beer Week 2015. 

Tatamagouche Brewing Company is back at the Truro Farmers Market this Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM. This week they are bringing: North Shore Lagered Ale, Hippie Dippie Pale Ale, Butcher Block Red Ale, Cerberus IPA, Little Giant Ale, and Horns Over Hooves DIPA.

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 22, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 8, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Report for May 8th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 1, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - March 20, 2015

Hello and welcome to the March 20th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. It is the first day of Spring and a lot of brewers and fans are sorely in need of some nicer weather.

Celtic Knot Brewing announced that the Tide and Boar has taken delivery of their latest one off. It's called Terminus and it's an IPA made exclusively with El Dorado hops. They will make an announcement when it hits the taps via their social media.

Hammond River Brewing is currently designing a new beer that will be debuting at the Saint John Beerfest next month. It's going to be a Rye IPA using El Dorado hops exclusively. More details as I get them.

Railcar Brewing Company says they we are behind schedule on construction and some new gear has been delayed. They are now looking at reopening April 1st with the need to ensure everything is installed and working correctly.

Trail Way Brewing Company says their Hugh-John Hops IPA has been delivered to the King Street Ale House and to 540 Kitchen & Bar. Look for this on tap in the coming days at both locations. They say they are very happy with the recipe and excited to add this IPA to the Trail Way Brewing rotation.

The Nook and Cranny in Truro is a hidden gem for craft brew fans had an exciting announcement this week, they are becoming a brew pub. From Nook and Cranny "We are bringing our love of craft beer to the next level by installing a brewing system on site. Our customers will soon be able to enjoy one of our three N&C Brew Co beers...and take a growler to go!". They are buying a system and that allows them to buy wort rather than starting with grains. The promise three taps, a light crisp one, a dark beer and a rotating seasonal with fresh products like blueberries, strawberries etc will be added.

Sea Level Brewing says the second batch of El Rojo Diablo DIPA is ready. They sold the first tank in record time so they whipped up a second batch. There is a difference though, they used different yeast and an Australian hop called Ella this time. Check it out in the usual spots.

Wrought Iron Brewing got the last of their tanks this week which I think was on schedule. This means if all goes well we may see beer from them in a month or so.

Boxing Rock Brewing was busy on Sunday brewing up the Ladies Beer League's next brew, Cinnamon Challenge Robust Porter . Although the LBL, didn't make it down due to weather they had some special help from Upstreet Craft Brewing to make the brew. More details coming soon.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival announced the winners from from the voting. The prestigious Brewers Choice Award " Best of the Fest" goes to Hammond River Brewing. The Peoples choice awards, " Best of the Fest" award first place goes to Trail Way Brewing Company, second place to Hammond River Brewing and third place to Boxing Rock Brewing. Congrats to everyone and Lloyd says it was a very close race. That has to be without a doubt with all that great beer there.

Thanks for joining me again this week. I hope to see some of you at the NB craft dinner tomorrow in Moncton and until next time enjoy responsibly.