Maritime Beer Report - January 29, 2016

Hello and welcome to the January 29th edition of the Report

Johnny Jacks Brewing has produced JJ Viking Ale. The infamous yet, ancient Viking brew made many years ago by Vikings who used traditional herbs and natures own preservative, unpasteurized honey. Along with its earthy aromatic hops, they give you a down to earth Amber ale. 

Pump House Brewery will be releasing a gruit beer at the brewpub on International Guit Day, February 1st. Gruit is an herb mixture used for bittering and flavouring beerthat was popular before the use of hops.

Big Spruce Brewing says Czech Out Eric, the Home Brew Challenge 2015 winning beer brewed by Eric Gautier in conjunction with Justin Clarke, has been released. They step mashed, and slow lagered this beer, and say it's a great release for winter. It is malty smooth, and the lagering process compliments the flavours perfectly. The 5.4 % ABV and 25 IBU beer is available now at the Sprucetique and fine taps everywhere.
This week Big Spruce brewed a simultaneous collaboration with Stone City Ales in Kingston, Ontario. The Watchtower Conspiracy Imperial IPA being brewed on two identical 7 BBL systems in each brewery.

Garrison Brewing has brought nucleation to the Maritimes. What is nucleation you are probably asking. In the glass there is etching at the bottom which breaks the smooth surface of the glass providing a nucleation site. This causes carbon dioxide bubbles in your beer to continuously rise up to the surface of the glass, carrying with them the aromas trapped inside your brew. The new Fizzics 16oz Nucleated glasses are now available at the retail store.
Pucker Up is back at the brewery The lovely pink pomegranate hibiscus beer is only available now only at the Brewery.

Good Robot Brewing has the All-New Burban Legend v3.0 is now on tap. They say it has more hops giving you more value. This version is dry-hopped with Citra and Cascade,

Sweet Hereafter Cheesecakery on Quinpool Road has released a new flavor. Normally this is not beer news but this one is a Chocolate & Stout. It is infused with Good Robot Brewing's stout and chocolate, and topped with a stout coulis, this cheesecake is every beer-lover's dream.

Saltbox Brewing is opening in Mahone Bay this summer. They are building the 10 BBL brewhouse at a former service station at 363 Main Street. They are splitting the two bays with one side being the brewhouse and the other a taproom for people to socialize. The front corner will have a retail space where they will sell growlers and merchandise, including kegs for parties. Look for it hopefully this summer. See more details here.

Spindrift Brewing says Signal Fire, a Rauch-Pils is out today. This light amber beer is slightly sweet and fruity to compliment a distinct smoke flavour and aroma imparted from smoked cherry malt. It weighs in at 25 IBUs and 5.7% ABV and is available for growler fills now.

Uncle Leo's Brewery has Jam Session APA out now. The session beer with citrus notes is 5.0% ABV and about 35 IBU's and is bittered with magnum hops and uses cascade as a late addition hop and for dry-hopping. Look for it at the brewery, fine taps in NS and New Glasgow Farmer's Market.

Unfiltered Brewing says DOA is back once again at the brewery and Charm School. Double Orange Ale is a 7.5% ABV and 100+ IBU beer and as they "get on it" or you may be disappointed.

Thanks for checking out MBR. I now release bigger news items as well as various post throughout the week as it happens so make sure to subscribe to keep up to date. Until next time enjoy responsibly. 

Moth Lane Brewing hopes to be pouring on PEI by summer

(Ellerslie, PE) - I mentioned back in October that Moth Brewing was opening in PEI this year. CBC News reported this week that owner Eric Wagner, hoping to ride the wave of craft beer popularity, is still on track to open Moth Lane's 7-barrel brewing facility and be pouring this summer. 

The brewery has a beautiful view and is shore front located along the Conway Narrows in West Prince. To be more precise off of Route 174 Murray Road on a road nicknamed for the brewers father (Moth Lane) or Mickie Allen Shore Road.

Saltbox Brewing to open in Mahone Bay NS

(Mahone Bay, NS) - The sleepy seaside town of Mahone Bay, famous for its three churches, festivals and beautiful scenery, will be welcoming Saltbox Brewing Company later this year.

Lunenburg County residents and 'founders' Patrick Jardine, Jane McLoughlin, George Anderson and Andrew Tanner had the desire to open a brewery for some time now, but the stars never aligned. Andrew Tanner says " We met each other in the fall and decided to go for it. We wanted the brewery to be community based and a place where people could drop in and feel at home. Mahone Bay seemed like a natural fit and the site is perfect". 

They are building a 10 BBL brewhouse and intend to sell kegs, growlers, grunters and bottles. Building at a former service station at 363 Main Street, they are splitting the two bays with one side being the brewhouse and the other a taproom for people to socialize. The front corner will have a retail space where they will sell growlers and merchandise, including kegs for parties.

The brewery have been actively meeting with pubs and restaurants in Lunenburg County and say the support from them to put Saltbox's beers on their menus is phenomenal. Although still finalizing their first releases they will probably start with an IPA, a pale ale and a wheat beer. Look for seasonals coming and they intend to try their hand at cider using burgandy apples.

Saltbox is extremely thankful for all of the community support they have received. They also add that the guys at Good Robot Brewing are their heroes and have been a tremendous resource. Mr Tanner said they have also had support from Boxing Rock Brewing, Hell Bay Brewing and Tatamagouche Brewing. Nova Scotia craft brewers have been so willing to share and assist.

Mr. Tanner added  that "We just want to product great beer and offer a great experience that the community is proud of. We want tourists to feel like they have experienced Lunenburg County hospitality at its' best and to want to come back soon." 

The planned opening is summer 2016 but so much depends on renovations and equipment delivery a firm date is impossible to nail down. Follow the Maritime Beer Report and I will make sure you get all the details

New store brings NS craft liquors to Halifax Stanfield International Airport

(Enfield, NS) - There is something of interest for NS beer lovers who travel. A selection of  NS made beer, wine, cider and spirits will soon be available for purchase at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA). Liquid Assets, a subsidiary of Ironworks Distillery, will be opening post-security, on the domestic/international departures level in April, 2016.

It is not a duty-free shop so it will allow travelers coming and going to purchase product. “We are pleased to be opening Liquid Assets at Halifax Stanfield,” say Lynne MacKay and Pierre Guevremont, Liquid Assets owners. “Our new store will feature only Nova Scotia produced wines, spirits, beers and ciders and will be the first store of its kind in an airport. Our location will provide travellers the opportunity to purchase excellent quality products to take with them as a memento of Nova Scotia or share as a gift.”

A bit of history on how this came to be was the NSLC were approached by HSIA about putting a wine and spirits store in, post security, last spring. The NSLC would not providing them with authority to open up the equivalent of an HSIA Private store (like Bishops Cellar for example), but that the NSLC could get on board with a NS products store because/if:

1.   Supporting the local craft alcohol industry is part of their legislated mandate;
2.   Supporting local industry in the retail environment is one of three pillars of the five year strategic plan;
3.   If the company selected was a NS entity that the NSLC has a pre-existing regulatory relationship with;
4.   The store had to be post-security so that the focus is truly on providing brand exposure for local products to consumers from other parts of Canada and internationally and not to serving the general public.

NSLC will treat the permit as an extension of Ironworks current retail store, but this is not an "Ironworks" store, most likely they will treat it as a manufacturers who sells at Farmer’s Markets. The fact that the store is in a regulated and highly secure area that also happens to be one of, if not the top tourism assets from a flow of people perspective, was also a consideration. It also lines up with other Government priorities (leveraging tourism assets to promote NS products). As Heather MacDougall from the NSLC says on this partnership "All in all, a win-win". 

Boxing Rock and Upstreet Craft Beer Collaborate for Round 2

(Shelburne NS) - Rumble In The Alley Round 2 is the second collaboration between the Boxing Rock Brewing Company and  Upstreet Craft Brewing of Charlottetown, PEI. Last year the two breweries made Rumble in the Alley Round 1, a SMaSH IPL made with 100% Maritime 2-Row malt and 100% Amarillo hops. This second round of Single Malt and Single Hop beers features a SMaSH IPA made with 100% Dark German Munich malt and 100% Ontario grown Santiam hops from Clear Valley Hops in Ontario.
This beer features great malty flavours of biscuit, honey and toasted grain with a unique hop structure featuring a fragrant floral nose followed by a lemon-lime flavour touch, finishing with that unmistakable Santiam character: spicy and citrus notes and floral aroma resulting from copious dry-hopping.
The 6.7% ABV beer is available for a limited time only at select bars in Halifax and Antigonish, as well as in 650 ml bottles at Bishop's Cellar, Rockhead Wine & Beer Market, Harvest Wines, and Cristall Wine Merchants. Also available in 1 litre growlers at the Halifax Seaport Market and the Alderney Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM and of course you can also get it at the Brewery retail store in Shelburne.

Propeller releases latest One Hit Wonder

(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing has released Fog City Coffee Porter made with Java Blend Coffee. It is 5.5% ABV and 30 IBU's ale and is now on tap at Dartmouth Retail store on Windmill Road and will be on at the Halifax location on Gottigen Street later tonight. They used whole beans in the brew as well as added more during fermentation. Grab your growlers it won't last long.

Maritime Beer Report - January 22, 2015

Hello and welcome to your beer report for January 22, 2016.

The Gahan House in Charlottetown has released and new beer called Cast Iron Dark Lager. It is a dark and very sessional lager, with a medium-light body. Flavours of malt forward, subtle roast and chocolate. Get this 5% BAV 36 IBU lager only on tap for a limited time.

PEI Brewing Company says its Black Banks will be back on shelves later this month Also look for their next barrel aging beer in bottles next month.

Bore City Brewing is now a professional brewery. They dropped off their first keg at Les Brumes du Coude. It was Marécage and they have also sent some beer to James Joyce in Fredericton.

Hammond River Brewing held its Second Annual Home Brew Competition over the week end. The style for the competition was a Strong Scotch Ale and there were entries from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. The final results are:

1st Place Tilted Kilt brewed by Keith Forbes & Mike Orr (Nova Scotia)
2nd Place Kilted Tilt brewed by Keith Forbes & Mike Orr (Nova Scotia)
3rd Place More Than Just a Wee Heavy brewed by Mark McGraw (Newfoundland)

The winners will be brewing up their Strong Scotch Ale in the very near future.

Picaroons Traditional Ales announced its Beer & Chocolate Dinners are back. A multi-course chocolate infused dinner - each course paired with a different Picaroons. This year they will have one in Rothesay at the Shadow Lawn Inn, and one in Downtown Fredericton at Brewbakers. Both will be happening on Wednesday February 10th. Look for all the ticket information on their facebook page.

Big Spruce Brewing released Read Between the Pines a Pine Needle IPA, created with Aaron Spinney of Sawdust City Brewery. The pine needles from both Ontario and Cape Breton give it an underlying complexity. Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe hops make for a rich, aromatic hop profile. It is a hefty 7.2% ABV and 48 IBUs.

Boxing Rock Brewing is releasing Oban Heather Scotch Ale. Boxing Rock partnered up with Jason "Professor" McDougall to brew something special. Jason won the 2014 Garrison Home Brew-off and had his beer, Professor McDougall’s Weisse-Guy Hefeweizen, released early last year.

Oban Heather Scottish Ale is 5% ABV made with loads of Golden Promise Malt, it has a perfect malty biscuity base to showcase the 35 kg of Scottish Heather flowers they put into the brew. To balance all the heady floral notes of the Heather, they also added lots of wildflower honey from their producer in the Annapolis Valley, and just a hint of peat smoked malt. A touch of English Fuggles hops were added to balance the whole affair.

Sticking with Boxing Rock, Rumble In The Alley Round 2, the second collaboration between the Boxing Rock and Upstreet Craft Brewing in Charlottetown, will be available for a limited time. It is a SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) IPA made with 100% Dark German Munich malt and 100% Ontario grown Santiam hops from Clear Valley Hops in Ontario.
This collaboration features great malty flavours of biscuit, honey and toasted grain with a unique hop structure featuring a fragrant floral nose followed by a lemon-lime flavour touch, finishing with that unmistakable Santiam character: spicy and citrus notes and floral aroma resulting from copious dry-hopping.

Good Robot Brewing released a new a new one-off today. Bank of Azealia is a Wild American - literally. Last summer while homebrewing, they discovered that a certain bacterial microbe - which we are currently investigating - in their brewery generates a lemon-like, funky character should it enter their beers. They took a look under the microscope and know for certain it's not brett or lacto, but they need a more thorough analysis before concluding exactly what it is.

More importantly, though, is the flavour, which Doug loves. It only pairs well with light beers like corn, which they used as a base. They then dry-hopped it with Falconer's Flight and Cascade to enhance the citrus character. Bank of Azealia is named after the rap artist Azealia Banks. Like the artist, the beer is tart, funky, wild and definitely not for everyone.

Paddys Brewpub announced the first in a series of Brewery Dinners. On February 2nd from 7 PM -9 PM Upstairs in the Brewers Hall. Limited Tickets are available for $30 plus tax.

The Menu is
1st Course Mussels - Raven Ale
2nd Course Parmesan Risotto - Cream Ale
3rd Course Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Puree - Citra IPA
Dessert Carrot Cake - AVA

Propeller Brewing has a new One Hit Wonder. Fog City Coffee Porter made with Java Blend Coffee is a 5.5% ABV and 30 IBU ale. It is now on tap at Dartmouth and will be on in Halifax later today. They used whole beans in the brew as well as added more during fermentation.

Spindrift Brewing has generated another one-off. Today's release is Knotty Buoy. It is a sour mashed wheat lager was aged on chopped rhubarb, cranberries and hibiscus tea. It beer pours ruby red and its clean tartness is complimented by bright fruit aromatics.

There is something of interest for NS beer lovers. A selection of  NS made beer, wine, cider and spirits will soon be available for purchase at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA). Liquid Assets (a subsidiary of Ironworks Distillery) is scheduled to open post-security, on the domestic/international departures level in April, 2016.It is not a duty-free shop so it will allow travelers coming and going to purchase product. Look for full article here.

Thanks for checking me out the report.

Boxing Rock Brewing Releases Oban Heather Scotch Ale

(Shelburne, NS) - Boxing Rock Brewing has partnered up with Jason "Professor" McDougall to brew something special. Jason won the 2014 Garrison Home Brew-off and had his beer, Professor McDougall’s Weisse-Guy Hefeweizen, released early last year. 

Oban Heather Scottish Ale is 5% ABV made with loads of Golden Promise Malt, it has a perfect malty biscuity base to showcase the 35 kg of Scottish Heather flowers they put into the brew. To balance all the heady floral notes of the Heather, they also added lots of wildflower honey from their producer in the Annapolis Valley, and just a hint of peat smoked malt. A touch of English Fuggles hops were added to balance the whole affair.

Available for a limited time only at select bars in Halifax and Antigonish, as well as in 650 ml bottles at Bishop's Cellar, Rockhead Wine & Beer Market, Harvest Wines, and Cristall Wine Merchants. Additionally it will be available in 1L growlers at the Halifax Seaport Market and the Alderney Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM and of course you can also get it at the Brewery retail store in Shelburne.

Big Spruce Brewing and Sawdust City Brewery release collaboration

(Nyanza, NS) - Big Spruce Brewing released its latest collaboration, or as they say in Cape Breton "conspiracy beer", today. Read Between the Pines is a  pine needle IPA brewed with Aaron Spinney of Sawdust City Brewery of Gravenhurst, ON.

The pine needles, from both Ontario and Cape Breton, give it an underlying complexity. Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe hops make for a rich, aromatic hop profile. The new beer weighs in at 7.2% ABV and 48 IBUs and is on tap at the Sprucetique and will soon be in finer tap accounts in the Maritimes. 

Spindrift Brewing releases new Schwarzbier

(Dartmouth, NS) - Spindrift Brewing released The Abyss, a 4.2% ABV and 25 IBU Schwarzbier.
Head Brewer Kellye Robertson says "This traditional German style black lager combines a layered malt profile and balanced background of German Hersbrucker and Magnum hops. Upfront notes of toasted grains, coffee and chocolate malts leading to an elegantly smooth finish. Conditioned for 6 weeks, this unfiltered style may be big on flavour, but still sessionable enough to keep you coming back for more".
Look for it this time to be only in draft form and will be available in growlers at the brewery storefront in Burnside, and at select bars and restaurants.

Big Spruce Brewing releases JAC the SIPA

(Nyanza, NS) - Big Spruce Brewing has released a Sour IPA called JAC the SIPA. A lactobacillus kettle soured beer, JAC was heavily hopped during whirlpool with Simcoe and Amarillo and Citra and then dry-hopped with Amarillo and Simcoe. Jeremy says "Hello grapefruit explosion". Look for this 6.6% ABV and 55 IBU beer at the usual taps.

Sea Level Brewing releases New Moon Farmhouse Ale

(Port Williams, NS) - Sea Level Brewing released New Moon Farmhouse Ale. It was inspired by a quote from a small Belgian brewery "more works of art than products of brewing science". 

Interesting story of how the beer came to being. Randy Lawrence became friends with a lady from Belgium while in Nova Scotia. After she returned home she came across an old book that contained beer recipes and asked if he was interested in it. Of course he was and asked her to send it to him. When it arrived he excitedly opened the package to find that all the recipes were written in Flemish. Crestfallen he wondered how he could have this translated. Well fate can work for you or against you but a friend of his knew someone to translate it.

Sea Level says Randy used loads of dried oranges peel in both the fermenter and brite tanks. It is a very limited edition  9% ABV beer available now at the brewery in growlers and cans, in cans at the privates stores in Halifax and select taps where Seal Level is found.

Maritime Beer Report - January 15, 2016

We reached the half way mark for January, here is the latest news.

Upstreet Craft Brewing launches into Nova Scotia Jan 13-17 and here is a summary Here is a summary: 
Thursday 10 PM Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration - Upstreet After Party at The Stubborn Goat Gastropub : All beers will be on tap, live music by Dylan Menzie.
Friday 12 PM Bottle sales, tastings and growler fills at Bishop's Cellar
           7 PM Stillwell welcomes Upstreet: All beers will be on tap.
Saturday 12 PM Good Robot Brewing Company Double Impact: All beers on tap, PEI vs Halifax silly olympics, after party with Dylan Menzie.
              12 PM Bottle sales, tastings and growler fills at Bishop's Cellar
Sunday 3 PM Beer Pairing Brunch at The Stubborn Goat Gastropub.

Big Spruce Brewing has released JAC the SIPA Sour IPA. A lactobacillus kettle soured beer, JAC was heavily hopped during whirlpool with Simcoe and Amarillo. Citra, Amarillo and Simcoe were used to dry hop. Hello grapefruit explosion. Look for it  the 6.6% ABV and 55 IBU beer at the usual spots.

Boxing Rock Brewing announced its first homebrew competition called The Black Box Challenge. It sold out almost immediately. It is in the spirit of the cooking competition "Chopped Canada" you receive a "black box" of goodies sufficient to make several 5 gallon batches. There will be 8 malts, 5 hops and 2 yeast varieties in each Black Box, and each Black Box is identical. There are sufficient ingredients to brew a 1 gallon test batch and up to two 5 gallon batches depending on style. 

Good Robot Brewing is putting their pilot system to good use releasing three small batch beers
- a "Märzen" with cherrywood-smoked malt
- a "saison" with chewy, chewy plum spice
- version 3.0 of their Burban Legend APA, dry-hopped with El Dorado hops for a watermelon-citrus character.
Look for these at the tap room. 

Hell Bay Brewing says It's back and even better than before. Their RIP-A has a light body,smooth dry and hoppy finish. With a 7.3% abv and 120 IBUs this IPA will certainly put you one beer closer to your grave! Available from the brewery in growlers and soon to be on tap in select locations in Halifax.

Meander River Farm and Brewery released Cold Porridge Oatmeal Stout on tap at the brewery. Perfect for after shoveling your driveway.

Sea Level Brewing released New Moon farmhouse ale. This was inspired by a quote from a small Belgian brewery "more works of art than products of brewing science". randy used was loads of dried Oranges peel in both fermenter and brite tanks. It is a a very limited edition 9% ABV beer available now at the brewery, in cans at the privates and select taps.

Spindrift Brewing's new Schwarzbier is out.  The Abyss, is 4.2% ABV and 25 IBU beer, look for it this time to be only in draft form. It'll be available in growlers at the brewery storefront in Burnside, and at select bars and restaurants.

Taste Halifax is launching the Beer Bus in Halifax.  It is 59 bucks and includes a guide, transportation, beer samples at each stop, snacks at 2 stops. They will be visiting Gahan House - Halifax, Garrison Brewing, Propeller Brewing, Good Robot Brewing, and The Stubborn Goat Gastropub on its metro tour. Look for it running on Saturdays, check the website for which ones.

That is a wrap for this week, enjoy responsibly.

Red Rover Craft Cider is now available at ANBL stores

(Fredericton, NB) - Red Rover Craft Cider is excited to announce that they will now be available at select ANBL stores. This has been a long process for Red Rover starting back in 2012 due to the uniqueness of their company and the lack of policy covering them up until now.

They will initially have their Spring Cider, Fall Cider and double Gold medal winning* Fire Cider in 750 ml bottles at the Fredericton, Saint John and Dieppe stores with more stores being added soon.


* 2015 Canadian Brewing Awards Cider with Herbs/Spices and 2015 Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards Specialty Cider and Perry

Railcar Brewing to sell bottles through the ANBL

(Florenceville-Bristol, NB) - Railcar Brewing will have a couple of their beers hitting the shelves at ANBL stores in the next few days. Look for Artisan Brown 5.5% ABV and Café Buzz Porter 5.5% ABV in select stores in 500 ml bottles. They will be initially in 5 stores and will be followed by their Red on a permanent basis and four seasonals to follow.

Maritime Beer Report - January 8, 2016

Welcome to the first report of 2016.

PEI Brewing  Black Banks - a new one for us last year - is returning towards the end of this month/start of February and will also be available in New Brunswick! Keep an eye on their social for when that's on the shelves.
Barrel-aged Stout - they've been working on this one for the past couple of months and can't wait to release this as a premium bottle to y'all in the next couple of months. Stay tuned on our website for some behind the scenes info on how it went down and what to expect from this one.

Upstreet Craft Brewing building on their tremendous success in PEI will be bringing their craft beer into the Nova Scotia market this month. Nothing Upstreet does is subdued so they will start the launch with four days of events starting Thursday, January 14th  to Sunday, January 17th starting with a launch party at Stubborn Goat on the 14th. The brewery also have tap takeovers planned at Stillwell Beer Bar and Good Robot Brewing, as well as several tasting sessions scheduled at Bishops Cellar where its bottles will be available for sale.
Their beers includes flagships like their Rhuby Social strawberry rhubarb wheat beer, Commons traditional Czech style pilsner, White Noize white IPA, and Do-Gooder American Pale Ale as well as a rotating selection of seasonal beers.
Mitch Cobb, the company’s Co-founder and CEO, says “We are excited about launching into Nova Scotia. We recognize that Nova Scotia. has one of the strongest craft beer cultures in Atlantic Canada and hope that our beer is well received. We believe we have something new to offer NS craft beer fans.”

Railcar Brewing will have a couple of their beers hitting the shelves at ANBL stores next week. Look for Artisan Brown 5.5% ABV and Café Buzz Porter 5.5% ABV in select stores.

Big Spruce Brewing brewed its Left Breton Organic Conspiracy DIPA again . Originally brewed with Crannóg Ales of Sorrento, BC, this was their first year of having enough of our own hops to do it with 100% hops grown in Cape Breton.
Big Spruce sent a large shipment of kegs to New Brunswick, Forty kegs of  Cereal Killer, Kitchen Party Pale Ale, Tim's Dirty American IPA and Regatta Red Ale are on its way to The Tide and Boar, The King St Ale House, Peppers Pub and Bourbon Quarter

Garrison Brewing has brought NiT-WiT Belgian Wheat out on tap at the Brewery before it hits the liquor stores. Warm hazy golden colour. Complex fruit(orange and tropical fruits) and spicy aroma. Medium body with pleasant sweetness, a zesty-lemony fruitiness and herbal-spice finish. A refreshing, elegant and crisp Belgian-inspired wheat ale.

Propeller Brewing Company says on Friday, January 29th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM they will be bringing back Prop'r Cask Night featuring a cask conditioned Coffee Porter. They have also partnered with local chef Ray Bear of Studio East. Prop’r Cask Nights are casual and intimate events that allows brewers to get creative and celebrate traditional brewing methods.

Spindrift Brewing are putting their pilot system to work brewing fun one-offs that will be available in very limited quantities at brewery storefront only.First up is La Niña, a sour mashed golden wheat lager fermented by their house strain. The sour mash creates a light, refreshing acidity and a late dry-hopping with Mandarina Bavaria lends floral and grassy notes to the bouquet.
Their first seasonal lager is coming online just in time for the Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration next week. It's a Schwarzbier they're calling The Abyss. This round is going to be draft only so it will be available in growlers at the brewery in Burnside, and at select bars and restaurants.

Tatamagouche Brewing is planning a great January for us. They announced Deception Bay IPA is back and is now a full time beer as well as Dreadnot IBA and the new Deadeye DIPA that will be released next week.

Unfiltered Brewing is releasing its latest creation today at the brewery and Charm School tap room. They say it is All Falc'd Up's big brother, Really Falc'd Up DIPA. It is 9.0% ABV and 100+ IBUs  with even bigger blast of tropical-fruit laden hoppy goodness.

Thanks for checking the Maritime Beer News again this week. Watch for even more news during the week.

Upstreet Craft Brewing to launch beer in Nova Scotia

(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) – Upstreet Craft Brewing building on their tremendous success in PEI will be bringing their craft beer into the Nova Scotia market this month. Nothing Upstreet does is subdued so they will start the launch with four days of events starting Thursday, January 14th  to Sunday, January 17th starting with a launch party at Stubborn Goat on the 14th. The brewery also have tap takeovers planned at Stillwell Beer Bar and Good Robot Brewing, as well as several tasting sessions scheduled at Bishops Cellar where its bottles will be available for sale.

Their beers includes flagships like their Rhuby Social strawberry rhubarb wheat beer, Commons traditional Czech style pilsner, White Noize white IPA, and Do-Gooder American Pale Ale as well as a rotating selection of seasonal beers.

Mitch Cobb, the company’s Co-founder and CEO, says “We are excited about launching into Nova Scotia. We recognize that Nova Scotia. has one of the strongest craft beer cultures in Atlantic Canada and hope that our beer is well received. We believe we have something new to offer NS craft beer fans.”

Unfiltered Brewing releases Really Falc'd Up DIPA

(Halifax, NS) - Unfiltered Brewing is releasing its latest creation on Friday January 8th at the brewery and Charm School tap room. They say it is All Falc'd Up's big brother, Really Falc'd Up DIPA. It is 9.0% ABV and 100+ IBUs  with even bigger blast of tropical-fruit laden hoppy goodness.

Bore City Brewing set to make waves in Moncton

(Moncton, NB) - Three partners Stéphane Cormier, Denis Babineau and Jamie Melanson have formed Bore City Brewing they opens this month. All three are from the Moncton and Dieppe area, in fact Jamie says he actually grew up within a minute's walk from the Petitcodiac River, so the tidal bore has always been close to his heart and liver.

Mondo IPA

Stéphane and Denis both have day jobs and will handle the bulk of the brewing while Jamie, who is President, will do quality assurance and the day-to-day business. But as with most small breweries everyone helps everyone. Stéphane who assumes head brewer role, has been brewing all grain for four years now and developed his recipes over that time. Denis started brewing kits years ago but now assists Stéphane and is learning the process of 'all grain'.

Stéphane and Jamie both worked in IT for the same company and over time became friends through their love for craft beer. One evening, while drinking some of Stéphane's beer, they mulled over the thought of selling it. They enjoyed drinking it and figured they knew people that would drink it as well. Denis came on board right away and around this time last year they registered the business name and are days away from its beers flowing.

Marécage Belgian-style saison

Bore City brewing is starting off using a 1.2 bbl all electric system distributing kegs only. Their goal is to grow the business to the point they can all work full time and quit their day jobs. They say Tide and Boar and The Laundromat have expressed interest in carrying their beer and they will "likely get some kegs to NB's 'go to' beer bar - The James Joyce Pub".

So far, they have three regular beer on rotation - a west coast style IPA called Mondo 6.8% ABV, a Belgian-style saison called Marécage 7% ABV and a coffee porter. They are all about experimenting and coming up with new recipes so there will definitely be specialty and seasonal beers brewed often.

They've met many people in the industry and are amazed to see the camaraderie and willingness to share past experiences in order to help. Stéphane chatted with Shane Steeves from Hammond River Brewing earlier on and got some great information, Bruce Barton from Celtic Knot Brewing has helped them out as well whether it was answering questions or lending a piece of gear they needed to get set up. Jamie also had a few good chats with Marc Melanson from Flying Boats Brewing, Stephen Dixon from Grimross Brewing and Sean Dunbar from Picaroons. They say they haven't even launched yet and they are getting questions from people on getting a nano-brewery off the ground and even had someone interested to stop by for a visit.

Bore City is working diligently to be ready to launch around mid-January and say social media is the best way to know when and where they launch and they are looking forward to serving at the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival on March 12th.

Two craft producers look for synergy in a barrel

(Dartmouth, NS) - Spindrift Brewing kicked off their barrel program with the soon-to-be released schwarzbier infused with some Coldstream Clear Distillery Classic Coffee liqueur. Look for release details later this year.

Spindrift Brewing is a craft brewery located in Dartmouth Nova Scotia that was founded in 2015. Their draught can be found in Nova Scotia and their cans on shelves in all four provinces in Atlantic Canada. 

Coldstream Clear Distillery is located in the rural community of West St Andrews on Coldstream Road. They produce small batch Original Spirit, vodkas and vodka based liqueurs. 

Roof Hound Brewing set to Howl in Nova Scotia

(Digby County, NS) - Roof Hound Brewing revealed its logo recently for a reported 7 BBL operation in Digby County. Look for more details in the coming months.

For an inside look at the build and progress follow them on instagram.

Lazy Bear Brewing opening Summer of 2016

(Smith's Cove, NS) - Husband and wife homebrewing team of Andy and Erin Norman are using their combined professional knowledge of food science and engineering to add some tasty beers to the NS Craft brewing scene. 

Lazy Bear Brewing  is planning to open in Smith's Cove, NS this summer and tell me it is a 3 BBL operation that will be making English and American Ales. Initial sales will be from growlers at the brewery and at the farmers market in Annapolis Royal.

Look for more details in summer 2016. 

Spindrift Brewing to Release Second Beer

(Dartmouth, NS) - Upstart brewery Spindrift Brewing is set to release its second beer this month. The new schwarzbier will be called The Dark Abyss and will be a 4.2% ABV and 25 IBU beer. 

Kellye Robertson described it as follows "This traditional German style black lager combines a layered malt profile and balanced background of German Hersbrucker and Magnum hops. Upfront notes of toasted grains, coffee and chocolate malts leading to an elegantly smooth finish. Conditioned for 6 weeks, this unfiltered style may be big on flavour, but still sessionable enough to keep you coming back for more."

Don't look for this seasonal in cans as it will be draught only, available at both the retail store and select licensees. For anyone attending The 2016 Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration on January 14th there will be a sneak peek and will be in general release the following day.

Top Maritime Beer News from 2015

If I had to sum up 2015 in a few words for the Maritime Craft Beer scene it would have to be growth, expansion, collaborations and tap rooms. Growth was at a rapid pace as seven new breweries opened in Nova Scotia, eight in New Brunswick and one in Prince Edward Island. The growth was not without a couple of losses with one closure in each of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

As far as expansions and collaborations the list of who did not is much shorter with over 20 maritime breweries participating in collaborations and many more increasing their capacity.

The ANBL growler station program was a resounding success serving over 80,000 litres in its first year and growlers moved in to all four private stores in the Halifax area.

All the beer festivals were stronger than ever with the exception of Brewers Bash which was on hiatus this year and Nova Scotia launched its inaugural Craft Beer Week.

Now for some details.

Brewery Openings 

In May we saw Upstreet Craft Brewing open in Charlottetown, Good Robot Brewing in Halifax and Distillerie Fils du Roy get the go ahead to sell its suds. Upstreet has been very successful with its brewery and tap room and released its beer in bottles as well. Good Robot has also done very well joining the craft culture in Metro and opening a large tap room at its brewery in December. Distillerie Fils du Roy was held up a few months from selling its first beer due to regulatory issues.

As we rolled into summer in June three breweries opened their doors. Breton Brewing on Cape Breton Island was welcomed warmly and had many visits to its brewery and tap room in the Sydney area. Up in Shediac Flying Boats Brewing took off with its homage to local history and a very succesful opening at Markie's in September. Finally the beer oasis in Truro that is The Nook & Cranny starting selling its own beer brewed in house on a Smart Brew system.

Things heated up in July with the addition of Unfiltered Brewing, Half Cut Brewing and Savoie's Brewhouse. Greg Nash and his partners brought his hop-forward brews to the brewery rich north end of Halifax. Unfiltered opened their tap room in December called Charm School. Half Cut is the latest incubation project at Picaroons on Queen Street in Fredericton following the very successful Grimross Brewing. Savoie's Brewhouse opened their nanobrewery in Charlo New Brunswick making it the most northerly brewery in the picture province.

As we finished summer and reached September Spindrift Brewing and Firkinstein Brewing swung open their taps. These breweries were both producing one beer but were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Spindrift opened a large ultra modern brewhouse in Dartmouth while Firkinstein cobbled a 1000 l brewhouse from gear put together in their words "like frankenstein". 

In the last quarter the race to open in 2015 was on and and five breweries answered the call. River Valley Micro started brewing in the Woodstock area in October using Railcar Brewing's gear. First City Brewing opened in Saint John, Johnny Jack's Brewery began making beers in Oromocto, Maybee Brewing squeaked in opening at the end of December in Fredericton and lastly George's Island Brewing opened in downtown Halifax.

All the growth in 2015 didn't come with out a couple of losses. The beloved brewpub Rogues Roost in Halifax closed its doors but parent company PEI Brewing released their IPA in cans so the name lives on. Shiretown Brewing in Charlo also closed this year.

Awards 

Several Maritime Breweries won medals at ‪the 2015 Canadian Brewing Awards. PEI Brewing Company won Gold in the Brown Ale category for their Gahan Iron Bridge Brown. Red Rover Brewing Company also won Gold for Cider with Herbs/Spices with their Experimental Brew - Fire. Muwin Estate Wines  got Gold in Specialty Ciders for their Bulwark Gold Traditional Craft Cider. Tatamagouche Brewing captured a Bronze for German Style Kolsch with North Shore Lagered Ale. Garrison Brewing also got a Bronze for Barley Wine with Ol’ Fog Burner. Lastly Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault captured a Bronze in European Style Lager  with La Kedgwick.

The second annual Atlantic Canadian Beer Awards were held in October in Halifax. Over 200 entries from twenty-one breweries and cideries shared the 40 medals awarded in 14 categories as well as three special awards. Garrison Brewing was the big winner of the night taking three gold and one silver medal as well as Brewery of the Year. Another notable item was Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault swept the entire Belgian Style Specialty Ales category taking all three medals. The two new cider catergories were were dominated by Cider House and Red Rover Craft Cider who also took Cidery of the Year. Lastly, the coveted Beer of the Year or "Best of Show" went to Box Cutter IPA from Bad Apple Brewhouse. (Full results here )

Other Noteable Items

Railcar Brewing Company moved to a new location below AC Sharkey's Pub. 

The inaugral Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week happened in May this year and will be returning in 2016.

Garrison Brewing Company completed its new brewery and had a huge party in the backlot with headliner USS. 

Picaroons Traditional Ales cancelled the Brewers Bash this year but vows to return in 2016. 

Stillwell's Beer Garden opened on the Halifax waterfont and was loved by beer fans and by all accounts a huge success. 

Rare Bird Craft Beer was busy this year constructing their $8 million brewing and distilling project at Osprey Shores Golf Resort. When finished it will be one of the largest craft breweries in Atlantic Canada.

North Brewing effectively tripled their capacity by moving their old brewing equipment to Battery Park in Dartmouth and getting a new system for their breery on Agricola Street. 

Johnny Jacks Brewery Opens in Oromocto, NB

(OROMOCTO, NB) - Another Fredericton Area brewery quietly opened in December. Johnny Jacks Brewery in Oromocto is serving two beer styles next door to the brewery at Sour Grapes Cafe. Get all the details at CBN at the following link Johnny Jacks Brewery Now Open in Oromocto, NB