The Brewery by Quinn’s

All posts tagged The Brewery by Quinn’s

M-m-m-my Fiona. Welcome to the AC Hurricane Blog where we’ll give you all the details about Hurricane Fiona! In all seriousness, we wish nothing but safety for all beer drinkers and even the non-beer drinkers in PEI, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia this coming weekend as we’ve seen lots of events and plans changed this coming weekend due to the upcoming weather impacts. Stay safe, get some beer, check on your friends and family and why not share this blog with a friend or two? There’s a bit of news this week, so we’ll get on with it. Stay alert, stay safe and like North Brewing says, Cheers Your Neighbour!

New Brewery Alert! While The Brewery by Quinns has been open at 6273 Quinpool Road for a couple of months now, they have just begun serving their own beer in the past week. Brewed on their 400 litre system located adjacent to the large taproom, there are three TBbQ beers on tap right now, thanks to Brewer Adam Campbell. Harvard St is a 4.3% Session Ale, featuring lots of ripe tropical fruit, including passion fruit, while remaining light on the palate, thanks in part to its dry finish. Tommy’s Tipple is a 5.0% Blonde Ale, with a bready malt character supporting the light ester fruitiness from the yeast, on a med-light body with a nice finish. The biggest of the bunch is the Armdale 8 IPA, a 6.0% IPA, with plenty of citrus and pine character from the hops used throughout the brew, sustained by a medium body and dry finish. Available on draught for onsite consumption only, for now. We’ll have plenty more with Adam in a profile of The Brewery by Quinns on the blog early next week, so keep your eyes peeled to this page!

Fresh off a new brewery and retail opening, Stillwell Brewing has Kompakt available now! You may recognize the name of this from its delicious 355ml Kölsch-inspired brew from 2 years ago (and the lovely branded stange glasses). Now with an even more traditional recipe and a fancy new can, Kompakt is a 4.8% lagered ale. Previously 5%, this classically cellared ale with 2 months of lagering uses German-grown and -processed Pilsner malt, complete with decoction mash now it’s possible on their new kit, is deliciously hopped with Hallertau Mittelfrüh, and Kölsch yeast that behaves just as expected in this hybrid fermentation schedule (including natural carbonation for max old school vibes). Pick this one up in 473ml cans directly from the Stillwell Brewing retail spot at 3670 Kempt Road, or order it for delivery or shipping. They’ve got 4 beers cold in the fridge, so check their hours online and swing by when you can!

New from Propeller (in a super secret limited release pilot batch) is Secret IPA. This IPA only uses late addition hops, using Vic Secret, Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin with a crispy base of Pilsner malt. These punchy hops bring the citrus, peach and passionfruit in flavour and aroma. This is 6% and 60 IBU and look for this at the brewery and there may be a few other kegs floating around some other establishments. 

There’s a new brew from the Antigonish-based Candid Brewing, as we’re in full swing with the harvest season and Oktoberfest, the brewery is releasing Tilt-a-Whirl, an Oktoberfest-inspired Amber Lager. This is 5.8% and should bring those copper, malt flavours with a very clean finish. Highly drinkable and perfectly paired with a pretzel! Tilt your glass and give this beer a whirl!

Sticking with the Bavarian inspiration, Quidi Vidi Brewing is releasing their own Oktoberfest beer. This is a Marzen and this lovely amber German lager has a touch of bitterness to join that nice toasty, sweet malt profile. This 5.5% lager is canned and available at their hops shop, NLCs and convenience stores across the lovely province of Newfoundland. 

Delta Force Brewing has some sneaky Marzen of their own out this week, available in a mixed trio: their OG Baurenhofschuppen Marzen, previously only available on draught, is now in bottles. It is joined by the returning crowd pleasing Baurenhofschuppen mit Brett, the same beer but undergoing a secondary fermentation with Brettanomyces for some funky and fruity notes (this one is available on its own, btw). These are joined by the all-new, and possibly blasphemous, Brett version with Apples, thanks to aging on apple pomace (what remains after juicing). Check out their website for ways to buy these today.

It can’t all be beer today, so let’s insert more apple content thanks to the Annapolis Cider Company. They are launching the latest in their Something Different series today, Starberry. Bright red in colour, it features plenty of fresh raspberry character, plus spicing from infusions of star anise and fennel seed. Offering a character that works perfectly for the changing of the seasons, we’re wondering if trying it warm may take it to the next level? As with all of their Something Different releases, this has a charitable component, with $0.50 of each refill will support the Micmac Benevolent Society, whose goal is to “assist Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal Peoples of Nova Scotia to flourish, prosper and live decent lives as enjoyed by the majority of non-Aboriginal Nova Scotian society, having regard to their social, cultural and economic differences”.

We’re starting a little trio of Harvest-themed beers, and we’re starting the trio with Copper Bottom Brewing and their release of Tanglewood. Brewed for the Harvest Home Festival, Hurricane Fiona has ruined the festival plans, but have no fear, the beer is still coming out! This is a 4% sessionable Harvest ale, which is really a hazy session beer, using fresh Azacca hops, a malt bill of 2-row, wheat and oats and S-04 yeast to bring it all together. This is 25 IBU and bringing those lovely Azacca flavours of pineapple, mango and citrus. Proceeds from this beer’s sales will go to support Atlantic Canadian artists through the Tanglewood Rising Tides program from the brewery. Find this beer in 473ml cans directly from the brewery.  

Next up on the harvest train is Maybee Brewing with a straight up Harvest Ale. A 6% showcase featuring local New Brunswick ingredients, this ale features 2-row malt from Monquart Maltouse and fresh, whole-cone Cascade hops from Lakeview Hops. These hops are as fresh as they come as they were picked and brought to the brewery on the same day. These hops bring this ale to 45 IBU and well balanced. Harvest Ale is canned and available from the brewery now!

Bringing up the rear of the triple-Harvest club is Big Spruce Brewing, with a 2022 update of Major Hop Lips. After a huge hop harvest day, the Nyanza folks picked a massive load of Cascade, Mt Hood, Chinook and Challenger hops and went into this IPA minutes later with some of that wet hop, fresh picked, whole cone magic. This Fresh hopped Harvest Pale ale comes in at 5.7% and is available on tap now and in cans. You’ll want to get this and drink it to make it as fresh as possible, may we suggest checking their online shop for shipping and local delivery? MHL joins Don’t Make Me Tap The Sign, the Hazy IPA collaboration with Beer. Diversity.’s Ren Navarro, now out in cans as well. And check below for details on their Tap Takeover at Battery Park scheduled for October 1st (postponed from tomorrow)!

Halifax’s Garrison Brewing has been busy preparing a trio of fall-themed releases, just in time for its Oktoberfest event that we’ll tell you about in a second. First up is Dunkel Breakin My Heart, a dark German-style lager that comes in at 5.2% ABV. Look for clean malt flavours that include notes of chocolate and coffee. Next up is their take on the Marzen style, SchitzenGiggles, a copper-hued lager that has a light hop bitterness and comes in at 5.7% ABV. Both of these German-style lagers will be available exclusively on-tap at the Seaport and Quinpool taprooms, in addition to the Oktoberfest event. Lastly, is the annual release of their HefeWeizen. This take on the Bavarian wheat ale features the traditional notes of banannance and clove, and pours with a fluffy white head. The 5% ABV hefe has been canned for those looking to bring something Oktoberfest vibes home.

Despite the poor weather during the next 24-36 hours, there are still some events we encourage folks to keep in mind if they find themselves with some extra time post-cleanup. While this weekend’s PEI Beer Festival has been re-scheduled to February 2023 (click through before Sept 30 for more details on getting your money back, if necessary), perhaps you’re close enough to check the second weekend of TAPestry Beer Bar’s Oktoberfest, or one of these other events…

More on the Garrison Oktoberfest event, taking place at The BG aka Halifax Beer Garden at Summit Place on the Halifax waterfront. Starting Sunday at 12 PM (or as soon as they can open, should there be more cleanup time needed), and running all week until next Sunday, October 2nd, there will be a full complement of Garrison German-inspired beers on the taps, joined by German food features, live music from The Roving Steins and The Swell Guys, games, and much more. We suggest showing up in time to enjoy the kickoff party and cask-tapping at 2:30 PM Sunday, a great way to shake off the Fiona Blues!

Dartmouth’s Battery Park will be kicking off their Fall with the first in the monthly Tap Takeovers October 1st, with Big Spruce taking over the space for the day. With some current favourites, cellared choices, as well as a sneak peek at a couple of “Coming Soon” offerings, there is something for everyone on the go. DJ Douvet will be on the Ones and Twos from 7 PM for some great curated tunes. Amongst the 19 taps and casks are The Inhaled Affirmative Bohemian Pilsner, Lilliputian Nano IPA, Altruism Awaits Altbier, Black is Beautiful Toasted Coconut and Jamaican Rum Barrel-Aged Stout, with the yet-to-be-released Cosecha Spiced Ale in the mix. 

Exact tap details are a bit light on this one, but mark your calendars that Stillwell Beer Garden is holding their annual Oktoberfest celebration Sunday, October 2nd. From previous years, we can attest that it’s always a blast with roving musicians encouraging thirsty attendees, plenty of games on the go, and of course some great German-style beer and food on offer, starting a noon. Peep their social media in the link above to learn more next week!

Just one job posting to tell you about this week, and it’s in the Front of House at Good Robot’s Robie Street Retail and Taproom location. They are looking for a General Manager, working with both Retail and Taproom teams, to keep everything running smoothly and everyone on both sides of the counter/bar are happy. Learn more, and apply, through their Indeed posting.

And if you’re looking to listen to something in the dark this weekend, be sure to grab the latest release from the 902 BrewCast, as Tony sat down with Richard and Joseph of Escarpment Labs during their recent trip to Halifax, to learn more about what the company has to offer its customers, and what Richard and Joseph are brewing up themselves these days. Special appearance by the disembodied voice of Kyle, too! Grab the episode here, or better yet, subscribe in your favourite podcast app.

Welcome to full-on summer here in Atlantic Canada where our region’s breweries, cideries, and meaderies are in the full swing of tourist season and are no doubt are all pulling back-to-back-to-back brewdays for the foreseeable. We don’t have a super long post this week, but there’s certainly a few new things around that a person who loves beer ought to be aware of. So read on and inform your beer buying for the weekend!

East Duckworth’s Bannerman Brewing has a new beer on tap this week, a special take on a traditional Blonde Ale. Starting with a grist of Pilsner and Wheat malts, it was dry hopped with the French Barbe Rouge hop, before spending some time on hibiscus flowers. Offering both a brilliant pink colour and floral notes, the hibiscus complements the fruity ester notes of candied orange and strawberry from the hops and yeast. At 4.5% ABV, it’s super refreshing and light, and is available for pints and growler fills only, due to the small batch size.

New beers and events at Port Rexton this month, located on the Bonavista Peninsula. First up, the return of some fruited seasonal favourites, Summer Anthem and Gluten-Free Kiwi Sour. Summer Anthem embraces the music program at their taproom, accessible via QR code on the cans. What’s in those cans is a Coconut and Lime Milkshake IPA, made with a whole bunch of the aforementioned fruit, as well as lactose and vanilla to complete the dessert-like qualities. Plus, with the hops and brewing technique, there’s a touch of bitterness along with a light acidity to balance the sweetness. 5.8%, perfect for an afternoon delight!

For those who are looking to avoid gluten, PRBC continues to expand their GF portfolio, and the return of the Gluten-free Kiwi Sour will have plenty of you smiling once again. It was brewed with gluten-free ingredients, rather than being treated with additives after the fact, ensuring those who really need to avoid gluten can do so safely. Tart, refreshing, and bursting with kiwi, it will definitely quench your thirst! The 4.5% beer joins the Summer Anthem on tap and in cans at the brewery, as well as their St. John’s Retail Shop.

Those who make the trip to the brewery in Port Rexton today will be able to take part in the “Get Out Of Town” Concert Series, as presented by Lawna Vawnya, with Andrew Smith and DJ Kitty Kells playing from 6 PM tonight. And keep your eyes peeled for more details on next weekend’s 6th Anniversary. On Saturday, July 23, from 12 PM, there will be new beers, old favourites, plenty of food options to complement the Oh My Cheeses! food truck, plus plenty of musical acts that will have you up and on your feet! Keep an eye on their Social Media for more!

Jumping down to PEI, Village Green continues to roll out the new releases with Kylefornia. This 8% DIPA, named for the California-residing brother of a Village Green regular, lives up to its west-coast billing with additions of Crystal and Victory malt added to the base of 2-row. The hops feature a combo of traditional and modern American varieties with additions of Columbus, Cascade, Citra, and Amarillo. Cans of Kylefornia are available at the brewery now, where you can also find it on tap for pours. 

Chester’s Tanner Brewing has a new version of their Tart Saison out this week. The tweaked recipe sees the ABV reduced down to 5.7% on their kettle soured and dry hopped take on a French Saison. Expect lots of tropical and citrusy notes with the dry hop featuring the ever popular combo of Citra and Mosaic. Bottles and ours of Tart Saison are available now at both Tanner locations.

Speaking of returning favourites, Unfiltered is releasing a fresh batch of their 7.5% Inducement DIPA today. Expect tons of tropical aroma and flavour from big additions of Mosaic and Simcoe. Cans and growler fills are available now at the brewery, along with pints next door at Charm School.

And in “pretty much open” news, the latest brewery in Nova Scotia is set to serve their first beers in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, The Brewery by Quinn’s has opened their doors at 6273 Quinpool Road in Halifax. Sister to the Quinn’s Arms Pub located a few doors down, the Brewery is currently serving both local and macro beer, while their first releases are finalised. Indoor and outdoor seating, with a full food menu to complement. We’ll have more on the beer and people behind it soon!

A few beery things going on this weekend in the region:

If you find yourself in Fredericton this evening (Friday), head on over to the Joyce for a Meet the Maker tap takeover with Halifax’s 2 Crows Brewing. The event will feature the Joyce’s first ever collab brew, Ode to Joyce. This one uses a similar base recipe to 2 Crow’s regulars Jamboree and Jubilee, which feature a combo of Pilsner malt, wheat malt and flaked wheat/oats, before being slowly soured with lacto and fermented with a kviek yeast.  From there, Ode to Joyce saw a conditioning stint with watermelon and kiwi puree and a dry hop with Galaxy. Instead of being forced carbed, the kegs heading to the Joyce were spunded for a gentler, natural carbonation. A small amount was also left behind at the brewery, where it is likely to see the slushie treatment on the recently added beer slushie machine. In addition to being able to grab a pint of this one-off collab, the event will also give you a chance to talk beer with 2C brewer Jeremy Taylor.

If you find yourself in downtown Halifax tomorrow for the Pride parade, why not stop in at Stillwell HQ (the parade route goes right along Barrington St.) for an Alberta tap takeover. From noon until close, the team at Stilly will be serving up beers from the Annex Ale Project, Establishment Brewing Company, Cabin Brewing and Blind Enthusiasm, with a special menu of prairie themed snacks.