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All posts for the month October, 2012

Pump House Brewery Oktoberfest, Thai Wheat and Sample Variety Packs Now Available in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia – updated October 9th

Posted by AtlCan BeerBlog on 2012-10-08
Posted in: Atlantic Canada Beer News. Tagged: Oktoberfest, Pump House Brewery. Leave a Comment

Pump House Brewery has two new products and a variety pack available now on ANBL shelves in New Brunswick (as of this writing only in Moncton and Dieppe).  The same products are also available broadly in Nova Scotia on NSLC shelves.

Thai Wheat is available in 6 packs and is described on the Pump House website as:

A blonde thirst-quenching wheat beer with the aromatic bouquet and flavours of spices, lemongrass and ginger. Lightly acidic and tart with a very clean finish. Pair it up with your favorite seafood dish or some spicy wings! 5.0 – 5.5% ABV

Oktoberfest is available in 6 packs as well and is described as:

Reflective of the season Oktoberfest has a rich amber hue, medium body and malty bouquet. Blending together 4 roasts of barley to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavours including caramel and toffee. The elegant bitterness imparted by the German Noble hops keeps it perfectly balanced and provides a wonderful transition from the lighter beers of summer to the winter’s heartier brews. Prosit! 5.5% ABV.

When I met with Shaun Fraser earlier this year, he mentioned that he was planning on rotating some seasonal beers in bottles or cans so I’m guessing the Oktoberfest, if not both, are seasonal offerings.  (Updated Oct 9th:  I can confirm that both the Oktoberfest and the Thai Wheat are available in generic seasonal 6 pack packages.)

Twelve pack sample variety packs are now available as well.  Neither the NSLC or ANBL sites specify which beers are available but I’m going to guess it is two each of the original six bottled beers:  Cadian Cream Ale, Fire Chief’s Red Ale, Scotch Ale, Blueberry Ale, S.O.B. and Premium Lager.  (Updated Oct 9th:  Call me Nostradameus, the variety pack comes with two each of the identified beers.)

I’ll update the post when I can confirm or correct the above assumptions.

Garrison Partners with Quebec Brewer to Offer Gluten-free Beer

Posted by AtlCan BeerBlog on 2012-10-03
Posted in: Atlantic Canada Beer News. Tagged: Garrison Brewing. Leave a Comment

I received the following press release from Garrison Brewing earlier today:

Garrison partners with Quebec brewer to offer gluten-free beer

HALIFAX, NS – October 3, 2012– Garrison Brewing has joined forces with the Montreal-based craft brewery Brasseurs Sans Gluten (BSG) to offer Atlantic Canadians’ a gluten-free beer option.

Glutenberg Blonde Ale, now available at select NSLCs, is made from the gluten-free grain millet and boasts distinct floral hops, white pepper and lemon zest aromas. It was developed over a period of one year and is one of only a few beer options for Canadians living with Celiac disease or other forms of gluten intolerance. It’s estimated that 1 per cent of Canadians are affected by Celiac Disease and many times that number has varying levels of gluten intolerance.

“I know personally and professionally how important this market is becoming,” explains Garrison President Brian Titus. “We were so impressed when sampling the BSG line and meeting the folks behind this young company. I thought to myself, ‘Finally, a gluten-free offering with full, craft beer flavour!’”

Only in business one year, BSG has already won gold, silver and bronze at the 2012 World Beer Cup for gluten-free beers. The recipes were developed over a 12 month period and they are the only microbrewery in the country that brews and bottles their beers in a 100 per cent gluten-free environment.

“Garrison has been in business for many years and knows the market and the people,” says David Cayer, co-founder and chief marketing officer for BSG. “When we met at the Canadian Brewing Awards in Montreal, we felt there was a natural connection between our teams and we knew we could trust them to represent our product.”

Glutenberg Blonde is now on sale at NSLC stores in Nova Scotia and PEILCC stores in Prince Edward Island. The process is underway to make the beer available in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Editor’s note:  Here are the tasting notes that accompanied the press release:

The mouth bursts with white flowers, citrus and spicy flavours. With just a hint of bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the millet and the corn, this beer offers a truly refreshing taste.