Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission news

As of this week, the AGLC passed a new policy that will once again see the selling of high alcohol beers allowed. Recently this had been decided against but with many concerned beer lovers writing in and expressing their views, among other reasons we're sure, the decision has been changed.

The policy now is around new mark-up rates. Best broken down on Canadian Beer News, the rates will include costs surrounding "the amount that the provincial agency adds and collects on top of the supplier’s price, customs and excise taxes and duties, and recycling and deposit fees"

"For beers under 11.9%, the mark-up rates remain at $0.20 to $0.98 per litre depending on the size of the brewery. Over 11.9%, the new rates are as follows:

Greater than 11.9% and less than or equal to 16% – $4.05 per litre
Greater than 16% and less than or equal to 22% – $9.90 per litre
Greater than 22% and less than or equal to 60% – $13.30 per litre"

This new mark-up went into effect December 17th

http://aglc.ca/pdf/quickfacts/markup_rates_schedule.pdf

Grizzly Paw Seasonals - Many, so get out there

The Grizzly Paw in Canmore has three great seasonals on tap right now that shouldn't be missed.

They have their brown ale that has been infused with raspberries - very nice treat. Also on tap is their barley wine. What's special here is that this version has been aged for two years, so really this is the only time you can taste this version.

Finally, and most exciting for us is their Christmas Spice ale. This one's great and very Christmasy as it's made with spruce tree buds. Smells and tastes like the season. Great job, Michelle.

Brewsters Seasonal - Spiced Ale

Brewsters Christmas Spice Amber Ale is out across the prairies as their December seasonal. Flavoured with honey, ginger and cranberries, this seasonal is a great compliment to the meals we enjoy this time of year - full of flavour. Best thing about a Brewsters seasonal is it can be enjoyed in two provinces anyway.

http://brewsters.ca/

New Bushwakker Beer Named

As reported earlier, Bushwakker was holding a contest to name their newest beer contest. Winners for both contests have be released. The new beer, a Russian Imperial Stout that will be aged in scotch barrels, will be 'Tartan Tsar'. Aaron Madsen, the winner, has named Bushwakker's special 20th anniversary brew.

Special Alley Kat Cask Night

The December 7th cask night at the Next Act Pub in Edmonton was a great success. Alley Kat has many cask nights, but this one was a cask of the final 15th Anniversary beer the cascadian dark, known as the Black IPA. Again, great work, Niel, and everyone at Alley Kat

Jasper's Backside Organic Red

Jasper Brewing Co. has its seasonal out and it's an organic red. Tough to find unless you're up in Jasper, but this beer hinges on the backside tours outdoor playing idea of the area. If you're up there skiing, stop in and try one.

Half Pints Burlywine and open house

On the first Saturday in December, Half Pints in Winnipeg opens their doors to the public and they line up for food and tastings. This year's Bourbon Burleywine uses oak spirals soaked in bourbon. Also showed off was Half Pints new labels. Looks good David, and wow, does Winnipeg love you guys.

New CEO at Great Western

Great Western out of Saskatoon announced this week that Ron Waldman is stepping down and COO Michael Micovcin will take over. Micovicin has been with Great Western for the past two years as president and COO. Things should stay on course with the move as Great Western is recognized as one of Canada's 50 best managed companies for six years in a row now. the beer's good too, having medaled at the CBA's the past few years.

Alley Kat's Coffee Porter back again - Thank God

This coffee porter is my favourite coffee porter out. I know we don't make bold statements like that often and there are other coffee flavoured beers we like too, but this one is oh so very great. It's one of those beers we drink sparingly and never give out to guest. This porter is infused with Guatemalan estate grown coffee roasted right in Edmonton at Java Jive.

We love this beer.

Last of the Alley Kat Anniversary Brews

Cascadian Ale - according to Alley Kat's website this brew pays homage not only to the Cascadian Dark Ales, but this Black IPA known to the Pacific Northwest, truly highlights Cascadia which had a hand in the Alley Kat idea those 15 years ago. This is the fifth of five special brews in the anniversary series for the Edmonton brewery. Congrats on the five brews and Congrats on a great 15 years.