I received the following press release today about the latest offering from Garrison (can’t wait to try it!):

Garrison releases much anticipated second 15^th anniversary beer

HALIFAX, N.S. – December 5, 2012– This Friday, Garrison Brewing will launch “15th Anniversary Malt, Vanilla & Cocoa“. This is the much anticipated second of two special release beers by one of Halifax’s original microbreweries celebrating 15 years in business.

“Hitting 15 years is a real milestone in business and we’re truly grateful for such strong local support,” says company president Brian Titus. “15^th Anniversary Malt is intensely rich, complex, dark, roasty, bittersweet… you get the point. It’s all been leading to this!”

“We followed the concept of our spring 15 Hops brew, using 15 separate malts, two unmalted grains, bundles of vanilla beans & bags of raw cocoa husk,” explains Daniel Girard, Garrison’s Brewmaster. “The result is an Imperial Stout of epic proportions with a dark, sweet character and lingering velvety texture. Enjoy!”

“15th Anniversary Malt, Vanilla & Cocoa” is 9.0% alc/vol with moderate to high bitterness. It’s packaged in 500ml single-serve bottles and officially goes on sale Friday, December 7, at the brewery store and all four private stores (while supplies last).

About Garrison Brewing

Garrison Brewing Company is an award-winning independent microbrewery located in the Halifax Seaport. They produce distinctive, unpasteurized, all-natural ales in small batches. Now in its 15^th year, Garrison distributes craft beer throughout the Maritimes and beyond in bottled and draught format.

As a sure sign that the white stuff isn’t all that far off, Garrison Brewing’s Winter Warmer is now available.  The tasting notes on the Garrison website describe the beer as:

Complex and inviting aromatics of strawberry jam, cinnamon, clove, brown sugar and molasses. Rich caramel flavors dominate and persist through a warming finish; starts sweet with a touch of dryness followed by a smooth aftertaste of caramel and clove.

The beer will be available at NSLC locations and select private stores.  As per their Facebook page, the brew is also expected to be available in New Brunswick.

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.