Stillwell Beer Bar

All posts tagged Stillwell Beer Bar

We are getting back into the swing of things with another post on time! As we are back to our regularly scheduled programming, this is an exciting time of year as we start to see anniversaries, seasonal releases and holiday excitement fill the air. Speaking of anniversaries, check out our post from earlier this week highlighting the incredible Bar Stillwell opening 10 years ago, where we shared the taplist for the two day event. These blog boys have spent more time at Stillwell (all locations!) than we could count and everyone in the region is happy to have them showcase drinks from near and far. Of course, there is always news from all across Atlantic Canada, so take a read through our updates below and as always, cheers!

Of course you’ll find Stillwell Brewing Co beer pouring at the Bar Stillwell birthday party today and tomorrow, and in addition to some regulars and some rarities, that also includes a brand new release. Born from inspiration gained during brewer CPR’s trip to Czechia in 2022, Stillwell 13º is a Czech-style dark lager. While you may be familiar with the German take on the dark lager style, known as schwarzbier, the Czech, properly called tmavé pivo (“dark beer”) isn’t even that common in its home country, making up only about 3.5% of Czech beer production these days. Not unlike the difference between German and Czech Pilsners, the Czech version is rounder on the palate, with more malt body and some sweetness to balance the back-end roasty notes. At its best, featuring a big and creamy head of foam, it invites both careful consideration and eager enjoyment, somehow managing to be both chewy and rich as well as dry and crisp at the same time. Does Stillwell 13º live up to that? We think so, but now you can judge for yourself. Check it out at the party this weekend at HQ, from the Lukr side-pull taps (always a different experience) at the Stillwell Freehouse and the Brewery on Kempt Rd, and now in cans to go as well. Speaking of cans, if you’re down at the brewery you’re also going to find Stillwell Pale Ale is now (finally!) available in cans as well!

Another brewery on tap at Stillwell HQ this weekend will be 2 Crows, who will be debuting/sneak peeking at least two new beers on Barrington Street. Debuting at noon today is an as-of-yet-unnamed new IPA (ask Josh for the name when you pop in), in the juicy and hazy vein of the series kicked off by Perfect Situation back in 2018. Wheat and Oats help to keep a lovely smooth mouthfeel, as does capturing the carbon dioxide given off during fermentation using a spunding technique. That base beer is a fluffy pillow to allow the hops to shine through, mainly Columbus added during the mash and early boil, then Citra, Hallertau Blanc, and Nelson Sauvin added as the wort was cooled post-boil, with more Citra and then Rakau added during active fermentation. Speaking of, a blend of Verdant Thiol Libre yeasts were used, the latter unlocking the much sought-after biotransformation of the hop aromatics to give super-tropical notes. Pop by this afternoon to avoid disappointment!

As the initial kegs are kicked at Stilly, one of the next to be tapped is a sneak peek at one of 2 Crows’ anniversary beer, officially coming in early 2024. Alright Alright Alright is a follow-up to their OK OK OK, the Fruited Farmhouse beer released last year, featuring NS Sea Salt from the folks at OK Sea Salt. Once again, this year’s version spent plenty of time in a foedre, allowing those funky and tart notes from their house cultures to work their magic. Massive amounts of raspberry purée, complemented by freshly zested and juices limes, plus the aforementioned OK Salt, round of the flavour before packaging for natural carbonation in the can and keg. You’ll be the first to try it at Stilly this weekend, so keep an eye on their and 2C’s social media for the bat signal.

Never slowing down, the 2 Crows Brew Crew have once again traded places with their Front of House staff for the second of their Brewed by Servers, Served by Brewers release. Tonight at 6PM in the 2 Crows taproom, Everett, Miles, and Jeremy will be pouring up Brother Jiles, a Cranberry and Orange Hefeweizen, the recipe designed and brewed in October by Declan, Leandra, Esmé, and Tessa. The small batch of this light, zesty, and juicy beer is only available on tap, and probably will not last all evening, so be sure to drop by to give those brewery recluses a fun time. 🙂

2 Crows teamed up with their pals at Banished Brewing in Paradise Newfoundland, for a pair of collaboration beers, with 2C’s half hitting the taps this weekend. Home & Home is the absolutely fitting name for the beer on both sides of the water, with a base of barley, wheat and oats, and layers upon layers of hops. With the Halifax version seeing additions of Columbus, Citra, Hallertau Blanc, and Nelson Sauvin before fermentation, with more of the same early- and post-fermentation with the same hops (plus Enigma). As they are wont to do, the brewing team at 2 Crows pulled in another Nova Scotia producer for an added level of complexity and flavour, as they collected freshly-pressed red wine skins from Annapolis Valley’s Lightfoot & Wolfville, and rehydrated them to create a piquette. Blending that into the beer offers a bit more fermentable sugar for natural carbonation just before packaging. Big notes of red fruit, blackberry, and of course grapey goodness, with the big hop aromatics to match. Home & Home is available now on tap and in cans on Brunswick Street, and the 2 Crows Crew is also celebrating with a Launch Party at The BG Halifax, the waterfront beer garden at Summit Plaza tomorrow. Front 12 – 5 PM, there will be samples flowing during their Sip & Shop market, plus treats from Vandal Doughnuts.

More on the story of Home & Home, is the great collaboration between Banished’s long time label collaborator Paul G Hammond and 2 Crows’ pal Alex MacAskill of Midnight Oil, who themselves collaborated on the labels for the releases in Newfoundland & Labrador and Nova Scotia. The folks behind the marketing and social media have also banded together, and you’ll see plenty of fun posts coming from Tessa and Jason in the coming days. Banished’s release will be coming next week, with their Home staying in the straight Hazy IPA style with citrus, tropical, and stone fruit flavour profile from the hops used throughout. It must be hazy season in Paradise, as H&H will join the recently released Makes Sense and Occasionally Hazy IPAs, for an all-out hoppy good time.

Cole Harbour’s North Brewing has made a name for themselves in social and community involvement over the years they’ve been in operation and this week they continue their work in that vein. Not surprisingly, there’s a beer to talk about, as they’re releasing All-In, a (very) light beer at 3% ABV. A limited release, it was brewed in collaboration with United Dartmouth Football Club (UDFC) as part of their event entitled, of course, “ALL-IN” that runs this weekend and features Canadian Olympic soccer gold medalist Erin McLeod. W-Inspire was started by UDFC as a full-day conference in Nova Scotia with a vision to empower female leaders in sports. ALL-IN is the latest event in its evolution into a, “platform for women and gender-diverse individuals in soccer to connect, learn, and inspire one another.” North has pledged $0.50 from each can of the refreshing All-In beer sold to UDFC to help continue the W-Inspire program; you can grab it at all North locations or order online. You can read more about this weekend’s event at UDFC’s site.

Small but mighty Shipwright Brewing Co in Lunenburg, NS, punches above their weight again this week with a brace of new releases. Up first is Rye’T Aweigh, a “session rye ale” that marries a slightly sweet rye malt profile with an array of modern hop varieties, namely Topaz, Ella, and Loral, which bring citrus (lime), melon (honeydew), and tropical (papaya) notes. With a coppery red color, it’s lovely to look at and at 4.6% you may find it tasted like another. Also available is the latest American IPA from Shipwright, one they’re calling Shore Thing. Golden Promise malt is the bulk of the malt side of this one, with some Vienna added as well. The hops are stalwart Citra and modern continental variety Huell Melon. Fermented with their house Kölsch yeast, this one definitely brings the citra character, but with some sweet melon notes for balance. A firm bitterness of 56 IBU keeps things in check and it weighs in at 6.9% ABV. Both of these beers are available on tap for pints and crowlers to go at the brewery, and expect them both to be available at the Shipwright Taproom as well, where you can pair it with your favourite pizza.

Despite the shared UK roots across the Atlantic region, it’s pretty safe to say that only Newfoundland & Labrador keeps alive the tradition of mummering. It can, in fact, be argued that NL is the modern home of the tradition such as it stands in the world today. More intense than caroling, and with plenty of room to get fun and/or weird, it’s mostly a means to have a good time and be sociable with one’s neighbours, whether they be next door or a ways down the road, and possibly while wearing your underclothes on the outside. To celebrate the grand tradition, Quidi Vidi is releasing Mummer’s Cream Ale, a simple and easy-drinking brew that, at 5.3% ABV, should allow you to have a couple without getting yourself into too much trouble. You can grab it at the brewery or at select NLC’s and convenience stores next week to celebrate the 15th annual Mummer’s Festival which starts next Saturday. You’ll also be able to enjoy it at Quidi Vidi for their costume party on December 1st, right in the middle of the festival; grab your tickets on the brewery website.

In cider news, Lake City Cider of Dartmouth continues to put out releases targeted at the holiday season, and with our friends south of the 49th parallel heading into their big turkey weekend next week, it’s the perfect time for Cranberry Cider. Made with cranberries from Terra Beata Farms, this 6.8% rosé cider is a perfect accompaniment to turkey dinner and/or pumpkin pie. Find it in cans in their shop on Portland Street and at some of the private stores in Halifax as well, or order it for delivery within the HRM or shipping to the rest of the country.

Of the major beer families of the world, the ones that seem to be found the least in these parts over the last few years are the B’s: the British and the Belgians. Despite three breweries having opened in the region specifically targeting Belgian styles, none managed to make that work, so we’re left with the occasional singel, dubbel, or tripel, plus whatever saisons are around and the occasional long-term sour. On the British side, sure, we’ve got some porters about, but especially since the demise of Granite Brewing, the great traditions of Bitter and Mild are not terribly well-represented (though we nod to Tatamagouche and Sober Island, who’ve done both). Enter Propeller Brewing in Halifax, who recently brought back their London Porter, we note, and who are now releasing Dark Mild. True to the style, this is a small beer, at only 3.5% ABV, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s low on flavor. Plenty of roasted malt flavours marry with balancing sweeter notes of toffee, caramel, and dark fruit. Easy-drinking and with a deep mahogany color, you’ll find it packaged in 473ml cans at all the Prop Shops as well as the private stores in Halifax that don’t start with ‘B’.

Why yes, there are events happening outside of Halifax this weekend! Truro Brewing is throwing it way back this Saturday with a Medieval Renaissance. The day will feature vendors and friends featuring handmade goods and services. The music will be folk and Celtic themed and you’ll be encouraged to dress in theme to partake in the ale and mead at the brewery. This is an all ages event and is free to enter!

And in Annapolis Royal, Annapolis Brewing is hosting the 2023 Cask in the Sticks event. With eight breweries from across the province bringing forward their wares in this traditional serving format, you’ll be able to enjoy traditional as well as innovative offerings from Big Spruce, Boxing Rock, East Coast Cider, Horton Ridge, Lunn’s Mill, Roof Hound, Schoolhouse, Sober Island, Tatamagouche. The event starts at 7 PM tomorrow, so grab your ticket today to avoid missing out!

The Cole Harbour brewery, Hardisty Brewing, is moving to a new home on 958 Cole Harbour Rd, to have their own space open to the public in a little strip mall. They’re in the last stages of construction, having moved their brewing equipment this week, and are gearing up their food offering, consisting of charcuterie boards and other snacks. Stay tuned here and to their socials for the latest updates, but we are excited to have the nano-brewery get a little bit bigger!

Now into the returning beer section! Unfiltered is proud to bring back the wonderfully named RSMA! Of course, cheekily named in jest of Nova Scotia’s lovely provincial Retail Sales Markup Allocation, this is a big Double IPA single hopped with Mosaic for tropical flavours and backed with 2-row and cara-pils malt. It’s 7.5% and should be just as delicious as you remember. It’s available now directly from the brewery and on tap at their Charm School next door.

While snow and skiing will be coming soon, so will Martock IPA from Schoolhouse Brewing. Previously known as Private Session,  this is a West Coast Session IPA  featuring a combination of juicy, citrus, grapefruit and a light haze. This 5.3% IPA should be available next week at the brewery at NSLCs in the Valley area of Nova Scotia. And of course you’ll be able to get it at Ski Martock when they open up for the season. 

Staying with the theme of returning brews from Nova Scotia breweries, Big Spruce brings back One Hundred. This is a 100% local to Nova Scotia beer with the yeast, malt and hops all originating from the home province of Anne Murray. This is a wild ale thanks to the wild yeast strain from Big Spruce’s certified organic farm in Nyanza. The beer itself is 4.9% and has wonderful floral and sweet candy aromas, backed with a light, effervescent and well carbonated feel. This is available now in cans from the brewery, home delivery or shipping Canada-wide, and watch for it around private shops in HRM.

‘Tis the season for one of our favourite styles as Garrison Brewing is bringing back All Lit Up, a Winter Warmer (or Festive Strong Ale as it says on the can) that brings the warm flavours for the cold season. The beer is lightly spiced with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, clove and strawberry jam, but is predominantly a rich caramel flavour with a warm finish. The malt bill brings together Pale, Munich, Caramel and Chocolate malts with Brewer’s Gold hops bringing the low bitterness at 20 IBU. It’s 7% so it’s still drinkable and a nice slow sipper. This will be at all of the private shops in HRM and provincial stores in Newfoundland, PEI and Nova Scotia. 

If you’re in the mood for a tasty treat anytime of the year, let’s remember that it’s always Lager Season. Tatamagouche Brewing has a returning beer that’s back in cans and kegs. Arvo is a Helles Lager with traditional German Pilsner malt with a bit of hops to balance it out and keep it bready, spicy and floral. Arvo is 4.6% and available now!

It’s a little hard to believe for some of us, mostly because we realize it’s further evidence we’re getting old, but it’s now been a decade since word spread through the craft beer-loving community in Halifax that we were getting a “Beer Bar.” Not that everyone knew what that meant, given that such a thing didn’t really exist in the Atlantic region at the time. Sure we had some brewpubs, a few brewery taprooms, and a couple of places (RIP Tom’s Little Havana) that were known to take beer more seriously than, say, the Dome or the Lower Deck, but this was going to be a place where beer was going to be the focus. A wall of taps; ten or a dozen. Special attention for local brews. Given that there were fewer than 30 craft breweries in the region at the time we weren’t even sure how that was going to work. A bottle list. A what now?! Hand pumps and casks. Whaaaaat??! We heard it was being run by some folks who’d worked at Bar Volo in Toronto, which gave locals who’d been there some clues. But in the great tradition of, “Do we really want Toronto things in Halifax?” that also caused some consternation. So did, “bar service only,” at least until we learned to appreciate the efficiency.

Opening in November, 2013, Stillwell proceeded to be a big part of changing the landscape of craft beer enjoyment in our region. They hired friendly staff that knew beer and/or were willing to learn and share their knowledge. Even though the kitchen was small, they found staff who made the most of it. They introduced many of us to tap takeovers, Belgian beers, themed events (The Stillwell Open!), and great beers from New England, Ontario, Quebec, BC, the UK, other parts of Atlantic Canada, and more. They pioneered a beer garden; twice. They opened a British-style Pub, the Freehouse. They survived the pandemic. Now the empire has extended to producing beer of their own at Stillwell Brewing Co. We figure the only mistake they made along the way was not calling it “Stillwell’s” because, frankly, way too many people still call it that.

But it all started at HQ on Barrington Street in November, 2013, and that’s where they’ll be celebrating this weekend. Friday and Saturday, from noon until late, there’s going to be a party. We’d like to say a big congratulations to the team and all who have helped in their success over the past 10 years. Stop in and raise a glass with friends old and new as we enter the second decade of Stilly.

Here’s the opening taplist for Friday at noon:

  • Stillwell Brewing Co – Stilly Pils
  • Stillwell Brewing Co – Czech 10º Lager
  • Stillwell Brewing Co – Czech 13º Dark Lager
  • Boon – Gueuze
  • North – Saison de Chardonnay
  • Tatamagouche – Carmine
  • Trailway – Seeing Citra
  • 2 Crows – Unnamed New IPA
  • Burdock – Ducks IPA
  • Unfiltered – Exile on North Street
  • Unfiltered – RSMA
  • Stillwell Brewing Co – Auld
  • Blood Brothers – Under a House in Northern Italy

When those kegs kick, there are plenty more waiting in the wings, including: 

  • Stillwell Brewing Co – Preach
  • Oud Beersel – Rozenlambiek
  • 2 Crows – Alright Alright Alright
  • Burdock – Good Grapes Fredonia
  • Tusket – Only NEAPA
  • Saint Andrews – Southbound IPA
  • Tatamagouche – Deception Bay
  • Trailway – HuJon Hops
  • Lone Oak x Banished – Mustard Pickles TIPA
  • Tanner – Altbier
  • Blood Brothers – Unify or Die

There will also be delightful things pouring by the glass whether you like special beers, cider, or natural wine, and something from Revel will also be on tap, although what, exactly, is yet to be determined. Of course there will also be tasty treats to snack on, as Joe and his team load up a “Best Of” from their years in the kitchen. There will be a full contingent from the blog both days, we hope to see you there!

The heart of summer continues across the region, with time at the beach, lake, or local brewery patio being maximized while the weather cooperates. However you’re able to enjoy, we hope you do it with a local beer! Lots of new beers and a few events to tell you about this week, let’s get right to it!

If you’ve been following along at home, Bishop’s Cellar has been celebrating their 20th anniversary and now we’ve got their final beer collaboration to round out the trio. The first two were Cellar Slammer (with Tatamagouche) and Cellarbier (with Propeller) and this new release, Cellarbration is a dry-hopped Saison with a common thread from the previous releases. This collaboration with North Brewing, takes the primary dry-hop from each of the previous collars (Hallertau Blanc and Saphir) to dry-hop in equal parts complementing the aroma of the Saison. The grain bill features Pilsner malt from PEI and classic French Saison yeast grown in Guelph by Escarpment Labs. This one is 6% and is available today from Bishops, North, their online shops in cans. 

Newcomer Rackhouse Brewing Company has released their first lager to the Saint John River Valley area. Aptly named Lager #1, this 4.8% lager features 75% locally-grown and -malted Pilsner malt, and is also hopped with locally-grown Saaz for a bit of bite, complementing a citrus undertone. Future plans include barrel-aging a similar recipe, but it’s always great to compare before and after a barrel treatment. As with many of Rackhouse’s offerings, they can be found at their host Big Axe Brewery, as well as nearby Moonshine Creek and Picaroons Roundhouse.

Serpent Brewing in Spryfield has a trio of new beers out this week. Drama Llama is a 7.6% Double IPA, with notes of citrus, berry, and pine, thanks to the Citra and Simcoe used throughout. Think “New World” DIPA, as this is not super-bitter, and features a sweeter character. Cans are available out the door, as well as a small supply to enjoy on draught while checking out their new menu. Out yesterday at Serpent is Mango Mónica, a 6.2% Saison with mango, named in celebration of a dedicated partner to the brewery and family. Starting from a Saison base, hopped with Citra, and with mango added, it shows DNA from both sides of the family. Big on flavour, but not sweet, it does show some tropical and light esters and phenols from both the hops and fruit addition. Cans and draught of both are available now. And finally is today’s Father O’Keefe, a 9.0% Belgian Tripel with cherry. Showing its higher ABV with a touch of warming alcohol, it finished dry, and the cherries help to enhance the overall experience.

Up the North Shore, Tatamagouche Brewing continues to roll out new releases in its Intertidal IPA series, but is also sneaking in re-releases of previously popular editions. In that vein, returning today is Intertidal Sabro Session IPA, featuring a lower ABV of 3.5%. Per the name, this one uses Sabro hops, leading to its signature coconut notes, along with peach and other tropical fruit. It also uses the Hydra yeast strain from Escarpment Labs, known for leaving plenty of body in a small beer and creating the juicy character that has taken the IPA world by storm. Fresh off the canning line, check out the brewery and Tata’s online store to get your hands on some now. 

On the other end of the IPA spectrum, Unfiltered is releasing a new DIPA today, featuring the Bergamot hop. This 7.5% ABV single-hop DIPA shows notes of tropical fruit, pine, lemongrass and citrus, with a touch of dankness. The hops were grown and sourced from Quebec’s Duke 25 Hops.  In other Unfiltered news, you might want to circle Saturday, July 29 on your calendar, when the brewery will be celebrating its 8th anniversary with special releases, deals on pints, and the eminent Greg Nash on the grill outside their pub, Charm School. Keep an eye on their socials for more details and how to purchase advanced tickets for food. 

Out in Cape Breton, it has finally stopped raining and Big Spruce has two new releases ready for what is shaping up to be a stellar weekend. First up is A-Game a 4% session IPA. This one was developed in collaboration with the fine folks at A for Adventure, just in time for the party they’ll be hosting at next week’s Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso. Cans are available in Nyanza this weekend, with the official launch happening next week at the festival.  Also out this weekend is the returning Luft Schloss, a 5.5% ABV Helles Lager. The German-style lager features a trio of noble hops with Hallertau Perle, Hallertau Traditional, and Hallertau Callista. Look for floral and herbal notes from the hops, and a dry finish on the palette. Cans of Luft Schloss are available now at the brewery and through Big Spruce’s online store. 

Jumping over to Newfoundland, Quidi Vidi Brewery has a new release in its longstanding Sofa Sour series. Blackberry Rosemary Sofa Sour pours a vibrant purple colour with a pink creamy head. Expect notes of berries and rosemary to be balanced by a subtle tartness and a slightly sweet finish. Cans of this 5% ABV sour are available now at the Hop Shop in the Gut, with a drop of cans on its way to the NLC and corner stores. 

Last week, we distinctly remember saying “I could really go for a[n] Allagash White right now,” and look at what the local craft beer lords have delivered: Propeller White! Propeller’s White is a Belgian-style witbier brewed with wheat malt, oranges, and coriander and is smooth, refreshing and just what you’d expect in a full flavoured and smooth wit. At 4.8% and 30 IBU, this year’s release features wider distribution to our New Brunswick friends, as it should be in select ANBL locations over the coming weeks. This will also be at the private stores in Halifax, all of the Prop shops, select NSLCs, and online for Canada-wide shipping. 

Newfoundland’s Mauzy Cider has another new release this week, the latest from their 2022 season. Playing once again in the piquette space, Take Me Away saw orchard and feral pomace rehydrated and undergoing a week-long maceration process. After primary fermentation, a dosing of honey from Baccalieu Trail allowed it to naturally carbonate in the clear stubby bottles. At just 4%, this one is light and easy drinking, plenty of delicate notes of fresh apples and a touch of funk. Available at the usual Mauzy haunts, including Toslow, Banished (online and in-store), and better retailers on the Avalon. 

A couple of fun events coming up in NL and NS:

Big birthday and anniversary happiness to our Newfoundland friends as next weekend (July 22nd and 23rd) Port Rexton Brewing will be celebrating their 7th anniversary. They’re going to feature a special rotating tap that changes 7 times to feature 7 new beers for their anniversary. We’re highlighting this now to get it into your calendars and they will have more news on their special fruited IPA anniversary release in the coming days.  Check out the full lineup here and if you’re in the area, it is a must-visit event!

On the same weekend, but in Halifax, we’ve got a returning collaboration as the fine folks at Stillwell will be hosting Willibald again, a Farm Distillery and Brewery out of Ayr, Ontario (near Cambridge, just outside Kitchener-Waterloo). This is a two day event (A Weekend with Willibald!) with the first day being a full takeover at the Freehouse with Korean Fried Chicken. The second day will be hosted by the Beergarden on Spring Garden Road and willl feature seltzers with BBQ food pairings. The first day will feature 10 taps of beer, seltzer and cocktails and Stillwell HQ will also feature cans to drink and takeaway. Check the Instagram post here for the full details and drinks!

Another one for July 22 and staying in Halifax again, as 2 Crows Brewing and Studio East are teaming up with a food pop up in the 2 Crows taproom. A Beer and Bao event, Studio East will be bringing the sweet, purple milk buns and 2 Crows will be bringing the beer, with a special on-tap only brew for the event. This small batch sour will feature Ube (purple yam), ginger and sea salt, so you can double up your ube pleasure. This starts at noon on Saturday, July 22 and runs until the food is sold out!

Are you looking to begin or change up your craft brewing career? Want to help keep New Brunswick shelves stocked and taps flowing with the good stuff? If so, then TrailWay Brewing in Fredericton has a job opening just for you! They are hiring a Sales Manager to serve the province of New Brunswick, with ANBL locations,  licensees, and everywhere in between being the intended audience. Sales experience is a big plus, and check out this post for more information and how to apply.