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Friday Wrap-Up for March 31, 2023 – News from Big Spruce, Sober Island, Tatamagouche, Tusket Falls, Banished, Landwash, and More!!

Posted by acbbdamian on 2023-03-31
Posted in: Friday Wrap-Up. Tagged: Annapolis Cider Company, Banished Brewing, Big Spruce Brewing, Dildo Brewing, Four Rivers Brewing Co., Grimross Brewing, Iron Rock Brewing Co., Landwash Brewery, North Brewing, Ol' Biddy's Brew House, Port Rexton Brewing Co., Rackhouse Brewing Co, Secret Cove Brewing, Sober Island Brewing, Tatamagouche Brewing, Together We Brew, TrailWay Brewing, Tusket Falls Brewing, Twin Harbour Brewing. Leave a Comment

Happy Friday y’all! Warmer weather, buds breaking through the snow, patios being shoveled off, it really is beginning to feel like spring! Of course, we’ll have to keep our snowblowers and scrapers close at hand, but let’s hope the worst of winter is behind us. And let us now turn to beer, because that’s why you tune in every week! Oh, and as next week is Good Friday, we’ll be giving you an All Killer, No Filler post next Thursday to set your (hopefully) long weekend up for beer and cider success! (Note to breweries, please hit us up early next week to be included, in case we check out even earlier than usual)

Never ones to do something half-assed, the Fine Family of Big Spruce is celebrating their Tenth Anniversary in a big way this weekend! April 1, 2013 is when the little farm brewery on a hill in Nyanza, Cape Breton first opened their doors, and they’ve been pumping out the good stuff and raising a little heck, ever since! At a time when there were fewer than 20 breweries in the province, and none in Cape Breton, Jeremy White and family purchased a home, planted some hops, and got to work to bring Organic beer to Nova Scotia. Check this interview from 2012 and update in 2013 for a bit of nostalgia on the brewing scene back then… Over the ten years since, they have released well over 200 different beers, fought back against outdated and backwards rules from the province and the NSLC, all while having a heck of a lot of fun. 

They are celebrating in a massive way this weekend with the release of a Birthday Box mixed case of new brews and returning favourites, just in time to kick off Nova Scotia Craft Beer Month. Giving full details on all twelve would be a full hour-read on its own, so we will tease you with the names and info to at least get you ready.

  • Kitchen Party Pale Ale – This is a throwback to the original recipe that they launched in 2013, that has undergone some tweaks over the years. 5.6% ABV
  • Cereal Killer Glenora Whiskey Barrel Aged – Taking their Stout and aging it in whiskey barrels will lend tons of vanilla, wood, and spirit character, without a ton of booziness. 5.8% ABV
  • Canadian Tuxedo – An ode to the denim on denim look, local Organic haskap berries punch up this Brettanomyces-fermented sour beer. 6.0% ABV
  • Bolt From The Blue – Another fruited sour, this time using locally-grown Organic blueberries. 4.5% ABV
  • Snailblazer – Just because it’s low ABV doesn’t mean it’s not full of flavour! A 4.5% ABV Session IPA with experimental HBC 843 hops.
  • Put Me In Kölsch – A dry-hopped pale lagered ale, refreshing and thirst quenching for those days in beer league softball. 4.9% ABV
  • Hug Bunny – A returning favourite Gose, the light salt character keeps you wanting more. 4.0% ABV
  • Blursday – A new release, a 6.6% ABV hazy IPA.
  • Brew Rodeo – Another new IPA, this one uses a cryogenic extraction of fresh, not dried, Citra hops, to capture the just-picked character of the hop harvest, stabilizing it for any-time-of-the-year enjoyment. 7.0% ABV
  • The Cat’s Pyjamas – Another experimental hop IPA, weighing in at 7.2% ABV
  • What Could Possibly Go Wrong – A Double IPA featuring the tropical and citrus New Zealand-grown Nectaron hop. 8.0% ABV
  • Under The Mountain – A Cascadian Dark Ale, aka Black IPA, the winner from this year’s Homebrew Championship, brewed by Alex Hunt. Chinook, Simcoe, and Centennial, for tons of pine and resin on a smooth dark malt base. 6.2% ABV

Wow! What a line-up! The great news is that there are a few hundred of these Birthday Boxes available at Big Spruce, or online for delivery across the province or Canada-wide, going on-sale today at 6 PM (delivery tomorrow), so set your alarms now!

Joining the new releases from Big Spruce is the return of their annual American IPA release, Cerberus. Celebrating the best of Organic ingredients, especially hops, it is hopped throughout the process, including in the kettle and later in the tanks post-fermentation, to give you both flavour and aroma bursting from the can. As always, this is a once a year treat, so don’t delay in picking it up from the brewery, their shop, or better retailers around the province.

If you manage to finish your case of new beer on the weekend, congratulations! But the good news is if you do, or happen to miss out, then you can enjoy any and all of these new and returning releases on draught at Battery Park next Thursday, April 6, as they host Big Spruce for a massive Tap Takeover. From 11:30 until late, Nyanza is taking over the taps to showcase it all to the public. And great news, as Friday is a holiday for most, hopefully you needn’t worry about having to head to work the next morning! Birthday Cake is served at 7 PM, and the Big Spruce Crew will be onsite celebrating along with everyone!

From one island to another, Sober Island Brewing has a brand new release coming out today. A light, dry-hopped Saison, Saison du Sheet Rock is a fun, light twist on a delicious style. We’re happy to bring you the details on this one, as this one brings a malt bill of Pilsen, Vienna and light Munich to bring lightly toasted and soft bready flavours. The hops in this one are all American, which isn’t traditional, but works well with the recipe. Citra, El Dorado and Centennial play up the citrus, stone fruit and a bit of spruciness. The Belgian yeast adds the peppery contrast and brings the dry finish you’d expect from the style. Overall, this comes in at 4.0% and 26 IBU and should be a great take on the style. This debuts at their beer release party tonight (Friday, March 31st) at 7 PM at the brewery, and a cask version will be available at the Together We Brew Beerfest tomorrow. Cans are available at the taproom as well. 

Staying in Nova Scotia, Tatamagouche Brewing has a brand new beer that stays in the Saison family. Peppy is a pink peppercorn and rosehip Saison. This brew was inspired by a family kombucha recipe that has botanical and grapefruit aromas with a tart citrus flavour.  Along with classic Belgian yeast, the pink peppercorn and rosehips were used as a dry “hop” to bring very bright floral, sweet, and berry notes with a peppery aroma. The finish of this 5.9% beer is dry and herbaceous and it is available today in 355ml cans from the brewery and online and may pop up around some private stores as well in Halifax. 

Another brand new beer out of Nova Scotia comes to us courtesy of Tusket Falls Brewing. Something to Say is a Hazy Session IPA that continues with the brewers’ current fascination with New Zealand hops. This 4.6% tropically flavoured beer features Pacific Sunrise along with a bit of Citra. The Pacific Sunrise has hints of lemon and orange flavour with some melon and mango notes as well. This one is available in cans and on tap at the Tusket brewery and will be available in their Halifax Beer Project location soon. 

We’re starting our Newfoundland-themed section now, sharing news from seven breweries from the Rock. Starting out with Banished Brewing, they’ve got a new beer and a fresh release of an old favourite. Private Line is a 4.7% Kölsch that embodies the cool, crisp style with a touch of sweetness from European malts. This is available at the brewery now and will be going to Newfoundland retailers through next week. The Banished crew also has a fresh batch of their Double New England IPA, Intergalactic Puffin, which is the 8% offering of their Puffin line. 

Other news from the brewery is that they’re hiring part-time and full-time positions for retail and bartending positions. To apply please submit a resume & a cover letter to kris@banishedbrewing.ca. 

The second stop on our Newfoundland swing is Landwash Brewery and they’re bringing us Garden Party, a Session IPA. This release coincided with Blue Jays opening day and brings the hope of Spring, Summer and fun, social days ahead. This is 4.2% and available in cans today. 

Bringing in a friend, Landwash has a new collaboration with Baccalieu Trail Brewing. Freeze & Thaw is a Northern German Pilsner to commemorate this time of the year and frosty mornings in Newfoundland.  Staying true to the style, this lager went through a double decoction mash and brings that nice bitter bite and floral aroma from German Spalter Select and Saphir hops. The result is a 5% canned beer available from the regular locations of Marie’s and NLC on the Avalon peninsula, and will be coming to the rest of the island next week. 

Staying in the province, but jumping over to Lab City, Iron Rock Brewing is releasing the second of its cellar series with Le Fer Du Monde. This Belgian-style tripel, a clever play on the name of the ever popular (although now macro-owned) tripel out of Quebec, translates to the Iron of the World. Their take on the style was oak-aged and then bottle conditioned. Expect notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and oak, with a touch of warming alcohol character. This one can be aged for up to three years, or enjoyed fresh (“why not both?” is our suggestion).  Bottles will be available today at the taproom with wider retail distribution next week. 

Dildo Brewing is getting you in the mood for spring with its newest release, Maibock. Their take on the German Helles Bock comes in at 6.5%, featuring Pilsner, Vienna and Munich malt, with the malt sweetness complimented by the spicy notes derived from the exclusive use of Spalter Select hops. Cans are available today around the bay in Dildo and at the downtown St. John’s retail store, with wider distribution via the NLC next week. 

Over on the west coast, Secret Cove Brewing is releasing Ocean Dust, a 4.6% ABV German gose-style ale. Their version includes the traditional additions of coriander and orange peel, with the salt harvested from Newfoundland sea water. Expect a slight tartness, along with orange pith, marmalade and a hint of ocean water. Find it on tap at the brewery now with cans next week at the brewery, and wider distribution to follow.

We’ll finish off the streak of Newfoundland and Labrador releases with this year’s version of Wild Ale from Port Rexton Brewing. This one is co-fermented with two ale yeasts, a cleaner American yeast, and a Belgian Saison yeast, before a secondary fermentation with Escarpment Labs’ Brett D strain. The resulting 6% wild ale is packed with esters and phenols, including banana, spice and floral notes. A small addition of pineapple puree rounds out the fruity fermentation-derived flavours. You can find it on-tap at the brewery now, with cans at the brewery and the St. John’s retail shop. It will see wider distribution in cans across the Province next week. 

Let’s head to Fredericton to start a little Nouveau-Brunswick swing, where Trailway’s newest release is honouring one of beer’s crown jewels, Allagash White, from Portland, Maine. Trailway’s take on the Belgian-style wheat beer, or wit, features bready malt notes, hints of orange peel and coriander (from additions of both items) and a light grassy note from the hops. Main Land is available in cans at the brewery now, with cans hitting the Saint John taproom soon.

Heading way up to Bathurst we find Four Rivers Brewery releasing a special beer brewed on international Women’s Day. Hitting the taps today at the brewery is The Women Brew Too, an IPA brewed, as you might expect, by one of the brew team, Megan Kinsman, along with a group of community-driven women in Bathurst. All proceeds from this one will be donated to Maison de Passage House in Bathurst.

Nanobrewery Twin Harbour, in Saint Anthony/Saint-Antoine on the Eastern shore of New Brunswick, has a couple offerings to talk about this week. First up, fans of their Cap Enragé 6.0% West Coast-style American IPA will be happy to hear that it’s back on tap after a long hiatus. No word on packaging for now, but you’ll at least be able to grab a fill at the brewery. Along with that they’ve also got a new beer they’re calling P’tit Prince, which is a variation on their popular blonde ale, Côte d’Or. Featuring the same grain bill but a different hop combination, it’s a very quaffable beer that should be perfect for the nicer weather that’s sure to come along any time now. Locals know this, but visitors to the area should be aware, Twin Harbour has limited hours (usually Thursday evenings from 6-8pm) and you’ll need to check social media (Fb, Ig) to be sure to know when they’re open!

Barrel-aging specialty brewery Rackhouse out of Nackawic, NB, has a new treat out this week, and, as is de rigueur for this brewery, one that’s been some time in the making. A classic witbier was aged in a former apple brandy barrel for six months, where it both mellowed and took on some tropical flavors of primarily pineapple and passion fruit that should be perfect for the coming patio season. A limited-edition run of 375ml bottles is also expected, so keep your eyes out for that. For now, however, your best bet to try this 8.5% beer is at the Big Axe or Moonshine Creek taprooms and hopefully the Joyce and the Uncorked Tours taproom in Saint John.

Our contractually* obligated** cider content this week comes from Annapolis Cider in Wolfville, where they’ve got a new entry in their Something Different series. Cranberry Mimosa is a play on the classic breakfast cocktail, with a twist, of course. Citrusy, thanks to fresh tangelos and navel oranges which were soaked in AC’s base cider for a few weeks, it’s got a sweetness that is balanced by a crisp finish of grapefruit and orange peel notes. Fresh-pressed cranberry juice complements the citrus backbone and also provides a hint of ruby red color to this 5.3% ABV cider. As with all entries in the Something Different series, this one is only available for pints and fills at the cidery and $0.50 of every fill goes to a charitable cause, in this case, Elderdog Canada.

* Hahaha. We have no contracts.
** Hahahahaha. We have no obligations either.

No new events on the docket to mention, but we trust that if you’re in the HRM area (or willing to travel for beer events) you’ve already got your ticket(s) to tomorrow’s Together We Brew.

Brewery hiring season is kicking into gear as breweries prepare for the hectic summer season.

North Brewing in Halifax is looking to staff up, with several positions available in both the “seasonal front-of-house” and “line cook/prep cook” categories at both their Timberlea and Portland Street locations. Prospective applicants are encouraged to check out all the job details on North’s website under the “Job Postings” link and then follow the instructions to apply.

A couple of quick hits to take you home (country rooooooads):

Fredericton’s Grimross has two beers from different ends of the spectrum back on tap. Hop Blonde is pale, clear, crisp, and refreshing at 6.0% ABV, and Maritime Black IPA is dark, roasty, and dank, with plenty of bitterness in a 6.2% package. Find them both at the brewery packaged in cans to go.

Fans of beer in Lower Sackville can check out their local Ol’ Biddy’s for a new beer this weekend. Their second-ever lager will go on tap on Saturday. They’re being coy with the details at this point so you’ll just have to head down tomorrow and see what it’s all about!

Friday Wrap-Up for November 18, 2022 – News from Western Newfoundland, Good Robot, Limestone, Trailway, Tanner & Co, Serpent, Big Spruce, Tusket Falls, Smokehouse Nano, Petit-Sault, Grand Falls, Novum Boreas, Ateepic, and much, much more!

Posted by acbbdevon on 2022-11-18
Posted in: Friday Wrap-Up. Tagged: 2 Crows Brewing, 902 BrewCast, BarNone Brewing, Battery Park, Big Spruce Brewing, Big Spruce Home Brew Challenge, Brasseurs du Petit Sault, BrewHQ, Copper Bottom Brewing, East Coast Conch, Four Rivers Brewing Co., Garrison Brewing, Good Robot Brewing, Good Will Beer, Grand Falls Brewing, Harpoon Brewing, Limestone Group, Microbrasserie Ateepic, Novum Boreas Brasserie, Serpent Brewing, Smokehouse Nano Brewery, Spindrift Brewing, Stillwell Beer Bar, Tanner & Co Brewing, Tatamagouche Brewing, The Oxford Taproom, Trailway, Tusket Falls Brewing, Western Newfoundland Brewing. Leave a Comment

The cold weather is finally here, so let’s gather ‘round to read about beer. The nights are dark and shorter, so pour yourself a porter. We’ve got lots of news about local brews, so don’t linger any longer!

Exciting news on the West Coast of Newfoundland, as Pasadena’s Western Newfoundland Brewing Company has announced a big upgrade to their system. Opening six years ago with a 50 litre Sabco BrewMagic system, they have upgraded in a big way to a steam-fired three vessel capable of more than 1000 litres per batch. Drop by Thursday through Saturday to grab cans from their fridges as well as merch or kegs for your next get-together. One of those cans is the brand new charitable release, For Ukraine With Love. Brewed with 100% Ukrainian-developed and -grown hops, Promin and Zagrava, this light Euro Lager allows them to shine through with a light resinous character. Sold at the brewery and making its way Island-wide in the coming weeks, $6.00 of the $10.00 price tag is being donated to the Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Association For New Canadians. Be sure to pick up a can or two to support this worthy cause!

Good Robot is back with another Goodwill Beer release and earlier this week, United Way IPA was released in collaboration with and in support of United Way Halifax. United Way Halifax has a few campaigns kicking off this week to help support the housing crisis, as United Way is a donor-funded organization that is always advocating and helping those in need of housing.The beer itself is an approachable IPA that is a blend of citrus, sweet and wheat, thanks to the hop bill of Comet, Idaho 7 and Lemondrop. 50 cents from every beer sold in the taproom or anywhere, goes directly towards United Way Halifax. You can get this one in cans or on tap at Robie Street, or order online for delivery.

Limestone Beverages, a group of Bahamian-Haligonian folks sharing the love of their homeland, have a pair of new beers available now. They are hosting a tasting (and more!) event at East Coast Conch restaurant Sunday to showcase the releases, both alcoholic and non-, with some food pairings and live music to accompany. Pina Colada Wheat Ale is a 5.0% ABV with mild pineapple notes, with a creamy coconut rum-like mouthfeel, which will have you transported to the Caribbean with the waves lapping at your toes. Paired with Beef Sliders in coconut buns topped with mango and bacon jam.. East Coast Flamingo is a 4.8% Watermelon and Kiwi Ale, with plenty of the named ingredients on the nose and palate, enhanced by hibiscus flower for a lovely pink hue and floral character. ECC is pairing a Snapper Taco with this drink. For those looking for great fruit character without the alcohol, Limestone also makes Switchas, the Bahamian lime-ade. The name comes from the fact that the drink is both sour and sweet, switching up your brain as to what it’s tasting! There will be Lime and NS Blueberry Switcha pouring as well. And to really top Sunday evening, Limestone will have some Junkanoo performances, with live music and dance, so be sure to visit!

Strap in for a trio of Trailway releases, as they’ve got two holiday releases and one returning collaboration all available now. Earlier this week, Hu Jon Holiday is their classic Hu Jon Hops recipe with some extra piney hops and spruce tip additions. This is a much more piney and resinous version of their flagship IPA and is 6.6%. It’s available now at the brewery, select ANBL stores and will be available at Harvest Wines in Halifax this weekend or early next week. 

Second up from their holiday release is Facts, an American Barelywine. This 11.9% banger brings the deep, rich flavours of caramel, dried fruit, toffee and nice rich malt character with that right hop balance. This is releasing in a sensible 355ml can format, available now at the brewery, and *may* be seen a little further afield.

Finally, a collaboration with Lagabière rounds off Trailway’s release news. De L’autre Boutte to Here is a Double Dry Hopped IPA that is absolutely packed with Citra, Simcoe and Motueka. This is very bright with citrus zest flavours and a powerful punch of tropical fruit and dank pine. This nice 7% release is available now in kegs and cans as well.

All of these three releases can also be ordered online for delivery or pick-up. 

All aboard the mead train! Tanner & Co Brewing has a pair of sparkling mead releases new this week. First up, Barrel Fermented Sparkling Mead is their house sparking mead with some citrus rind and cinnamon added during the boil and then put into French oak barrels. This one fermented outside through the wacky Nova Scotia weather and returned back to stainless for carbonation. The result is a 6.8% sparkling mead and is packaged in 500ml bottles. 

Second on the mead train is a new release that follows in the footsteps of one of their beers. Muscat Sauvage Sparkling Mead uses Muscat grape skins from Grand Pré Winery and the same yeast as their Sauvage Saison beer. Local honey was used from Little Bee Farm to keep it all within the province. This is a nice and dry finishing brew and the grape skins add a great flavour and aroma to the mead. This one comes in at 5.6% and sounds very drinkable. 

Both of these meads are available at the brewery and taproom and available for delivery through their online store. 

Spryfield’s Serpent Brewing has a new release out this week, another in their foray into the lager style. This 6.0% Amber Lager features a mix of Munich malts (Cara and Light, in addition to the standard Munich malt), offering a touch of colour and a hint of toast and roast notes. The German lager yeast used keeps it clean and crisp without any sweetness, balancing with the ever-so-light hop profile. Available on draught and in cans now at their spot on Sussex, just behind Canadian Tire/beside Mary Brown’s.

Out today is a beer celebrating the special relationship the province of Nova Scotia has with the city of Boston. Thankful for the massive support the city offered after the Halifax Explosion, since 1971 the province has been sending down the city’s Christmas Tree, harvested from somewhere in Nova Scotia. This year’s tree hails from Christmas Island, and is stopping in Halifax before it continues its journey South. The third year of From Nova Scotia With Love is out today, a collaboration between Nyanza’s Big Spruce Brewing and Boston’s Harpoon Brewery. This year’s release is Whiskey Barrel Aged Fat Archie Molasses Cookie Imperial Stout… Featuring spruce tips, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove, this 11.0% beast of a beer is a melding of flavours that will have you looking for another sip! Cans are available at the brewery now, should be heading to some better beer bars in the province, and on their online shop for delivery or shipping real soon.

Sticking in Nova Scotia, Tusket Falls Brewing is releasing Next Phaze, a Hazy IPA. This is packed with hops and a big tropical punch in each sip. Featuring a hop blend of Rikawa and Cryo Mosaic , and that magical Phantasm as an adjunct addition (extracted from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, bringing mega thiol freedom!), this brings the big tropical notes with some pine, citrus and a creamy bitterness. This is 6.4% and available at both brewery locations, online and will be headed to the NSLC at some point.

Smokehouse Nano Brewery in Berwick is celebrating the town’s centennial with a release showcasing their appreciation and pride in their home. Centennial Pale Ale is a 5.0% ABV light and refreshing pale ale, which features, not surprisingly, Centennial hops! With a label featuring the Greetings From Berwick 100th Year Mural recently unveiled in town, cans are available at their taproom location, and will also be for sale at this evening’s Valley Wildcats home game!

Edmundston’s Petit-Sault recently hosted three Northwest New Brunswick breweries for a dark and dangerous collaboration in their brewhouse, which was released this week. NOir is an 8.5% ABV Pastry Stout, made with chocolate, vanilla, and maple syrup. Folks from Grand Falls Brewing, Novum Boreas in Saint-Quentin, and the soon-to-open Microbrasserie Ateepic in Edmundston all took part in the fun, and will have the beer available at their taproom/retail shops, with limited selections making it to ANBL stores as well.

Spindrift Brewing has a nice release for the colder weather. Goldilocks is a Nitro Oatmeal Stout, bringing some nice roast, smoke, cocoa, and high drinkability to the style at 4.8%. Working with Craft Coast Canning and their Nitro dropped, so definitely pour this one into a glass and get that nice cascade effect. This smokey oatmeal stout has a lovely malt bill of Superior Pilsen, Carafa III, Chocolate Malt, Flaked Oats, Golden Naked Oats and Honey Oat Malt. Balanced up with Warrior hops up to 25 IBU, this is a full stout that deserves a full pour! This beer is available now at the brewery in Dartmouth and should be available over the weekend in Antigonish.

Spindrift also has a returning favourite, in what could be its last hurrah. Hurricane IPA is their West Coast IPA that’s coming out in a nice smaller 6 x 355ml format. This is available now at the brewery in Dartmouth and will be in Antigonish next week. 

Last month we told you about a brewery hosting their first homebrew competition, and this week we get to tell you that another brewery is hosting their TENTH annual* competition. Those who’ve taken part in the past know that Big Spruce’s Home Brew Challenge has been one of the most fun comps to both participate in and to judge and we suspect that this year will be no exception. Throwing it back to the competition’s first year, they’re calling for brewers to assemble and brew their best IPA across all BJCP 2021 IPA Categories: 21A American IPA, 21B Specialty IPA, 21C Hazy IPA, 22A Double IPA and X2 IPA Argenta (we’re guessing the inclusion of that last one may have been a clerical error unless someone’s got a line on Argentinian hops). That also includes all of the sub-categories of 21B, so Belgian IPA, Black IPA, Brown IPA, Brut IPA, Red IPA, Rye IPA, and White IPA (insert Forrest Gump shrimp GIF here). Key to note, however, is that there will not be separate judging of sub-styles: all entries will be judged side-by-side in a true winner-take-all Hollywood blockbuster-style shootout, just with hops being the weapon of choice. The winner, as always, will see their winning recipe brewed on Big Spruce’s 7BBL pilot system and distributed throughout the region. Two runners up (2nd and 3rd) will receive a swag/merch and beer box. All participants will be invited to the gala on February 5th, 2023, at the Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth for the big announcement. You can find additional details in this Ig post, and you can express your interest in competing (or ask additional questions) by emailing info@bigspruce.ca. 

* There might have been a year missing there for COVID; we can’t remember 😬

We already told you about the 2 Crows SCOOPS event and release, happening tonight from 5 – 11 PM (Stout pours and Ice Cream Floats!, with live music from 8 PM), but let us not skip over the fact that they have a beer on the other end of the spectrum pouring this week, and will still be available tonight… Zig is a Berliner Weisse style beer, think light and tart, this one has seen the addition of prickly pear to the batch. Those who remember Zip, Zap, Zop, and Zoup will see this fit in nicely to the family. On tap only as it is a small batch, but it may pair/contrast nicely with the SCOOPS you’re going to try.

Don’t forget to get out to your local brewery, cidery, or good bar this weekend. We’ve entered the slow season, and they can use all the support we can throw at them! We already told you about Copper Bottom’s Fifth Anniversary, and accompanying beer last week, here are a few other spots to visit if you’re in HRM…

Garrison Brewing’s Oxford Taproom, located at the corner of Quinpool and Oxford Streets in Halifax, is celebrating its Third Anniversary this weekend. They’ve got loads of beer specials, releases, and pop-ups planned for the entire weekend, including gluten-free empanadas from Verano tonight, handpies from Humble Pie tomorrow. Saturday late morning, The Oxford will host a yoga session, followed Sunday by a pop-up shop with local artist Peter Roth, and the evening is capped by stand-up comedy hosted by Dan Hendricken. Plus beer and coffee specials all weekend! It’s all too much to share here, so check this IG post for all the fun details! One of those beers is the return of their winter seasonal, All Lit Up. This 7.0% Winter Warmer Strong Ale was lightly spiced and features more of cinnamon, clove, raisins, and even some apricot, on top of the rich malt caramel flavour. Available on tap and in cans at their retails spaces now, it will also be at both private and provincial stores very soon.

The BrewHQ Retail Store is holding their Grand Opening this Saturday, November 19th. Located at 80 Thornhill Drive, this beer-making-centric store has tons (literally!) of ingredients, equipment for homebrewers of all sizes (and even small commercial outfits), as well as a few other draws that make them unique in the region (if not the world!). First and foremost is the fact that they have two house-brewed beers available on tap, allowing folks browsing the store something to sip on while they shop. Brewed on their 350 litre (3 BBL) system, they are concentrating on English Real Ale styles, working with naturally-carbonated beers, and handpump faucets to deliver the beer. Pouring right now are Extra Special Bitter and Traditional Mild. And if you like what you have in-store, you can even get a growler or PET bottle fill to take home. Enhancing the taproom feel is a full complement of pinball and Arcade machines (on Free Play all day during the party!), hotdogs and sausages and popcorn and soda while you browse and chat beer and brewing with the staff. Speaking of brewing, there will be a Grainfather Brew School happening tomorrow, an example of the weekly classes held at BrewHQ. For those interested in getting into the Homebrewing hobby, the Grainfather allows folks to do a full Grain brew (for ultimate control over the recipe, unlike pre-fabbed wort or the “kit and kilo” of years ago). Those who visit can enter in some door prizes (including the chance to win a Grainfather!!), and there are pop-up events happening throughout the day. What a way to spend your Saturday, for those already brewing at home, looking to learn more about the hobby, or just wanting another spot to enjoy a pint while playing pinball!

The good beer events continue into Sunday, as Barrington Street’s Bar Stillwell celebrates its Ninth Anniversary of slinging the good stuff. Look for special beers from the cellar (think Stilly Brewing Preach v.2018), freshies from south of the border (a Fruited Sour DIPA from Hudson Valley Brewing), and of course some great Belgian sours (Hof Ten Dormaal anyone?). As always, the food will be off the hook, and bumped up even more as Chef Joe Martin is putting an Italian-American spin on the menu, bringing some Saucy Meatball Sandwiches to reality, along with the usual hits from behind the protective cage. Plus birthday cake! Open from noon til midnight Nov 20, so plenty of time to enjoy, so we suggest pacing yourself. 

Details are light on this one, but clear your calendar for Saturday November 26th, as Dartmouth’s Battery Park is hosting a complete Tap Takeover from Tatamagouche Brewing. 17 taps a-flowing means a few originals from back in the day, some recent hits, and at least a couple of brand new releases! We hope to have even more info for yas next week!

A couple more things before we let you go this weekend…

It has been a year since Barnone Brewery in Rose Valley re-opened their barn under new management. Dozens of brews and Growler Nights and events have taken place over the course of the last twelve months. Due to the colder weather, they are closing the barn for winter, aiming for re-opening in early March. However Barn One fans, fear not, as plenty of spots on the island are carrying their beer, including HopYard, Abbiato, Olde Dublin, Pilot House, Red Shores, Olde Triangle, 511 West, and plenty more. Just ask at your favourite watering hole, and if they don’t already have it on tap, insist they bring in a keg!

Bathurst’s Four Rivers Brewing has a returning seasonal back this week, available on draught and in cans across the province’s liquor stores. Pa Rum Pum Pomander is perhaps a departure from the dark and roasty seasonals other breweries have put out, as this is a festive New England IPA featuring loads of citrus and just a touch of clove character. Medium bodied, creamy mouthfeel, and a 6.0% ABV may just make this a favourite of Old Saint Nick next month!

We close out this week’s blog with a salute to our Beer-Pals-In-Arms at 902 BrewCast, whose podcast explored the world of Atlantic Canadian (and beyond) beer, cider, and mead, over the past 6 years, recording more than 150 episodes. Tony, Kyle, and Phil were there in 2016 before 2 Crows Brewing opened their doors (starting the joke of a 902BC Curse…), put IPAs through a torture test to see how they held up in various extreme environments, and became one with the land in PEI as they drove through barley fields… They’ve decided to say so long to the podcast, but you know that won’t mean the end of their love for all things fermented, so you’ll be seeing them at beer-y events and releases in the future. Download “Tomorrow” right now and crack a beer to drink with your friends.

Friday Wrap-Up for September 24, 2021 – News from Delta Force, Dildo, Good Robot, Village Green, Bannerman, Spindrift, Tanner & Co, Propeller, Copper Bottom, Saltbox, Boxing Rock, and lots more!

Posted by acbbdevon on 2021-09-24
Posted in: Friday Wrap-Up. Tagged: Bannerman Brewing, Bar Brewdock, Boxing Rock Brewing, Brasseux d'la Cote, Brightwood Brewery, Brightyard, Canadian Brewing Awards, Change Is Brewing Collective, Copper Bottom Brewing, Delta Force Brewing, Dildo Brewing, Four Rivers Brewing Co., Garrison Brewing, Good Robot Brewing, Grimross Brewing, King Street Beer Co., Lightship Brewery, Modern Brewer's Village Green, Moosehead, Newfoundland Craft Beer Festival, Port Rexton Brewing Co., Propeller Brewing, Quidi Vidi Brewery, Rough Waters, Saltbox Brewing, Spindrift Brewing, Tanner & Co Brewing, Tapestry Beer Bar, Tatamagouche Brewing, Tire Shack Brewing, Uncle Leo's Brewery. Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again! Oktoberfest is in the air and COVID cases are rising! With kids back in school, lagers in brite tanks, it feels like we’ve been here before, but this time with vaccinations. There are plenty of events to attend across the Atlantic Region over the next few weeks, but as New Brunswick now has proof-of-vaccination in place and reversal of their mask mandate both there and in Newfoundland, it’s more important than ever to check out your province and establishment protocols. We want to enjoy and celebrate our region as much as possible, so let’s all do it safely, with pretzels in hand!

Nova Scotia’s Delta Force Brewing has emerged from the shadows with a pair of releases today, two takes on an oft-overlooked traditional style. Operation Forge – Stock Ale is being released in both a base version, as well as one that hung out in a fresh oak barrel for a short time, picking up both Brett notes as well as the underlying wood character. These complement the caramel profile in the base beer, thanks to the use of invert sugar, created by converting sucrose to a mix of fructose and glucose. As they do not have a retail location, the best way to grab your Stock Ale, and any of their other 8 offerings available, is to fire them an email to order and request home delivery in HRM or the Hwy 101 Corridor. That same email will get you on the exclusive list to hear about the latest releases before the general public, so don’t sleep on that!

From the rock and one of the loveliest locations in Atlantic Canada, Dildo Brewing has 2 new releases available now. First up is Do-X, named after the series of massive flying boats with a storied past and Newfoundland and Italian connections. In the Italian Pilsner style, a delicious twist on the classic German Pils, it was dry hopped with Noble hops late into the lagering, bringing some spicy, herbal notes making it a very zippy and crisp 5% lager.

Second up this week is the collaboration between Dildo and Burchie’s Gourmet Doughnuts. Donuts for Days is a donut stout using a special donut made just for this beer release. A doughnut/pastry Imperial Stout, this beer was aged on some sweet stuff including raspberries, cocoa, marshmallows and bourbon soaked Madagascar vanilla beans. A welcoming imperial stout at 7.8% it provides rich, sweet, decadent flavours. Both of these new releases are available in 473 mL cans and on draft only at the Dildo brewery and the retail store in St. John’s. 

A few pieces of news from the Good Robot family this week as they have a new beer release and a second location on the way. Golden Juniper is a 5% pale ale brewed with juniper additions and balanced with a piney, resinous hop flavour, this is a beer to enjoy with your forest friends. Low-gluten thanks to the addition of enzymes during fermentation, it is available now for pints in the taproom, and in 473 mL cans to go from the brewery or online for delivery

While news and rumours of Good Robot’s second facility in Elmsdale has been around for a few months, they’re holding a meet (or meat) and greet today, Friday, Sept 24, from 3:30 to 7:30 PM at their new location. At 14 Industrial Way, anyone from the local community is welcome to stop by for a BBQ hosted by the Good Robots themselves. No beer just yet, but check out the Facebook event here and swing by Elmsdale if you can!

Never a stranger to putting out new releases and fresh off a Canadian Brewing Awards win (a bronze medal for their Tripel), Village Green is back with Weird Clouds. Part of an ongoing series, this is version 6, featuring a lovely hop blend with classic American stalwarts Centennial and Simcoe alongside the lovely New Zealand variety of Motueka. This one has a very sweet, fluffy, and tropical flavour and comes in at 6.2%. It’s available now on draft in Cornwall and also in 473 mL cans to go. And while you’re there, you can also grab a tasty favourite (at least of ours!), their Milk Stout, which is available now on tap and in cans. 

Hopping north to another island, St. John’s’ Bannerman is back with a new release. Scenic Route is a blueberry kettle sour ale, made with real blueberry purée and a hint of fresh mint! Dry-hopped with Mosaic, this should have a wonderful aroma and freshness. Pouring with a deep maroon-ish colour it is a 5% ale available today in 473 mL cans only at Bannerman, in addition to being on tap for pints and growler fills. 

After opening the location about 8 weeks ago, Spindrift is launching a beer in honour of Spindrift Oak Manor in downtown Antigonish. According to the brewery, X-Port Ale is an ale/lager hybrid with a lower 5.2% ABV for a more sessionable sipper. And whilst you enjoy this golden straw-coloured beer with a slight grainy and estery aroma, be sure to check out the can design, which features a lovely portrait of Antigonish. Available now in 473 mL cans and on tap in Dartmouth and Antigonish. 

Chester’s own Tanner Brewing has a returning favourite you can get now, Altbier is back and it’s mostly what you’d expect. Always a brewery to put a spin on things, this Altbier is brewed in the Sticke Alt style, a maltier and hoppier version of a traditional Altbier. With a lovely balance of caramel and molasses flavours with bitterness, this checks in at 5.7% and 40 IBU and is a welcome addition as fall arrives and many breweries have their darker seasonals coming back into the fold. Available now in 500ml bottles at both Tanner locations in Chester and Chester Basin; also, they still deliver on Fridays into HRM. 

Ahead of the Nocturne Art at Night Festival, taking place in Halifax October 13 – 16, Propeller Brewing has brought back their annual collaborative fundraising Nocturne Black IPA today. Dry-hopped with Amarillo and Falconers Flight, this black beer has a malty backbone of roast and dark chocolate, melding together for a strong 6.7% balanced brew. Available at their 3 Shops in Dartmouth and Halifax, it is joined by a new release of their Mosaic Pale Ale, now in 6 packs, and heading to select NSLC locations next week.

In mixed good/bad news, unfortunately PEI’s Harvest Home Festival has been canceled, due to rising COVID numbers, to keep everyone involved safe. However, the Copper Bottom Tanglewood Harvest Ale will be released this weekend despite the disappointing news. As they say, the show must go on, therefore the launch will coincide with their regularly scheduled Tunes on Tap event at 3 PM on the 26th. Ward MacDonald, Thomas Harrington, and a few special guests will be entertaining the taproom. Part of their GiveBack Initiative, $1 of each can or pint sold goes toward supporting emerging artists in the province through micro-grants. So, about the beer… Tanglewood is a bright and fresh 5.5% American Pale Ale, featuring freshly-picked Comet hops from Mount Albion’s Island Hop Company’s first harvest! Island Malt House Pilsner malt is at the base, along with Cara and Munich malts for more backbone, balancing some great citrus character from the hops. In addition to cans and draught at the source, keep your eyes peeled in Charlottetown and Halifax for taps pouring the good stuff this weekend.

Lots of news from Nova Scotia’s South Shore this week, with a new beer, new charitable initiative, as well as employment opportunities. Saltbox Brewing in Mahone Bay (and their sister locations King Street Beer bridgewater  in Bridgewater and Lightship in Lunenburg) are celebrating Polish Heritage Month in Nova Scotia with the release of The Big Kowalski. Named in honour of Polish-Nova Scotian author William Kowalski, this 4.7% ABV beer features honey from The Little Bee Farm, bringing floral notes on top of a crisp and light brew. TBK hit the taps at all three locations yesterday at 5 PM, so they’re all ready to accept your pint request!

Saltbox and King Street and Lightship are also looking to expand their growing team, and are in search of some full- and part-time taproom servers to add to the fold. Reach out to Tap Room Manager Natasha to learn more!

The latest in Saltbox’s quarterly charitable efforts has been in support of the Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, which in turn supports the local healthcare community through bursaries and equipment finance. After donating nearly $1000 through the Fishermans Memorial Golf Tournament this month, they have installed a kindness meter at Lightship to collect donations that will be passed directly to the hospital. Think Social and Drink Local!

The year 2020 was notable and memorable for many things, one of which was the debut of a Pumpkin beer from Boxing Rock. After years of saying they’d never do it (we’ve heard that before from them!), they decided to hop in. Not wanting to drink the “same old, same old” pumpkin spice beer, they put their own spin on it, and came up with Fuego Habanero Pumpkin Ale. Habanero peppers added in the boil give massive heat character, as well as a pleasant flavour, which is complemented by the hints of cinnamon and a touch of black pepper. The result is a mouth-watering beer that is quite drinkable! Cans of Fuego are available at the brewery and retailers now, and it is joined by the latest release of their Back to Birchtown Old Stock Ale, brewed with their (and our) pals at Change is Brewing Collective, in support of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society.

Oktoberfests and events abound this weekend, with Sackville’s TAPestry holding their big celebration this week and next (with Sausages and give-aways Saturday!)…

Special delivery! St. John’s Bar Brewdock has received 6 beers from the other side of the country, with Burnaby, British Columbia’s Dageraad Brewing sending along a mix of kegs and bottles to East Duck. On draught, Dagvar Czech Pils, Burnabarian Table Beer, and Rainshine Blonde. Seven Saison, State of Nature IPA, and Maroc Ale are available in house or to go with food purchase. And keep an eye on their Social Media for more details on their Oktoberfest which kicks off Tuesday Sept 28 and runs all week.

In Dartmouth, Brightwood Brewery, their Waterfront Beergarden, as well as BrightYard will be tapping kegs and casks all weekend to celebrate the season. Sausages from Vessel Meats, special treats from the smoker, and more! Learn more here, and get out to enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!

While still a couple of months away, tickets for the Newfoundland Craft Beer Festival’s 12 Beer of Christmas are selling fast, so we suggest you grab yours to avoid disappointment… Your ticket for this November 27th event (with includes many more than just 12 beers, btw) gets you into the St. John’s Farmers Market to eat, drink, and be merry!

And while you’re at it, be sure to keep March 25 and 26, 2022 clear, as this is when the NL Craft Beer Festival makes their triumphant return after the setbacks the last 19 months. Tickets for that event are also on sale and will not last much longer, we reckon! Also taking place in the St. John’s Farmers Market, look for a West Coast celebration to be happening in 2022 as well!

Just a coupla quick hits before we let you go:

Concerned by the Proof of Vaccination for Non-essential Activities policy coming to Nova Scotia October 4th? Let Garrison help assuage that a little bit by dropping down to their taproom with a printed copy of your proof of vaccination, and they’ll laminate it for you! No more fears of dropping it in your beer or it getting too wrinkled to read. May we suggest also having a copy in your recent photos on your phone too, just in case…

Moncton’s Tire Shack Brewery is celebrating Oktoberfest this weekend (and next), as well as the return of their award-winning The Wicker Man Pumpkin Lager… And they have even more reason to celebrate, as co-owner Jerrica Kennedy was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton and the Hub City Young Professionals Network as one of Moncton’s Top 20 under 40! Making a difference in the city through activities inside and out of their business pursuits is what garnered the accomplishment. Congratulations Jer and the entire Tire Shack team!

In case you missed our post Monday, the results from the 19th Annual Canadian Brewing Awards were announced on the weekend, and the region’s brewers did quite well. Punching well above their weight were Prince Edward Island’s Copper Bottom and Village Green, earning 4 medals between them, with Grimross leading the charge for New Brunswick, taking home 3 of the 6 medals in the province (Brasseux d’la Cote, Four Rivers, and Moosehead round out the NB winners). Rough Waters took home half of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 4 medals (Port Rexton and Quidi Vidi grabbed one each), and Nova Scotian medals were evenly split between Garrison, Propeller, Tatamagouche, and Uncle Leo’s. Congratulations to all of the winners!