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