(Halifax, NS) - NSLC Announced Q1 results for April 1st to June 30th and saw sales rise to $174.9 million an increase of $18.1 million or 11.5% primarily due to cannabis. Beverage alcohol sales were $158.8 million and recreational cannabis sales were $16.1 million.
Nova Scotia ready-to-drink products had a strong quarter with sales increasing by 107.7% to $3.3 million with this strong growth primarily driven by coolers and ciders. Beer over all decreased 2.6% to $70.5M or 40.3% of sales over all with Nova Scotia craft beer sales growing by 17.8% to $4.9 million. The Ns craft beer sales now attribute to 6.95% of the beer category. The NSLC now lists products from 30 local breweries, about half of the breweries now open, up from six breweries just six years ago.
(Halifax, NS) - NSLC is hosting some of the top craft beer and cider makers in Nova Scotia over four weeks in October. Beer and cider have become increasingly important in our economy over the last few years. Beyond the pure monetary impact Nova Scotians have embraced the personalities and culture of these companies while enjoying their fantastic ales and lagers.
The four-week educational series will be held at The Port by the NSLC throughout the month of October.
The series kicks off on October 4th with Bulwark Cider's maker Alex Boivin talking about Bulwark’s cider-making process in which they ferment and bottle freshly pressed Annapolis Valley apples at their cidery in New Ross, Lunenburg County. He’ll present some fall food pairings and mix up some delicious cider cocktails. Peter Burbridge of North Brewing Co. and Mark Huizink of 2 Crows Brewing join the series October 11 to talk about how the unique character of wood is imparted on barrel-aged brews. In week three, Boxing Rock Brewing Company co-founders Emily Tipton and Henry Pedro will talk about autumn seasonal beer varieties then ask everyone to think outside the box as they try some of their beer. The series wraps up October 25th when Big Spruce Brewing Company founder Jeremy White discuss all about his certified organic brewery and his use of locally grown hops and local mineral-rich water to brew hoppy, dark beer.
Tickets are available online at Eventbrite or in person at The Port by the NSLC on 5485 Clyde Street in Halifax. The series is $60 and runs from 7-8:30 PM each evening.
(Halifax, NS) - The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) released its quarter-end results today for April 1, 2017 to July 2, 2017. Although overall sales, income and volume all edged down Nova Scotia craft beers sales grew by 48.0% year-over-year to $3.2M.
A large portion of the sales increase was the NSLC putting many local products on their shelves this spread, especially leading up to NS Craft Beer Week in May.
Another great highlight is sales of Nova Scotia ready-to-drink products, which are largely ciders made with locally grown apples, increased 75.7% to $1.0M.
Overall beer at the NSLC dropped 1.2% to $74.6M to make up 47.0% of total sales.
Full news release here NSLC Announces First Quarter FY 2018 Results
(Halifax, NS) - The NSLC released its year-end results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. The result showed a decrease in earnings ($239.2M) and total volume there was a slight increase in sales ($611.8M).
Overall total beer sales shrank about 1% to $276 million or just over 45% of total sales at the provincial agency and Nova Scotia Craft Beer growth continuing at stellar rate with sales growing by 34.2% to $10.2 million.
The NSLC says there are now 18 local breweries products on their shelves, up from three four years ago and one of every four beer listings in their stores is a local craft beer.
Other items of note are:
- NS Craft Beer surpassed NS wine made with local grapes last year
- Nova Scotia ready-to-drink products, which are largely ciders, had a strong year with sales increasing by 83.7% to $2.9 million
- Nova Scotia commercial beer sales coming in at $160.9 million
(Halifax, NS) - The NSLC is excited about the development of the Nova Scotia craft beer industry and are preparing for a tidal wave of local beer hitting their shelves. By May they will have 42 Nova Scotia Craft Beer listings from 18 breweries in stores. Listings include many first time appearances including established brewers Big Spruce Brewing and North Brewing and many new brewers including Trider's Craft Beer, 2 Crows Brewing, and Downeast Beer Factory. The NSLC will also have Nova Scotia specific beer sections in stores.
When the new listings are added Nova Scotia Craft Beer will constitute 19% of all NSLC beer listings. Currently local craft beer is 65% of their total craft beer sales and 3% of total beer sales overall.
This move is great for all involved with local beer fans having greater access to regionally available brands, giving the brewers better access to consumers and the NSLC supporting and encouraging local brewers.
(Halifax, NS) - The embattled liquor agencies in the Maritimes have one more fight on their hands. Unfiltered Brewing in Halifax is taking the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) to court over a fee that Unfiltered considers an unconstitutional tax.
The fee that is in question is the Retail Sales Mark-up Allocation that the NSLC levies on craft brewers. This fee, that is referred to as the remittance tax by craft breweries, is 50 cents for every liter they sell directly or gives away as a sample. This fee has been in the news over the last year and I spoke to it in a blog in April called How can Nova Scotia be more Craft Beer Friendly. The fee is 150% higher for breweries than wine or spirit producers and despite promises to harmonize the fee among industries it has never happened. The Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia (CBANS) holds that the money would be better suited being reinvested in equipment and jobs rather than being absorbed in to the NSLC's general revenue.
In Unfiltered's filing, that was shared on twitter today, they said they paid $24,000 in their first year of operation and says this fee is unconstitutional and equates to a tax that the corporation does not have the authority to levy and collect.
The case is scheduled for September 6th at 11:00 AM at the Lower Water Street courts.
(Halifax, NS) - In the latest NSLC year-end results ending March 31, 2016 saw NS craft beer sales grow by 25.5% to $7.6 million. They also say that the craft beer industry has grown significantly over the past year and now comprise four percent of all its beer sales.
Here are the highlights from this years report.
- Net income (earnings) totaled $241.3 million; up $13.3 million or 5.8%
- Total sales were $607.6 million; an increase of $16.3 million or 2.8%
- Total volume of alcohol sold was up 1.7%
Local Product Sales Highlights
- Nova Scotia wine sales (made with locally grown grapes) grew by 8.7% to $9.6 million.
- Nova Scotia craft beer sales grew by 25.5% to $7.6 million.
- Nova Scotia spirit sales grew by 177.3% to $1.5 million.
- Nova Scotia commercial wine sales (produced here with imported grapes) were up 7.3% to $21.7 million.
- Nova Scotia commercial beer sales were stable in 2015-2016, at $160.5 million.
- Nova Scotia ready-to-drink products, which are largely ciders, had a strong year with sales increasing by 44.4%. The popularity of ciders in Nova Scotia continues to grow, and now comprises 22 percent of all ready-to-drink sales.
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.
(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".
(Halifax, NS) Propeller Brewing has released Revolution Russian Imperial Stout for the 10th season at its retail stores in Halifax and Dartmouth this week. This extremely popular and award winning seasonal weighs in at 8% ABV, 60 IBUs and has "a deep, rich, black colour. The taste of alcohol is well masked by the intense hop bitterness, extreme roasted malt and dark fruit notes". Not in metro Halifax, look for Revolution to hit the NSLC in a couple of weeks and the ANBL in January.
After a short hiatus, Maritime fans of Muskoka Brewery’s Mad Tom will be happy to learn the IPA returned to the NSLC and ANBL this month. Mad Tom is an aggressively hopped IPA that is crisp and citrusy that uses Chinook and Centennial hops for dry-hopping, lending to Mad Tom’s vibrant aroma and blunt character. It pairs best with strong dishes such as smoked fish, burgers, a sharp cheese or spicy dishes. The hops cut through the spice, contrast with delicate flavours, and compliment rich flavours. Mad Tom is not for everyone and weighs in at 6.4% ABV and 64 IBUs.
Hello and welcome to the June 19th edition of the Maritime Beer Report.
The latest Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation annual sales information released this week shows continued exceptional growth for Nova Scotia made craft beer. According to the NSLC, Nova Scotia craft beer sales grew last year by 25.4% compared to 22% the year before. This growth is even more significant given the 1.2% decline in sales in the beer category overall. Overall, the Nova Scotia Craft Beer industry grew 35.9 % last year, including more than $10 million in direct sales from breweries and the private wine stores, in addition to the over $5 million of sales through the NSLC retail outlets.
Big Spruce Brewing is having a food truck party every Friday throughout the summer and next Friday, June 26th is the first first day. The folks at Free Range Bio Farm will be there with their custom Big Yellow food truck, featuring some of their on-farm raised/processed, German style, Berkshire pork sausages. There will be potato salad, sauerkraut, chili, and lots of other delicious local treats.
Boxing Rock tells me that the last batch of Sessionista is ready to be released. Sad news but they are brewing a new session ale on Monday and rumor has it there will be rye in it. Stay tuned for details.
Garrison Brewing says they are pouring "Brewhouse Cider" in conjunction with their friends Bulwark Ciders, and produced right in the old seaport brewery. Also Garrison's Coast to Coastless Imperial ESB will be released on Monday. This is a strong 7.6% ABV and 50 IBUs beer and was made with Philips Brewing, Flying Monkeys Craft Brewing and Trou du Diable. This will be available at the brewery, bottle shops and NSLC eventually.
Granite Brewery was brewing Honey Ginger this week. It should be available next week end and for the rest of the summer.
North Brewing Company has produced "Hang Ten" birthday beer for The Local Source and will be out this Saturday in their store and Lion and Bright. It is a 4.5% ABV hybrid lager dry hopped with Wakatu and Columbus.
Rare Bird Pub opened yesterday for the summer season on the Guysborough waterfront. A great place to have a Rare Bird Craft beer.
The Gahan House says they are heading to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival. Located at the top of the festival grounds will be the Gahan at the Beach Pop-up Restaurant featuring handcrafted ales on tap, beer and food demos, a pig roast and so much more.
Join the Ladies Beer League at their Second Beerthday Party on June 27th at The Wooden Monkey Restaurant in Dartmouth. They will have four special casks made by some of our favourite local craft breweries.
Tickets are $25 and include five 5 oz cask samples, a belly full of the Wooden Monkey's amazing pizza and - of course - birthday cake.
To celebrate their second year there are new Ladies Beer League swag. Come out to celebrate, hang out with awesome people, share ideas for future events, or just come for the beer.
The casks include:
- Boxing Rock is bringing Rule 42, which is an English IPA collaboration with Hell Bay, Sea Level and Gahan House.
- Big Spruce is doing up a Pump Le Mousse Grapefruit Wheat.
- Garrison firkin and North Brewing cask,
In celebration of their 2nd birthday they want to know where you have gone with the Ladies Beer League. Post a picture of you in your LBL shirt before Friday June 26 and you could win one of their new shirts designed by Dartmouth Clothing Company. Check on the facebook for details.
Tasting NB is bringing together NB craft alcohol producers of all varieties for the first time. This early evening outdoor event takes place across The Capital Complex patios and surrounding area. Producers include Picaroons Traditional Ales, Big Axe Brewery, Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault, TrailWay Brewing , Grimross Brewing , Railcar Brewing, The Pump House Brewery and Restaurant, Belleisle Winery, Red Rover Brewing, Pollen Angels Meade and Fils du Roy Spirits. Additional producers still to be announced. This is taking place Saturday July 11, 2015 from 7PM - 10PM.
Thanks for joining me again this week and until next time enjoy responsibly.
Muskoka Brewery had a launch party at The Stubborn Goat in Halifax to announce the launch of two of its beers, Mad Tom IPA and Winter Beard Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout, at the NSLC. Muskoka is not new to Nova Scotia as it was available at private stores in HRM for sometime now.
Craig Prentice spoke to the attendees about Muskoka Brewery's history and distribution within Canada and in addition to Mad Tom and Winter Beard they are bringing a couple more offerings to the NSLC in the spring.
The Stubborn Goat had a great sampling of fare to go with the beers we could try. I first tried the Mad Tom, this IPA is a strong 6.4% ABV and is dry-hopped with Chinook and Centennial hops giving it a crisp aroma and a very citruy and piney taste.
I was worried that the Winter Beard was going to be overwhelmed by sweetness and chocolate but the chocolate and sweetness were just right and after that flavor faded a fruitiness lingered. This is a nice beer to sip and enjoy on a cool winters night.
Both beers are in the NSLC system now with Mad Tom being a year-round offering and the Winter Beard for Christmas.
Watch for a full review on these beers coming soon.
