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