OK, One more Big Rock

Announced by Big Rock, is the launch of three brands now in cans.  Big Rock IPA, Scottish Style Heavy Ale and their Rock Creek Cider are now available in the 473ml can.

Brewmaster Paul Gautreau is quoted as saying, "“The single serve can is a growing package choice in the craft beer market place,” says Big Rock Brewmaster Paul Gautreau in a press release. “Our new 473 ml can presents another opportunity for trial and variety to the selective beer consumer.”

A lot of work this month Paul and the rest of Big Rock!

Paul's Angels .. Ah ah ah ahhhhhhh....

Well Big Rock is on fire this month.  As reported through the Calgary company and by great bloggers like CBN, Paul's Angels was released as a season mixed 6 pack.  Very exciting is what you find it this pack - some of Big Rock's best flavours.  Two of each of the following: Autumn Wheat Lager, a new addition, but returning are favourites, Winter Spice Ale and Espresso Stout.  WE LOVE THE ESPRESSO STOUT!

Named after brewmaster Paul Gautreau, the package is available in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Granville's Winter Ale moving farther west

Granville Island Lions Winter Ale is back for another season, and again will be found throughout BC and Alberta.  New this year, though will be its launch into Manitoba.  Got to love the province distribution that's really starting to happen in Canada eh?

Anyway, most of have enjoyed the Winter Ale made with Crystal, Vienna and Munich malt as well as Cluster and Mt. Hood hops.  You know you like it and now Manitobans will know it too.

Big Rock Alchemist out

As posted by Big Rock this month, they launched their super exclusive Alchemist series of specialty recipe beers.  CBN reported that the first beer launched was the Ambrosia Wet Hop Ale.

Described as: "This keg-only brew is made with fresh Cascade hops and added to the kettles at the beginning, middle, and end of the brewing process. With the hop oils and resins at their flavourful peak, the outcome is a uniquely fresh pale ale with tangy citrus notes and a grassy aroma. Ambrosia Wet Hop Ale pours a rich golden yellow with a clean white head."

Hope you still fins some, by Ambrosia is only available on draught at AB pubs.



Good Luck

Barking Squirrel comes West ... and South....and....

Barking Squirrel comes West ... and South....and....

As reported earlier on blogs and CBN and as enjoyed by us from a Calgary liquor store, Hop City Brewing out of Ontario launch their flagship Barking Squirrel Lager this month across North America.
This delicious lager will be available in seven provinces including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  It will also hit 6 US states including Minnesota.

An independent subsidiary of Moosehead, Hop City is truly barking up the right tree of distribution.  (too easy?)

Anyway - try a pack, I bet you'll try it again after that.



http://www.hopcity.com/

Barenaked ladies in Alberta -when monkeys fly

Well sorta,  Flying Monkey brewing out of Barrie ON is launching an imperial stout made with the help of this Canadian iconic band. BNL stout will launch in October and with Flying Monkey finally available in Alberta, we too, will get to try this beer toward the end of the month.

I love stouts as well as Barenaked ladies so I'm excited. It's not just that I'm happy to see you

Ribstone Creek now in Calgary

That's right prairie beer lovers, finally the wait is over for Ribstone to hit S Alberta. Found at The National on 17th ave or at the cat n fiddle, you can now enjoy this Domestic lager.  A great drinkable lager from Edgerton one can truly keep it Alberta local.   Named after the creek where ancient rocks bare markings of a buffalo ribcage, a trip to this beautiful area south Lloyd now has a beer excuse to go as well.

No excuse to not tr one now

Bushwakker Gluten Free

That's right Regina gluten haters, The Bushwakker has released on Twitter that their three award winning gluten free beers are now available. The Glutenburg series of a rousse, blonde and American Pale Ale are here and ready for gluten free consumption. Go try them


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Hog's Head Brewery new to Prairies

New brewery Hog's Head is starting soon in St Albert near Edmonton. They are actually sharing their space with Amber's, who have been looking for a new home. Welcome to the prairies
guys!


http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20120728/SAG0801/307289986/hogs-head-brewing-gets-regulatory-go-ahead

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Gotta love international diplomacy

As reported by Sherbrooke liquor and on CBN, the Edmonton liquor store known for one offs has partnered this time out of country. A combined recipe with Denmark's Ugly Duck Brewing, this limited time imperial coffee vanilla porter called Hans Across the Water is a "light hearted appeal for diplomacy between the two governments". The tiny Hans Island sits between Greenland and Ellesmere and both countries lay claims to it. Having government troubles in negotiating, the two breweries figure they should sit down over a beer and hash it out

Funny and interesting


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Congrats Manitoba

Great to hear Manitoba is getting some interprovincial beer in. As confirmed on Twitter, Double Trouble brewing out of Toronto is now available in the bison province. Their signature ipa Hops and Robbers has been available in other provinces and now in Manitoba too. Congrats guys and congrats Manitobans!
www.doubletroublebrewing.com



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Bushwakker name that beer contest

Once again, brewmaster Mitch at Regina's Bushwakker is leading edge. According to the newest Weekly Wakker, he has formulated the first cascadian dark, or black ipa recipe in Saskatchewan. Go to the website http://www.bushwakker.com/ to name this roasty and hoppy beer by August 4



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Life in Nova Scotia

So I know we've been aloof for a month or so and we promised to better and now we're reporting from Nova Scotia as we do most summers. The @prairiebeer twitter feed is really the place to be but if you're interested in Nova Scotia brews we LOVE then you'll be happy to know that Propeller Extra Special Bitter can be found in very select stores in Calgary. Don't know about the chuck but I imagine so. I get mine at the Eau Claire market liquor store. Also Garrison is available in some fashion too. I've had hopyard found at a fee stores. I'm enjoying their red right now. Explore and find an east coast beer!


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In another naming contest, Alley Kat has announced the name of their upcoming big bottle will be Work of Tart Raspberry Ale. Launching July 12, this is sure to be a tasty fruit beer

Also tonight us their next cask at the Next Act Pub. It's the brew berry with some cinnamon


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Location:Alley Kat beer named

WR seasonal

Calgary's Wild Rose has their seasonal out right now - Hoodoo Hef. Thus Bavarian weisse beer has a hazy golden colour and deliciously summer taste. We did have a work meeting at the taproom and tried it. Wow - go get one




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Great Western -a good company

So last month Great Western out of Saskatoon was voted, yet again, as one of Canada's 50 best managed companies

Maybe it's the bonuses paid out in beer?

Congrats GW


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Been away. Sorry

Ok,


I know it's been like a month but we've been too busy to drink beer. I know we clearly need a new job

However we are on vacation now and will quickly update some seasonals from the prairies and the be reporting from Southern ON


So..,,


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Craft Beer in Kenora!

Technically not the prairies, but we count Northern Ontario in the blog basically because I'm from there and up until this spring there was no beer news to speak of anyway.

However, as reported on CBN and in the Kenora newspaper Lake of the Woods Enterprise, the Northwestern ON town will have a new brewery by the year's end.

Lake of the Woods Brewing will be a microbrewery and pub located in the historic fire hall. The town's bistro and inn owner, Taras Manzie, his wife and father are starting the brewery under the name that previously existed in Kenora from 1927 - 1954.

For those of you that don't know, Kenora lies almost on the Manitoba border, less than two hours from Winnipeg but 6 hours from Thunder Bay - man Northern Ontario's big.

The brewery will launch later this year once construction is complete with a Firehouse amber ale and a blond.

So nice to give Crystal and run in the Northern Ontario.

WR Hop Smashed In

The latest seasonal from Calgary's Wild Rose brewery was released last week at the taproom. Hop Smashed In is described as a Belgian styled IPA.

The press released describes as "This unfiltered amber coloured ale is a unique version of our IPA. A generous amount of hops are “smashed” into the brew along with a specially selected Belgian yeast, to provide notes of fruit and spice. Unique? Yes. Delicious? We think so!"

The beer is available at the taproom and in 650ml bottles at select stores.

I have a feeling there's a play on the famous Alberta site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump.

Hmmm, maybe not.

Yellowhead Lager - Nice Beer

So the fine folks at Yellowhead in Edmonton were kind enough to let us try their Premium Lager recently and we truly appreciate it. Yellowhead's Premium Lager is fresh lager with a great colour. Very drinkable beer and one can see this being a patio beer now that the weather has turned from cold to, well, less cold. The colour and aroma lead to malty carmel notes.

We're reporting because although no news has been released, we have a feeling shipments of Yellowhead might be finding their way do other parts of Alberta soon ...

we hope

Granville Island English Pale Ale released

In a press release this week, Granville Island is promoting the release of their English Bay Pale Ale in response to warmer spring weather. Described by their brewmaster:

"This copper coloured brew is handcrafted with crystal malts for a smooth, caramel malt flavour and mouthwatering aroma. A classic English pale ale with a West Coast twist, it has a dry roasted finish and just the right amount of bitterness to bring out the smoky sweetness in grilled meats ... Made for life's best moments, English Pale Ale is the ideal accompaniment to any grilled meal. Sip on a glass of English Pale Ale as you bite into a juicy, grilled Angus beef burger."

Sounds like a great accompaniment to a BBQ, or a party, or a Wednesday.

Alley Kat wants you to name their next Big Bottle

With their next Big Bottle coming out in May, Alley Kat is yet again having a contest where it's patrons can name its next beer. The last one went over fairly well, being named "the Bitter Truth" ESB.

Submissions are taken April 16-20 via facebook and Twitter or emailing the brewery directly (thekats@alleykatbeer.com)

The next style to be released will be a Saison pale ale.

Do you have the next cool Alley Kat name?

Hops and Robbers full time in Sask

According to Twitter, Toronto based Double Trouble's beer Hops and Robbers has been approved by Saskatchewan Liquor Board to be sold in 6 packs.

Previously found on tap at Winston's in Saskatoon and Beer Brothers in Regina, I have a feeling more and more pubs will be carrying this Toronto beer.

Characterized as a golden IPA with fruity lemon and pineapple aromas, it is dry hopped for a great finish.

Maybe we'll see it in the rest of the prairies soon enough

Paddockwood limited beer seasonal is out

Paddockwood Sine Nomine is a limited edition Belgian style ale and the name is Latin for "without a name". Too bad it's only available at the Paddock Wood brewery in Saskatoon.

According to CBN, brewer Steve Cavan explains this 8%'er as a "very light and highly carbonated with delicate spiciness and fruitiness from the Belgian yeast. We also used clover flower extract which is made locally to both lighten the body and give a floral aromatic nuance."

Very cool

Apparently it took the staff at Paddock Wood two days to package these 750ml bottles so, Saskatoonians, go to the brewery and get one.

Calgary International Beerfest Tickets Available

It's almost here again beer fans - Calgary's beerfest! It's an event that has matured over the years and it's still a great place to catch some new beers and see some that maybe you have not seen before.

We're thinking this year might be the best opportunity for Calgarians to taste some Yellowhead from Edmonton or Ribstone Creek from Edgerton, or maybe even Village, - three fairly newer provincial breweries. These would be a reason to go this year.

Like "Beerfest" isn't a reason already.

Of course prairie favs like Wildrose, Great Western and Paddock Wood, Ambers, Brewsters, Big Rock, Brew Brothers, and Grizzly Paw will be there as well.

You can get tickets online at Calgary Beerfest for the event May 4th and 5th

Ally Kat Brewberry back again

Back for another year, the summer seasonal from Ally Kat - Brewberry is back. This wheat beer is infused nicely with blueberry. It finishes nicely and really is a nice summer patio beer.

Available in 6 packs throughout Alberta.

Ally Kat

Minhas targets woman

Of course. As reported on the Great Canadian Beer Blog (and good for them) Wisconsin / Calgary based Minhas Microbrewery has announced the release of a variety of flavoured beers targeted at the ever expanding female beer drinkers. The Uptown Girl brands will feature three beers: the 57 calorie (how many Canadian joules is that?) Uptown Girl Premium Light Lager, Uptown Girl Cherry Belgian Red and Uptown Girl Strawberry Blonde Ale. The Belgian Red has organic cherry juice and the Strawberry Blonde has hints of banana.

All beers have only 4% alcohol and are found in 207 ml bottles as "woman typically drink beer slower than men, causing the beer in the larger bottles to become warm and less enjoyable"

Hmmm.

There you go

Spearhead Brewery has arrived in the west!

Announced on Twitter, Toronto craft brewery Spearhead has sent its second shipment to Saskatoon pub, Winston's. This is the first establishment where the brewery's fairly famous Hawaiian Style Pale Ale can be found in the prairies.

Always exciting to hear of new beers coming west.

I tried this beer at the Halifax Seaport Festival last summer and it will now cause me to find my way to Saskatoon.

Nice work Winston's too - let's bring on the craft!

Spearhead

Winston's

Thanks Ed

Founding Big Rock in 1985 and turning it into one of the most profitable (I think) and expansive regional breweries in the country was Ed McNally.

In a press release this week, Mr. McNally announced he will step down and CEO but will remain on as Chairman of the Board (didn't know he was the new Sinatra).

Replacing Ed will be Robert Sartor, formally of the Forzani Group.

Have a Big Rock this week!

Big Rock

Moxie's Craft Beer - Seriously - read on ...

Available now through May, the dining chain has promoted a deal with 25 different craft breweries across the country to carry craft beers. Served in draught the prairie connected Moxie's will carry:

Manitoba: Fort Garry Dark Ale, Fort Garry Rouge, Half Pints Little Scrapper IPA and Half Pints Stir Stick Stout

Prairies - I think this means Saskatchewan - Big Rock Dunkelweizen Dark Wheat Ale, Paddock Wood Red Hammer and Paddock Wood 606, and Great Western Original 16 Canadian Pale Ale

Alberta - Wild Rose Brown Ale, Wild Rose Wraspberry, Big Rock Dunkel, Alley Kat Charlie Flint Organic and Amber's Sap Vampire Maple Lager.

ok - BC's carrying Stanley Park Noble Pilsner (I love this brewery), Phillips Blue Buck, Whistler Whiskey Jack Pale Amber Ale, Granville Island Brockton IPA and Russell Angry Scotch Ale

AND GOOD FOR YOU MOXIE'S - Go eat there!!!!

and drink a craft.

Half Pints Black Galaxy

St. Patrick's Day saw a lot of different stouts (and green beer, but really) but it also so the release of Black Galaxy from Half Pints in Winnipeg. Released primarily at the brewery in the peg, it sold out in moments. Sorry if you're just catching wind on this now.

A Cascadian Dark ale that has been jacked up with Australian Galaxy hops - I know - totally out of this world.

Luckily you can find it on tap at BeerBros apparently - except you'd need to go to Regina.

You can also find bottles in select shops in Alberta. Sorry Winnipeg.

Half Pints

The Farmery Estate Brewery coming in 2013

Breaking ground in Neepawa Manitoba is the future home of The Farmery Estate Brewery (announced on Canadian Beer News). About 200 clicks west of Winnipeg this area is about the only place left in the prairies lacking some local brews. We also have a family farm out there, so I'm personally exited about this announcement.

Looking to be entirely self sufficient with grain and hops, this will be a truly cool endeavour. It is started by Chris and Lawrence Warwaruk who own Luxlalune Gastropub in Winnipeg.

Neat

The Farmery

Winnipeg Free Press Article

Fort Garry Brewmaster Series

A little delayed but arriving March 12 will be Fort Garry's latest in the Brewmaster Series - Kona Imperial Stout. According to twitter, the date's slightly delayed, but according to the website this beer will be brewed with "50 punds of rich coffee beans from Kona, Hawaii, plus two types of hops and ten malts."

Love Stouts, Love coffee, should be a no brainer. Oh yeah - except getting to Manitoba. Hmm

Fort Garry

Hops and Robbers coming to Saskatchewan

Announced on Twitter this week, Double Trouble Brewing Co. out of Toronto will be coming to the prairies. Brewers of Hops and Robbers an "extra delicious IPA" will be tapping their brew at Winston's in Saskatoon as well as Beer Brothers in Regina.

The beer is described as: "This is golden IPA with an exceptionally rich and complex character. Fruity aromas of lemon with hints of pineapple combine crisply with toasty caramel flavours and a tasty malt backbone. Dry hopping with cascade hops ensures more hop aromatics are retained in the finished beer."

Either they get into Alberta, or I guess I've gotta git to Regina this spring.

Double Trouble Brewing

Alley Kat Seasonal Coming

With the turn of the months comes the turn of new seasonals. Alley Kat will launch an ESB in March, named The Bitter Truth. They had a contest in February that had lovers submit names for the new English Bitter.

Coming out in big bottles March 8th.

Man, I love ESBs - I'm sooooo excited for this

Wild Rose Seasonal

This weekend marked the latest release of a seasonal at Wild Rose - Foothillz Pilz. Man do Albertans love their pilsners and this one is back for another run. A superior pil in malt that uses three hop flavours is sure to please any and all prairie drinkers. If you ever needed a reason to try a craft beer but was never sure - now's the time. You will love this straw coloured pilsner.

Wild Rose / YeastWrangler One off

To help celebrate its 16th anniversary, Wild Rose in Calgary will develop a unique recipe brew with club members of Canada's largest homebrew club - the Cowtown Yeast Wranglers. The 16th anniversary brew will come out in August in 650 ml bottles, on tap at the taproom and in selected shops.

Very cool collaboration

Wild Rose

YeastWranglers

Alley Kat Seasonal

Continuing with their Dragon Series, Alley Kat has launched their new Double IPA now Green. Over a 100 IBUs this double trouble is sure to please you hop heads out there. Find in cool liquor stores or at the brewery in 650 ml - it's their Big Bottle Series. You know it well by now.

Alley Kat

Barrel Full of Monkeys

A version of a previously brewed stout this brew is aged in Wild Turkey bourbon barrels. Twitter was a buzz with this release on Friday and we didn't take part because these 355ml bottles are only found at Paddock Wood store and a few bars.

A special additional six barrels are still aging and will be later released in February. Maybe in Alberta?

Doubt it. Lucky Saskatoonians.

Hey, they have to be lucky for something.

Regina to host National Homebrew Competition

The Regina ALES will host this year's National Homewbrew Competition Canadian Qualifier and ALES Homebrew Open. This is the largest homebrew event in Canada with winners advancing to the round of American Homebrewers National Competition.

There will be representatives (I'm sure) in all 28 categories recognized by the BJCP (hey, I took that exam - it's tough)

Regina ALES is hosted by Bushwakkers brewpub and this competition will be as well.

Can't wait to see if any YeastWranglers take some prizes.

Maybe an Edmonton Homebrewers' Guilder

or even a Werthog from Lethbridge

though I suppose a Headhunter from Saskatoon is a possibility

Village Brewery Release Blacksmith

We recently sat down with Jim Button of Village to talk about the start up the brewery and let me tell you things sound pretty cool. Place looks good and you can find their Blonde in some Calgary pubs.

Well finally released is their newest brew, an IPA, Blacksmith. This IPA is darker than most and though it has higher IBUs, it will please all palates.

Nice to see things on their way.

Village Facebook

Kokanee to be Brewed in the Chuck

As reported on CBN, through the Creston Valley Advance, Labatt has announced plans to brew the popular beer in its plant in Edmonton.

The Columbia Brewery in Creston will still be the primary brewery of the beer but as it grows to brew more of Labatt's line-up, a percentage of this beer will be produced in Edmonton.

Well there you go.

Hey, it's Prairie Beer News

Creston Valley Advance

Wild Rose Seasonal - Yet Another

Launched but a few weeks after its Nocturnal Ale (still available at the tap house, by the by) Dave and boys have released their version of Dubbel. T'is the season eh?

WR Belgian Style Dubbel is described as,

"Reddish brown in colour with a rich malty sweetness, this complex brew will have you noticing new flavours with each sip! Brewed using the best Alberta-grown malted barley as a base - this beer is enhanced with a blend of three specialty malts that provide sweet notes of raisin and plum. On the tongue it is rich and malty with a nice balance of clove-like spice from the Belgian yeast used in fermentation."

Also available in 650 ml bottles at cool liquor stores, this Dubbel won't knock you off your chair with alcohol (even though is more than 7%), so go enjoy one.

Wild Rose

Alley Kat's LAtest Big Bottle

Released earlier this month, Alley Kat's Abbey Kat is the latest in its Big Bottle series and is a Belgian Style Quad. Wow - quad .... cool. Described as,

"Taking a page from the traditional Monastery breweries in Belgium, Alley Kat releases Abbey Kat a “double Dubbel” or Quadrupel brew. This high alcohol beer has notes of burnt caramel, fruit and clove."

The Double Dubbel (way better than the Tim Horton's version) was launched last week and can be found in cool liquor stores in Aberta.

Alley Kat