Friday, July 18, 2014

Maritime Beer Report - July 18, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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