PEI Brewing Releases Rix Light Craft Lager

(Charlottetown, PE) - PEI Brewing Company (PEIBC) has announced the release of Rix Light Craft Lager. The 4% ABV and 12 IBU beer is described as a "Crisp light lager, craft brewed with the highest quality ingredients using traditional techniques". The lager is an homage to William F. Rix, who was widely considered Prince Edward Island’s craft beer pioneer in the mid-eighties.
They hope to have the beer at PEIBC Retail outlets today, including PEIBC Taproom, Gahan Beer Store and PEIBC Beer Station, as well as PEILCC locations tomorrow. 

PEI Brewing Releases Ice Boat Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Photo from PEI Brewing

(Charlottetown, PE) - PEI Brewing Company has returned Ice Boat Barrel Aged Imperial Stout to its shelves. Ice Boat is 6.9% ABV and the result of aging their dark, roasty brew in freshly retired Tennessee whiskey barrels. They say "Aging smoothes the flavours of the stout while the whiskey barrels usher in aromas and flavours of vanilla, toasted coconut, caramel and – yes – whiskey".

Available in the Taproom right now and in PEI Liquor stores later this week.

PEI Brewing Releases Two New Beers

(Charlottetown, PE) - PEI Brewing has released its popular Hell Street barrel-aged doppelbock. It is now available at their Taproom, the Beer Station, and The Gahan House. It is inspired by local boxing legend Tom McCluskey who grew up on Dorchester Street, nicknamed Hell Street at the time.
They are also releasing limited edition Shortest Day Spiced Milk Stout on November 16 at The Gahan House. Shortest Day is black and opaque topped with a dark, long lasting head. Prominent vanilla aroma with toasty undertones that last throughout the pint. Spiced with nutmeg, packing a festive punch in the finish. 

PEI Brewing releases Transmitter Coffee Stout

(Charlottetown, PE) - PEI Brewing Company released the latest version of its successful Transmitter Coffee Stout (5.5% ABV). They collaborated again with Charlottetown's Receiver Coffee Company using a new blend of coffee from last years. As before it is in a capped and wax sealed 750 ml bottle. There was a release party today at the brewery today and will arrive in Nova Scotia in the coming days for the first time. It is a limited release so get yours soon.

Boxing Rock and Upstreet Craft Beer Collaborate for Round 2

(Shelburne NS) - Rumble In The Alley Round 2 is the second collaboration between the Boxing Rock Brewing Company and  Upstreet Craft Brewing of Charlottetown, PEI. Last year the two breweries made Rumble in the Alley Round 1, a SMaSH IPL made with 100% Maritime 2-Row malt and 100% Amarillo hops. This second round of Single Malt and Single Hop beers features a SMaSH IPA made with 100% Dark German Munich malt and 100% Ontario grown Santiam hops from Clear Valley Hops in Ontario.
This beer features great malty flavours of biscuit, honey and toasted grain with a unique hop structure featuring a fragrant floral nose followed by a lemon-lime flavour touch, finishing with that unmistakable Santiam character: spicy and citrus notes and floral aroma resulting from copious dry-hopping.
The 6.7% ABV beer is available for a limited time only at select bars in Halifax and Antigonish, as well as in 650 ml bottles at Bishop's Cellar, Rockhead Wine & Beer Market, Harvest Wines, and Cristall Wine Merchants. Also available in 1 litre growlers at the Halifax Seaport Market and the Alderney Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM and of course you can also get it at the Brewery retail store in Shelburne.

PEI Brewing releases Transmitter Coffee Stout

(Charlottetown, PE) - PEI Brewing says the release of this year's Transmitter Coffee Stout, a collaboration project with Charlottetown's Receiver Coffee Company, will be November 24th. There will be a release party on that day at the brewery from 5:00-7:00 PM. The stout will come in a 750 ml bottle that is capped and wax sealed. It won't be around for long so grab a bottle as soon as you can.

Maritime Beer Report - September 11, 2015

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

PEI Brewing Company says their Vic Park Pale Ale is now in 473ml cans. Brewed with Citra hops for those sunny September days. They also say Pumpkin Ale and Rogues Roost IPA are expected to be out this month. The biggest news is the announcement of a barrel-aged bock titled "HELL STREET". Based on a local boxing legend, this brew will offer a similar smack to the face. Stay tuned for more information on their social media channels.

Upstreet Craft Brewing says White Noize is back for a very limited time grab it fast.

Big Axe Brewery revealed a new beer this week. Therapy Session IPA is now on tap. They say "Beautiful aroma of citrus and passion fruit from Topaz hops," It is a 5.2% ABV beer.

Big Tide Brewing have got Cascade, Nugget and Hallertauer hops from Dunhams Run Winery that will all be used over the next week for their special Indian Beach brews. Watch for them coming soon.

Half Cut Brewing Company have released a slightly boozier version of the of their Alter Ego. The newer one comes in at 6% ABV and is now at the Brewtique.

Picaroons Traditional Ales were bottling their Harvest Ale this week. Look for these popular brews coming soon.

Savoie's Brewhouse have already done one build out on the brewhouse by making a separate fermentation room and they tell me looking to move up from 20 gallon system to 45.

Big Spruce Brewing released a new beer and as always the name is exceptional. Ivana Drinkalot is a new IPA, available at the brewery and soon to arrive Bar Stillwell and The Stubborn Goat. It weighs in at a hefty 7.1% ABV and 89 IBUs. Big Spruce says "Deeply aromatic, and lots of gooey hoppy flavour. We intended to brew Crazy Ivan DIPA, but let's just say that we made a few mistakes."

Garrison Brewing says lasts years popular collaboration with Beau's Brewing, Sweet Rye'd Harvest Wheat Ale is back today, Look for it on sale now.

North Brewing was travelling this week visiting PEI to pick up gear for their brewhouse expansion. They are doubling the size going from a 5 BBL to 10 BBL. 

Propeller Brewing says its seasonal Nocturne Dark Lager has returned to its shops. This beer is in support of Nocturne: Art at Night that returns on October 17th.

Rudders Brewpub in Yarmouth tells me they hope to put together a new IPA in a couple of weeks if the hops are available.

Uncle Leo's Brewery brewed their first ever fresh hop beer this week. They got Cascade, Centiennial and Magnum hops from Bramble Hill Farms and Wally Moser. In about two weeks they should have the first limited quantity Wet Hopped Pale Ale. Karl has been busy, he also brewed a German Altbier. That will also be available in two weeks.

Lots of exciting events happening for Sausagefest coming next week end. Two of the beers I spoke about a few weeks ago are in the wild. Boxing Rock Kerfuffle APA and Propeller Wind Swell Wheat are now available.

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

Maritime Beer Report - August 28, 2015

Welcome to the August 28th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

PEI Brewing Company says with the return of the Harvest 4-pack comes the return of Harvest Time lager - super crisp, great hop aroma and finish to it. Available in the retail store at the brewery now and soon in the 4-packs to PEILCC and Alcool NB Liquor stores

Upstreet Craft Brewing have released the details on their collaboration with Emily from Boxing Rock Brewing. The new India Pale Lager known as Rumble in the Alley: Round 1 is set to release on September 5th, the day of the Block Party. The Block Party will be on September 5th and is a free outdoor event in their parking lot from 12-8pm, with an after party in the taproom following the event. This party will feature local food vendors, live musical performances, a pop-up barber shop, lawn games, activities, and more. Upstreet will also be doing guided brewery tours throughout the day. 

Pump House Brewing tells me that they will be making their Stone Fire Ale again this year, and hopefully every year, on September 3rd to celebrate their anniversary. Look for this beer in the special 750 ml bottles in October. They are also releasing SPCA IPA this fall in support of the animal charity, expect this one to be good and hoppy.

I tweeted this week that Shiretown Brewing has closed its doors. Sad news but the brewer is still working in the industry as a sales rep for another craft brewer.

TrailWay Brewing's two brewers' wives took over for a brew and it is now ready. It is called "Better Half" and is a 4.5% ABV Blueberry Lime Ale brewed with real lime and local blueberries. Sounds like a nice summer beer.

NB Liquor is celebrating the winners of this year’s Canadian Brewing Awards by offering a selection of 38 varieties of beer and one cider from among the medal winners. Participating corporate stores will have the brands available starting on August 31st, I have seen some of these beers already appearing in some stores.

Big Spruce Brewing will be harvesting their hops for a Community Harvest IPA next week, Jeremy assures me it will be a hoppy brew, watch their facebook page for updates. They also announced The 3rd Annual Big Spruce Home Brew Challenge. First, Second and Third Place will be announced in each of the 3 styles, plus there will be a declared overall "best in show" winner. Entrants that place in each of the style categories will each win a swag package, and the Best in Show winner will also be given the opportunity to brew their beer at Big Spruce Brewing for release in January 2016 at the 3rd Annual Craft Beer and Local Food festival put on by Local Connections in Halifax. The selected beer styles for the competition, per BJCP Style Guidelines 2015, are:
1) 21B. Specialty IPA - Red IPA
2) 7B. Altbier
3) 3D. Dark Czech Lager
All the details are available now so get brewing.

The Garrison Brewing collaboration brew they did with Great Lakes Brewery and Metalman Brewing earlier this month has a name. Not So Gentle Tickle IPA is being described as a monster of a IPA. Garrison also announced Hop’n’Brats happening on September 25th from 6 PM until 11 PM. They say breweries from across the province will be there to present their top brands, while enjoying your favorite Sausage themed food with live music. Entry is $16 which includes 5 sample tickets and a souvenir sample cup.

Boxing Rock Brewing and North Brewing were busy this week harvesting and brewing their annual Many Hands collaboration beer. Look for details and release date in the coming weeks on version 3.0.

Gahan House Halifax has a couple of interesting beers to look for. Karen Allen was visiting Emily from Boxing Rock last week and she was kind enough to let her harvest some Cascade and Chinook hops from her back yard. Karen will be doing a wet-hop pale ale with them that will be released the last week of September. Also being released that week will be an Oyster Beer to promote the Oyster Festival on October 4th. It`s fairly experimental, but the plan is for it to be an ultra pale ale with lemon and sea salt. Going to throw a bit of rye malt in there for a touch of spiciness. The plan is for it to pair well with oysters and it will be on tap at Gahan the whole week leading up to Oyster Festival.

Thanks for following along this week and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - August 21, 2015

Welcome to the August 21st edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

PEI Brewing Company released a huge amount of news this week some of it new and some of it more details. First is some details on their cask program at the brewery, they say every two weeks, or less depending on volume, they'll have a new cask to try out. They say to expect some very interesting flavours and some things you may have never seen before.
They've still got the Galaxy hop version of our Vic Park Pale Ale available and say a Mandarina Bavaria version will be released shortly, watch social networks to find out when and where. They are also be releasing Vic Park in a 473ML can in September using the Citra hop variety. 
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago they kept a fair amount of ReAnimator Bock and stored it away in some oak barrels. They will be releasing this as a 750ML premium seasonal in September. PEIBC also says their to look for their Pumpkin Ale, also slated to return in early September.  Finally their Transmitter Coffee Stout will also be returning this fall .

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault has released a new seasonal, John Stadig, an Orange-Ginger White Beer. They warn this 4% ABV limited release and won't last long. If you are wondering the back story on John Stadig, he was a famous counterfeiter in the 1930s from the Saint John River Valley who got caught and sent to Alcatraz. He's one of the few men who managed to escape from this famed prison. His remains are buried at the Connors cemetery in Upper Madawaska County.

Flying Boats Brewing is having a Launch Party on Thursday September 3rd, starting at 7 PM at the Laundromat Expresso Bar, 382B St. George Street in Moncton. Come join in celebrating NB's newest local Craft Beer brewery and enjoy a hand crafted Ales.

Grimross Brewing Company's new beer, a Belgian Dubbel has been released. It is amber brown, smokey caramel, with a warm finish and 6.8% ABV. 

Hammond River Brewing Company also has a brand new beer, it's a 10.4% Belgian Dark Strong Ale called Sterke Monnik. Look for this one and the return of Gammie in a few weeks.

A new brewery that I heard of recently popped up on social media yesterday in a big way. Maybee Brewery is currently building a 10 barrel operation at 559 Wilsey Road in Fredericton this fall,  They go on to say their beers will be available at ANBL stores in 16 oz cans, at some of your favorite craft beer bars in Fredericton, as well as at the Brewery taproom by the glass, growler, keg or can. They list five beers on their website, looks like hop and belgian loving brewery. Look for my Q&A with the owner Paul Maybee.

Uncle Leo's Brewery has its Winterschlaf back on, it is the Kolsch they had on last winter. It is 5.5% and 25 IBU.  Light, refreshing and crisp.

The Official Beers and Ciders for Sausagefest next month were revealed. 

Propeller Wind Swell Wheat - This American Pale Wheat beer is a brew that’s mild and approachable yet has a lot of personality. Ample additions of Cascade hops bring flowery, citrus & spice notes while the wheat added provides a silky smooth finish.

Garrison Hammerschlagen Brau - Named after the German game played at Halifax Oktoberfest, this “Oktoberfest Brau” is brewed in the traditional marzen style to create Germany’s most popular fall beer. Pleasant toffee like flavours, medium body and low hopping make this seasonal lager worthy of celebration. 

Bulwark Hopped Citrus Cider - Celebrating two of our native crops—hops and apples—Nova Scotia’s first hopped cider is a citrus-forward brew. It begins with a special blend of Annapolis Valley apples designed to tame the bitterness characteristic of dry hopped brews. Cascade and comet hop varieties combine with the apple base to create a light and refreshing cider featuring notes of lemon and grapefruit. 

Boxing Rock Kerfuffle APA - A fresh, bright, coppery gold pale ale with a balanced malty backbone and smooth bitterness to wash down your carnivorous sausage indulgences. Dry-hopped for extra punch, the hop character is like a south shore hurricane, building in intensity until it blows you away. Henry also added that this has 100% Canadian hops. 

I had the pleasure of visiting Kellye Robertson at Spindrift Brewing yesterday, look for a blog on my visit early next week. 

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

Maritime Beer Report - August 14, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for August 14th.

PEI Brewing Company says they found 40 bottles of Ice Boat Barrel-Aged Stout. If your lucky enough to be in the area drop in to the brewery and see if you can grab some.

Upstreet Craft Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing Company worked on a collaboration brew that they will be releasing in a couple of weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for Rumble in the Alley: Round 1.

Acadie-Broue says Le Gaboteuse is currently available at The Tide and Boar in Moncton. This beer is a Belgian IPA brewed in collaboration with Big Tide Brewing.

NB Beer Tours is doing their River Valley again on October 17th. It leaves at 9:00 AM from King Street Ale House and returns at 6:15 PM. Includes beers at Petit-Sault, Railcar Brewing and Big Axe Brewing with samples on bus and a box lunch. Get tickets now. 

Breton Brewing is hiring, they are looking for retail, delivery and assistant brewer positions. If you are interested send a resume to bretonbrewing@gmail.com or drop by the brewery.

Garrison Brewing says Honey Lavender Ale is back,in 650ml bomber bottles. Available at the brewery and it weighs in at 6.3% ABV.

Good Robot is having a Dog Wash on Sunday August 16th. Get your dog pampered by All 4 Paws Pet Services, grab a custom-made T DOGS hot dog, 12 ounces of beer and jam to some Snoop all for 20 bucks with some of the proceeds will be going to ElderDog.


North Brewing and Brooklyn Warehouse released more details on the new joint venture, Battery Park, that is opening in October. As far as food Chef Mark Gray will be designing an ever-changing menu of snacks, small plates to share, and other surprises. North will have its beers on tap as well as one offs that will be brewed on site. North will also have a retail shop for growler fills. This is another step on North becoming a zero emission brewery by powering the new brewhouse with spent cooking oil. Lastly, as Brooklyn did, they are using crowdfunding as a means to finance this project. 

The owners of Paddy’s Pub in Kentville and Wolfville will add a new location on Cole Drive next to the Super 8 Hotel in Windsor. They hope to open by the Spring of next year and the new building will contain Paddy’s Pub, Rosie’s Restaurant, a 15 barrel brewery and a banquet hall. Long term plans include canning at the site as well. 

Unfiltered Brewing is releasing a new seasonal, Daytimer, a 3.4% ABV kettle-soured Berliner Weisse dry-hopped with plenty of Mosaic for a serious kick of tropical fruit. Available at the brewery now. 

On September 1st Bar Stillwell will be hosting brewers from Jester King and Brasserie Dunham as part of a celebration of the release of their new collaborative brew. Tickets to the 6 PM - 8 PM session will allow early access to the limited supply of draught and bottles and a piece of glassware to commemorate the event. Chef Graeme Ruppel will be cooking up some special dishes. Tickets available now.

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

Maritime Beer Report - August 7, 2015

Hello and welcome to the August 7th, International Beer Day, edition of the Maritime Beer Report. First off I have been reporting the brews news for two years now and would like to thank you all for all the support.

PEI Brewing had a Kiwi IPA on tap for #IPADay and they say it was made by one of their Kiwis, Wax the logistics manager, in honor of our other Kiwi, Big Scotty. This IPA has freshly squeezed kiwi juice and is dry hopped with Citra and Comet. More on PEI Brewing in a moment.

Upstreet Craft Brewing launched their first seasonal beer on #IPADay. White Noize is a white IPA brewed with 50% wheat and generously hopped with Cascade, Centennial, Chinook and Columbus throughout. It weighs in at 7% ABV and 70 IBUs. The name is a tribute to the acoustical din of the tap room. 

Big Tide Brewing celebrated its sixth birthday this week. Wendy brewed their Anniversary Amber Ale again. This time using six types of malted barley an six hop varieties and hoping to get 6% ABV. It will be available shortly. They also launched the first collaboration between Big Tide an Hammond River Brewing, Rhubarbaric Saison. It was brewed with approximately 70 pounds of local rhubarb, pilsner and wheat malt and comes in around 7.1 ABV.

Distillerie Fils du Roy has a summer seasonal called La Messe Blanche. It is a 7% ABV weizenbock that has a great description on the facebook page. Looks like a very refreshing summer beer. The beer was made in the honor of Alexie Landry born in 1721 who officiated white masses, that is to say a mass without a priest for the people of Caraquet.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says Pride Sally Pride Apricot Ale will be back on tap starting this Sunday at the Brewtique and at the 2015 Fredericton Pride Festival Beer Garden in Downtown Fredericton. This is a 4.5% ABV beer and it is while supplies last. In honor of #IPADay they had 3 different dry-hopped Yippee IPAs on tap. One was Cascade & Tettnang, one with Saaz & Fuggles and one with Amarillo & Rakau. Picaroons is coming to Halifax and taking over the taps at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar this Saturday after the Halifax Seaport Beerfest. They are also bringing a special guest HALF CUT Brewing Company.

The Pump House Brewery has Strawberry Wheat now on tap at the brewery in Moncton. Flavoured with local strawberries and a 5.2% ABV.

Big Spruce Brewing released two beers this week, a collaboration and a seasonal. First is Gimme Citra, a single hopped pale ale made with Stillwell Beer Bar. Big Spruce says "Outrageously aromatic, flavourful, and perfect for summer, this will be hitting Halifax yesterday. 36 IBU and 5.5% ABV. Available now at the brewery." Next up is Tip of the Spear Spruce Tip IPA. Also available now at the brewery.

Garrison Brewing was working on a collaboration today while the folks from Great Lakes Brewery and Metalman Brewing are in town

As I mentioned in the Spring, Rogues Roost will be closing by October 1 because its building is being redeveloped. The exact closure date is to be announced. This is sad news but PEI Brewing will be producing a Rogues Roost IPA that will be available in cans and sold in liquor stores across the Maritimes starting in September. Details being released soon.

Stutz Cider has released a new Wild Blueberry cider. It is made from fresh Nova Scotia Apples and Blueberries. It is available across Nova Scotia and is 6.5% ABV. 

Halifax Oktoberfest is looking for volunteers for the 2015 installment if you are interested email beer@garrisonbrewing.com for more info.

Ending with a sad note this week with some bad news from Barnone Brewing. Hugh Campbell, father and business partner passed away. He was a charming man and full of life when I met him. The family has my condolences at this difficult time.

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

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 - July 24, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - July 17, 2015

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

PEI Brewing Company says their new Vic Park Hop Sessions is coming out soon. It is Galaxy hops this time. Stay tuned for release time.

Big Axe Brewery has released their new FireFly IPA and is on tap at the brewery. Medium golden in colour, this IPA has a prominent hop aroma with both floral and citrucy notes. Some of the hops used are Chinook and Galena. This refreshing IPA has lighter body than their Double Bit IPA. It weighs in at 5.7% and 50 IBUs and has a very clean and crisp finish. Also the first batch of 2015 Chanterelle Cream Ale is on tap.

Grimross Brewing announces  Hops Festival on Saturday, August 22 from 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM. It is a celebration of New Brunswick Hops, Micro's and Music. They are holding the event in the back lot of the brewery and there will also be food vendors on site. Tickets are $30 advanced or $35 at the door and each ticket gets your first 3- 5 oz. drinks and you will be able to purchase additional drink tickets at the event.

Hammond River Brewing Company is doing a collaboration brew with another NB brewery. This time they will be pairing up with Wendy from Big Tide Brewing in Saint John and brewing a Rhubarb Saison with fresh rhubarb.

The Pump House Brewery says it is summer and and its Raspberry Weizen time. A German style wheat beer bombarded with 40 kg of raspberries! This is a beer for the raspberry connoisseur - delectably tart and refreshing. It weighs in at 5.5 % ABV.

Savoie's Brewhouse says they should be listed shortly at ANBL and look for their beer on the shelves of select stores by months end.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival announced Craft Beer and Hand Crafted Ice Cream event at King Street Ale House on Sunday, July 26 at 6:00 PM.

Sea Level Brewing is hiring a full time Retail Manager.This position will start part-time, and will lead to a full-time position by early August. Responsible for managing the retail shop, assisting with production, business communications, preparing and invoicing wholesale and retail orders, along with day to day operations. Please personally deliver resume to Randy at the brewery between 10am-4pm. 

Thanks for checking out the Maritime Beer Report again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - July 3, 2015

Hello and welcome to the July 3rd edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Barnone Brewing is now at the Charlottetown Farmers Market in Charlottetown.

PEI Brewing Company says the next Vic Park Pale Ale Hop Sessions is available and this one has Nelson Sauvin hops. It is now available at the PEI Brewing Company in limited quantities.
They also have a simple Keller Bier on tap this week. So simple and limited.

Acadie-Broue gave an update this week. They recently brewed in collaboration with Wendy from Big Tide Brewing on their system in Saint John. They brewed the Gaboteuse II, a Belgian IPA. It is a tripel at 9 % ABV and 70 IBUs. It will soon be available at Tide and Bore for a limited time.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says Soeur Catherine IPA is now available in bottles. Look for it at your ANBL store.

Flying Boats Brewing is officially starting to sell kegs to restaurants and special events. La Coast Restaurant and Maison Gabrielle Inn in Shediac currently have the Flying Boats Picnic Train Witbier (Bière Blanche/White Ale) on tap. They say it is a "Nice refreshing Saison style beer, brewed with Wheat/Pilsner malts and oatmeal with a touch of orange peel and coriander spice added".

Grimross Brewing says they are now available at:
FREDERICTON - King Street Ale House, Brewbakers, The Blue Door, Windsor Castle Pub (Grad House), James Joyce Irish Pub, Isaac's Way, Wilsors Room, Sam Sneads, Moma's Pub and Ringo's Grill - Coming soon to The Palate.
MONCTON - Tide and Boar and Old Triangle Irish Pub
SAINT JOHN - Saint John Ale House
SACKVILLE - Ducky's Pub

Breton Brewing announced their Brewery's Launch Party at Flavor on the Water, Saturday, July 18th. They will have their line up of beer available, along with 4 amazing bands, and some amazing food from the stellar folks at Flavor on the Water. Be sure to get your tickets soon online and in person at the brewery.

Granite Brewery says Honey Ginger Ale is now available in growlers at their beer store. It is a light pale ale at 4.8% ABV with a hint of honey and ginger and will be available all summer.

Meander River Farm will NOT be open this weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 3 to 5) - back on the 10th.

Rare Bird Craft Beer says their Spruce Ale is now available at the Rare Bird Pub.

Tatamagouche Brewing says cans are here. North Shore Lagered Ale and Hippie Dippie Pale Ale available in indivdual cans, 12 packs, and mix cases. Butcher Block Red and seasonals coming soon.

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

Maritime Beer Report - June 26, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - June 12, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 15, 2015

Happy Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week and welcome to the May 15th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

As I reported last week PEI Brewing Company has a new beer out today. Say hello to Setting Day Saison that will be available for the next few weeks. From PEIBC "Saisons were traditionally brewed on Belgian farms for field workers during the harvest season. On PEI, our harvest starts as soon as the ice is out of the bay. Setting Day is the day when fishermen sail out under the morning sun in boats loaded with lobster traps and carefully coiled ropes to set their trawls. We brewed this saison with a single malt to mimic the golden morning light and fermented it with a very expressive Belgian yeast to bring loads of flavour to a simple brew. A beer brewed for that moment when you feel the Spring sun on your face and know the season’s work is about to begin." This is a nice 5.9% ABV beer.

Upstreet Craft Brewing introduced two of their beers this week. First beer is Commons Pilsner. It is their take on a Bohemian classic. From UCB "Following tradition we wanted to name our Upstreet Pilsner after its birthplace. In the 18th century, our brewery site was in "the Commons" - the outskirts of Charlottetown proper. Nowadays, you might say we're in the heart of the city, but we really liked the ring of “Commons”. 
The second one is Do-Gooder APA . Again from UCB " [it is] named in tribute to all of the good folks who helped make the Upstreet dream a reality." 

Grimross Brewing Company announced their newest addition to their family of beers, Maritime Pale Ale. Hopilicious! Citrus hop flavor and aroma, with 38 IBU's of bitterness and 5.9% ABV.

Meander River Farm and Brewery has a new summer release, Grist Mill Wheat Ale. From Meander River "A slight forward bitterness, lots of citrus and strawberry with a banana finish." This is a 3.8% ABV beer.

Propeller Brewing Company released its next One Hit Wonder as we roll through Spring. The S'Wheat Life is a 4.5% ABV and  10 IBU beer.

Sea Level Brewing released its Summer Blonde Pilsner: A crisp refreshing pilsner to enjoy on those dog day afternoons of summer. Made from 100% Maritime Malt, Czech Pilsner yeast & an Australian hop aptly named “Summer.” It is a nice 4.2% ABV. 

The Moncton Beer League is partnering with Lake of Bays Brewing Company and local Chefs Dan & Cheryl McLenaghan to bring you a 4-course menu of starter, appetizer, main, and dessert - each paired with a different Lake of Bays beer, plus an additional welcome beer and a special cask beer in a souvenir glass you can keep. This will happen on May 28th, get the details on Moncton Beer League Facebook page.

Thanks for joining me 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.