Alberta bound

OK so people always ask us what we recommend but we don't like that question because our tastes are not yours. What we try to do is direct people to a Canadian craft alternative

But what do we like here in AB?

In Calgary we spend a lot of time at Wild Rose and it's mostly for the crude stout. An absolute favourite

Alley Kat's Charlie Flint is a go to beer and is always in the fridge

Brew Brothers Ambush Pale Ale is enjoyable but harder to find

Village's wit is thankfully in many pubs and our 'in pub' go to. Delicious

In Canmore we like Grizzly Paw's rutting elk red

If you ever get a chance to try Brewster's coconut porter do it

Ambers' Chocolate stout is nice, though we love stouts

This is getting long but we've turned lager drinkers onto Yellowhead and Drummond and if you're ever in the mountains when Banff Ave has a Saskatoon beer on try it.

All fairness we have not made it up to Hogshead or Norseman but will soon

There you go - get out and try them


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Our national picks - AB

We were recently at a gathering and a friend's father asked if we were still writing about Canadian craft beer. A few lame excuses ensued and a realization that some serious time has indeed passed since even an appearance by us in TAPS - Canada's beer magazine

Well here's an attempt at resurrection.

A look at our Canadian beers that you can readily find in the prairies.

Our mission has always been in promotion and appreciation of Canadian craft so we won't rate the beer - everyone does that and beers' many flavours exist because someone liked it.

OK. It'd be dumb to start outside of Alberta so the posts will start in AB


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Breweries in SK's big cities

Saskatchewan is going through a craft beer boom if late and it's two bigger cities are leading the way. Already with the likes of Paddock Wood, Bushwakker and Great Western, the cities can add two more to the list

Saskatoon's Prairie Sun brewery has begun in a quaint shop and serves local baked goods too. With 306 Urban Wheat, Prairie Lily Lager and Crazy Farm Ale leading its line up, this prairie proud brewery will please the prairie palate

In capitol city you'll now find Mus Knuckle lager at The District. Focusing on one lager Regina now has another great local beer option

Make the trip the rectangle province and enjoy some good new beer!

Follow them on twitter @prairiesunbeer and @districtbrewing



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Swift Current - craft beer hotbed?

It was bound to happen and it's begun. Micro and nano breweries are filling in the smaller areas of the country and Swift Current is the next example.
With two breweries opening the Saskatchewan town is a craft beer destination spot.
Bin brewery with Canadian manufacturing and ingredients is the ultimate in Prairie pride. Check out their beer in support of Rider Nation
http://bit.ly/1aydSTA

Secondly we have Black Bridge set to open in 'Speedy Creek' this spring. Production is well underway and with a passion for quality beer, Black Bridge will most importantly produce some great prairie recipes
http://on.fb.me/199VuQw
Follow them on twitter @BLckBrgBrew
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Final pub is Paddy's

Well this is the last post from the east coast Canadian craft trip of the Fundy area.

Kentville and Wolfville have these local brewpubs and Kentville is where the trip ended.

Paddy's has a great atmosphere and great beers. All brewed on location this pub regularly brews Acadian cream ale, Raven ale (Scotish), Chimney swift stout and the favourite, Annapolis valley ale - a little hoppy, this one

A good way to finish up a trip, or a day out and about, try Paddy's Pub (http://paddyspub.ca/brewery/)




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At sea level

Probably the altitude too, but I am referring to the microbrewery in Port Williams Nova Scotia.

To be honest it was a tour that started in NS wine country but ended with a brew tour - thankfully.

You can find the beers of Sea Level at The Port Pub (http://www.theportpub.com/drinks/sea-level-brewing-draught) or walk away with large bottles - I did both.

Thoroughly enjoyed Blue Heron ESB, though by now you may see a pattern in our tastes. Also very delicious is the Port in the Storm Porter.

So if you continue along the Northumberland Strait make sure you stop in Port Williams and the Sea Level Brewing (http://www.sealevelbrewing.com/brewery/)






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Missed opportunity

More than a great Hall and Oats song, we missed an opportunity to meet a couple new micro in Nova Scotia and an 'ole bird too.
As we were in the Pictou area the choice was now North to Cape Breton or Southish down the coast. Unfortunately for the future island separatist nation we could not fit it in and it's too bad really.

A new micro opened this passed year Big Spruce Brewing in Nyanza, outside Baddeck on Cape Breton. http://www.bigspruce.ca/
Difficult to find the home, but not the beer. I had a recon team go find it and it was easy to find in local pubs. All good reports on it too, but alas my field team dropped the ball and did not return with a growler for me. New staff will be put in place soon.

Also along that way you would hit Guysborough, and find the Rare Bird Pub http://www.rarebirdpub.com/brewery/index.htm
Missed this trip but we've been there before and the pub is great and beer well thought out. Not a normal stop, but make sure you make it one

Finally, Antigonish is along that way and known for St FX, but now also for the Townhouse Pub http://antigonishtownhouse.blogspot.ca/?m=1
When I spoke to them, unfortunately their beer is not ready yet, but will be within the next months.
All these misses just means that's the way we go next year.
Then we actually report on the beer and the places
Happy beer traveling in traveling
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Location:Antigonish

On to Nova Scotia + Uncle Leo's

Rounding down from Fredericton it seems that Shiretown is the only NB brewery missed but it is up toward the Gaspe peninsula - sounds like a trip for next year.

Coming into Nova Scotia the first stop before the beaches is to find some local beer. Well it doesn't get more local than Uncle Leo's.

Having read about this brewery opening only a couple weeks ago the excitement of new Canadian beer grew.

Karl and Rebecca have a great story. He's originally from Nfld, she's a local and they've been around Pictou long enough for both to be called locals

Technically, the brewery is in Lyon's Brook, just outside of Pictou. The name is an homage to Karl's actual Uncle Leo who used to brew beer.

We pulled up and were fortunate to meet both of these people and taste both of their current brews.

In this quaint old barn Karl is brewing a red ale and an ipa. Both brews are very drinkable and personally I quite enjoyed the ipa. Not overly hoppy it is surely to gain popularity in the area

If the complete friendliness of this couple wasn't impressive enough, the constant influx of locals and tourists was. With the future goal of producing some of Uncle Leo's original recipes, it looks like a promising endeavour.











http://uncleleosbrewery.ca/

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A little beer surprise in NB capital

So after leaving Picaroons brewtique I was determined to locate Grimross brewery.

Looking at their Facebook page (https://m.facebook.com/pages/Grimross-Brewing-Co/110264115801307?id=110264115801307&_rdr) I had trouble locating an address, but I was determined, so I called

Luckily it was still the lunch hour and I got a hold of Stephen Dixon, owner and head brewer. Turns out they brew out of Pucaroons brewtique for now. So I turned around and went back to the brewtique.

I got in and asked around and ran right into Stephen. A quick introduction from him and about his beer and he directed me to the fridge they sell out of

Relieved I didn't need to travel more and excited to try new beer I bought the only one they had ready - a farmhouse ale

It didn't take long to open it and enjoy. A great little operation going on there with great beer. Also producing Cheval D'Or and a stout, Stephen is inspired by Belgian and French beers.

Also having partaken in their first beer bash (Picaroons hosted a beer bash last week) Grimross is well on their way to greatness.




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To Fredericton

Well once St John was drank dry, well not really, it is off to try the beer taps of Fredericton
Excitement built as I knew much of the Picaroons brewery, a former Canadian Award winning Brewery of the year and we had experienced some beers at a Halifax Seaport Festival one year. As we entered Fredericton the brewery's address was Googled and Siri led me to a spot away from the main part of town. Experience has taught me that when this happens the brewery acts strictly as a work place and no tasting room or tap room exist and again, this held true.
Stopping anyway I spoke with brewers and asked the best place to get the beer and it turns out they have a 'brewtique' on the main strip in town.
I then asked to use their washroom and in it hung a poster for Buswakker in Regina. I inquired about it and they said 'They make great beer' - and they do
Siri 'recalculated' and off we went. Entering the brewtique I was saddened again in that there were no taps - only bottle and swag sales. I would return for bottles but was very hungry and thirsty. The good people directed me to a wonderful nearby restaurant with Picaroons on tap and all was well in Fredericton once again
So which beer?
Well they brew a number of recipes but the favourites were their Dark and Stormy, Dooryard summer ale and Simeon Jones amber.
Packed the car with these ones as the beer cannot be found out of New Brunswick yet. Hopefully one day we will see them in Alberta liquor stores.








http://www.picaroons.ca/
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Big Tide in St John

Don't mean the ocean's response to the moon and sun, but the brew pub in St John

Walking around the city looking for Big Tide I came across a little sign sticking out from a wall. To be honest, I almost walked right by and that would have been a shame and black mark on our country-wide collection of brewery visits.

Popped in for a pint and stayed for a bite. Started with a sea worthy ipa and had time for an Irish red, this pub does beer well.

When in St John make sure stop in for a couple of beers at Big Tide - unfortunately more Canadian craft beer we can't get in the prairies









http://www.bigtidebrew.com/

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Moosehead in St John NB

So continued the NB travels into St John and there are a number of patio pubs looking out over the water. A great set up of walk ways and watering holes.
I researched for the one that fit us the best and the St John Ale House (http://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/saintjohnalehouse?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saintjohnalehouse.com%2F#2618) did not disappoint. A great selection of maritime and other Canadian craft but the best was their cask made only for them by Moosehead. A New Brunswick staple we've always been a fan of the lager and the history but to be treated to a Moosehead cask condition ale is a beer traveler's treat for sure
Stop here when visiting St John, drink Moosehead on a hot day (of course I stopped in the main building too) and for goodness sake drink the local beer!







http://www.moosehead.ca/

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Location:St John NB

Lots of laundry to do ...

So as posted I hit Laundromat espresso cafe in search of Acadie Broue and it wasn't on tap at the time. With great disappointment and sad puppy eyes I explained who I was and why I was there. They were polite enough to listen to who but the cross country search impressed them and they told me of the tap they had.

First tap ever of Celtic Knot Brewing (https://m.facebook.com/CelticKnotBrewing?id=131634277023047&_rdr) out of Riveriew, outside Moncton.

Yet again, Laundromat Espresso is the only tap pulling this nanobrewery too! I Love this place!

Oh the pale ale? Great. A favourite style of ours and this one had a great aroma and finish




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Moncton's surprise

Ah yes Moncton. Who knew you'd hold such a gem. Had the delight of tasting some of Acadie Broue beers at a Halifax seaport beerfest (http://www.seaportbeerfest.com/) and swore someday I'd find them. This day came but as a surprise.

According to Acadie Broue's Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/pages/Acadie-Broue/176759632361301?id=176759632361301&_rdr) the beer can be found at Laundromat Espresso so I went. Well turns out this is the only place pulling a tap of this nanobrewery and the place is awesome. So nice they changed a cask for me so I could try the saison and it was delicious

I wasn't sure there was a reason to go to Moncton, but this is it (https://m.facebook.com/pages/Laundromat-Expresso-Bar/133734576637538?id=133734576637538&_rdr)







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Moncton - from expected to surprised

We've been to east coast on a beer adventure before but with new breweries popping up so much we thought it time to go again. Having sort of by passed New Brunswick before the logical first stop was Pumphouse in Moncton

We've had their beer before (you can get their Blueberry Ale, scotch Ale and Fire Chief's Red in Alberta - even seen their cadian cream ale) but this time we stopped at the pub.

Able to enjoy lunch with my family and the Muddy River Stout for the first time. Love stouts and this was a good one. Good chocolate and espresso notes.
Great visit and a long time a coming!





http://www.pumphousebrewery.ca/


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Maritime craft adventure

I know, I know. It's been a long while and I just expect you to just come running back. I think for a while we didn't really have much to say this past few months. There's been beer advancements but nothing we were so excited about. Well it's changed. On vacation and found new beers - even for us. So here we go .... Off to the maritimes


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Location:New Brunswick

Summers Comin'

Alley Kat started summer off already this week by releasing their summer seasonal.  The Edmonton brewery released Summer Squeeze Grapefruit Ale, brewed with, of course, grapefuits.

"The medium gold ale has the aroma of freshly squeezed grapefruit and a flavour that is a perfect balance between grapefruit and citrus."

You know it's warm enough in Calgary to try one of these on the deck - I guess we should.

Ribstone Creek - Canned

Earlier this month, new came from Edgerton, Alberta - I know really?  News in Edgerton, but of course it was beer related.

Ribstone Creek announced that with the brewery in full production they can now add canning to line and this bodes well for us all in Alberta.  Very soon we will see Ribstone cans in Alberta liquor stores across the province.

Yeah!

Natural Born Keller - great name WR

Released last week was the latest brew from Calgary's Wild Rose. This california style Keller Bock is a new seasonal that combines California common, Keller Bier and Bock styles to create this original flavour.

As stated in the press release, "We set out to create a stronger lager that is crisp, yet with the bold flavours of an ale"

We recently tried it and it's a hit.  Natural Born Keller - love the name, too.

Alley Kat Seasonals Still available

Produced recently and in high demand, Alley Kat has two delicious seasonals to find.
Three Bears Oatmeal Stout is back again and a little toug to find unless you're in Edmonton.  Worth the drive though, this "stout is sure to warm you up"

Also still around is the Darn Tartan Scotch Ale.  Formly called kilt lifter this beer "has a distinctly delicious malt flavour evoking hints of toastiness and smoke and finishing with hints of carmel and hazelnut.

We're not huge scotch ale fans, but we're told it's a good one.

Enjoy

      

Ontario Beer in Alberta

So we are going back on the road to find our beer roots.  It's been a while and to tell you the truth we haven't posted in so long because you start to lose touch.  You get stagnant and uninspired doing the same thing over and over.  So we're heading back out to do what got us inspired to talk about Canadian craft beer in the first place.

We are heading to what's arguably become the Canadian epicentre of craft beer, Toronto.  It's quite amazing how many new little micro and nano breweries that have popped up in T dot in the last year or two.  So we're heading there in search of new beer we haven't tasted yet.

Before we go, though, we thought we should acknowledge the Ontario beers that we do enjoy here in Alberta and through the prairies.  So here's our top 5 ok 6

6.  Hops and Robbers

Double Trouble's Hops and Robbers IPA is a drinkable IPA for all.  It's hoppy, but not the hoppy that will tun off a non-IPA drinker.  It will, in fact lead people to try other IPA's

5 - Steamwhistle

Great pilsner.  They do one beer, but it's good.  You find it everywhere and even though it seems like you can't get away from it - they're still relatively small.  We like it.

4.  Wellington

A little tough to find, but when you see it, grab it.  Wellington Dark is usually what is available and it is a good dark beer.  Malty and rich, it's a pleaser.

3. Muskoka

You can see seasonals from time to time out here, but lately a staple of Mad Tom IPA has been available in stores in Alberta and thank goodness.  This is absolutely one of the country's premier IPA's and we get to enjoy it.  It's hoppy, but if you're looking for something new - it's new.

2. Mill Street      

Holy crap are we ever happy you can get Mill St everywhere.  Especially Tankhouse.  What a delicious beer.  If you haven't bought a 6 pack of this, or the organic, or the coffee beer - try it.
We promise you will not be disappointed.  It's an effort in the stores because you really can't find it on drought.

1. Waterloo

Seems to be that you can only get this in a taster pack these days but that's ok.  The beers in the taster pack include the Waterloo Amber, IPA and the Dark.  It's the Dark that we REALLY want to hit home with here.  I don't know if we truly have a "favourite" beer, but if we did, this may be it.

Wow! It's been a long time a coming

And not the Tragically Hip. Well we used to be, maybe. It's been too long and we've unfortunately had to focus on other aspects of our lives, but I think we've got some consistency and are back

With the annual YeastWrangler round up homebrewer competition and gala going on this week the thoughts of craft beer has been on our minds and it's time to discuss.

The round up is arguably the best and most well attended competition in the west and even in Canada. Take a look at the YeastWrangler site for innerspring or follow @yestwranglers to read them on twitter
http://yeastwranglers.brewcompetition.com/