Maritime Beer Report - May 29, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Craft beers are Nova Scotia MLAs enjoying

In honor of Nova Scotia Craft Beer week I asked, well emailed actually, every sitting member of the Nova Scotia Legislature what there favorite craft beer was. I got a handful of responses and most were enthusiastic and some even passionate.

Kevin Murphy (L - Eastern Shore) says he regularly has Hell Bay Brewing, Garrison Brewing, and Rare Bird Craft Beer.  He says "I have shifted a my buying habits over the past couple years to local craft beers.  In addition to the richer, more significant flavour and texture, there is a certain "feel good" component to the experience of actually being able to say I met the people actually making this local product".  Couldn't have said it better myself.

Joachim Stroink (L - Halifax Chebucto)  says his favorite is Garrison's seasonal Three Fields. He states "For the fact that the beer has a wonderful taste, the blend of hops is one you can really enjoy. But the best part of this beer is made up of 100% Nova Scotia ‎Hops. Coming from Meander River Farms, Fiddle hop Farm and Ross Farm Museum".

Patricia Arab (L - Fairview-Clayton Park) plainly said her favourite craft beer is Boxing Rock's Hunky Dory Pale Ale.

Allan MacMaster (PC - Inverness) had this to say "So many great craft beers in Nova Scotia right now.  I recall working for Rodney MacDonald years ago when he was Minister responsible for NSLC.  The NSLC was opposing shelf space for NS craft brewers.  Thankfully that changed.  Beer lovers and our local economies are the better for it.  My current favorite is “Kitchen Partry Ale” from Big Spruce Brewing in Nyanza.  North Brewing Company has some dandies too".

Diana Whalen (L - Clayton Park West) say she loves a growler of English Ale from the Hell Bay Brewing Company. 

Brendan Maguire (L - Halifax Atlantic) wins the longest answer award saying the following. 

There’s no better way to tickle your taste buds during the summer months than with a bottle of Maritime craft beer.
Haligonians are very lucky to be surrounded by many microbreweries such as Granite, Garrison, Rock Bottom and Propeller - just to name a few.
When it is time to crack open a cold beer, my taste buds tend to lead me to Propeller Breweries’ award winning India Pale Ale. This locally brewed beer is a smooth, slightly bitter and has beautiful golden glow. If you’re looking for a challenge, there is always the 1.9L growler!
I encourage everyone to support local this summer by visiting one of the many microbreweries across Nova Scotia.  

Karla MacFarlane (PC - Pictou West) says she is not usually a beer drinker, but she does enjoy the occasional Red Ale from Uncle Leo’s brewery in Lyons Brook. She also says "They have a fine selection of other offerings as well with beers ranging from a dark stout to an IPA." She seems to know a lot for a non-beer drinker. 

Jamie Baillie (PC - Cumberland South) says "There are many great craft beers in Nova Scotia. One that stands out for me is Butcher Block Red, by the Tatamagouche Brewing Company.  He may be Leader of the Opposition but not may people would oppose that.

Geoffrey MacLellan (L - Glace Bay) exclaims "I'm a proud Cape Bretoner and a fan of Big Spruce Brewing's Cereal Killer.  I'm new to the product and will get to pick up my first growler on the way home to Glace Bay." Someone tell Geoffrey that Cape Breton breweries and doubling next month.

I thank the hard working members who took the time to email me back and I will check back in a year to see if their tastes have changed. 

Maritime Beer Report - May 22, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 15, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 8, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Report for May 8th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maritime Beer Report - May 1, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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