Welcome to the long week end edition of the Maritime Beer Report. Here is the beer news for the unofficial kick off to summer.
Boxing Rock Brewing Launches a new Black IPA, Dark as Keji, to Celebrate the Kejimkujik Dark Sky Preserve. Boxing Rock also announced that they are donating a portion of the proceeds to the Friends of Keji Cooperating Association to support the Dark Sky Education programs at Kejimkujik. Owners Emily Tipton and Henry Pedro wanted to do something special to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday. To show their appreciation for where they live, in Southwest Nova Scotia, they thought nothing could be better than naming a special beer for a special place.
The official launch of the beer will be Saturday May 20 at 8 pm at the Sky Circle at Keji, where Boxing Rock will offer samples of Dark as Keji. This will be prior to a Dark Sky program presented by Parks Canada with help from volunteers from both the Friends of Keji and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at 9:30 pm. Dark as Keji will be available in NSLC and private wine stores around the province, as well as at Boxing Rock’s store at the brewery in Shelburne.
Unfiltered Brewing will release its Double Orange Ale DIPA today at the brewery at noon. DOA weighs in at 7.5% ABV and 100+ IBU.
Good Robot Brewing says its Damn Fine Coffee and Cherry Pie Pale Ale round 3, this time featuring Kenya Nyeri Mahiga coffee beans from Java Blend, cold-brewed by Low Point Coffee Co. (formerly Bottleneck Coffee), will be out today. You will find notes of cocoa, citrus and stonefruit in this beer that is 5.5% ABV and 32 IBU.
Next week Dr. RUDI Pale American Ale will hit the taps. This one is number one of their SMaSH (single malt and single hop) series with East Coast Ale yeast from White Labs. The 6% ABV 47 IBU beer uses Dr. RUDI hops and Canadian pale 2-row barley.
Nine Locks Brewing has a Ginger rye Ale coming out soon. The brewery describes it as "This dusky red ale is full-bodied, with subtle caramel notes and a restrained ginger presence on the palate. The finish is long combining the cereal astringency of the rye and wheat with the assertive spiciness of the ginger." The new beer will be out in the near future only in growlers and will be 5.6% ABV and 15 IBU.
Garrison Brewing's 20th Anniversary Triple IPA has landed at the brewery. This is the first of two special 20th Anniversary releases that will be coming out this year to celebrate their big milestone birthday. This specialty hybrid release was brewed part American Barleywine, part Extra-Strong Imperial IPA, heavily dry-hopped and cold-conditioned for 2 full seasons. Launched at the brewery and coming soon to private stores later this week/early next week. They are also sending it to NB and Newfoundland. Garrison says the tasting notes are Earthy, floral and fruity hop aromatics with hints of rhubarb, UK yeast fruity esters and sweet malt. Rich malt and caramel flavors due to an extended boil. Strong yet balanced and not harsh hop flavor (citrus & lychees) & bitterness. Although strongly malty, it is a very hop forward brew. The beer is a heavy 9% ABV and 100 IBU.
They are also planning to release Tall Ship, Seaport Blond and Juicy! DIPA in cans in the next few months.
2 Crows Brewing released a couple of new canned beers this week. They released cans of Fantacity dry-hopped witbier and Midnight Mood dry-hopped american porter this week at the brewery.
Roof Hound Brewing says its Dive Bar Classic Series is now complete. The latest edition is the Harvey Wallbanger Wheat with vanilla beans and orange. It is available at the brewery.
Saltbox Brewery revealed Fog Bank barrel-aged stout will be available shortly. Nurtured for five months in a rum cask to impart notes from the wood like vanilla and dark fruit. Watch social media for release details.
Schoolhouse Brewing is hosting a Graduation on Saturday, June 17th, 2017. Starting at 11 AM and continuing throughout the day until address and speech by the Principal at 7 PM. They say over the day, they'll be having the biggest tournament of Four Square that Nova Scotia has ever seen, washer toss, some music and food and, of course craft beer. To help with organizing, they've created an Eventbrite page where you can RSVP to the Graduation or to the 2017 Grad Party. Tickets to the Grad party can be purchased online or at the Brewery itself.
Trider's Craft Beer have released Second Breakfast Oatmeal Stout. They say it is deliciously creamy, smooth, and roasty toasty Stout.
Bulwark Cider announced on May 25th there will be a Cider Tap Takeover at 6 PM at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar in Halifax. Check details on their facebook page.
The Halifax Seaport BeerFest returns as Atlantic Canada’s largest craft beer and cider festival. The beer fest celebrates all things beer, cider and food on the Halifax Waterfront from Friday, August 11th to Saturday, August 12th. The 11th anniversary edition will showcase over 300 craft beers, premium imports and ciders, representing nearly every Canadian province and over 15 different countries. The Cunard Centre with its 375’ of waterfront patio, will host some of the greatest craft beers and ciders around, nearly two-thirds of which are not normally available at NSLC stores. Tickets go on sale today.
Have a great and safe long week end, may sure to plan ahead.
