Uncle Leo's Rocks out with new ale

(Lyons Brook, NS) -  Uncle Leo's brewer Karl Whiffen thought it'd be fun to do a pale ale. Introducing Jam Session Pale Ale, it is a 5.0% ABV, about 35 IBU's and is bittered with magnum hops and uses cascade as a late addition hop and for dry-hopping.  
Look for it at Stillwell Beer Bar, Stubborn Goat, Lion & Bright, Tom's Little Havana, Battery Park Beer Bar and Eatery and Bishop's Cellar (for growler fills) on tap.  Will be in growlers at the brewery and they'll have a few bottles as well. It'll also be available at the New Glasgow Farmer's Market while it lasts.

Maritime Beer Report - September 18, 2015

Hello and welcome to September 18th edition of the Maritime Beer Report

Big Tide Brewing's head brewer says it is just about time for her favorite brewing day that uses fresh hops, and fresh pumpkin and soon their Indian Beach Pumpkin Ale will be on tap.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released Bonhomme Sept-heures Pumpkin Ale this week. They used more than 60 lbs of pumpkin and squash, 2 lbs of spices and all kinds of other good stuff. It clocks in at 8.6% ABV and is the strongest beer they have made. Available now at the Brewtique.

Hammond River Brewing Company were making the season's first Breakfast Stout. Oats, Java Moose Coffee, Chocolate, Cacao Nibs, Applewood Bacon smoked right here at HRB, and a few Eggs and Grits to top it off. This delicious 8% ABV Imperial Stout will be available soon.

Picaroons Traditional Ales says their 2015 Harvest Ales will start pouring next week. This year they have 7 different batches from 6 different local farmers, all made with a different local hops, all with the same local grain. Once again you will be able to find out about your Harvest Ale by checking out the batch code on the side of your label and going to http://picaroons.ca/myharvest/

Big Spruce Brewing says that its collaboration with Stillwell Gimme Citra is back. It is described as a nice hoppy beer and comes in at 4.7% ABV. Available now at the brewery and select taps.

Breton Brewing were busy this week brewing their first seasonal called Celtic Colours Maple Lager. Look out for this beer around Cape Breton during the Celtic Colours festival! The Maple Syrup they added came from Acadian Maple Products in Nova Scotia. 

FirkinStein Brewing started selling their beer this week. It is not available at bars yet but they have opted to start with home delivery in the Bridgewater, Mount Pleasant and Conquerall Mills areas. They are charging $8 for the bottle and $12 for the beer then you own the bottle and refills are just $12 after that. They're beer is called Nor'easter Ale and is a strong beer weighing in at 7.5% ABV.

Garrison Brewing says they got a boatload of Cinderella Pumpkins from their friends at Howard Dill's Pumpkin Farm in Windsor for the next batch of  their Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Good Robot Brewing is introducing the 5th addition to their lineup, Leave Me Blue Kentucky Corn Beer. In celebration of this on Sunday, October 4th, they will be hosting a good ol' fashioned hootenanny at the brewery complete with pig roast, bluegrass music and of course beers.

Sea Level Brewing notes that Hopfazupfa is back for fall. This is a 6% ABV American IPA. They are sad to announce that they are not making the New Scotland Heather Ale this year. They couldn't get enough heather & Randy won't compromise.

Tatamagouche Brewing released the next edition in their Giant Series, it is a Russian Imperial Stout coming in at 8.5% ABV. It is hopped with Pacific Gem and Chinook. Also Tatabrew is bringing back its award winning Lagerhosen and a new IPA called Deception Bay IPA that is a hefty 6.2% ABV.

Uncle Leo's Brewery says its Pictou County Harvest Ale made with fresh hops from Bramble Hill Farms. It is a 5.7% ABV limited quantity ale that is available in growlers only. 

Looking for something fun to do in Moncton next week end? Moncton Area Beer League is doing a beer hike that will visit five local watering holes for beer and food samples. Tickets are $49 to join in on the fun.

New Brunswick Beer Tour is running their River Valley Tour again on October 17th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM . Join King Street Ale House owners Doug Williams, Eat New Brunswick and the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival as they explore NB Craft Beers and Ciders. Along the way you will have samples and food from King Street Ale House and visit and sample at three breweries.

Ever wonder what it would be like to practice yoga inside the serene walls of a brewery, backdropped by massive stainless steel tanks? No? Ok, well even if you haven't thought about it before, here is your chance to do that at Upstreet Craft Brewing on September 26th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. For $15 you will get 1-hour practice and a glass of beer. 

Looking to expand your beer knowledge and get certified for personal or professional reasons? CAPS- Atlantic is offering two courses this fall. The Certified Beer Server course is designed to prepare students for the Certified Beer Server exam, the first level of certification in the Cicerone program. It is 1 evening a week for 4 weeks in September and October for $260. The Certified Beer Professional course is designed to prepare students for the Cicerone certification exam. It runs 1 evening a week for 10 weeks and costs $1240. Courses run consecutively, and can be taken individually or as a 14-week package. Check the website for registration forms.

Thanks for letting me share the news again this week, Until next week enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - 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 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 - 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 - April 24, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - January 30, 2015

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

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault is brewing Canon Franchetti, a cappuccino stout brewed in honour of Nicolo Franchetti, pastor and architect of Edmundston's St-John-the-Baptist Church. Coffee used is from Cafe Lotus Bleu, Sucré Salé and the Boutique Au Bout Du Monde's Café, all downtown Edmundston. It will be available the second week of February. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales is hosting their annual Crabbe Mountain Winter Warmer Party on Saturday February 7 with Sugarbomb, details on facebook. They are also bringing back their Beer and Chocolate Dinners. A multi-course chocolate infused dinner with each course paired with Picaroons. This year they'll be alongside Ginette Ahier of Adorable Chocolate. They're presenting one in Downtown Fredericton at 540 Kitchen & Bar on February 10th, and one in Moncton, New Brunswick at the Tide and Boar Gastropub on February 11th. More information to be released soon.

Railcar Brewing Company is continuing to grow with paperwork on the tasting room and work continues on the cold room. Railcar Brewing is having a Home Brew Off. Submit a Scottish Export 2014 BJCP Style Guideline beer for your chance for $100 bucks, bragging rights and produce a full size batch at Railcar Brewing Company. It is open now until March 26th so get brewing.

Big Spruce Brewing will be at Antigonish Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at the Antigonish mall. This market will run into April, and they have committed to doing it every week. Jeremy says "Don't worry Sydney, we will still be doing the Cape Breton Farmers' Market concurrently."

Boxing Rock Brewing will host Andrew Estabrooks, formerly of Picaroons, this weekend. Word is they will be doing a collaboration on a Rye IPA made with New Brunswick grown malt. Boxing Rock says there's twist to this release that they are not ready to say yet, but it will be a cool time for sure.

Garrison Brewing Company is having a Vertical tasting tonight of Ol' Fog Burner and a Cellar sale tomorrow including a barrel-aged Spruce beer. 

North Brewing Company is now 2 years old. They say to come celebrate this weekend as they offer $10 1.89L growler fills Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Peter says year 3 is looking exciting so stay tuned for what's to come...

Uncle Leo's Brewery released their newest offering, the Winterschlaf, which is Winter Sleep in German. It is a German Hybrid Beer. A good beer to hunker down with during the Winter months! 

A new brewery revealed itself this week. Breton Brewing will be opening on Keltic Drive in Sydney this May. Not a lot of details yet on styles etc but they have stated they will be sticking to tap accounts and growlers and not bottling. I will have a report on them this Spring as they ready to open.

For the Halifax peeps the new incarnation of Premier Wine , Rockhead Wine and Beer Market. There is a little less space but it is used more efficiently. The new space is in Sobeys in Windsor and has four taps for growler fills. One will be its house brand pale ale and the others will be rotating. The space is very nice and one perk for me is parking.

Thanks for joining me again this week. I will be away for the next two weeks so the next Maritime Beer report will be February 20th. Until then enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - January 9, 2015

Hello and welcome to the first report of 2015.

PEI Brewing Company released a new and improved Black Banks. It is named after an area in western PEI where the shore appears black from layers of peat moss. Black Banks Cascadian Dark Ale is deceptively dark. It's like a little lie in a glass. At first you might expect strong roasty /coffee aromas, but instead you'll get a snoot-full of bright citrus and tropical hop aromas gliding just above mild but rich chocolate and bread crust aromas. This new brew will be available in their retail area by January 13 on tap and in 473 mL cans at the PEI Brewing Company, the PEILCC locations and ANBL locations shortly after.

Big Tide Brewing Company released some interesting stats about 2014 production. They brewed and served the equivalent of close to 126,000 bottles of beer in 2014 including 26 different beer styles. They say Benedict Arnold Extra Special Bitter and Seaworthy IPA were the most popular.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault say as planned that Louis XVII amber that will be bottled next week. Look for that where its other beers are sold soon.

Grimross Brewing Company is brewing away at its new facility. Currently on tap at the Grimross Brewtique and Taproom is Belgian Blonde Ale, in the pipeline are Rye IPA and Pugnacious Porter and brewing Cheval D'or this weekend. Their plan is to building up beer inventory to have five beers on tap.

Hammond River Brewing is busy kegging a batch of Gammie California Common Ale, soon to be on tap in the area. They say Too Hop To Handle Double IPA is now on tap at The Barrel's Head Gastropub and Wine Bar and also Bourbon Quarter Restaurant & Bar. At 8.4% ABV and 162 IBUs it will surely keep you warm. They also have a new beer coming out which sounds delicious. It's a Breakfast Stout that will be 8% ABV and brewed with Oatmeal, lots of local Java Moose Coffee, and their own home smoked Bacon. look for it soon.

Picaroons Traditional Ales are doing something fun. They are brewing a batch of unfiltered Best Bitter on their old Brewtique system in Downtown Fredericton.  They are actually planning on doing all sorts of experiments on this system this year so look out for all sorts of beer.

The Pump House Brewery says that "Atlantic Canadian Brewery Awards" Gold Medal winning Biere de Garde will be on tap at all four ANBL growler fill stations starting yesterday. Great chance to try this award winner.

Railcar Brewing Company has had all kinds of different beers on tap looking for what people like. Recently they had on a Irish Dry Stout at 4% ABV and 37 IBU, American Amber at 4.5% ABV and 18 IBU and a Black IPA at 9.4% ABV and 55 IBU's. Also Mitch says that after being open for two months there are more Tanks are on the way hoping to make more beer for you this new year.

Trail Way Brewing Company has keggied the first batch of their session IPA. Low alcohol % for you can have a couple. They also say that a India Pale Ale is coming in the next few weeks. They say "At about 60 IBUs it will pack a nice bittering, but with just over 1.5 pounds of hops added to the last 10 mins of boil it will have plenty of flavour and aroma to complement"

Big Spruce Brewing has casked the home brew challenge winning ale. Bráthair Eric is Eric Gautier's winning entry in our American Wheat competition. It will be released next Thursday January 15th at the Local Connections Food and Craft Beer Festival in Halifax. Some casks may head to Stillwell.

Garrison Brewing Company says its Black IPA is back, but for the first time in 650ml ‪‎bombers‬. This is a hop forward beer that comes in at 6.2% ABV and 52 IBUs.

Hell Bay Brewing Company has their newest R.I.P.(A.) on for growler fills and say more Chocolat on the way also.

Propeller Brewing Company released their newest One Hit Wonder, Fly Time IPA and is available at their Prop Shoppes for Growler fills. It is an unfiltered IPA that is a heavily dry hopped lighter bodied brew with big hop Aroma. Fly Time is brewed to leave only a hint of residual sugar which accentuates the hop aroma and flavour. The blend of hops used during brewing and cellaring contribute fruity and earthy characters. The use of Pilsen malt adds a dimension of crispness unlike any other IPA brewed at Propeller. It is a 65 IBU and 6.3% ABV.

Schoolhouse Brewery says they are going to maintain their no delivery fee for Falmouth and Windsor growler deliveries. Go our their website to get the details.

Tatamagouche Brewing Company released their latest beer. Introducing Oyster Cloister, an Oyster Stout 5.3% ABV. The Oyster Cloister uses Malagash oysters in the making of this dry stout. Available in growlers and 650mL bottles at the brewery. Their first Tap Takeover is happening on January 16th at the The Board Room Game Cafe! There will be all of your ‪ favourites available in one place; Maple Squash Ale, RR#2 Lager plus 4 other brews.

Uncle Leo's Brewery has finished with the Cream Stout say there will be something new in a couple or three weeks that would be as dark as their Cream Stout.

This week Ladies Beer League had a successful membership launch at Rock Bottom Brewpub this week. Membership gives you discounts and other perks. Looking ahead to next week I will be at the Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration 2015 on Thursday, it was off the hook last year.

Thanks for all the support and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - November 14, 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - September 12, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for September 12th.

PEI Brewing Company acquired some barrels from Jack Daniels to barrel age some Sydney Street Stout. This will give the stout a mild bourbon and wood flavour. They say it will be available around Christmas. They also released a Fall four pack featuring Black Banks Cascadian Dark Ale, Blueberry Ale, Harvest Time Golden Lager and Sir John A Honey Wheat Ale. Sorry for us mainlanders this is only available on PEI. Lastly their Transmitter or Coffee Stout B is now available at the brewery.

Big Axe Brewery is now selling 950 ml Grunters for $5.50 for bottle and $7.50 for a fill. They also say Chanterelle Cream Ale back on tap as well as Simon Saaz Summer Ale and once it is gone that's it until next summer.

Big Tide Brewing Company now has Golden Ale now on tap. It is 5% ABV and uses Two-Row, Munich and Vienna malt and a bit of caramunich. Coming up they will be brewing with fresh hops this week end and next and getting ready for pumpkin ale.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault presents their 950 ml cruchette now available at the brewery. The brewers did some wet hopping with  Cascade and Chinook hops from France Yan Desjardins's farm in the Grand-Falls area. Watch for that beer real soon. Speaking of watching for beer their distribution through ANBL continues with stores in northeast NB now stocking their beer.

Celtic Knot Brewing announces due to overwhelming popularity of the Ring of Fire beer they will be brewing two back to back batches, so if you missed it you will still get a chance.

Hammond River Brewing is brewing a wet hopped Harvest Ale with their own hops. They are expecting a 70 IBU and 6.8% ABV beer. More details as I get them.

Picaroons Traditional Ales announced their Harvest Ales will be returning next week using 100% Maritime ingredients including fresh local hops. More details soon.

Red Rover Brewing Company announced that after the success of the Fredericton Farmers Market, they are now expanding their refillable bottle locations. Starting this Sunday they will now be available at Queens Square Farmers Market, a first for Saint John. 

Boxing Rock Brewing Company and North Brewing Company got together again this year to collaborate on Many Hands Pale Ale 2.0. This years will be different though. In addition to using Cascade, Mount Hood, and Centennial hops they harvested from LaHave Natural Farms, and over ten pounds of Chinook hops from Boxing Rock's own hop plants in Shelburne they used one hundred pounds of buttercup squash also from LaHave Natural Farms. To round out the beer they used Two-Row Pale Malt grown in Quebec, Maris Otter and some Kilned Amber Malt for some beautiful colour. They say the buttercup squash comes through nicely in the beer, with a great hoppy flavour that can only be had from a wet hopped harvest beer. They say it will be a 6.5% ABV and 37 IBU beer, look for it in a few weeks.

Garrison Brewing got together with Beau's All Natural Brewing last month when they were in town to create a collaboration brew. Sweet Rye'd Harvest Wheat Ale will be arriving next week at the brewery, private stores and eventually the NSLC. Brewed with rye, wheat and Munich malt this copper-coloured harvest ale is ripe with aroma of herb and black pepper melon and citrus. The addition of bog myrtle from Beau's provides additional herb and spice character. This beer weighs in at 6.0% ABV, and 40 IBUs,

Meander River Farm says their Honey Brown is back on tap at the brewery along side their Lunch Box Pale Ale. They held their first Shareholder Cask Night this week. They hosted an exclusive Cask tapping at the Brewery with farm fresh food. In the cask was their Wheat Beer dry-hopped with Glacier Leaf hops and infused with peaches and ginger and primed with local honey.

North Brewing Company says the last batch of Halifax Common is available for this year so time is running out if you haven't tried this one 

Propeller Brewing Company launched their newest year-round beer, Propeller Organic Ale, in 6 Packs and Growlers today. This 4.5% Blonde Ale has a clean body, subtle malt sweetness and a crisp finish.

Schoolhouse Brewery is excited to announce the Hants County Hop Series. They still haven't chosen all the hops for the beers but they want these beers to focus on the taste of our local hops and maritime grown grain.  All the beers will all be made single Maritime Malt. They go on to say hops will be added to the kettle as well as a hop back to get the most of the aromatics from the hops. They also go on to say brewing with whole hops can be a bit of a wild card. Recipes can be hard to replicate so these will be one of a kind beers. 

Uncle Leo's Brewery says Vohs Weizenbier is a seasonal beer so get it while you can. This has been a favorite of mine this summer and I for one will be sad to see it go.

Fredericton Poutine Festival announced that ticket for the second annual event on November 8th go on sale this coming Tuesday. Last year was a great success so get your tickets early.

Piez Bistro in Portland Hills in Dartmouth is holding a Sociables for Prostrates that will feature Craft Beer and Cider Tastings that will pair Nova Scotia brewed beer & ciders with PIEZ BITES, samples of Chef Leslie’s prostate healthy food creations. The $10.00 ticket will give you one Tasting Paddle with 3 craft beer samples and 3 PIEZ Bites. $5.00 going to Prostate Cancer Canada. Beers and ciders are tentatively from Garrison, Boxing Rock, Sea Level, Tata Brew, Propeller, Bad Apple, Schoolhouse, Uncle Leo's and Bulwark. This is happening on September 27th. 

Lots of news this week, have a great time whatever you decide to do and enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - June 20, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for June 20, 2014

PEI Brewing Company released Landing Day Lager last week. This is an all malt lager hopped with a couple of New Zealand hops. They use Kohatu in the boil and dry-hopped with Motueka. It  is currently available on tap at the PEI Brewing tasting room and at Gahan House pub. This one is a 4% ABV.

Big Tide Brewing announced they are starting brunch next Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th from 10 am to 3 pm. They also announced that the new Princess Street Imperial Ale is on tap, weighing in at 7.5% ABV.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released that this morning, their brewers Jason Dionne and Gavin Anderson started brewing the very first batch of blonde ale, Bob LeBoeuf! It will be available early next month.

After enjoying great success over the last year Grimross Brewing revealed they are getting commercial space on Bishop Drive for the brewery and retail. I am excited to see where this will take them. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales are still looking for volunteers for the PICAROONS' BREWER'S BASH, though the list is getting full so if you are interested send an email to volunteer@picaroons.ca soon.

Pump House Brewery announced that Nick Lowe is their winner for Name Our IPA with 4 ALARM (Hop Blaze) IPA. So now it has a name and Congrats Nick.

Shiretown Beer said their Big Brown Ale is making its way to the ANBL which is good news. They also sent me the notes for their IPA "Hop's on for nowhere". They say "A toasted marble swirl of Cara & Prairie malt toting a Waimea type temper packin Green Bullets with a comforting earthy orange finish. It is a North Shore IPA that has a ABV of 5-5.5% and 75 IBUs.

Authentic Seacoast Brewing Company shared that The Rare Bird Pub opened today. They look forward to welcoming friends new and old for great Guysborough harbour views and Rare Bird Craft Beer.

Bad Apple Brewhouse released more locations where you can get Mosaic Double IPA. You can try it on tap at Stillwell Beer Bar, Lion and Bright, and The Stubborn Goat. It is also available while it lasts at the Private liquor stores in HRM.

Granite Brewery was brewing the Honey Ginger yesterday. It should be ready in about a week.

North Brewing Company put their first batch through the new fermenters this week and it was BIPA. They also told me they are doing a California Common this summer, it has been one style Josh wanted to takle since the brewery opened.

Tatamagouche Brewing Co.opened this week, they are now open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Their first two brews are Hippie Dippie Pale Ale, an unfiltered ale with ahtanum hops that lend floral and spicy hints with an earthy pine aroma, and Butcher Block Red, it gets its flavor from el dorado's fruity whole hops and the bitterness of roasted barley. Hippie Dippie is 5% ABV and Butcher Block is 6% ABV. 

Uncle Leo's Brewing is releasing their summer beer this week end, a German Wheat Beer called Vohs Weizenbier. It is a German Wheat beer named for their friends and neighbours Matt & Brenda Vohs of Piper's Landing Restaurant in Lyon's Brook. They were also Uncle Leo's first customer to put them on tap. The Vohs Weizenbier is a nice, summer beer with notes of cloves and banana. It is light in taste, 5% alcohol with a cloudy appearance. It is an unfiltered beer so that it retains all its flavour. It is available at the store today and select taps around the province.

Stillwell Beer Bar's Garrison Brewing cask takeover event is tomorrow at 2 PM. The 12 casks have been released and some are very interesting to say the least. The full list can be seen here.

The Ladies Beer League turns One tonight at the Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth. Drop by and have some special cask beer from North Brewing, Garrison Brewing and Big Spruce Brewing. It is pay as you go and they will also be selling LBL swag.

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 30, 2014

Hello and welcome to the May 30, 2014 edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Tonight we start in northwestern New Brunswick where the Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault launched their new beers recently, a blonde ale, named Bob LeBoeuf and a white, named Tante Blanche. The company’s Communications Director Mychèle Poitras explains that the group always had two goals in mind in the development of their new beers. "We always said we absolutely wanted to create quality beers that people would ask for time and again. We also said that our beers should tell a story… the story of our area. After much discussion and brainstorming, we quickly reached a consensus when we decided to honour our area’s legendary characters… people who, in some way, captured the imagination of local residents.
Bob LeBoeuf was a bit of an excentric and a legendary prospector in Edmundston, who spent his life digging for precious metals in the mountains surrounding Edmundston. Tante (Aunt) Blanche saved her colony from a famine at the end of the 18th century by ordering that the rich should share with the poor in such desperate times and even delivered food to the poor in snowshoes."
They go on to say "The characters on the two labels were created by local artists from Baker-Brook, Luc Cyr and Paula Lentz. Luc sculpted the characters, and Paula, with her paintbrushes, gave them their vivid colours. Edmundston graphic artist Sandi Émond packaged the work and created the labels.
To stay in tune with the nostalgic fantasy of the beers’ branding, Petit-Sault Brewers will be bringing back the old "stubby" bottle for their beers. The “stubby” disappeared from the beer world in the early 80s. “We wanted to stand out yet again and this bottle seemed appropriate for our beers and our branding,” says Mychèle Poitras. The beers should be available in local NB Liquor stores as well as in the brewtique for off-site consumption. Beers will be available in single bottles, six-packs and 1.9 litre growlers that people will be able to have refilled at the brewery."
They hope to be open in the old police station in Edmunston for the tourist season in June.

A little down river Big Axe Brewery has its Shakesbeer Chocolate Oatmeal Stout on tap. They say it is a full and silky body stout, dark chocolate in colour. Aroma is rich with caramel malts, chocolate and a hint of vanilla. Very low citrus, earthy, roasty, charred bitterness herb hop character that makes this stout complex and original. This stouts weighs in at 6.5% ABV.

Garrison Brewing Company asks if "Cornbread with Imperial IPA braised walnut + homemade queso fresco tickle your taste buds" If it does there is a beer dinner with Seasons by Atlantica Hotel Halifax on June 4th. For reservations call 490-3366. They are also looking for a passionate and qualified Sales Representative to join their team. If you want to check it out visit the Garrison website.

A brewery I don't mention much is Keith’s Brewery, but the had an interesting news release this week. They say "Nova Scotia’s original local beer, Alexander Keith’s, is tapping into a growing trend. Labatt Breweries of Canada announced Tuesday that the 1.89-litre jugs known as growlers will be available at the Keith’s retail store in the Historic Farmers’ Market in downtown Halifax starting Sunday." 
“This is an exciting move for Alexander Keith’s beer,” Labatt corporate affairs director Wade Keller said in a release.“Growlers are becoming more popular among consumers so it makes sense that the most popular beer in Nova Scotia would be available in this kind of packaging.”
The Keith’s retail store is open seven days a week; empty jugs and refills will each sell for $10.

Meander River Farm has been busy since selling out on opening day and they say to get your growlers ready. The next batch of Lunchbox Pale Ale is ready and they will be open this weekend both Saturday and Sunday from 11-5.

Propeller Brewing has yet another one off today with its Smoked Ale. This is a pale ale has 2 types of smoked malt, warrior and columbus, for bittering and willamette for flavour and aroma. They describe it as Malt forward with a light smokey flavour & aroma.

"It's Lager time!" says the Rock Bottom brewpub as Hali-Lager hits the taps this week. From their brewers blog "This is our big little lager, with flavour. The perfect lawnmower brew, perhaps?! Brewed with North American malts to 4.5% ABV and 17 IBU worth of Hallertau Hersbrucker with a twist of Cascade hops in the finish; a fun little continental hybrid." 

Schoolhouse Brewery is pleased to announce that their beer will soon be on tap in pubs. They will be on tap June 6th at the Library pub and June 7th at the Spitfire. Their initial beers are the "Principal Ale" a dry hoped pale ale and the "Chequers Ale", a robust porter. I am anxious to try these for sure.

Uncle Leos Brewing are working on a new beer coming out in a few weeks, they tell me they are leaning towards a German Wheat. Stay tuned for developments.

The Celtic Oktoberfest in Port Hawkesbury launched their website this week. They say "We’re proud to be Cape Breton’s first ever craft beer and local foods celebration, and we can’t wait to share the experience with you on October 25th! And what better way to celebrate than by a taste testing of our Island’s best food and craft beer." So far they are showcasing 10 Nova Scotian microbreweries; Big Spruce, Propeller, Uncle Leo’s, Authentic Seacoast, Boxing Rock, Rock Bottom, Townhouse Brewpub, Garrison, Sea level and Hell Bay and 8 Cape Breton food establishments as well as live Celtic music. Looks like a blast.

Thanks for joining me again this week, enjoy responsibly and to those at Atlantic Beer Fest tomorrow afternoon be on the look out for me and say hi.

Maritime Beer Report - May 16, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - February 7, 2014

Hello and welcome to the February 7th edition on the Maritime Beer Report.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault hired two brewers that will begin working the first of April. Jason Dionne and Gavin Anderson are bringing a large breadth of knowledge to the brewery. The brewery further says  they are starting lab work at the Grand Falls NBCC next week to test two new recipes, a blonde ale and a Belgian white, which were developed by their Belgian partner, Brunehaut Brewery. The first beers will be hitting the market in June, in time for the tourist season.

Hammond River Brewing's official launch is at the Saint John Ale House on February 13th at 6:00 pm. All four beers will be available that evening for tasting. A limited amount of tickets are now on sale there, the cost is $10, and it includes 4 samples of HRB beer along with some appetizers. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales states Afterglow Aphrodisiac Ale will be ready for next week. They say "The Afterglow is a Full-Bodied Ale that's brewed with Chocolate, a hint of Cayenne, Ginseng Root, and Liquorice Root! It rings in it at 5% ABV and you can easily have more than 1.

Authentic Seacoast Brewing Company shared that their  Rare Bird Craft Beer Full Steam Stout is headed to the NSLC. Check a store near you soon.

Bad Apple Brewhouse shared on February 1st they were filling barrels with Black & Tackle. Expect some of the barrel aged stout in the near future.


Boxing Rock Brewing increased production capacity this week by adding a 34-hectolitre fermentation tank. This will allow them to brew more often and keep up with demand for their products. They also have a teaser posted of something they are doing with the Ladies Beer League of a kettle of apples.

Garrison Brewing Co. 2014 home brew off is down to less than 2 weeks to get your entries in. I am looking forward to see who this years winner is. For any brewer looking to work with Garrison they are looking to hire one. Check the website for the details.

Granite Brewery in Halifax said they brewed Dunkelbock yesterday. It will be ready around the middle of March.

Rogues Roost ‏announced they're down to the last Keg of Russian Imperial Stout.  They also said that German Bock on the way in a few week.

Uncle Leo's Brewery sent their first shipment of IPA 6-packs off to the NSLC. Should be available soon!

In addition to the four NS brewers working to open breweries there is one more. Chris Killacky, a professor of theology at the Acadia Divinity College is looking to open a nanobrewery hopefully leading to a microbrewery in Wolfville. He is looking into getting zoning so he can do it in his home initially. 

Thanks for everyone for entering my contest so far, there is still time to get in and there will be more opportunities next week. Check out my blog for more details.

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