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.

Garrison Brewing Takes over Ducky's on November 21st

Garrison Brewery, one of  Nova Scotia's largest craft brewers, takes over the taps on Saturday November 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Ducky's in Sackville NB. There will be 17 beers to sample and there is no cover charge for this event. However, for $10 you can purchase a 13 oz branded Belgian style beer glass that includes 5-5oz drink tickets. If you reserve your glass before Saturday (there is a signup sheet at Ducky's) you will receive an extra 2 tickets and as an added bonus only for those with the branded glass you can purchase additional 5 oz pours for $2.25. 

Propeller Brewing releases Revolution RIS

(Halifax, NS) Propeller Brewing has released Revolution Russian Imperial Stout for the 10th season at its retail stores in Halifax and Dartmouth this week. This extremely popular and award winning seasonal weighs in at 8% ABV, 60 IBUs and has "a deep, rich, black colour. The taste of alcohol is well masked by the intense hop bitterness, extreme roasted malt and dark fruit notes". Not in metro Halifax, look for Revolution to hit the NSLC in a couple of weeks and the ANBL in January. 

Mad Tom is back

After a short hiatus, Maritime fans of Muskoka Brewery’s Mad Tom will be happy to learn the IPA returned to the NSLC and ANBL this month. Mad Tom is an aggressively hopped IPA that is crisp and citrusy that uses Chinook and Centennial hops for dry-hopping, lending to Mad Tom’s vibrant aroma and blunt character. It pairs best with strong dishes such as smoked fish, burgers, a sharp cheese or spicy dishes. The hops cut through the spice, contrast with delicate flavours, and compliment rich flavours. Mad Tom is not for everyone and weighs in at 6.4% ABV and 64 IBUs.

Stillwell Beer Bar turns 2

Stillwell turns two today and in their short time in Halifax they have nurtured the craft beer culture and endeared themselves to our city. I had a chance to ask them a few questions late last week on their past successes and plans.

MBR: Stillwell arrived at a time when the craft beer wave was building. Would you say that Stillwell not only rode it but also shaped in the Halifax area?
Stillwell: It definitely was a bit serendipitous in terms of timing for our opening. We wanted to bring a great beer bar to our home town, but when we were scheming about it in the early days, there were some, but few options for craft beer lovers in the city. We imagined we were going to have to bring in a lot of out of province products to be able to create a balanced and exciting tap list. The growth of the beer industry in Nova Scotia over the last few years has been incredible, and there is so much more room for growth here. We definitely like to think that we're helping propel our industry forward in NS, but there are so many incredible brewers devoted to the craft that we're inspired by their successes as well. It really is a privilege to be a home base and canvas for those products to be highlighted. 

MBR: You have had so many successes and accolades in the first two years. Being so successful what is your motivations?
Stillwell: Our goal was always to be the Nova Scotian beer hub, a place for brewers and beers to shine, and be at the forefront of new products, and experimental brews. We opened this bar to have a room we'd want to spend time in, a place to focus on doing one thing really well and that's the drink in the glass. The motivation for us is simple, because we seek out great beer in our spare time, it's a bit of a thrill to also be able to do that as a curator for our customers. 

MBR: You have had my great events, which one was your favorite?
Stillwell: That's really tough, but if I had to pick one, I would say the Dunham and Jester King collaborative event. It's always really great to bring in new beer that has never been served in Halifax, but it was such an amazing experience to host representatives from both breweries and show them what the scene here is like. People were so in love with the products (myself included!) and to be able to actually pat the brewers on the back and say "thanks!" while enjoying such rare and incredible beer was a bit surreal. It was also one of the toughest to plan and execute so it was such a relief when it all came together! 

MBR: What does the future hold for the Stillwell gang?
Stillwell: That's the biggest debate in our lives right now. We're really thirsty for more projects, but have so many ideas swirling around our minds that it's hard to decide what the right move is. We definitely want to get up to something, we just need to figure out what that is! The most immediate thing on our plates is the future of the Beergarden. If we're able to stay in the same location for next year, we would like to invest in more infrastructure, expanding our offerings, and broadening the customer experience. Waterfront Beergarden 2016 will be a bigger, bolder Beergarden if we get the site! 

MBR: What is your dream for a beer to have in the bar and for an event?
Stillwell: We're really hot for Zwanze Day as a long term goal! I think being part of such a big global celebration would be an absolute riot. In a more local sense, Péché Day is something that's on our radar for early next year - that beer is so well regarded, and for such good reason. Highlighting world-class, Canadian beer is always a pleasure, and I think our customers would absolutely love it!  

Birthday party at Stillwell starts at 6:00 PM tonight with lots of great beers and foods including their own beer Two. Chris from Stillwell descibes it as a 4.5% "rustic farmhouse" beer inspired both by historical saison and modern American farmhouse brewing. Fermented with a mixed culture featuring several strains of saccromyces, brettanomyces and souring bacteria, the beer is complex yet refreshing. Hopped with saaz and sterling, the nose is peppery and fruity, and the finish of the virtually totally dry beer is crisp. It was a very experimental brew but they're extremely pleased with the results; it turned out just as we'd hoped it would. They're very grateful to Peter at North Brewing for allowing them to brew this beer at his brewery. The beer will be in both keg and bottled conditioned form, and bottles for retail will be on sale at North next week.

Thanks Stillwell for a great teo years and cheers to many more.

Maritime Beer Report - November 13, 2015

Hello hope every one is well on this Friday the 13th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Bulwark Ciders are releasing Bulwark Hopped Cider in bottles. It is made from their trademark apple blend (Russets, honey crisp, mac, etc...) and in post-fermentation (they ferment to dry unlike original, which they leave a bit sweeter) they dry hop with Cascade and Comet. The hops impart a very citrysy character to the cider--almost grapefruit. Bottles will be going out to NSLCs on Tuesday  and hitting select stores, It's 7.0% ABV and will be in 500ml bottles. This is the same cider that has been available on draught for almost two months now.

Garrison Brewing has released details on its 2016 Home Brew-off.  In order to give some basic structure and make judging easier, they've defined the style as "American IPA (BJCP 21A) with an Experimental Feature". This means that IBU's, ABV, colour and flavour all need to fit within the guidelines for an American IPA. Experimentation can come from the addition of herbs, fruit, tea, etc. and must be clearly stated on the entry form. Still lots of room to play here and the standardized base beer will make the experimentation aspect stand out even more. Samples must be received by February 11th with the awards on March 3rd.
In other news, the first bombers of Martello Stout this season are hitting the market this week end and should be around till end of winter. It's been bumped up to 5%  ABV as well as the Oatmeal component increased. 
Also just released their flagship Irish Red in quarts for the next couple months at NSLC stores. 

Propeller Brewing newest One Hit Wonder has hit the taps. Sales and Marketing Manager Andrew Cooper says "This unfiltered IPA exudes west coast character with an aggressive pine & citrus aroma. It displays a golden orange-ish color with a creamy white head. Weighing in at 6.8% ABV. Down East North West IPA is dominated by big hop flavours, a prominent yet balanced bitterness, and a touch of sweetness". It is available now for growler fills at both Propeller Shoppes on Gottingen Street in Halifax and Windmill Road in Dartmouth while it lasts.

Just in time for Rememberance Day Distillerie Fils Du Roy released a new Barley Wine called The North Shore NB Regiment. It is an homage to an Infantry Battalion based in Northern New Brunswick that can trace its origins back to 1870.
The brewery describes the ale as "A showcase of malty richness and complex, intense flavors. Chewy and rich in body, with warming alcohol and a pleasant fruity or hoppy interest. When aged, it can take on port-like flavors. A wintertime sipper." It clocks it at 12 % ABV and 45 IBUs.
It is currently available at select ANBL in the Moncton Area and northeast New Brunswick as well as the brewery.

Hammond River Brewing has announced its Home Brew-off . Their beer is Category 9E: Strong Scotch Ale, also known as a Wee Heavy. Entries must consist of two 12 to 16 oz bottles with no identifiable features or marks. Brewers are limited to 2 entries each and the registration fee is $10 per entry. Entries must be received by: January 15th and judging will take place on January 17th.

Maybee Brewing Company's first batches of Roseway Red and Work Horse IPA will be made with New Brunswick hops thanks to Southan Farms. They delivered a truck load of hop pellets to Maybee to us in their first brews.

The James Joyce Pub says the next "Meet Your Makers" event will feature Picaroons. The Picaroons Traditional Ales crew will be in the house on November 26th. 

Trail Way Brewing revealed their new home is 280 Main Street (old Canadian Tire Building) on Fredericton's Northside. More details as I get them.

Lastly I got to join Big Spruce Brewing and Ladies Beer League at Boxing Rock Brewing in Shelburne today to work on a special beer. It will be called Triskaidekaphobia and it is an Imperial Brown Ale weighing in at 9% ABV. Look for it to hit the taps and shelves just before Christmas.

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

2016 Garrison Brewing Home Brew-off Announced

(Halifax NS) Garrison Brewing announced that the style for their 2016 Brew-off. In order to give some basic structure and make judging easier, they've defined the style as "American IPA (BJCP 21A) with an Experimental Feature". This means that IBU's, ABV, colour and flavour all need to fit within the guidelines for an American IPA. Experimentation can come from the addition of herbs, fruit, tea, etc. and must be clearly stated on the entry form. Samples must be received by February 11, 2016 with the awards on March 3rd. This should also coincide with the release of last years winner Dave Martin's Robust Porter.

Propeller Brewing releases latest One Hit Wonder

(Halifax NS) After a brief absence Propeller Brewing Company released its next One Hit Wonder, Down East North West IPA. 

     Sales and Marketing Manager Andrew Cooper says "This unfiltered IPA exudes west coast character with an aggressive pine & citrus aroma. It displays a golden orange-ish color with a creamy white head. Weighing in at 6.8% ABV. Down East West North West IPA is dominated by big hop flavours, a prominent yet balanced bitterness, and a touch of sweetness".

       The IPA is available now for growler fills at both Propeller Shoppes on Gottingen Street in Halifax and Windmill Road in Dartmouth while it lasts. 

Distillerie Fils du Roy releases North Shore Regiment Barley Wine

(Petit-Paquetville, NB) Just in time for Rememberance Day Distillerie Fils Du Roy
released a new Barley Wine called The North Shore NB Regiment. It is an homage to an Infantry Battalion based in Northern New Brunswick that can trace its origins back to 1870.

     The brewery describes the ale as "A showcase of malty richness and complex, intense flavors. Chewy and rich in body, with warming alcohol and a pleasant fruity or hoppy interest. When aged, it can take on port-like flavors. A wintertime sipper." It clocks it at 12 % ABV and 45 IBUs.

    It is currently available at select ANBL in the Moncton Area and northeast New Brunswick as well as the brewery

Trail Way Brewing announces move and expansion

(Fredericton, NB) After an extremely busy and successful 10 months in business Trail Way Brewing announced they are expanding operations to a 10 BBL Steam Fired Brewing System from PEI's DME Brewing Solutions.
     Partners Jake Saunders and Dan Mason announced they have signed a lease for their new home and will commence work in the coming weeks at 280 Main Street, old Canadian Tire Building, on Fredericton's Northside. Plans are to open the doors to the public in the Spring of 2016 with, in addition, to the brewhouse will also include a retail space and a tasting room.

Bad Apple Brewhouse releases Mosaic Double IPA in support of Down Syndrome

(Somerset, NS) Bad Apple Brewhouse (BAB) has released their latest batch of Mosaic Double IPA. This beer is brewed to raise money and awareness of Down syndrome. Bewmaster Jeff Saunders' son has Mosaic Down syndrome which accounts for about 2 to 4% of all cases of Down syndrome and BAB donate all the proceeds from this beer to send kids to camp and fund other community projects.
     This 8% ABV beer is brewed using mostly Mosaic hops this beer won the Gold Medal in the 2014 Atlantic Canada Beer Awards in the Imperial IPA category and is in honour of all the families affected by Down Syndrome.
      This beer will be available at the brewery and will also have a limited bottle run over the two batches that will be produced this fall. It will hit some special taps in New Brunswick, and is graciously being supported by the following locations in Halifax and the Annapolis Valley - The Stubborn Goat, Lion & Bright and LaTorta Pizzeria.

Maritime Beer Report - November 6, 2015

Hello craft beer fans, I have a lot of great news for the report this November 6th 2015.

PEI Brewing released that over 6 months in the making, their next barrel-aged project is ready. Now available in the taproom only - Hell Street, a sweet, smooth barrel-aged doppelbock. Extremely limited run so don't to get this.

Bad Apple Brewhouse has some news this week. They currently have a fresh batch of Cucumber Mint flowing through the taps as a fun seasonal beer. They also brewed some Russian Imperial Stout, one of my favorites, that will be released near Christmas. The big news from BAB is that they are currently releasing the latest batch of Mosaic DIPA, a 8% ABV beer. As most people know it is brewed to raise money and awareness of Down syndrome. Brewmaster Jeff Saunders son has Mosaic Down syndrome and they donate all the proceeds from this beer to send kids to camp and fund other community projects. This beer will have a limited bottle run over the 2 batches that will be produced this fall. It will hit some special taps in New Brunswick, and is graciously being supported by the following locations - The Stubborn Goat, Lion and Bright and LaTorta Pizzeria.

Garrison Brewing staff was off picking spruce boughs at Meander River Farms yesterday, that means Spruce Beer is just around the corner.

Good Robot Brewing says their newest test batch, Damn Fine Coffee and Cherry Pie Pale, is now on tap at the brewery. It has subtle notes of coffee from Java Blend Coffee Roasters, tart cherries from Terra Beata Cranberries.

North Brewing Company says Strong Dark is back at the Agricola St. Store and the Winter Saison with ginger and black pepper will make its come back soon.

Rudder's in Yarmouth released a new beer recently. Like the other IPAs Mike Ferguson made it incorporates local history. Runic Stone IPA is a delicious 5.6% ABV and 46 IBU beer now on tap.

Spindrift Brewing Company retail shop opened on Wednesday to buy cans and growlers. Brewmaster Kellye Robertson says to look for their next beer in the new year.

Tatamagouche Brewing picked up some fresh rum barrels from Ironworks Distillery for a new batch of its award winning Rum Barrel Aged Dreadnot. 
They were also busy brewing a yet unnamed American wheat collaboration with Field Guide restaurant from Halifax. It has lots of NS grown cascade hops from Wysmykal farm in Northport. They mash hopped, late additions of huell melon and Mandarina Bavaria, and then used more cascade in the hop back and almost nothing during boil. They want a wheat beer with lots of aroma and flavor and very drinkable.

Big Tide Brewing now has Bockman-Turner Overweiz on tap. This is a special small batch Weizenbock that comes in at 7.6% ABV.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault announces the return of the Buckdjeuve, Silver Medal winner at the Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards, on tap at the brewtique.

Distillerie Fils du Roy revealed its latest beer called The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. This English Barleywine packs a 12% ABV with the following for the brewer "A showcase of malty richness and complex, intense flavors. Chewy and rich in body, with warming alcohol and a pleasant fruity or hoppy interest. When aged, it can take on port-like flavors. A wintertime sipper."

Half Cut Brewing says its Belligerent Brown is now on tap at The Brewtique in Fredericton. They say it is "malty, hoppy and slightly roasty with notes of dark chocolate and dried dark fruit". It is limited quantity so get it while the gettin' is good. It weighs in at 5.4% ABV and 74 IBUs. It is also available at 540 Kitchen and Bar, Snooty Fox, King Street Alehouse and James Joyce pub. 

Trail Way Brewing revealed more details on the location of their new brewery. It will be at 280 Main Street (old Canadian Tire Building) on Fredericton's Northside. They promise to share more information as they work through the process and hoping to open in the Spring of 2016.

Thanks for joining me again and for all the support you give me. I have a small giveaway running right now on my instagram account running until next Thursday thanks to Steam Whistle. Until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Provinces get poor grades in first-ever report card

Restaurants Canada (RC) give report cards on provincial liquor policies. New Brunswick gets the worst grade in Maritimes with a C-. RC say "With some political will, the province’s modest wholesale pricing program could expand for the better. Consumers would benefit from more competition and choice and N.B.’s “C-“could improve".  In NB Restaurant patrons can’t stand when consuming beer, wine or spirits.
NS did slightly better with a C+. In NS there are 105 "dry" areas  and licensed establishments can’t serve drinks unless they have a full, working kitchen. 
PEI liquor policies got the tops in the Maritimes with a B-. They say "The Gentle Island is working to get it right, but product selection is still an issue.". Apparently it’s illegal to use vulgar or profane language in a licensed establishment on the Island. 

Full Report : http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7678251-restaurants-canada-bar-liquor/