Boxing Rock Brewing kicks off 2016 with Sunken Ledge Porter

(Shelburne, NS) - After a busy year of brewing, collaborating and expanding Boxing Rock Brewing is kicking off the new year with a brand new beer. Sunken Ledge Porter is 5% ABV and 21 IBUs and is a tribute to their good friend Toby Chambers, who was instrumental in the construction of Boxing Rock. Sunken Ledge is named for a shoal in Shelburne Harbour, the same harbour that has Boxing Rock.

It pours a deep mahogany colour with a persistent tan head and there is a subtle molasses aroma as you bring the glass to your lips. The flavours that follow are of dark chocolate and coffee, in fact the coffee taste lingers pleasantly.

Sunken Ledge will be available at select NSLC Stores and Private Wine Stores next week, Seaport and Alderney Farmers Markets starting Saturday January 2nd and direct from the brewery now.

Gray Stone Brewing finds a home

(Fredericton, NB) - Gray Stone Brewing has announced it found a home in downtown Fredericton at 221 King Street. 

Wes Ward from Gray Stone says they will be starting with a 10 BBL brewhouse and creating american ales and hopes to open in late spring 2016.

They will be joining six other breweries in the capital city as well as two craft cideries making Freddy Beach one of the most exciting craft beer cities in Canada.

Dartmouth from craft beer have not to craft beer have lots

Dartmouth seemed to have been left behind as across the harbour Halifax rode a craft beer wave that grew and grew. Let me first go back a dozen and a half years to get a little history.

Back in 1998 when Nova Scotia craft brewing was still quite small Maritime Beer built a very large brewing facility and restaurant on Windmill Road. Unfortunately it declared bankruptcy in 2000 and the assets eventually were purchased by Sleemans later that year. The plant operated for several years until it was shuttered in 2013 and the brewing gear sent to Collective Arts Brewing in Hamilton.

Shortly before the Maritime Beer facility was shut Propeller Brewing opened it new production facility on Windmill Road. This made them the lone craft brewer in Dartmouth until they were joined by Spindrift Brewing in Burnside in September this year with its production facility, retail store and tap room. 

Earlier this month North Brewing moved its 5 BBL system to Battery Park Beer Bar, their collaboration with Brooklyn Warehouse. They also put in fifteen taps at Battery Park of which thirteen pour Nova Scotia craft beer for Dartmouthians as well as an outstanding small plate menu. 

More good beer coming it 2016, Nine Locks Brewing is opening at 219 Waverley Road in Montebello with its 20 BBL facility, 6 flagship beers and a retail store in January. Harold MacKay, who was a major player in Maritime Beer, is bringing  Downeast Beer Factory a production brewery with a taproom back to where he started at 612 Windmill Road. 

So needless to say Dartmouth has quickly become a beer city in the Nova Scotia  craft beer revolution.

NB Strategic Program Review may see part of ANBL sold off

(Fredericton, NB) - The government of New Brunswick is going through a review of what and how they deliver products and services in New Brunswick. This exercise is to develop sustainable finances in the province and to maintain important services they deliver. 

The portion regarding Monetization of NB Liquor is as follows "Government has been exploring multiple options to maximize the return to taxpayers from NB Liquor. These options could include the partial sale of the business, the sale of a minority stake in the business, or making strategic changes to how NB Liquor operates to increase revenues." They also go on to say "Not all choices contained within this report will be implemented, but the status quo is not an option." 

It seems like changes are coming and some are probably needed but on the surface selling it off all or in part looks short sighted.

Read full report here Choices To Move New Brunswick Forward

Schoolhouse Brewery releases Locally Hopped Series

(Falmouth, NS) - The brewmaster was given a selection of Annapolis Valley grown hops. He provided four beers each true to their beer style. There is Big Red Schoolhouse, a 7.5% ABV Imperial Red, DesBarres Reserve a 6.8% ABV Biere de Garde, Scotian Export a 5.8% ABV Scottish Ale and Kings Row Chequers a 6.5% ABV Strong Porter. The series will be released December 19, 2016 at the Wolfville Farmers Market in 650ml bottles "Bombers". 

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

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

Hammond River Brewing releases White Walker White Stout

photo by
Nicholas Lowe Photography

(Quispamsis, NB) - Hammond River Brewing released its latest creation, a white stout called White Walker. This homage to Game of Thrones is brewed with Java Moose Foghorn coffee beans, fresh cacao nibs, Madagascar vanilla beans and lots of oats and barley. This 7.2% ABV and 37 IBU beer will look like a pale ale but have all of the taste and creamy mouthfeel of a stout. Brewer Shane Steeves says it is "a unique beer that was very fun to brew and will be on tap at Hammond River Brewing's tap accounts in the Saint John area very soon". 

Maritime Beer Report - December 18, 2015

Hammond River Brewing released their newest beer, a 7.2% ABV White Stout called White Walker. This pale beer has a creamy mouthfeel and has a nice smoky flavour complimented by Coffee, Chocolate, and a subtle hint of Vanilla. Look for it at HRB's tap accounts soon.

Big Spruce Brewing and Boxing Rock Brewing are releasing Triskaidekaphobia Imperial Brown Ale tomorrow at both breweries, select taps and private wine and beer stores. This collaboration done between the two breweries and Ladies Beer League is a complex, warm vanilla and cherry notes make this a winter winner. There isn't much of this 9% ABV strong beer and once it is gone, it's over.
Big Spruce also released Cold Remedy this week, their first ever Belgian. A lemon ginger wit, they brewed with homebrewer Chris McDonald, that has Cape Breton grown ginger from LocalMotive farm, and the zest of 60 lemons. 
Big spruce was very busy with guest brewer Justin Andrew Clarke making a co-developed Sour IPA for release at the Local Connections Food and Craft beer festival in Halifax Jan 14th. 
Lastly they made a Pine Needle IPA collaboration with Sawdust City Beer, should be interesting. 

Breton Brewing released Storm Chaser a Vanilla Oatmeal Stout, 5.5% ABV,  and is on tap now at the brewery. 

Garrison Brewing has its Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards Gold Medal winner for Experimental: Gastronome IPA on tap this week end. It has fresh orange juice and rosemary and comes in at an ABV of 6.5%.

Good Robot Brewing opened its taproom today. They have 12 taps on and several food options and will be open everyday at Noon except Monday. 

Schoolhouse Brewery used a selection of Annapolis Valley grown hops to make four beers each true to their beer style.
- Big Red Schoolhouse, Imperial Red, 7.5% ABV
- DesBarres Reserve, Biere de Garde, 6.8% ABV
- Scotian Export, Scottish Ale, 5.8% ABV
- Kings Row Chequers, Strong Porter, 6.5% ABV
They will be releasing them in 650ml bottles this Saturday at the Wolfville Farmers Market.

That brings us to the end of of this weeks report and and the year 2015. There well be no report for the next two weeks and will resume January 8th. Look for the 2015 Maritime recap and 2016 synopsis reports over the hiatus as well as a couple of other blog posts. I hope you all have a great holiday season and a very happy new year and as always enjoy responsibly.

Good Robot Brewing Taproom Opens

After seven months of operating Good Robot Brewing  are opening a taproom Friday December 18th at 12:00 PM next to the brewery at 2736 Robie Street. The taproom will be open every day of the week except Mondays. There are 12 taps behind the bar that will have their own beer, guest brews, experimental and other breweries. The food options will be from a variety of suppliers and will not be the typical pub fare. 

The room itself is two levels that is open and light. Around the bar was comfy two person chairs with many other tables.The upstairs area I found quiet and cozy.

Coming in the future there will be casks and events until probably late winter but until then enjoy the beer.

The taps will change over time but on opening there will be the available flagship beers as well as:
- Session IPA by Chris McDonald
- Märzen experimental
 - Bad Apple Brewhouse Mosaic DIPA
- Unfiltered 12 Years to Zion DIPA
- Big Spruce Cold Remedy Belgian Wit
- Uncle Leo's Cream Stout
- Shipbuilders Cider
- Stutz Wild Blueberry Cider

First City Brewery opens in Saint John, New Brunswick

(Saint John, NB) - Partners Adam McQueen and Jeff Gibbons are the latest to jump into the exciting New Brunswick craft beer scene. The nano brewery is in uptown Saint John and will produce small batch craft ales for local beer lovers in the area. on their 1 BBL system. 

Adam and Jeff have been home brewing for about 4 years and brewed between 40 and 50 batches in preparing to open up. Besides their IPA that sold very well over the week end look for an ESB, DIPA, RPA, Double Coffee Chocolate Stout and many more interesting beers. Currently on tap in the Saint John area including The R-Bar, Peppers Pub, Lemongrass and in talks with James Joyce in Fredericton. 

As with any big project they got a lot of support from family and friends and great help from Enterprise Saint John in making their dream a reality. After only being open a few days they have no huge plans as the brewers plan to balance the brewery in addition along with their full time jobs but shared they have been approached by ANBL to be in their growler program when the open their new store in Saint John. 

I wish them the best of luck and who knows they may be following the footsteps of Trail Way Brewing in the years to come.

Maritime Beer Report - December 11, 2015

Welcome to the December 11th edition on the Beer Report.

Barnone Brewing had on tap last night Pale, IPA and Big O. All those on tap and 'Vaca Loca' Milk stout were in growlers. The Big O is an all new PEI Organic beer. 100% organic Malt. Light in Color, 5% ABV. Low on bitter side, with a pleasant aromatic nose. 

Bore City Brewing says that their brewing license is imminent from ANBL. Bore City Brewing will be on tap in a bar near you early next year.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released their authentic Tripel, named in honour of New Brunswicks's most notorious bootlegger, Maxime Albert of St-Hilaire! A complex beer that explodes with flavours and a boozie 9.2% ABV. Next Saturday, December 19th at the Resto-Bar Le Deck they're taking over the taps, with a few surprises. On the 10 taps look for Oaked Strong Scotch Ale, Strawberry Blonde, Rye Saison and Triple Chocolate Chili Stout. 

First City Brewery say it's first kegs are officially listed with ANBL. Their first batch of IPA is currently on tap at the R-Bar and a keg to be delivered to Peppers Pub. The IPA is light in color but big on flavor. It comes it at 6.5% ABV and is brewed using Magnum, Amarillo, Centenntial, Citra and Galaxy hops. Congratulations guys. 

Grimross Brewing released Dubbel Noel which is higher ABV at 8.6% and was conditioned on vanilla beans for 2 weeks - rich caramel, raisins, dark chocolate. Out now and at the growler fill stations in 2 weeks. 

The Pump House Brewery has Nor'easter Beater Winter Warmer back on tap. It is a traditional malty-sweet English style that is brewed in the winter months and spiced with cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Deep dark amber coloured with a big malt presence and lingering spicy notes with a 7.0% ABV. 

Trail Way Brewing has gone to the dogs again. Their dog Aura is a 2 year old unknown mix of breeds and was rescued from the Fredericton SPCA this past summer – she’s settling into her new home great and happens to be a 65 lb lap-dog.
Now meet, “Good Aura”, the beer. Similar to Aura the dog, “Good Aura” is a bit of a hybrid of styles. Good Aura is brewed with rye, munich and crystal malts resulting in a 7.1% ABV amber-coloured ale, but with plenty of hop flavour and aroma and slight hop bitterness to balance the malt. Each time Good Aura is brewed a donation will be made to the Fredericton SPCA, so when you’re enjoying this beer, know that you are supporting the SPCA and a good cause. 

Garrison Brewing is adding an 11th beer on tap at the brewery, Pear Hug Weisse. It is a 5.2% ABV flavoured weizen. It is made with pear juice which gives it a fruitiness and sweetness. They also say it is extremely smooth and aromatic. This is on tap now at the brewery along with Spruce Beer, Winter Warmer, Imperial IPA, Risin’ Stein Weissen, Martello Stout and their 5 full time beer!

The George's Island Brewing over at the The Auction House released the names of their first two beer and they had a bit of fun with them. First up is Her Name was Amber, this is an amber beer made from New Zealand malts and is slightly hoppy beer with hints of citrus and a touch of bitterness. Next up is Bob's Your Dunkel, this is a Dunkelweizen (German wheat beer). It is brewed with chai tea giving it a cinnamon/nutmeg flavor. 

Good Robot Brewing is drawing ever closer to its tap room opening and have announced some changes to the beer line-up. The steam and corn beer are going off tap for a while so stock up. Look for experimental, guest brews and one offs coming soon including:

- Coffee Pale Ale v. 2.0
- Märzen
- Smoked Molasses Porter
- Session IPA

North Brewing says to look for their seasonal Milk Stout in January as they have been busy on a couple of projects. One of those projects is Battery Park in Dartmouth which opened yesterday at the former Nectar location. It has a North outlet store, 16 taps of a variety of Nova Scotia Craft Beers and a texture and flavor inspired small plate menu. 
They also have Glenora Barrel Aged Strong Dark Belgian available again. Grab some today at the Halifax or Dartmouth locations while it lasts. 

Sea Level Brewing's Wee Heavy Scotch Ale is now available in cans and will be available in growlers by the weekend.

Spindrift Brewing Company has added Saturday to its opening schedule swinging the doors open from Noon to 4 PM at 21 Frazee Avenue in Burnside. They also hit the shelves at the NLC recently and will be in NB at the ANBL in January.

Unfiltered Brewing now have their taproom open next the brewery on North Street. It is called "Charm School" is open from 4 PM until midnight, closed Monday. 

Bulwark Ciders now has bottles of its oak-aged cider, Cuvée Spéciale on shelves in the NSLC. It comes in a 750 ml flip-top and is 7% ABV. 

Have a great week end and as always enjoy responsibly. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault releases new Tripel Beer

(Edmunston, NB) - Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released their latest creation yesterday, Maxime Albert Tripel. The 9.3% ABV strong ale is now available at their Brewtique in Edmunston. It is named in honour of New Brunswick's most notorious bootlegger, Maxime Albert of Saint-Hilaire. They note that this authentic tripel is a complex beer that explodes with flavours and was a bronze medal winner at the 2015 Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards. Look for it tomorrow at the ANBL growler stations.

Unfiltered Brewing Opens Taproom

(Halifax, NS) - Unfiltered Brewing opened its awaited saloon this past week end. It is called Charm School and is next to the brewery at 6041 North Street. The new pub has eight beers on tap from brewmaster Greg Nash and a small menu of tasty items. There will always have all the beers currently on at the store in the pub as well as a few treats now and look for the food menu to expand soon. Charm School is open Tuesday through Sunday from  4 PM to midnight.

The 12 Beers of Christmas Returns to Fredericton

(Fredericton, NB) - Picaroons Traditional Ales says The 12 Beers of Christmas are returning again this year. Starting on Saturday December 12th at The Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton, They will once again be releasing a different festive brew each day for 12 days. Each day's beer will be annouced at 12 noon and it will be ready for your Growlers starting at 4 PM. (On Sundays the beer will be announced AND tapped at noon). Quantities are still extremely limited but this year but they are lifting the 2 Growlers per person limit but are asking people not to be greedy. 

Upstreet Craft Brewing Brews Up New Seasonal

(Charlottetown, PE) - Upstreet Craft Brewing released a Vanilla Cranberry Stout seasonal yesterday. Its newest beer is called Black Tie Affair and is a sweet and roasty stout, balanced by a touch of cranberry tartness and a hint of rich vanilla that comes in at 5% ABV. They say it is "Just what you need to spruce up the dark winter evenings". 

Propeller Releases Latest One Hit Wonder

(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing released its latest One Hit Wonder yesterday.  Jaromir Lagr, an Imperial Czechoslovakian Pilsner, is now on tap at both Propeller Shops in Halifax and Dartmouth. They had a lot of fun with this one making it an homage to Florida Panthers ageless star Jaromír Jágr of the NHL and his mullet. It is a strong 6.8% ABV beer and will be available while supplies last.

Maritime Beer Report - December 4, 2015

Welcome to the December 4th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. 

Upstreet Craft Brewing is releasing its newest seasonal today. Black Tie Affair is a sweet and roasty stout, balanced by a touch of cranberry tartness and a hint of rich vanilla. Just what you need to spruce up the dark winter evenings. 
Lots of other changes going on at the brewery. They will begin offering a selection of local wine and cider to patrons who aren't beer fans and a full menu. Upstreet in partnership with local chef and caterer John Pritchard will begin offering food four nights a week starting December 9th. JP has prepared a selection of taproom tapas and sharable plates that, definitely won’t be your typical pub food.
Finally, due to the popularity of White Noize, Upstreet has decided to turn the seasonal into a flagship beer that you will be able to buy year-round and will also be available in bottles very soon. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales The 12 Beers of Christmas are returning. Starting on Saturday December 12th at The Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton, They will once again be releasing a different festive brew each day for 12 days. They will announce each day's beer at 12 noon and it will be ready for your Growlers starting at 4 PM. (On Sundays the beer will be announced AND tapped at noon). Quantities are still extremely limited but this year they are lifting the 2 Growlers per person limit but are asking people not to be greedy. 

Big Spruce Brewing hit a milestone this week by brewing their 400th batch of beer. In case you were wondering it was their very popular Cereal Killer Oatmeal Stout. 
The home brew-off judging was last Sunday of Red IPA, Altbier and Dark Czech Lager. There were 50 beers entered and here are the winners. 

3D. Czech Dark Lager
GOLD: Eric Gautier (co brewer Justin Clarke)
SILVER: Derek Stapleton
BRONZE: Justin Clarke (co brewer Eric Gautier)

7B. Altbier
GOLD: Eric Gautier (co brewer Justin Clarke)
SILVER: Keith Forbes and Mike Orr
BRONZE: Andrew Martin

21B. Red IPA
GOLD: Shawn Meek
SILVER: Scott MacLean & Randy Rowe
BRONZE: Josh Armstrong

And the winner of Best in show is "Czech Yo Self" a Czech Dark Lager by Eric Gautier (co brewer Justin Clarke). They will be brewing the beer shortly.

Boxing Rock Brewing says U-889 is on the shelves now for a very limited time.

Propeller Brewing is releasing its next One Hit Wonder today. The Jaromir Lagr Imperial Czechoslovakian Lager. This one is a 6.8% ABV lager. 

Unfiltered Brewing has brought back DOA DIPA. It is crazy with citrus from the Citra and just a bit of malt sweetness and weighs in at 7.5% ABV and 100+ IBUs.

CBC's Land and Sea will be featuring Tatamagouche Brewing, Meander River Farm & Brewery, and Big Spruce Brewing this Sunday, December 6th, at 12 noon. The half hour show is titled “Craft Beer” and will be available online afterwards. 

Have a great week and check out my Facebook this week end for a great giveaway. Until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Beer Lover Gift Guide

Do you have someone that loves beer? Beer has had a revival these last few years with the craft beer revolution going. But what do you get for the beer lover in your life and where? I have a few suggestions local and otherwise to help you out. 

Of course buying them their favorite beer is an option if it is available remembering fresh is better and if it is growlers it will need to be kept refrigerated and bought a couple of days before gifting. A lot of people stock up on beer prior to the holidays so merchandise from their favorite brewer is a good option. Many brewers will ship if you call your order in, check out their social media to see what they have.

So the fridge is stocked with beer and they have every shirt hat and bottle opener ever made now what? If you are wanting to stay local there are a few options. 

Mashed In Beer Gear started by making custom-brew-in-a-bag for home brewers and branched out to resin encapsulated grains and hops coasters, tap handles for  kegerators or keezers and business card holders. A bonus id they offer free shipping. 

If your beer fan wants to dip their toe into making beer a great place to call for help find what you need to buy is Everwood Ave Brew Shop . They have everything from starter on up and brew kits.

 

Maybe a product made from natural material is more to your liking, Ravenview makes wood handles and lots of other cool stuff.







Moving on from local to other items, there are some good books on beer, cooking with beer and pairing. A couple of good Canadian books are Beerology by Mirella Amato and Craft Beer Cookbook by David Ort. There are loads of books out there for whatever the interest in beer may be. 

My last suggestion is glassware. There are many glasses for specific beer styles and tasting sets that give you several glasses that go with many different styles. These are at Canadian Tire, Bed, Bath and Beyond and most kitchen stores. 

I hope this helps and happy shopping. 

NOVA SCOTIA’S CRAFT BREWERS FLATTERED BY ATTENTION

NOVA SCOTIA’S CRAFT BREWERS FLATTERED BY ATTENTION FROM INTERNATIONAL BEER CONGLOMERATE

November 30, 2015

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia’s craft brewers are flattered that international beer conglomerate InBev subsidiary Labatt’s Brewing Company announced last week that they are interested in learning about how to brew craft beer in Nova Scotia. This is the latest endorsement of the world class, award winning craft beer coming from Nova Scotia.

“Those of us who brew premium craft beer in Nova Scotia have always been proud of the world class quality of our products”, said Emily Tipton, president of CBANS and owner of Boxing Rock Brewing Company. “This new attention supports what Nova Scotians have been saying for the past several years, that they want to see more craft beer.”

Nova Scotia beer market data over the past few years has shown that the Nova Scotia craft beer market share has grown by over 25% per year, while traditional, multinational beer products are losing market share.

“We believe in Nova Scotia. We believe in the people who buy our beer and support our industry. We believe our commitment to the Nova Scotia needs to be more than glitzy ads and gimmicks. Even with the endorsement from Anheuser Busch Inbev SA we will continue to work hard and brew all of our beer right here in Nova Scotia, and we will let our products do the talking.” said Tipton. “In addition to brewing great beer, the Nova Scotia craft beer industry employs Nova Scotians in every region of the province, and we reinvest in the province, and in these communities.”

Labatt Brewing Company Ltd. is a Belgian-owned beer company. In 1995, it was purchased by Belgian brewer Interbrew; it is now part of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA is a multinational beverage and brewing company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. It is the world's largest brewer and has a 25 percent global market share. Their market capitalization is $197 Billion and trades on the New York stock exchange (ABI).

CBANS represents craft breweries in every region of the Province, including sixteen microbreweries and seven brewpubs from Sydney to Yarmouth. More than half of our members are located in rural communities, and our members employ more than 300 hundred hard working Nova Scotians. Our industry has more than doubled in size since 2011 and we now retail more than $16 million dollars of locally made craft beer annually in Nova Scotia. Our members have won national and international awards for our products and export sales are growing every year, establishing our industry’s products as world class and Nova Scotia as a destination for craft beer lovers across North America and the world.

Contact:
Emily Tipton, President
Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia
emily@boxingrock.ca

George's Island Brewing to release first beers as early as next week

Image from https://twitter.com/SMARTBrew

(Halifax, NS) - George's Island Brewing is hoping to release its first beers as early as next week. This brewery is part of the Grafton Connors group of companies and although branded separately it resides in the front of the Auctionhouse Restaurant on Grafton Street and will be run by their staff. They use a SmartBrew system to create their beers in which they buy a pre-made wort and then customize it in their tanks. They tell me that the first beers out will be an amber and a dunkelweizen.

Maritime Beer Report - November 27, 2015

Welcome to the last report for November 2015 but it is a good one.

Upstreet Craft Brewing, who started selling its beer in bottles at the brewery last month, hit the shelves of select PEILCC stores today. The brews will have unique artwork on the labels created by Jud Haynes as well as 400 "islandisms" under the caps to collect. 

Hammond River Brewing brewed up something new this week, a White Stout. This was brewed with some Java Moose Foghorn coffee beans, lots of fresh Cacao Nibs, a few Madagascar Vanilla Beans, and lots of Oats and Barley. This 7.2% ABV and 37 IBU beer will look like a Pale Ale but have all of the taste and creamy mouthfeel of a Stout. Shane is a big Game of Thrones fan and is calling this one White Walker. 

Canadian Beer News reported Mama’s Pub in Fredericton will soon be serving its own beer brewed on a 2 BBL system with the assistance of consulting brewer Andrew Estabrooks formerly of Picaroons. The plan is to have three core brands – American Pale Ale, Brown Ale, and Session IPA  that they hope to have on tap by Christmas as well as  four seasonals to follow in 2016.

Maybee Brewing still hope to be open before Christmas but before that happens they will have some beer available in downtown Fredericton. 

The Pump House Brewery has released its Schwarzbier or "black beer", a traditional German Style black lager. As the name implies it is black in colour yet very drinkable with subtle hints of chocolate and coffee leading into a light-bodied, clean finish. A good 7.5% ABV perfect for colder weather.

Big Spruce Brewing along with home brewer, Brewnoser and Atlantic Beer Blogger Chris McDonald brewed his 2015 Stillwell Open winning Lemon Ginger Wit. They brewed this with farmer Jody Nelson's of LocalMotive Farm's Cape Breton grown fresh ginger, the zest of 60 lemons, lots of organic wheat and pilsner malts and their own farm grown Challenger hops.

Boxing Rock Brewing says U-889 is back. This is an incredibly popular seasonal sold out last year in less than two weeks. Get your 650 ml bottles now at the brewery and private stores in Nova Scotia

Breton Brewing released their fourth flagship beer today. The new Red Coat Irish Red Ale is a 5% ABV and 25 IBU beer that they say has Roasty/malty flavours and aromas.

Garrison Brewing says Spruce Beer is being released at the Brewery today and tomorrow at the NSLC and some of is going to make it to barrels again this year. Tomorrow, November 28th, they are sampling Spruce beer and Winter Warmer in Casks along with hot chocolate and mulled cider from 11-3 PM at the brewery. All proceeds are going to The Christmas Daddies Charity.

George's Island Brewing is hoping to release its first beers as early as next week. This brewery is part of the Grafton Connors group of companies and resides in the front of the Auctionhouse Restaurant on Grafton Street. They use a SmartBrew system to create their beers in which they buy a pre-made wort and then customize it in their tanks. They tell me that the first beers out will be an amber and a dunkelweizen.

Good Robot Brewing said Doug, the head brewer, decided to "dry-hop" their newest batch of Burban Legend Citrus APA. It should be on tap any day now.

Granite Brewery says they brewed Darkside Black IPA last week and it should be available by the middle of December. Coincidentally the new Star Wars movie is out the middle of December, coincidence? I think not.

Tatamagouche Brewing is brewing up a popular holiday beer, Maple Squash Ale. This year they used maple syrup from Sugar Moon Farms in Earltown. Look for release around December 17th, just in time for Christmas dinner.
They also have SMORTER, a S'mores Porter. A new brew created by Mark Patriquin reminiscent of a summer's night bonfire, but high enough in alcohol to help you forget it's November. Also back is DECEPTION BAY IPA, the 6.2% Silver Medal Winner at 2015 ACBAs.

Uncle Leo's Brewing says its Cream Stout is back, it is their popular milk stout seasonal and is at the brewery now.

Unfiltered Brewing is having its own version of Black Friday by releasing its first stout called Flat Black Jesus. It is an American-style stout brewed in early September.with plenty of locally harvested wet hops, dry-hopped with several new Australian hop varietals, and then conditioned on oak. 
The brewery assures us Flat Black Jesus is not flat, and contains no actual Jesus. The ale is 7.0% ABV and 100+ IBUs and hit the taps at the brewery today.

Alexander Keith’s Brewery in downtown Halifax that first opened in 1820 and is Nova Scotia’s best known brewery announced it is investing $1.5 million in the historic site and will brew beer on site starting in April. The focus of the brewery will be on creating small-batch brews that will be available for sale in growlers at the brewery or 650 ml bottles and six-packs of bottles at the NSLC. The beer will also be sold in kegs to select bars and restaurants in Nova Scotia.

Thanks for checking out out the news again this week. I now have updates through the week as well as information on facebook and instagram. Until next time enjoy responsibly.

Unfiltered Brewing releases First Stout

(Halifax, NS) Unfiltered Brewing is having its own version of Black Friday by releasing its first stout called Flat Black Jesus. It is an American-style stout brewed in early September.with plenty of locally harvested wet hops, dry-hopped with several new Australian hop varietals, and then conditioned on oak. 
The brewery assures us Flat Black Jesus is not flat, and contains no actual Jesus. The ale is 7.0% ABV and 100+ IBUs and hits the taps at the brewery on November 27th at noon.

Breton Brewing releases fourth flagship beer

(Coxheath, NS) Breton Brewing says they will release their fourth flagship beer this Friday at Noon. The new Red Coat Irish Red Ale will be a 5% ABV and 25 IBU beer that they say has Roasty/malty flavours and aromas.

Historic Alexander Keith's Brewery to brew again

(Halifax, NS) - Alexander Keith’s Brewery in downtown Halifax that first opened in 1820 and is Nova Scotia’s best known brewery announced today it is investing $1.5 million in the historic site and will brew beer on site starting in April. The focus of the brewery will be on creating small-batch brews that will be available for sale in growlers at the brewery or 650 ml bottles and six-packs of bottles at the NSLC. The beer will also be sold in kegs to select bars and restaurants in Nova Scotia.

"The brewery will focus on experimenting with new ideas and flavours that carry on the tradition started by Mr. Keith himself almost 200 years ago in this very spot,” said Alexander Keith’s brewmaster, Steve Durand. “We are excited to bring new, small-batch Alexander Keith’s brews to beer fans that have long supported us here in Nova Scotia.”

The brewery will continue to be open to the public, offering tours where people can witness the beer being brewed and try a sample. 

Boxing Rock Brewing bids 'Willkommen' to U-889 RIS

(Shelburne, NS) - Boxing Rock Brewing has released the 2015 version of its Russian Imperial Stout at the brewery and to NS private beer stores as well as selected bars and restaurants. 

Brewers used over six hundred kgs of malt to brew it. and then boiled it for two hours to bring out the rich flavours demanded of the style and hopped it with just enough smooth bitterness to balance it’s richness. Then following their special recipe they added 22 gallons of strong cold-brewed coffee from Just-Us!, and then infused with 20 pounds of plump, premium Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans for over two weeks. Henry says the tasting notes are "rich malt, chocolate, caramel, roasted grain, coffee, vanilla. Initial bitterness followed by a long smooth finish. It’s like a dessert in a glass". The stout is lightly carbonated with a 8.89% ABV and 65 IBUs.

U-889 is Boxing Rocks tribute to Kapitänleutnant Friedrich Brauecker, the WW-II German Submarine captain that surrendered to a Canadian Navy frigate off the coast of Cape Breton on May 10, 1945. The U-boat was escorted to Shelburne Harbour, and tied up at the Government Wharf.

Supplies are extremely limited so get it while it lasts.

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.

Upstreet Craft Brewing enters PEILCC

(Charlottetown, PE) - Upstreet Craft Brewing, that started selling its beer in bottles at the brewery last month, says they will be hitting the shelves of select PEILCC store on November 27th. The brews will have unique artwork on the labels created by Jud Haynes as well as 400 "islandisms" under the caps to collect. 

The Pump House Brewery released Bière de Garde and Stonefire

(Moncton, NB) - The Pump House Brewery has released Bière de Garde, the 2014 Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards Gold Medal Winner. The name Bière de Garde is a bit of a play on words: it is widely purported that this beer was so good people wanted to keep it, but in reality the term “de garde” meant a prolonged maturation time after primary fermentation to French and Belgian brewers. During this maturation time, the yeast has time to reduce unwanted fermentation by-products and taste-inducing esters are produced. This beer is available now and is 6.5% ABV and 15 IBUs.

They also released their 2015 Stonefire Ale in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The wort of this ale is heated by immersing hot stones into it that can reach temperatures up to 700°C (roughly 1,300°F). This tremendous heat forces the wort sugars to caramelize to the stones instantly, thus creating a one of a kind taste. A faint hint of smokiness in the background also pays tribute to this medieval brewing technique. This weighs in a 6.5% ABV and 7 IBUs. 

Garrison Brewing release two popular seasonals

(Halifax, NS) - Garrison Brewing released two of their popular winter seasonals. Winter Warmer came out last Friday in 6-packs at the brewery and the NSLC. Winter Warmer is a warming 7% ABV and look for this in a 650 ml bomber at the brewery in a few weeks. They will also be releasing their Spruce Beer on Friday  the 27th at brewery, NSLC and privates and on Saturday the 28th from 11 AM- 3 PM Garrison will have a cask at the brewery to enjoy samples of Spruce Beer and Winter Warmer as well as mulled cider and hot chocolate with proceeds got to CTV Christmas Daddies Telethon. 

Maritime Beer Report - November 20, 2015

This has been another busy week of craft beer news in the Maritimes. 

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. It won't be around for long so grab a bottle as soon as you can.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says Buckdjeuve is now available in bottles at the brewtique and elsewhere in NB soon, make sure you ask for it at your local ANBL store. This is a strong 7.3% ABV.

The Pump House Brewery has released Bière de Garde, 2014 Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards Gold Medal Winner. The name Bière de Garde is a bit of a play on words: it is widely purported that this beer was so good people wanted to keep it, but in reality the term “de garde” meant a prolonged maturation time after primary fermentation to French and Belgian brewers. During this maturation time, the yeast has time to reduce unwanted fermentation by-products and taste-inducing esters are produced. This beer is 6.5% ABV and 15 IBUs.
They also released their 2015 Stonefire Ale in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The wort of this ale is heated by immersing hot stones into it that can reach temperatures up to 700°C (roughly 1,300°F). This tremendous heat forces the wort sugars to caramelize to the stones instantly, thus creating a one of a kind taste. A faint hint of smokiness in the background also pays tribute to this medieval brewing technique. This weighs in a 6.5% ABV abd 7 IBUs. 

Big Spruce Brewing along with Stillwell has released its newest single hopped pale ale this week. This time it is Gimme Simcoe weighing in at 5% ABV and available now at the brewery.

Garrison Brewing has news on two of their popular seasonals. Winter Warmer came out today in 6-packs at the brewery and NSLC. It is a strong 7% ABV and look for this in a 650 ml bomber at the brewery in a few weeks. They will be releasing their Spruce Beer next Friday at brewery, NSLC and privates and next Saturday the 28th they will have casks of it and Winter Warmer as well as mulled cider. Lastly they are doing a tap takeover at Ducky's in Sackville NB tomorrow from 7-9 PM and are bringing 18 beers and some are very special. Check out my blog post for details.

Hell Bay Brewing has a special limited supply of its Oatmeal Pale Ale in bottles at the brewery in Liverpool.

In the Chronicle Herald reported that Nine Locks Brewing is slated to open in January and will produce between 350,000 and 400,000 litres of beer next year. They also say that IPA and Extra Special Bitter are the first two types of  beer customers will see on NSLC shelves in four-packs of 473 ml cans. These beers, along with other offerings will be available at the brewery’s storefront in cans, growlers and kegs on the Waverley Road in Dartmouth.

The Nook and Cranny in Truro has a new dark beer on tap. It is a Milk Stout and is 4.7 ABV.

North Brewing has Stillwell's birthday beer Two for sale. It is a rustic farmhouse and is very good. Available only in bottles and is 4.2% ABV.
Staying with North their collaboration, Battery Park, is set to have its public opening on December 10th. The date coincides with Slow Food International’s annual celebration, Terra Madre Day. It’s an annual celebration of all things local and sustainable.

Propeller Brewing released one of its most popular seasonals this week Revolution Russian Imperial Stout. Available now at the Prop Shops, coming soon to the NSLC and in January to ANBL. This is a warming 8% ABV.

Spindrift Brewing announced that they now have unfiltered Coastal Lager on tap at the brewery for all you beer nerds.

Wayfarers' Ale's equipment has arrived and is inside the brewery. There is still a lot of work to be done but look for production early in the New Year.

The Ladies Beer League are asking you join them on Sunday December 6th for a very merry Holiday Brunch. To get you in the holiday spirit the Ladies Beer League along with Boxing Rock Brewing and Big Spruce Brewing will be showcasing their new collaboration brew while Stillwell's chef Graeme will be cooking up 3 great menu options.
 1. Classic Benny - House smoked ham, 63C egg, english muffin, hollandaise
2. Frittata - Sweet potato, leeks, grana padano, swiss chard, all'arrabbiata
3. Biscuits & Gravy - Buttermilk biscuits, sawmill gravy, honey-rosemary sausage, 63C egg

Your ticket will cover food and a 12 oz glass of our Triskaidekaphobia brew.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival will be putting the tickets on sale next Friday November 27th at 11:00 AM online.They will also be releasing details for the entire week of March 9th to March 12th festivities.

Enjoy your week and until next time, enjoy responsibly.