Fredericton Craft Beer Festival Celebrates Five Years

Photo by Chris Stapleton Photography

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival celebrated its fifth successful year last month. The festival had two sessions on Saturday March 11th where 58 breweries from six provinces poured over 220 different beers, ciders, and meads. Over 5200 litres of beer was served to about 1,750 people. The event has become as popular with brewers as craft beer fans as a week end to reconnect and meet brewers from around the region. 
Their slogan says "It's all about the beer. Pure, simple." but it also raised over $20, 000 dollars for charities including primarily Diabetes Canada with additional amounts to Wounded Warriors Canada, NS Down Syndrome, Heart and Stroke and Children's Wish.  
Hats off to Lloyd Chambers, Nicole McCarty their army of 50 loyal volunteers and promoting good beer and good deeds. 
Mark your calendars when it returns on March 10, 2018. 

2017 Down East Brewing Awards Winners Announced

(Fredericton, NB) - 2017 Down East Brewing Awards winners were announced today as part of the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival. The complete list of winners are : 

1 - Lager
Gold: Grimross Brewing Company - Scratch #1: German Lager
Silver: Spindrift Brewing Company - Abyss Schwarzbier
Bronze: Spindrift Brewing Company - Coastal Lager

2 - Wheat Beer
Gold: Saltbox Brewing Company - Dynamite Trail

3 - English Ale
Gold: Bogtrotter - Angry Otter Pub Ale
Silver: Think Brewing Company - Eureka ESB
Bronze: Graystone Brewing - Bushwhack Bitter

4 - Amber/Brown/Red Ale
Gold: Off-Grid Ales - Campfire Red
Silver: Bogtrotter - Half Cracked Nut Brown Ale
Bronze: Garrison Brewing Company - Irish Red Ale

5 - Porter/Stout
Gold: Trailway Brewing Company - Rascal
Silver: Nine Locks Brewing Company - Double Chocolate Stout
Bronze: Maybee Brewing Company - Elevensies Espresso Stout

6 - Pale Ale
Gold: Trailway Brewing Company - Luster
Silver: Boxing Rock Brewing - Henry's Cream Ale
Bronze: Loyalist City Brewing Company - Three Sisters Pale Ale

7 - India Pale Ale
Gold: Tatamagouche Brewing Company - Mrs. Magouche
Silver: Garrison Brewing Company - Hoppy Buoy
Bronze: Port Rexton Brewing Company - Horse Chops

8 - Double IPA/Specialty IPA
Gold: Trailway Brewing Company - Black Hops
Silver: Garrison Brewing Company - Code Name: Juicy 2
Bronze: Nine Locks Brewing Company - Fathom

9 - Belgian Ale
Gold: Grimross Brewing Company - Cheval D'or
Silver: 2 Crows Brewing - Innisfree
Bronze: Grimross Brewing Company - Petit Grim

10 - Fruit/Spiced Beer
Gold: Big Tide Brewing Company - Chocolate Amaretto Porter
Silver: Garrison Brewing Company - Winter Warmer

11 - Sour/Wild Beer
Gold: Tide & Boar Brewing - Sour Otis Grapefruit
Silver: Boxing Rock Brewing Company - Over the Top! Sour Cranberry Wheat

12 - Strong Ale/Lager
Gold: Pump House Brewery - Barley Wine
Silver: Propeller Brewing Company - Revolution Russian Imperial Stout
Bronze: Boxing Rock Brewing Company - Stayin' Alive Bock

13 - Experimental Beer
Gold: Spindrift Brewing Company - Abyss Barrel o' Cherries
Silver: Boxing Rock Brewing Company - U889 Russian Imperial Stout
Bronze: Garrison Brewing Company - Barrel-aged To Prussia With Love

Trailway Brewing took home two additional pieces of hardware by also winning the Best in Show for their Black Hops as well as 2017 McInnes Cooper Brewer of the year. 

The organizers noted that Petit Sault entered, but DEBA lost their beer so they weren't in the competition.  They also admitted resposibility and apologized to Petit-Sault for their error.

Congrats to all the winners. 

Fredericton Craft Beer Fest has a lot to offer

Fredericton Craft Beer Fest turns 5 this year and has established itself as the premier independent craft beer show in the region. It has expanded from a evening only Saturday night event to five days of events with the beer event being the crown jewel running in the afternoon and evening.
The complete schedule is below and if you are in the area there is lots to check out for the beer lover. 

March 8^th, 2017
Rock-Paper-Scissors-Beer Tournament: Time 7PM-9PM, Location King Street Ale House, Cost $5 winner take all, pay-as-you-go drinks, NB Craft Beer Happy Hour.
It’s going to be Offal! Again! : 7-10PM,  Location The Maverick Room, Cost $89 +, five course meal & 5-12oz NB Craft Beers.

March 9^th, 2017
Nova Scotia Tap Take Over: 5-10PM, Location King Street Ale House, Cost $25, 10-5oz samples and glass to take home, pay-as-you-go beers and food after.

Atlantic Canada Beer Blog Trivia: 7-9PM, Location King Street Ale House, Cost Free, Pay-as-you-go food and drinks.

March 10^th, 2017
A day of Beer education: 9-5PM, Crowne Plaza Fredericton, Cost $40 ( $30 if attending FCBF17), day of classes and lunch is provided.

March 11^th, 2017
Fredericton Craft Beer Festival Main Events: Time 12:30-4PM VIP, 1:30-4PM Regular, 6-9:30PM VIP, 7-9:30PM Regular, Location Fredericton Convention Centre, cost $55-$65.

March 12^th, 2017
Down the Keg 3KM Run: Time 11:30, Location King Street Ale House, cost $5, Complimentary beverages, Pay-as-you-go food and drinks, NB Craft Beer Happy Hour.

NBCAPA Announces a New Gala to Recognize Excellence

(Fredericton, NB) - New Brunswick Association of Craft Alcohol Producers (NBCAPA), following a General Members Meeting held yesterday in Fredericton, have announced there will be an annual gala to recognize the best of what the industry in New Brunswick has to offer. The gala will coincide with the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival in March each year.

NBCAPA says leading up to the gala, fun monthly contests will be organized on social media under different categories, like naming New Brunswick's “hoppiest product” for example. While there are still items that need to be finalized, nominated products would be available for tasting in New Brunswick bars, pubs and tap rooms.

Members at NBCAPA meeting yesterday

“The Gala is a fantastic opportunity to highlight all the great products made by our members and it’s an opportunity to highlight all the artisans involved as well as getting the word out about our Association’s activities,” says President Stephen Dixon.

Among other issues discussed at yesterdays meeting are the ongoing complexities each producer has regarding distribution. “We are a fast growing industry. We share a lot of common issues that we can work towards solving together,” Dixon stated.

NBCAPA represents close to 30 craft brewers, cideries, meaderies, wineries and distillers in New Brunswick. It was created last year to help the industry promote its products and its economic contribution to the provincial economy.

For any details on the gala or NBCAPA contact Stephen Dixon, president at (506) 454-4810.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival continues to grow

(Fredericton, NB) - The 4th annual festival took place last week end and was the most successful to date. The fest that started in 2013 as a single evening beer tasting with around 550 tickets sold has grown to a week long collection of events leading to the the main events on Saturday that sold more than 1,500 tickets.

The event celebrates the growth in craft beer with many of the 52 current Maritime breweries attending to show off their beer and others from across Canada. It is a coup not only for the beer fans but local business to as hotels and restaurants were very busy feeding and housing the attendees. The Crowne Plaza across the street from the Fredericton Convention Center was completely sold out and equated it to Christmas in March for them.

So what is in store for the 5th anniversary of the Festival in 2017? The organizer Lloyd Chambers says "bigger and better" and he and his team are already working on it. 

Next year's festival will be March 11th, stay tuned for all the details.

Check out my photo album of the event here

Fredericton Craft Beer Week March 4 -13, 2016

(Fredericton, NB) - The Fredericton craft beer scene has exploded and the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival has grown too. The festival now in its fourth year will end an entire week of celebrating craft beer. 

Organizer Lloyd Chambers says he and his partners plan was to reach this format and all the pieces cam together. The Festival will be the main event of the week on March 12th and has an afternoon and an evening session this year. This year the festival will host 45 breweries and over 190 beers from across Canada and new this year from Maine.

Some events require tickets, some are free, and others are pay-as-you-go, so check in advance and make sure it isn't sold out.

Listed below are some of the many events happening during the week. 

March 12th - Fredericton Craft Beer Festival (Main Event) at Fredericton Convention Centre

March 4th - The 4th be with you at James Joyce Pub

March 5th - Craft Beer and Cheese at ANBL York

March 8th - Rock, Paper, Scissors Kick off event at King Street Ale House (Signature Event)

March 8th - Beer N Yoga with Satori Yoga at Grimross Brewing

March 8th - Craft Dinner Cooking Class at Greener Village Community Centre

March 9th - An "Offal-ly" Good evening with Craft Beer "a Make a Memory event" at Crowne Plaza

March 10th - Spindrift Brewing tasting at ANBL Prospect Street 3-7PM (Free event)

March 10th - Garrison Brewing Tap Take Over at King Street Ale House (Signature Event)(Hoping to have 24 beers)

March 10th - Atlantic Canada Beer Blog Trivia at King Street Ale House

March 11th - Spindrift Brewing tasting at ANBL York Street 3-7PM (Free event)

March 11th - Charity Growler Auction

March 11th - Hop Workshop at Crowne Plaza

March 11th - Geaghan Brothers Flights (TBD)

March 12th - Afternoon Session After-party at Vault 29

March 13th - Down the Keg 3 KM Run at King Street Ale House (Signature Event)

March 13th - Brewers Jazz Brunch at King Street Ale House (Signature Event)

As the organizers say "It's all about the beer. Pure. Simple."

Maritime Beer Report - March 20, 2015

Hello and welcome to the March 20th edition of the Maritime Beer Report. It is the first day of Spring and a lot of brewers and fans are sorely in need of some nicer weather.

Celtic Knot Brewing announced that the Tide and Boar has taken delivery of their latest one off. It's called Terminus and it's an IPA made exclusively with El Dorado hops. They will make an announcement when it hits the taps via their social media.

Hammond River Brewing is currently designing a new beer that will be debuting at the Saint John Beerfest next month. It's going to be a Rye IPA using El Dorado hops exclusively. More details as I get them.

Railcar Brewing Company says they we are behind schedule on construction and some new gear has been delayed. They are now looking at reopening April 1st with the need to ensure everything is installed and working correctly.

Trail Way Brewing Company says their Hugh-John Hops IPA has been delivered to the King Street Ale House and to 540 Kitchen & Bar. Look for this on tap in the coming days at both locations. They say they are very happy with the recipe and excited to add this IPA to the Trail Way Brewing rotation.

The Nook and Cranny in Truro is a hidden gem for craft brew fans had an exciting announcement this week, they are becoming a brew pub. From Nook and Cranny "We are bringing our love of craft beer to the next level by installing a brewing system on site. Our customers will soon be able to enjoy one of our three N&C Brew Co beers...and take a growler to go!". They are buying a system and that allows them to buy wort rather than starting with grains. The promise three taps, a light crisp one, a dark beer and a rotating seasonal with fresh products like blueberries, strawberries etc will be added.

Sea Level Brewing says the second batch of El Rojo Diablo DIPA is ready. They sold the first tank in record time so they whipped up a second batch. There is a difference though, they used different yeast and an Australian hop called Ella this time. Check it out in the usual spots.

Wrought Iron Brewing got the last of their tanks this week which I think was on schedule. This means if all goes well we may see beer from them in a month or so.

Boxing Rock Brewing was busy on Sunday brewing up the Ladies Beer League's next brew, Cinnamon Challenge Robust Porter . Although the LBL, didn't make it down due to weather they had some special help from Upstreet Craft Brewing to make the brew. More details coming soon.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival announced the winners from from the voting. The prestigious Brewers Choice Award " Best of the Fest" goes to Hammond River Brewing. The Peoples choice awards, " Best of the Fest" award first place goes to Trail Way Brewing Company, second place to Hammond River Brewing and third place to Boxing Rock Brewing. Congrats to everyone and Lloyd says it was a very close race. That has to be without a doubt with all that great beer there.

Thanks for joining me again this week. I hope to see some of you at the NB craft dinner tomorrow in Moncton and until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - August 15, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Maritime Beer Report for August 15, 2014.

PEI Brewing Company has a new beer out. The Blood Orange Tangerine IPA is now on tap at PEIBC. They've only got a few kegs of this stuff so it won't be around for long. This one comes in at 6.5% ABV and 55 IBUs.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault released L'Effrayab' Tintamarre today on Acadian Day. They describe it as a rustic and refreshing collaboration effort with Acadie-Broue inspired from french flanders creations. Its aroma is filled with citrus and spices. 

Railcar Brewing Company is having a label design contest for their "Railcar Red". Bragging rights and a $250.00 gift card are the prizes. Hit up their facebook page until August 30th to enter and get full contest details.

Big Spruce Brewing has released this years Tip of the Spear IPA and they say that is even hoppier than 2013! This one is 6.4% ABV and 53 IBUs.  They also say that they are once again brewing home brewer Tim Gregory's winning entry from our Home Brew Challenge last year - Tim's Dirty American IPA. 

Propeller Brewing Company has released its latest One Hit Wonder series brew – Summer Blonde Lagered Ale. From Propeller "Weighing in at a modest 4.8% ABV and 22 IBUs, Summer Blonde Lagered Ale is a light bodied, refreshing beer that has high drinkability. Wheat, Pale and Pilsner malts give this ale its distinctive smooth, creamy body. Just enough Centennial hops were added to this brew to perfectly balance its bready finish. After a week of fermentation this ale has been Lagered at a cool temperature for 3 weeks to give a clean crisp finish." 

Sea Level Brewing is hiring a full time Retail Manager. Details are on their facebook page and they ask you to personally deliver your resume to Randy at the brewery between 9am-4pm. 

Prince Edward Island Beer Festival tickets are now on sale for the September 5th and 6th event. It will be at the Delta Prince Edward and tickets will run you 40 dollars for the Friday or Saturday night sessions or 30 for the Saturday afternoon. A ticket gets you a glass, beer samples and live entertainment.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival and reLiSH have partnered again to bring you Burgers n' Beer on Tuesday, September 30 at 8:00pm. This evening event will pair rarely sampled beer/cider with delicious sliders prepared by the fine chefs at reLiSH's new Fredericton Uptown location. Adam Clawson from Red Rover Brewing will join you to chat about his new local NB Craft Cider. You will get 6 - 8oz beer / cider samples each paired with a unique slider and a custom tasting glass. Tentative beer sample list is Microbrasserie le Naufrageur, Red Rover Brewing and Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault.

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

Maritime Beer Report - March 28, 2014

Hello and welcome to the March 28th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault are teaming up with Edmundston's Book Fair to present two beer workshops on April 4th and 5th with Mario D'Eer. The one Saturday is a cheese and beer pairing and Sunday is a beer tasting and appreciation event. Tickets for each event will go fast, so act soon if you're interested and you get to keep the glass.

Big Spruce Brewing has released You Spin Me White Round, a wheat IPA they brewed together with Sawdust City Brewing from Ontario. It comes in at 79 IBUs and 6.4% ABV. Jeremy says it is dry hopped and big body. Available now at the brewery. Limited tap releases coming soon.

Garrison Brewing Co. released Saint Peter's Belgian-Style Strong Ale this week. They describe it as "smooth and spicy with notes of vanilla and banana". It is $4.25 at the brewery today and coming soon to private stores and the NSLC.

Propeller Brewing Company has released their Double IPA in Growlers & 500ml single serve bottles at both Prop Shops and will work its way through channels to the other usual spots.

Rockbottom Brew Pub Brewers Blog reports that their Balticus is getting low so it will be gone soon. The barrel aged version the their Wreckoning Russian Imperial Stout is a "stunner". A Double IPA fermented on the 'Conan' (VPB1188) yeast strain is coming soon. as is a Galaxy hopped S.M.a.S.H. lager. Their latest beermakers dinner is on Monday, they are a lot of fun.

Rogues Roost ‏announced that for the first time in six years they're brewing Oatmeal Stout. They promise to keep us posted on availability.

Schoolhouse Brewery opening has been pushed back a few weeks to get some additional paperwork in order. They are now aiming it having it in the pubs May 2nd. I will try to keep everyone posted on developments.

Sea Level Brewing posted they have a new beer, The New World Alt, a Düsseldorf Altbier. It is currently available in growlers at the brewery and on tap at the Port Pub. They go on to say cans will be ready next week or so.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival are not resting on their laurels as they join forces with reLiSH for Burgers n' Beer on Tuesday April 15 2014 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The event will pair rarely sampled beer/cider with delicious sliders prepared by the fine chefs at reLiSH's new Fredericton Uptown location. Adam Clawson from Red Rover Brewing will join them to chat about his new local NB Craft Cider. You will receive six 8oz beer or cider samples each paired with a unique slider and a custom tasting glass. The tentative sample list includes Hammond River Brewing, Red Rover Cider, Red Racer, Grimross Brewing and Celtic Knot. Tickets on sale now.

Saint John Beer Fest announced a couple of days ago that their event is officially sold out and due to the nature of the venue, there will be no more tickets released. They thank everyone for the support and looking forward to seeing everyone at the show.

Myself and some of the Avoiding Chores crew went to a craft beer and food event put on by Local Connections Halifax on Thursday. The event was at Charcuterie Ratinaud who also did the food except for DeeDee's ice cream and beer by Boxing Rock Brewing. It was a great intimate event and brewer Henry Pedro's anecdotes were spot on. Look for a full report coming soon

That is all for this week and see you next week for the Belgian Beer Day edition. Until then enjoy responsibly.

Fredericton Craft Beer Fest Wrap-up - March 8, 2014

I attended and had a great time at the 2nd annual Fredericton Craft Beer Festival (FCBF) on March 8th at the Fredericton Convention Centre. This years event attracted 30 brewers and suppliers toting in 160 different beers from the all the maritime provinces, Quebec, Maine, Saskatchewan, Europe and beyond. In true maritime fashion it didn't matter where you were from as all the brewers were all intermingled. 

There were a few food options available that were included. I enjoyed the salmon and beer chili and made several trips to the popcorn table (boy I bet the guy who vacuums must have hates those guys).

The layout of the FCBF worked really well having the event on the second floor. Entry was past ticket takers and a coat check with an escalator up. The festival was in a large main room with lots of area to go sit in a more quiet setting if you needed a break or wanted a chat with friends.

The 1025 tickets sold were four types Ladies VIP, VIP, regular and designated driver. The Ladies VIP ticket was in partnership with the Ladies Beer League Halifax and was in recognition of International Women's Day. It offered access at 6:00, a Beer 101 with brewmaster Kellye Robertson, special beer samples and a custom glass. VIP tickets granted access an hour earlier than regular holders and of course the designated drivers tickets.

Photo courtesy of Dassouki Photos 

This festival goers were taken care of by 40 volunteers, 80 brewery employees and convention centre wait staff and they all did a great job from start to finish.

FCBF organizer Lloyd Chambers seems like a guy he is not satisfied with status quo and took many notes he said to improve next years event in the same location and noted five more breweries are planning on attending.

For me I got to try and some awesome Maritime beers and ciders, meet the brewers, and some very nice people. I had too hits to mention them all. A nice ending was that two Nova Scotia breweries, Boxing Rock Brewing and Bad Apple Brewhouse, won Best of Fest.

I am looking forward to attending next for an even bigger and better show.

Maritime Beer Report - March 14, 2014

Hello and welcome to the Pi Day edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

In Halifax we are looking forward to the Picaroons Tap take-over at Stillwell tomorrow but Picaroons already announced a another tap takeover in Moncton. Join Picaroons at Plan B Lounge on Friday March 28th with Gravity Strike. 

PEI Brewing Company will be tapping a green Double-Hopped Cask/ described as a "punch in the face by hoppy goodness" tomorrow, Saturday, at the brewery. Drop by if you get a chance. They are also developing a Custom Cask Program where you can create your own casks for events held at 96 Kensington Road in 20 and 50 litre sizes. Details on this and a new beer are going to be released soon.

Ye Olde Argyler Lodge in Argyle NS is having a Boxing Rock Brewers Dinner. Join the Brew Master from Boxing Rock and Chef Jonathan Joseph for a three course craft beer and culinary experience on Saturday April 5 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are going for $35 per person plus tax. Call the Lodge for tickets.
Ladies Beer League and Boxing Rock did a collaboration brew for International Women's Collaboration Brew Day. The beer will be released April 17th at Stillwell Beer Bar. The beer is a sessions with some changes such as using the fruity, floral Amarillo hop instead of Cascade, cranberries, sourced locally in Shelburne and orange peel. The name given to the beer is Alewife's Revenge which as with most of Boxing Rock's beers has an interesting story.

The Garrison Home Brew-off 2014 winner was crowned last night and it was Jason McDougall. It was his first time brewing a Weisen and his first time entering a brewing competition. Well done. They also hope to be brewing in their new facility within 10 days.

Paddys Irish Brewpub announced that their Brewer is kegging up “Solo Citra”, their latest seasonal ale. They go on to say "You’re first met with the sweet pleasing flavor of grapefruit that wakes up your mouth, and following fast behind is a pleasant grapefruit bitterness that leaves your palate asking for a refresher, painted on a canvas of dry grain." It comes in at  50 IBSs and 5.3% ABV. It is available in Kentville now and in Wolfville on Paddys Day, Monday March 17th.

Just in time for St Patrick's Day Propeller released a new beer, Irish Red coming in at  5% ABV. Propellor describes it as "a full-bodied yet refreshing ale with a complex malt aroma and character". It will be available in 650 ml bottles and growlers at Propeller shoppes,  private liquor stores in Nova Scotia, and at select watering holes. They are also doing a small expansion by adding a 60 bbl tank to the Windmill road plant as well as new yeast propagators.

Rock Bottom Brewpub announced their menu for theit March Brewmakers Dinner on March 31st

Brown ale, bacon, potato & leek soup
Crisp leek
12oz Balticus

Hop smashed bangers & mash
Mushy peas | pork jus
12oz Fathom IPA

RIS & chocolate cheesecake
Sour cherry compote
7oz Wreckoning

Three course menu with beer $35 + Tax & Gratuity

Sea Level Brewing released their El Rojo Diablo Double IPA in cans this week. Look for them in the private stores this weekend.

Ladies Beer League says Uncle Leo's Brewing is bringing a cask of their sinfully smooth Smoked Porter to their film screening at Lion & Bright Café Wine Bar. Just $15 gets you a pint, popcorn & a chance to watch The Beer Hunter. This event is open to women and men.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival last week end was successful with 160 beers and 30 brewers and distributors I had a great time. Look for a full report this week end. I am also happy to say the "Best of the Fest" went to Le microbrasserie le Naufrageur , Boxing Rock Brewing Company and Bad Apple Brewhouse. Awesome guys.

Thanks for joining me again this week, everyone have a great week and a happy St Paddy's day on Monday. 

Maritime Beer Report - February 21, 2014

Hello and welcome to the February 21, 2014 edition of the Maritime Beer Report

Picaroons Traditional Ales released details on one of their seasonals, Maple Cream Ale, a brown cream ale made with New Brunswick maple syrup. There is going to be a launch event on Saturday March 1st at the York Street Train Station ANBL from 11AM to 3 PM.
Staying with Picaroons they are involved in a Tap Takeover at Stillwell Beer Bar in Halifax on March 15 from noon until 5 PM. They will have 12 taps and 3 casks and 10 dollars gets you a ticket and a glass to keep. Advance tickets available at Stillwell.

Garrison Brewing Co. has released their award-winning Black IPA seasonal. It is available in Halifax private stores and the brewery. The beer comes in at 6.2% ABV.

Hart & Thistle Gastropub & Brewery release bad news of Wednesday that after five years they were closing immediately. They thank all their supporter and cited a variety of factors for their demise, They will be missed.

North Brewing started brewing on their new equipment this week allowing for a 1200 litre brew day instead of 300. This should really help in keeping their regular offerings available more consistently.

Sea Level Brewing revealed that their latest seasonal El Rojo Diablo Double IPA will be out next week. It will be available at the brewery and usual private stores. The evil brew comes in at at 7.666% ABV 

Thanks everyone for entering my drawing for VIP tickets for Fredericton Craft Beer Fest. Watch for the winner tomorrow on twitter and facebook. I would like to thank them again for their kind support.

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

Maritime Beer Report - February 14, 2014

Hello and welcome to the valentines day edition of the Maritime Beer Report

The Gahan House Brewery has released some exciting news. They're launching their 1st Annual Home Brewer's Challenge! You now have the opportunity to have your very own brew on tap at Gahan. There is no set style so you can brew up your speciality. To receive the sign up sheet or to get more details, email gahan@murphyrestaurants.ca

Big Axe Brewery apologized for being so quiet but would like to let everyone know they are working hard on acquiring last of the necessary licenses and starting to brew. 

Celtic Knot Brewing announced for everyone to hurry in to The Laundromat Cafe and Espresso Bar for the only keg of this years Toque and Mitts English Barley Wine. They go on to say next years will be aged in bourbon oak barrels.

The first event for the new Moncton area Beer League has been announced. They'll have an active tour of the Pump House brewery at 131 Mill Rd. along with samples from five beers on tap or Pump House root beer, plus a barrel-aged or cask-conditioned beer specially selected by the brewer for them! Tickets are $15 per person in advance until February 20th. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 per person. Check them out on facebook.

Big Spruce Brewing revealed that coming soon they are adding Top of the Spruce! A reservation only/special event eatery atop their brewery. The view looks outstanding. As well they say Brewmaster dinners are coming soon.

Garrison Brewing Co.has a couple of interesting beers out this week end. First is their tempting new “Love Potion #9”. It is a crisp amber ale infused with mystery ingredients such as cranberries & hibiscus. They say "With a deep red tint & luscious spicing, you’ll want to be careful who you sit next to". This week end only at the retail store and select taps in HRM.

There has been several teasers posted through Garrison's social media channels this week  with #3447. Turns out it is a test batch of  an American style IPA. It is an IPA loaded with fresh citrus & tropical goodness using cascade and galaxy hops and a few other surprises. Available in the retail store & private stores across HRM. If you get to try it go on twitter and let them know what you think at #TestBatch.

Meander River Farm latest is that they have finished priming the brewery and beer should be on the way soon!

Bridge Brewing Company announced yesterday they are rebranding under the name North Brewing Company. Same people, same beer, new name. From North Brewing "We are excited to be starting our second year with a new name and an expansion of our capacity. As many of you know there is a Bridge Brewing Company in Vancouver and over the past year both companies experienced online confusion over who was who. We thought it was best to rebrand for our second year with a name that is all our own.

The North End is our home and we have a strong sense of the direction we want to take this company; for those reasons we decided to change to North Brewing. 

If anyone has any Bridge merchandise that they would like to exchange for our new North merchandise just bring it by the shop and we will be happy to swap it, but if you want to keep it they are now rare collectors items" 

Rogue's Roost ‏released their Bock yesterday. It is a traditional German strong, dark Lager coming in at 6.8% ABV. 

Stillwell Beer Bar released that Sunday at Noon they are releasing their first house beer, "That's Falcon Teamwork", a 6.8% IPA. It is a collaboration with Bad Apple Brewhouse. I bet it is going to be outstanding.

Yet another new brewery is opening in Halifax. From their website "Wrought Iron Brewing Company (WIBC) is a craft brewery to be launched in Halifax, providing beer to local watering holes and our on-site taproom. We will offer regionally-flavored, locally produced, and community-oriented beer coupled with irreverent, honest marketing.WIBC will initially produce 2 flagship beers: Doug Stanhop, a brilliant, bitter, Belgian IPA with minimal filtering, floral hops, and a strong afterbite in tribute to our favourite stand-up comedian; and Ditch Pig Gose, a German-style wheat beer with heavy malt, tart and salty undertones, and sweet aftertaste in tribute to pigs of the ditch." Welcome to the community.

Finally there is a three weeks until the sold out Fredericton Craft Beer Festival starts. Anyone following me on twitter I am giving away 2 VIP tickets generously donated by the festival. We been having some fun with it, so watch for more chances to win next week.

That is all for this week, take care, have a hoppy valentines day and as always enjoy responsibly.

Contest Announcement - VIP Tickets to Fredericton Craft Beer Festival

With the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival around the corner it is time to give away 2 VIP tickets for the March the 8th event. For this contest of course we have to have a few rules, you will need to do a little work and answer some questions. Starting February 2, 2014 to February 21, 2014 there will be a question on my twitter and facebook each day, send the answer to toddthebeerdude@gmail.com each day and you will be entered in the draw. You can only answer each question once though, come on be fair now.

 Here are the rules:

1 Must be 19 years of age or older

2 Please follow  @FrederictonBeer and @ToddtheBeerDude on twitter 

3. Please Like Fredericton Craft Beer Festival and Todd the Beer Dude on facebook

4 One entry will be given for a correct answer and you may only answer each question once.

5 All rulings and decisions are final

6 Prize is 2 VIP tickets for the 2014 Fredericton Beer Festival. Prize is non-transferable and has no cash value

Good luck everyone

Maritime Beer Report - January 31, 2014

Hello and welcome to the January 31st edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

A big congrats go out to Hammond River Brewing tonight as they announced that they now have four beers listed with ANBL. This means that very soon you will be able to get their handcrafted ales on tap at 4 different establishments in the the Saint John and surrounding area.! Look for them soon at Saint John Ale House, Bourbon Quarter, The Barrel's Head, and Shiretown Publicans. The initial offerings are Hop Flash IPA with 66 IBUs and 6.6% ABV, Red Coat India Red Ale with 54 IBUs and 6.5% ABV, Covered Bridge Extra Special Bitter with 40 IBUs and 5.5% ABV and Back In Black Oatmeal Stout with 30 IBUs and 5.2% ABV.

Authentic Seacoast Brewing Company were in Halifax today dropping off our Rare Bird Craft Beer Pumpkin Ale at Premier Wine & Spirits, Stillwell Beer Bar, Bishop's Cellar and Harvest Wines and Spirits. The beer is described on the web site "In the tradition of the colonial brewers, Rare Bird Pumpkin Ale begins with our hardworking hands picking pumpkins and squash in local fields. We spice and roast our harvest bounty before adding it in two stages to our brewing process, creating a full-flavoured craft ale that balances the beer’s hop character with the spiced pumpkin. The result is a crisp ale that is a toast to our ancestors." Sounds yummy and it has a 5.5% ABV

Garrison Brewing Company had students from King's College Beer Culture course join them to make a cask of "Mojito Hop Yard" yesterday. It will be condition for 4 weeks and be served at HMCS King's Wardroom in  late February.

Propeller Brewing Company tapped a couple of casks today at 4 pm at The Stubborn Goat Gastropub. They had a Vanilla Porter and a CITRA Dry Hopped IPA available.

I attended the first Beer Makers Dinner at Rockbottom Brewpub on Monday and loved it. The pairings were perfect and the food delicious. I highly recommend getting tickets for the next one on Feb 25th if you can. I will have a full blog post out this week end on the courses and beer.

Lastly we are getting down to about a month away from the Fredericton Craft Beer Fest and the brewers list is really starting to shape up. Craft brewers attending so far for our region are: 

Bad Apple Brewhouse
Big Spruce Brewing
Big Tide Brewing
Boxing Rock Brewing Co.
Bridge Brewing Co.
Garrison Brewing Co.
Grimross Brewing Co.
Hammond River Brewing
Pump House Brewery
Red Rover Brewing Company
Shiretown Beer

There are many others and the list grows everyday, get you tickets soon so you aren't disappointed. Starting tomorrow there I am running a contest on my twitter and facebook to win 2 VIP ticket to the Fest courtesy of Fredericton Craft Beer Fest. Check everyday for a different entry

That is all for this week, until next time enjoy responsibly.

Maritime Beer Report - November 29, 2013.

Hello and welcome to the November 29th, the Canadian Craft Beer Day eve edition of the Maritime Beer Report.

The New Brunswick Home Brew Challenge Gala is in Fredericton on Sunday. Good Luck to the five finalists. I'll try to have the results next week.

Pump House Brewery ‏released its Premium Pilsner in a 750 ml swingtop bottle gift box today. The pilsner is brewed using just barley, hops, yeast and water. Cold aged and matured for more than six weeks, there are no adjuncts, or artificial carbonation - resulting in a 100% natural lager.  There will be only 2000 bottles so buy it early.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival tickets went on sale today. Some of the brewers involved from the maritimes are Big Tide Brewing Co., Boxing Rock Brewing Co, Garrison Brewing Co., Moosehead Breweries Ltd., Pump House Brewery and Shiretown Beer. Unfortunately the VIP tickets are sold out with a few Ladies Beer League VIP tickets left and lots of regular. The Pub magazine mentioned they will be giving a pair of VIP tickets away in January so watch for that.

Garrison Brewing is participating in Small Business Saturday on Saturday Swing by tomorrow, spend $10 on merchandise, & get a free sample on them.

Propeller Brewing Company announced today that Revolution Russian imperial Stout is now available at the Propeller Shop in 500ml bottles & Growlers. This is one of my favorite beers so definitely try one if you can find it.

Greg Nash tweeted that Rockbottom Brewpub has Wreckoning Russian Imperial stout that was brewed a few weeks back and a good portion of the batch was barrel aged in 12 yr Glen Breton barrels. It is available now while it lasts.

Rogue's Roost ‏announced that their Raspberry Wheat is back on tap joining their current line up of Razz, Cream, Red, IPA, Bitter and Porter. There is also a rumor going around that they are closing, this isn't true but their neighbor Second Cup is.

On a sad note, Sleeman Breweries Ltd announced the closure of its Dartmouth brewery after failing to find an interested buyer. The company said the brewery would close at the end of business yesterday putting the final 15 employees out of work.

Canadian Craft Beer Day is tomorrow, November 30th. It is a day for celebrating Canada's incredible and diverse craft breweries, brewpubs, brewers, and homebrewers from coast to coast. Get out and support it and let me know where you went.

That is all for this week, so until next time enjoy responsibly and take care.