Maritime Beer Report - April 29, 2016

Welcome to the April 29th edition on the Maritime Beer Report. 

Big news from Cape Breton today with Big Spruce Brewing and Breton Brewing spliting $436K repayable investments from ACOA to expand operations. 
From ACOA news release:

Big Spruce Brewing is receiving a repayable investment of $350,000 to support the construction of an additional 5,000 square feet of building space at their facilities located in Nyanza, Cape Breton. This project will also assist with the purchase of new incremental processing equipment and the installation of an innovative product containment system.
Breton Brewing  is receiving a repayable investment of $86,000 to support the installation of two new fermenting tanks and a canning line for packaging at their microbrewery in Sydney. This equipment will assist Breton Brewing in keeping up with consumer demand and allow finished products to be sold more easily to second-party vendors.  

A sure sign of summer is Big Spruce Brewing releasing the Silver Tart sour ale. This seasonal favourite made from raspberries and is 4.5% ABV. Look for it now at the brewery and usual taps soon. 
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Boxing Rock Brewing released Mutiny Subversive Amber Ale. This amber ale is a collaboration with Garrison Brewing, Propeller Brewing, Schoolhouse Brewing and Hell Bay Brewing and forms the base for the grog soon to be released to Gahan House for Race the Kegs on May 8 as part of Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week. This is an English style pale ale, amber in colour with a bold malt backbone and moderate hoppiness, lots of citrus hop aroma and very smooth and drinkable. It is 5% ABV at the brewery and currently at Bishops Cellar.

Garrison Brewing released Klingon Warnog Roggen Dunkel today. Brewed under licence the dunkelweizen has an aroma that is predominantly mild banana and clove produced by the German wheat yeast, supported by subtle sweet malt character from the use of Munich malt. The 5.5% ABV, 20 IBU beer is now at the brewery. 
Garrison also released its seasonal Sugar Moon Maple Ale at the brewery. It is brewed with maple syrup from Sugar Moon farms in Earltown and is a warming 6.3% ABV.
Garrison also announced the date of Halifax Oktoberfest, save September 16 and 17. 

Rare Bird Craft Beer jumped in the big truck and head into the backwoods of Nova Scotia to get fresh maple sap so they could brew up a batch maple ale.There’s no water added to their brew, just pure Nova Scotia maple sap, some maple syrup and a bit of spice to give the beer it’s unique maple flavour. It comes in at 6.5% ABV, but the smooth maple flavour balances out the alcohol and hops to give it a refreshing taste and rare character. It is at the brewery and coming to private stores in HRM soon.

Saltbox Brewing had a couple of updates this week. One important piece was annouced being the brewer.  Jeremy Fehr is a recent graduate from Niagara College but has racked up an impressive list of achievements. Most notably a Bronze Medal finish at the US Beer Open for his Imperial Pilsner. He joins the brewery on May 16th.
They also launched their pioneer club that will give members exclusive access to the first batch of each new brew launched, special invitation to regular educational seminars and a limited release Saltbox T-shirt labeled with ‘Pioneers Club’ to designate you as a Saltbox Pioneers Beer Club Founding Member. It is 40.00 and limited to 150 members. Available now on their website. 

Tatamagouche Brewing quietly released Tweed Wolf Brown IPA recently. It has Cascade, Simcoe and huell melon. This is the second release of their staff beer,  Alex Martin came up with the idea and he and Matt  knocked out recipe together. It clocks in at 7.1% ABV and 70 IBUs.

PEI Brewing released Setting Day - PEI's harvest Saison today. It is an homage to the day when hearty men and women set out in the early morning to set the first traps of the season. This brew is a sessionable 3.5% ABV.

Picaroons introduced another beer in their staff beer series, Iain the Canadiain Stoutvwas brewed by our Iain Brannigan, This assertively roasty stout clocks in at 7% ABV. and has a well balanced hop bitterness which goes down quite smooth due to the velvety nature of the generous helping of oats in the recipe. On tap now at the Brewtique while supplies last.

The Moncton Beer League is proud to announce the second annual Atlantic Canadian Craft Brew Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 24th at the Lions Club, 55 Mark Avenue to support United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick. The event is being planned to showcase local Atlantic Canadian products including craft beer and food, all while raising funds for United Way during their 2016 campaign. 
The regular session from 7:30-10pm allows you unlimited beer samples in your custom take-home glass from Jym Line Glassware. The VIP ticket gets you a special glass, along with an industry panel discussion and exclusive guided beer tasting an hour and a half earlier in addition to the regular session. More info at http://ambereffect.com/events/  

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

How can Nova Scotia be more Craft Beer Friendly

I have done a little travelling of late and thought to myself, what could be done to make Nova Scotia craft beer friendly? These is just my thoughts and opinions of what I think would serve craft beer fans as well as local breweries and is by no means a criticism of any particular organization or company. By example the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) who gets a lot of ire has done a lot of good too, like less tax on provincially produced microbrew and a grant to the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia for the purpose of developing marketing and other strategies. 

One thing I could never understand is the NSLC, a retailer that controls sales of  beer in the province and it also regulated it. I am not claiming any funny business but it does set up the corporation for potential conflicts of interest. Although not well publicized I am hearing regulation powers are moving to The Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division (AGFTD) of Service Nova Scotia. This is a development I am watching closely. 

Craft brewers in NS who want to get on the NSLC shelf can not always get there. The NSLC has minimum requirements on amount of product that puts having shelf space for smaller producers out of reach. I would like to see a program where the five closest NSLCs to a small brewery would have open SKUs to take product directly. This would facilitate smaller producers access to serve the area where they produce and even larger ones for selling their seasonals. 

One program our northern neighbor of New Brunswick has, that I would like to see here, is a Growler Program. Instituting this in some or all of the 34 NSLC stores that sell craft beer again would open a channel for brewers from around the province to get their beer to consumers. Further it could also bring other Canadian brewers here for beer lovers to partake. There is already a bulk wine program in effect so it is not a stretch to see this happen.

Craft brewers from across the country, US and world want to bring their beers here but getting in to the NSLC is incredibly tough and many brewers give up totally or only bring a small portion of their line on a seasonal listing. I would like to see more access for craft beer to make it onto shelves here. This would take a big change at the corporate level. My opinion is a rising tide rises all boats, access to craft will increase curiosity and desire to drink more craft.

The experiment with private stores in Halifax has opened five stores here and given craft beer drinkers in this area a "taste" of different beers and what could be possible. I would like to see this program expanded to other areas of the province to add extra variety. The new stores could collaborate to lessen transport costs of shipping to the province. Going one step further, why not open grocery stores to allow them to sell beer as they do in other provinces. 

A very easy thing for us to do here that was suggested to me by Emily Tipton is let NS brewers sell other brewers beer at their retail stores. The sale of beer is already happening so why not. This would allow beer to make it to places that is wouldn't otherwise. This was poorly implemented in New Brunswick and was so restrictive only 2 brewers can do it.

A general streamlining of licences and policies would be helpful too. To brew, give samples and serve requires a federal licence and three provincial licences on top of all the other permits that have to be acquired.

On the brewing side it would be good to see brewers making the jump from homebrewing to professional brewing "apprentice" for a short period in a profession brewing operation to highlight differences in a food grade operation and, hopefully, help in the brewing process and beer quality.

Lastly, the government of Nova Scotia's treatment of brewing over wine is puzzling. A Beer Canada study shows brewing has triple the economic impact of wine and spirits combined. Even with this information the Liberal government charges brewers 150% more in remittance tax for beer that is sold directly to customers at their stores, private stores and bars than is charged to wine and spirits makers. This amounts to $400,000 dollars a year currently that is being diverted from creating jobs and improving infrastructure. To add insult to injury to the brewers, who generated 16 million dollars in sales and employs over 300 people directly, in the latest Liberal budget they set aside $3.5 million dollars for the wine industry. 

That is my brief thoughts on making NS more craft beer friendly. If you would like to hear more buy me a beer next time you see me at a local craft beer bar. 

Maritime Beer Report - April 22, 2016

Hello and welcome to the 2016 Earth Day issue of the Maritime Beer Report.

The boys on Robie Street, Good Robot Brewing, have released their newest beer on tap for pints and growlers, Damn Fine Coffee and Cherry Pie Pale. The homage to the 1990s series "Twin Peaks" is brewed with a sweet crust body, citrusy hops from the twin peaks region, and complemented with Java Blend Coffee Roasters cold-brewed Ethiopian Guji coffee, grown in cherry soil and known for its berry character. Dessert beer anyone? 

Granite Brewery has its India Pale Ale is back on tap for the season. It is well hopped golden British-style IPA (5.0% ABV), dry-hopped with fuggle hops. It is available in growlers at the brewery and select taps.

On the heels of Golden Stout North Brewing released Glenora Barrel Aged Strong Dark. North says five months of aging has done wonders to this already delicious brew. They also released a teaser that they have one last barrel that is still aging on some Brett they added. By the way this is a 10.5% ABV beer.

Propeller Brewing filled in the details on their Prop'r Cask night next Friday. It will feature food from Chef Matt MacIassc from Krave Burgers and they are going to have their 3-way Collaboration with Tatamagouche Brewing and Big Spruce Brewing, Cerberus, as the cask. It will be dry hopped and will be the first peek into the collaboration this time around as it wont be released until NS Craft Beer Week. 

Rudder's Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub brewer Mike Ferguson revealed that he has a Sweet Chocolate Stout and a Lager in the fermenters. Look for their release soon. 

Sea Level Brewing has release a popular seasonal. Southern Cross IPA with a 6.7% ABV is out now at the brewery. Look for it in the usual spots. 

Sober Island Brewing launched today at Saltscapes Expo. They will focus on two beers a Sober Island Oyster Stout and English Golden Rye Ale. Initially you will need to go to Sheet Harbour to try them unless you catch them at an event or market. Watch here and on their facebook page to find them. 

Unfiltered Brewing launched Solve the Riddle of Steel IPA. Described as "Bright and juicy with a serious New England influence on top of the usual San Diego roots". It is 7% ABV and 70 IBUs. Available now at the brewery.

Celtic Knot Brewing says it is time for a new beer and was brewing "Monkeytown Mango". It is a mango infused pale ale that will be low in bittering but big on mango at about 4.8% ABV. Look for it it hit accounts soon. 

Picaroons released its organic seasonal Dooryard Wheat Ale today. Available at the Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton, at the Picaroons General Store in Uptown Saint John, and taps throughout New Brunswick. 

Have a great week end and until next week enjoy responsibly. 

Sober Island Brewing launches this Week End

Sheet Harbour, NS) - Sober Island Brewing will be launching on Friday April 22nd to become Nova Scotia's newest Brewer.

Rebecca Atkinson is the owner/operator along with Jonathan Primack, a familiar name in Halifax home brewing circles and beer judging, who is taking the role of head brewer. Sober Island Brewing Company's vision is to be a destination oriented microbrewery. Partnering with other local small businesses to create unique products and experiences within their area. Rebecca says "When someone drinks a can of Sober Island beer I want them to have a sense of place". 

Rebecca says while living in Cardiff, Wales last year she was in a welsh pub called The City Arms with fantastic real ale on tap. While ordering a flight of ale she came across an Oyster Stout that read "Brewed with fresh oysters" and she thought "wow, why don't we have something like that back home, especially with access to such great local oysters". When Rebecca returned to her hometown of Sheet Harbour in May she called her friend Jonathan and said "we're opening a brewery".

Rebecca says she always found herself coming back to Sheet Harbour no matter where she lived or travelled in the world and says "This is part of building an opportunity for me and the community. We are rural and have an aging population, I hope to inspire more business in the area and by partnering with those businesses, share success and create a thriving community." Rebecca also says "I have a huge passion for the area that we live in and believe it's full of potential. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Eastern Shore".

The initial plan was raise a bunch of money and build a brewery on Sober Island, which they are still working on, but after seeing the time to get that done they developed a 3 phase plan. Within 3-5 years, hopefully 3, they aim to be on the island. The brewery is starting small, brewing on the Sabco BrewMagic 1/2 bbl system. The reduced brewing capacity made Rebecca's thoughts turn to bringing the beer out to people. With that in mind they converted a horse trailer to a mobile beer bar. This fall Sober Island Brewing are aiming to be in a 7bbl system next to The Henley House Pub and Restaurant and with more beer they hope to gain more taps and move toward package products for sale in retail stores.  Right now brewing on such a small system they will be focusing on two beers, Sober Island Oyster Stout and English Golden Rye Ale, as well as brewing a Henley House Private Ale.

The official launch is this Friday at The Saltscapes Expo where they will be serving tastings of their stout and ale. If you miss them this week end they will be on tap this summer at The Henley House Pub and Restaurant and Liscombe Lodge. They will also be at events such as the Northumbeerfest at Pictou Lodge and keep an eye out for the trailer too, they are hoping to pull up outside of farmers markets and other events.

Downeast Beer Factory opening in Dartmouth, NS

(Dartmouth, NS) - The Downeast Beer Factory (DBF) is opening in the old Brewdebakers location at 612 Windmill Road in Dartmouth. The brewery is paired with Downeast Tap and Grill, a pub that will have 16 beer taps serving the best craft beer from the area. Three of the taps will be for DBF beers that will be produced. This is new for the area that a full restaurant is on site with a brewery other than our brewpubs.
Rod Daigle will be brewmaster, who most recently was a brewer and part owner of Brimstone Brewing, Rod, a Rexton, NB native, was looking to move back to the Maritimes with his young family when this opportunity arose. He will brew on a 15 hectolitre system and will start with three ales. He shared they are a Blonde Ale, Honey Irish Red and a sessionable IPA. 
The brewery's short term plans will be selling kegs, growlers on site, merchandise and perhaps some bottles from their current 4-head bottler. Longer term they hope to can their beer and reactivate the drive-thru sales that existed before. 
In the short term the Tap room is planning opening around April 30th with DBF beer coming sometime in May. Watch for the details as they unfold on the blog. 

Maritime Beer Report - April 15, 2016

Welcome to the April 15th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Upstreet Craft Brewing teamed up with Just Passing Through to release a special collaboration beer they're calling Top Stamp. Upstreet says it "is an easy drinking honey brown lager with a sweet beginning, a dry finish and a clean aftertaste. Just like drizzling honey over lightly browned toast. Brewed using Maritime Malt and NB Golding hops, this 5%, 15 IBU's beer is sure to quench the thirst of any beer lover." 
Top Stamp will be released at the brewery on April 21st in growlers and bottles. 

Breton Brewing and Upstreet Craft Brewing created a special beer for the ECMAs this week end in Sydney. Island Jams: Vol 1 is a Belgian Blonde Ale and is 5.3% ABV and 35 IBUs and is available now. 

Downeast Beer Factory along with Downeast Tap & Grill will be opening soon as Dartmouth's newest Craft Brewery and Restaurant at 612 Windmill Road. The grill is due to open around the end of the month and the beer from the brewery will be available in May. 

Lazy Bear Brewing released some detals on one of its beers. Gut View Amber Ale is an English style beer rich with malt overtones and subtle with aromas from Canadian-grown English hops. It will be a year round and is 4.9% ABV and 32 IBUs.

North Brewing released its Golden Stout this week. Made with cocoa nibs from Rousseau Chocolatier and cold brew from Java Blend Coffee Roasters. It has the chocolate and roasted character without the colour imparted by dark roasted malts. It is 6.7% ABV. 

Propeller Brewing has brought back its seasonal Hefeweizen. It is a naturally cloudy wheat beer with a yeasty aroma and flavours of banana and clove. The seasonal is made with special Weizen yeast, German Noble hops and equal amounts of barley and wheat malts and finished with higher than normal carbonation. It weighs in at 5.3% ABV. 

Big Tide Brewing is releasing Tool Shed Root Porter. The robust porter brewed with 2row, Caramunich and chocolate wheat malt. Bittered lightly with Southan Farms hop hash and fresh white birch bark added to the kettle. Finally adding Sassafras, sarsaparilla, vanilla beans and sweet gale. It's looking like 6.3% ABV. Will be available at SJ beerfest and then on tap at the pub on April 16th. 

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says that after a long lagering process, their doppelbock is finally ready. Le Renous Doppelbock is collaboration between Petit-Sault and Acadie-Broue that is 7.5% ABV. Petit-Sault says "It's warmth and strong malt profile are perfect for this undecided Spring weather." Now available at the Brewtique, Le Coude on the  l'université de Moncton campus and at the ANBL Growler fill stations this week end.

Hammond River Brewing says with the new season of Game Of Thrones right around the corner, it was only appropriate to bring back the White Walker White Stout. Look for it wherever Hammond River is served. 

I am off to the woods this week end for a camping trip, whatever you decide to do please enjoy responsibly. 

Breton Brewing and Upstreet Craft Brewing release Island Jams

(Sydney, NS) - Breton Brewing and Upstreet Craft Brewing created a special beer for the ECMAs this week end in Sydney. Island Jams: Vol 1 is a Belgian Blonde Ale and weighs in at 5.3% ABV and 35 IBUs. The beer is available now at Breton Brewing and select taps.

Le Renous Doppelbock collaboration released

(Edmunston, NB) - Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault says that after a long lagering process, their doppelbock is finally ready. Le Renous Doppelbock is collaboration between Petit-Sault and Acadie-Broue that is 7.5% ABV. Petit-Sault says "It's warmth and strong malt profile are perfect for this undecided Spring weather." Now available at the Brewtique, Le Coude on the  l'université de Moncton campus and at the ANBL Growler fill stations this week end. 

North Brewing releases Golden Stout

(Halifax, NS) - North Brewing released its Golden Stout (6.7% ABV) yesterday. Made with cocoa nibs from Rousseau Chocolatier and cold brew from Java Blend Coffee Roasters. The stout has chocolate and roasted character without the colour imparted by dark roasted malts. Available now at North in Halifax and Dartmouth and select taps.  

Propeller Brewing releases Summer Seasonal

(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing released its Hefeweizen summer seasonal. It is a naturally cloudy wheat beer with a yeasty aroma and flavours of banana and clove. Made with special Weizen yeast, German Noble hops and equal amounts of barley and wheat malts and finished with higher than normal carbonation and clocks in at 5.3% ABV . 

NB Liquor brings in range of new policies

(Fredericton, NB) - NB Liquor (ANBL) has brought in new policies on April 1st relating to the regulation of craft beer producers. One of them is a new tiered cost system that changes the amount a brewery pays based on how much beer it produces. For each keg sold by small scale producers it changes from 73 cents per litre to $1.05 per litre and to $1.75 per litre for the larger craft beer producers. The brewers producing less than 49,900 litres don't pay per litre for sales. The brewers making less than 49,900 litres don't pay per litre for their sales.

Additional changes are:

• The elimination of the requirement for a brewer to open their retail outlet a minimum number of hours.
• Brewers who produce over 2,500,00 litres can now sell other NB breweries beers in their stores. This means Picaroons and Pump House are the only ones that can. 
• The number of stores a brewer can operate changes with a maximum of four if the brewer sells between 1,000,000 and 2,499,900 litres of beer a year.

Some of these changes look decent others not so much. It seems strange to me one organization almost completely control your sales, distribution, production and regulation. I am not implying any wrong doing but their mission is to create a profit and may cloud other decisions. Nova Scotia recently move regulation from the NSLC to an agency to separate the monopoly's powers, this is a step in the right direction

CBC News interviewed Stephen Dixon, the president of the New Brunswick Craft Alcohol Producers Association (NBCAPA) who said there was some good in it but most of it not. The major problem is as breweries become more successful and grow they are taxed more heavily and their ability to add stores is limited. Rather than growing profits to reinvest in new equipment and new jobs it will be increasingly eaten up by taxes.

If the Government of New Brunswick is serious about job creation and not stalling out progress made in the craft brewing and spin-offs it should have a serious look at what is happening. 

Upstreet Craft Brewing releases Top Stamp

(Charlottetown, PE) - Upstreet Craft Brewing teamed up with Just Passing Through to release a special collaboration beer they're calling Top Stamp. Upstreet says it "is an easy drinking honey brown lager with a sweet beginning, a dry finish and a clean aftertaste. Just like drizzling honey over lightly browned toast. Brewed using Maritime Malt and NB Golding hops, this 5% [ABV], 15 IBU's beer is sure to quench the thirst of any beer lover." 

Top Stamp will be released at the brewery on April 21st in growlers and bottles. 

Sea Level Brewing releases Düssel Port Altbier

(Port Williams, NS) - Sea Level Brewing released its Düssel Port Altbier. This is one of Brewmaster Randy Lawrence’s favourites, the recipe given to him from a friend who makes this beer in Dusseldorf. This New World ALT is 4.8% ABV and is a clean medium bodied ale with a background hop presence. 

Propeller Brewing releases latest One Hit Wonder

(Halifax, NS) - Propeller Brewing have a new one Hit Wonder out. It's an Oat Pale Ale called Oat in a Boat and is an unfiltered 5.5% ABV beer. As with all One Hit Wonders it will only be available in Growlers at the Propeller Shops. 
The special label was done by local artist Jeremy Hansen.
On a side note, when you buy a one hit wonder at the shops you get a ballot for a voucher for a chance to win a free one hit wonder fill. They do a draw at each store once the current One Hit runs dry. 

Garrison Brewing releases new IPA

(Halifax, NS) - Garrison Brewing released Hoppy Buoy, a newly re-branded and re-tooled IPA that is taking the previous IPA’s place in stores. It is 6.5% ABV and 50 IBU with loads of aromatic and bittering hops delivering citrusy and tropical fruit aromas, ruby red grapefruit flavour and a balanced malt backbone.
On sale now throughout Nova Scotia. 

Garrison Brewing brings back Jalapeño Ale

(Halifax, NS) - After an absence Garrison Brewing has brought back  Jalapeño Ale (5% ABV) . They say it will cool you down and warm you up at the same time. The light ale is loaded with Jalapeño, Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, & Jamaican Hot Peppers to create a truly unusual brew. Garrison also adds "this beer is great for lovers of all things hot and spicy, and a killer secret weapon in the kitchen and on the grill". Available now at the brewery in Halifax.

Maritime Beer Report - April 8, 2016

It is good to be back to bring you the April 8th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

After many years Garrison Brewing has brought back its  Jalapeno Ale. It is 5% ABV and uses Habanero, Scotch Bonnet and Jamaican Hot Peppers. They say "This beer is great for lovers of all things hot & spicy, and a killer secret weapon in the kitchen and on the grill."
Garrison also has a new IPA called Hoppy Buoy. It is 6.5% ABV and 50 IBU. They say there are loads of great aromatic and bittering hops that deliver citrusy and tropical fruit aromas, ruby red grapefruit flavour and a balanced malt backbone.

North Brewing says their Summer Saison is back. They say to crack one of these, close your eyes and imagine the Sun beating down on you.

Propeller Brewing have a new one Hit Wonder available. Its an Oat Pale Ale called "Oat in a Boat". It will only be available in Growlers as with all our One Hit Wonders, it is a 5.5% ABV ale. Side note. When you buy a one hit wonder at their store you get a ballot for a voucher for a free one hit wonder fill. They do a draw at each store once the current One Hit runs dry.
Propeller are having another Cask Night on Friday April 29th from 6-9 PM. Food will be provided by Krave Burgers and its an unknown cask as of now.

Sea Level Brewing has a new beer out. The Dussel Port Altbier is now available. It is a 4.8% Alt beer and is a limited release.

Spindrift Brewing says in conjunction with their upcoming Knotty Buoy Bavarian-style Pils, their 7th Wave release this week is a Keller Pils: an unadulterated cellar conditioned Pilsner. Crisp, clean and naturally carbonated.

Unfiltered Brewing released Front Line Rocker DIPA. It is a hefty 8% ABV and 100+ IBU.

On May 6-15 we celebrate Nova Scotia’s second annual Craft Beer Week. The 10 days will be packed with many amazing craft beer related activities, which include the following signature events. More details about Craft Beer Week and its events can be found at http://nscraftbeer.ca/nscbw/

The Barrel-Aged Triskaidekaphobia launch is tomorrow at Stillwell. It was brewed by Big Spruce Brewing, Ladies Beer League and Boxing Rock Brewing in Shelburne on November 13th. You can drop by for a taste at Stillwell starting at Noon. There are tickets available that include a taste and a glass to support CKDU. The bottles will be available at the breweries and farmers markets for a very limited time.

Big Axe Brewery brewed a couple of batches of their Seasonal Maple Wheat Amber Ale. Look for it on tap very soon. 

Bore City Brewing has released Equilux American Pale Ale (5% ABV). They say it is bright and fruity on the nose and leaves a light, pleasant taste in your mouth.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault has released a brand new honey rye ale called Buzz (6.1% ABV). This beer was brewed by women and a portion of proceeds will benefit a grant for women studying biotechnology at NBCC. A fine beer for a fine cause.
They also say after a long lagering process, their Doppelbock is finally ready. The Petit-Sault and Acadie-Broue collaboration is a hefty 7.5% ABV and is available now at the Brewtique. 

Hammond River Brewing released its newest beer, which will be a summer seasonal this year. It's an extremely easy drinking 5.1% ABV Blood Orange Hefeweizen. On tap now.

Picaroons Traditional Ales and Railcar Brewing Company and brewed up a funky new beer in support of the Ministers Island Barn Raiser. The beer, brewed with real Golden raisins, is a darker brew that rings in at 6% ABV. It is on tap at the Brewtique in Downtown Fredericton, The Picaroons General Store in Uptown Saint John, and at Railcar Brewing. 
They also say they are looking for HI-RES pictures of your awesome cat, that they can use for the new Melonhead label. Send your cat pictures to MelonheadContest@gmail.com by April 22, 2016 (Must be under 20MB - .jpg/.pdf/.tif filetypes would be purrfect. please no .gif's)

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