Prairie Beer Blogger

Alley Kat Seasonal

2012-02-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

Labatt Local Series

2011-12-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

As reported on Canadian Beer News, Labatt is set to launch its "local area code" brews throughout Canada.

Inspired by the Goose Island Brewery's popular 312 Urban Wheat from Chicago and Amsterdam's 416 Urban Wheat, Labatt will release many local beers including a 403 and 780 for Calgary and Edmonton.

Neat.

Big Rock Brewmaster's Series

2011-12-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

The new Beer in Big Rock's Brewmaster Series will be out in January and it's a Dunkelweizen Dark Wheat Ale. The press release states that:

Dunkewlweizen is a dark wheat ale comprised of a blend of 5 distinctive malts. This unique bavarian masterpiece has a wide spectrum of flavours & aromas varying from chocolate, coffee, vanilla and a few other surprises lurking in the background.

We are loving the new beers from Big Rock - welcome back!

Craft Beer Hits Globe and Mail

2011-12-30T19:38:00.001-08:00

The Globe and Mail did a nice article on the Canadian craft beer market and spanned the country. Great representation highlighted from the prairies.

Nice job Jim Gibbons from Ambers and Steve Cavan from Paddock Wood.

Globe Article

Prairie Picks

2011-12-28T15:45:00.001-08:00

OK,

We were asked by a number of friends for advise on bringing various beers to holiday parties or to bring an "interesting 6 pack" as a gift for a host or beer lover more this year than ever before. The craft movement is here, my friends, roll with it.

Now we intended to blog and tweet and all that social stuff while we chatted about it but never got around to it - sorry. With more parties happening this week and NYE we have decided to post our picks.

Now in true Prairie Beer Blogging, we will give you our favourite prairie 6 pack. A great idea to bring a host is a sample of great beers from the prairies. So here we go ...

1 - Fort Garry Dark - I can be sure your host hasn't had a Fort Garry and we don't give this bee enough credit. It's dark, but they'll love it!

2 - Wild Rose Velvet Fog - depending on your recipient, this could be a tough sell when they pour it as it is VERY cloudy. But oh so delicious.

3 - Paddock Wood Bete Noire - Again, out of Paddock Wood's line-up, Bete Noire does not get the credit it deserves. A stout that all can enjoy.

4 - Alley Kat Charlie Flint - What a great beer and there hasn't been a person I've given this to who didn't like it.

5 - Half Pint Little Scrapper ipa - IPA's are tough gifts but to put together a sampler and not put one in seems wrong. This one is fun and a good taste.

6 - Grizzly Paw's Rutting Elk Red. Every Canadian loves a good red and this one is one your host will love!

Alternate - Brecknock Pilsner - ok we know we shouldn't but if if you're store is out of one these try a Brecknock pilsner. Your host will not have heard of it and will enjoy it. It's a great story beer.

OR - Great Western Pilsner. A lot of Great Western Beers sell but this is their best beer. Turn people on to it.

Enjoy putting together your Western Sampler (Hmm that would be a great name)

New TAPS finally here

2011-12-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Seems like I post this each time it FINALLY hits the west. That said, the winter issue of TAPS - The Beer Magazine is finally available in the west. Many great articles - a lot of international and food related ones this round. From the west, there's one on Festive Beers but there's a GREAT one on Ambers Brewing Co.

You know it's a great magazine - pick one up.

Maybe even write or email TAPS and tell them how much you love the articles that James Burla writes

Oh Happy Day Thunder Bay!!!!

2011-12-07T20:45:00.001-08:00

OK, so some of you might not count Thunder Bay, ON, as the prairies, but I do and it's our site. It is Northern Ontario and the point where the Canadian Shield meets the prairies (well sort of). Anyway it's my home town and I am so very glad to see craft beer will once again flow through the Kaministiquia River.

Sleeping Giant Brewing Company is set to open its doors in the spring and according to their facebook page post on tasting we may see the likes of a wheat ale, oatmeal stout, porter, vanilla porter - the likes to which TBay has never had.

Great job guys. It's a tough go starting and a tough city to crack - I wish you well and will be having friends bring some of your beers out west the first chance I get.

Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

Raspberry Blonde in Blonde

2011-12-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

No, not a hot girl we saw there, the new beer on tap at Banff Ave Brewing. Its gotta be good - it's a raspberry blonde.

Now if they have a raspberry blonde waitress serve it you, not that's marketing!

Banff Ave Brewing

Big Bulge Saison back at Brewsters

2011-12-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

Yeah - French Saison is back. Known for the French area of Belgium where the battle of the bulge took place, the saison is spicy, lemony and orangey. Nice.

Good excuse to go for dinner

Brewsters

Calgary's Minhas Brewery Finlly brewed in Calgary

2011-12-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

According to the Calgary Herald, Minhas Beer will finally be brewed in Calgary. Minhas Brewery is spending 5 million on a facility in the NE and produce their Mountain Crest and Minhas beers. The beers have been produced in Wisconsin since a facility in the sate bought the company in 2006. Set to come back home, the brewery will now be renamed Minhas Craft Brewery.

There you go.

Calgary Herald

Half Pints Winter Harvest

2011-11-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon - Demeter's Harvest. This a wheat wine with an 11% winter warmer. Another great endeavour of something different from the boys at Half Pints. Unfortunately for all you barley wine lovers, they are not producing their burly wine this year - making the Demeter's Harvest instead.

Hey change is good. Hope it makes its way out of the 'peg'

http://halfpintsbrewingco.blogspot.com/

Calgary Beer Coming Home

2011-11-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

We always thought it was weird that Molson's Calgary beer was still brewed, but only sold in Saskatchewan. It was very shocking to see it for the first time one day while visiting Regina. As a non-Calgary native I didn't know this as a Calgary staple, but those of you who have been missing it - it's back. Now brewed in Molson's Vancouver plant, Calgary beer has been brought back as a promotion but could return again for the century of Stampede this year.

Some History from Canadian Beer News: "Originally brewed by Calgary Brewing & Malting before that company was taken over by Carling-O’Keefe, the brand was withdrawn from its home market in the mid-1980s, but remained available in Saskatchewan. New parent company Molson brought it back to Calgary for two limited runs, the most recent in 1992, but it has not been seen there since."

Trouble and Strife IPA at Grizzly Paw

2011-11-22T14:36:00.001-08:00

Canmore's pub The Grizzly Paw tweeted today that they have their Trouble and Strife Black IPA on tap. I'm going to go with "dark ale". probably "hoppy". Why not head to mountains this week and tell us what you think of it.

Looking to Impress your Friends with Beer?

2011-11-22T08:11:00.001-08:00

As you know we posted the prairie award winners from the Canadian Brewing Awards earlier, but did you know there are other winners that you can get in the prairies.

One way to impress your friends would be to bring over a couple of Canadian Gold Medal Winners from Ontario. Did you know that you can get the following Ontario based beers out here? Try them and show off your knowledge to your friends:

Creemore Springs Traditional Pilsner - Gold in European Lager category

Creemore Springs Kellerbier - Gold in Kellebier category

Millstreet Coffee Porter - Gold in Porter category

They're good - really

http://www.canadianbrewingawards.com/

http://www.creemoresprings.com/

http://www.millstreetbrewery.com/

New Alley Kat Big Bottle Series out

2011-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

The Blue Dragon Double ipa is out in Alberta and is the yang to the ying that was their red dragon ipa. This ale is described as:

The Blue Dragon is dark gold with subtle flavours of citrus & tropical fruit and resin that backs lots of piney hop flavour and an in-your-face bitterness. At 100+ IBUs and single hopped with Columbus, there is no doubt this brew is intended for hop heads.

If you liked Red Dragon, clearly blue is better.

Big Rock Hosts Unity Brew

2011-11-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

The third installment of Alberta Brewer's Unity Brew kicked off this weekend hosted by Paul Gautreau of Big Rock. Started three years ago with an initiative from Michele Lowney of Grizzly Paw in Canmore, and continued last year at Alley Kat, the brewers of Alberta get together to create a recipe and brew a special beer for charity. This year's endeavour, a spiced blonde.

Joining Paul and the boys at Big Rock were brewers from Grizzly Paw of Canmore, Wild Rose, Brew Brothers from Calgary, Alley Kat from Edmonton, Brewsters from both cities and Drummond from Red Deer and Banff Ave Brewing from Banff.

Great work brewers - can't wait to give my money to your charity.

Phillips of BC now in Alberta

2011-11-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

A Happy Day!!!! BC based Phillips has announced a partnership with 49th parallel group to bring anumber of the Phillips brands into Alberta. Regular brews such as Blue Buck and Hop Circle will come in 6 packs and Ginger Beer, Amnesiac, Longboat Chocolate Porter and Hoperation Tripel Cross will appear in 650 ml bottles. Also, seasonals will arrive from time to time.

All great, but we got to say that the Longboat Porter - prairie beer blogger favourite.

Thanks Phillips

http://phillipsbeer.com

Yukon Seasonals for Alberta Eyes Only

2011-11-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Yukon Brewing announced a plan to release three new seasonal beers for the Alberta market only.

The A.D.D. series will include:

Birch Marzen - an amber lager made with Uncle Berwyn's Yukon Birch Syrup

Spiced Winter Ale - a dark ale made with cinnamon, cardamon, anise seed and orange peel

Imperial IPA - made with Goulding, Glacier, Millennium and Cascade hops - whew!

The beers will have limited releases and will appear in 341 ml bottles presented in tubes.

You can get the Marzen now and the Winter Ale will appear in December with the IPA starting the new year.

http://yukonbeer.com/

http://yukonbirch.ca/

Sherbrookes' New "Beer Gods" Series Beer

2011-11-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

The newest in the Beer Gods lineup form Sherbrooke Liquor is out in Edmonton. Silenus Belgian Style Tripel is made with white wine juice and has been contracted out by Paddock Wood.

The name comes from the folk character and companion of Dionysus - Greek god of wine.

http://www.sherbrookeliquor.com/sherbrooke_beer.html

New Alberta brewery!

2011-11-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Very excited that Ribstone Creek Brewery has sort of launched in Alberta. This undertaking of four partners - a farmer, a lawyer, a municipal officer and an automotive tech, have the plan to bring beer to rural Alberta. Bringing in David Beardsell, owner of the Noble Pig in Kamloops to consult, this brewery will plan to operate out of Edgerton within the year. Currently contracted its first beer, Ribstone Creek Lager to Yellowhead in Edmonton, they plan to serve bars in the rural areas.

http://www.ribstonecreekbrewery.ca/

http://thenoblepig.ca/

Chai Spiced Red Ale at Brewsters

2011-10-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Seriously.

Just started pouring this interesting ale. It's a little spicy, still hoppy, still has a malty sweetness.

There are a lot of cool and interesting flavours emerging in the beer world. How many of you thought one would be coming from Brewsters?

You should hit there more often. Cool stuff going on.

http://brewsters.ca/news/now-pouring-chai-spiced-red-ale/

Imperial Pumpkin Ale tapped in Jasper

2011-10-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

What a way to send October out! The boys at Jasper have an Imperial Pumpkin Ale on tap and I can't imagine it lasting too long. If you happen to be up there this weekend make sure you stop in.

Remember though - they're staunch Oiler fans.

They still make good beer, though.

http://www.jasperbrewing.com/

Bushwakker Great Pumpkin Spiced Brown Ale

2011-10-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Regina's Bushwakker has its fall seasonal out now and it's a pumpkin spiced brown ale. I'm imagining pumpkin pie, carbonated and with a creamy head.

This year they made more of it. Last year, there were only kegs and it disappeared in record time. There's a tank of it this year, but alas, they are not bottling it. I know I won't make it to Regina fast enough to try this one, so we'd appreciate any feedback on its deliciousness.

If you want to send us one in the mail we'll reimburse you.

http://www.bushwakker.com/

New TAPS final hits the West

2011-10-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

I know I say it every couple of months, but I can't believe it takes so long to get these out here. Anyway, TAPS - the beer magazine is in the west and can be bought at most breweries (WR) as well as Sherbrooke Liquor as well as any Indigo. It's such a good beer read, but even better - it's Canadian - with a Canadian spin.

How else are you going to keep up with all the new breweries in Quebec and T.O.?

There's a GREAT article on Gulf Island Brewery this issue. Don't know why, but that James Burla does speak to me.

Go buy one - please.

It's Back You Crazy Cherry Porter Fans!

2011-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

That's right, Calgary's Wild Rose has again released its famous cherry porter as the current seasonal. Rated as one of the 101 best beers to drink before you die, this is a great treat.

Brewed with BC cherries, this beer has a fantastic fruity aroma. It's like drinking a piece of black forest cake.

Really it's probably better. Can you imagine blending up a piece of cake, liquifying it and drinking it? Probably not as good. No beer-ness to it either.

Where was I, again?

http://wildrosebrewery.com/beer/canadian-beer.html

Alley Kat - More beers released

2011-10-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

WOW! Alley Kat is moving out new beers faster than I can type. In all fairness, I type really slowly.

The Edmonton brewery has re-released its Three Bears Oatmeal Stout as a seasonal now. Released formally as part of its Big Bottle series, this stout has great roasted flavours and creamy head. I like stouts and this is a gooder.

Secondly, actually as its Big Bottle release is the new Cringer Cranberry Ginger Ale. A ginger beer with a hint of cranberry. Sounds refreshing. With ginger ale this yummy, I can't wait to get sick this season.

- you know, because you drink ginger ale when you don't feel well. Not because this beer makes you sick.

no - not funny. It's tough to type humour you know. If you could match my facial expressions, you'd be laughing.

Just go buy a bottle and be quiet

http://www.alleykatbeer.com/

Fort Garry Brewmaster Series

2011-10-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's finally hitting the shelves. Fort Garry has released it's first of its brewmaster's series with a German Eisbock. Brewed as a high gravity Dopplebock the beauty of the eisbock is that it's then frozen to remove water, leaving this beer a crisp 9.5%

I'm a fan of Fort Garry beers and am so glad to see them moving beers again. What flavour this will have.

http://www.fortgarry.com/

Wild Rose Marzen

2011-10-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Marzens and oktoberfests are abundant, yes. Why not make it a goal to try them on and let us know which is the best in the city? Wild Rose has its seasonal on right now - its Marzen. A good reddish Munich autumnal beer.

I love WR and if you didn't know you can bring your kids there for lunch. So really have no excuse

http://wildrosebrewery.com/beer/canadian-beer.html

Oktoberfest at Brewsters

2011-10-22T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Prairie pub chain Brewsters has their oktoberfest as their seasonal on now. This German lager has a nice reddish colour and tastes good. You gotta eat; might as well head somewhere that has its own beer.

Happy Birthday Half Pints!!!

2011-10-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

Half Pints turns 5 years old already this month! They are celebrating with an anniversary party at The Lo Pub

http://www.halfpintsbrewing.com/

http://www.hihostels.ca/manitoba/422/hi-winnipeg_downtowner_lo_pub_and_bistro.hostel

Great Westerns stays with Huskies

2011-10-09T13:56:00.001-07:00

Saskatoon brewery, Great Western keeps things local by staying on as the official beer of Saskatchewan Huskies Athletics.

What else says university athletics like award winning beer!

Big Rock's Scotch Heavy - Oot and a Boot

2011-10-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

The latest of Big Rock's Brewmaster's series is out in stores and it's their take on a Scottish heavy ale. Brewed with pale, caramel, peated and munich malts, it has that great balance of toffee and vanilla flavours and at 7% will warm you up.

Thanks Paul and your brewmasters series. Great things coming from Big Rock these days.

Alley Kat releases Fresh Hop Full Moon

2011-09-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

The latest in Edmonton's Alley Kat's Big Bottle series is Fresh Hop Full Moon Pale Ale. This special edition of the full moon staple is special as it is brewed with fresh hops, not the pellets.

Get the big bottle series at Alley Kat and at specialty stores through Alberta.

http://www.alleykatbeer.com/

The Village Brewery Opening Soon

2011-09-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Slated to open in late fall, The Village will be Calgary's newest microbrewery. Soon to open on 12A st SE, The Village will be the first micro to open in 15 years. (One could argue WURST)

There are not too many details floating around that I can see, but the soon to be brewery was recently highlighted in the Calgary Herald and Fast Forward.

One of the 6 owners, Jim Button (who had previously worked with Big Rock) explains the brewery's philosophy:

The seemingly improvised setup isn’t accidental. Rather, it fits perfectly into the philosophy of the brewery, which will open in late fall. Jim Button, one of six owners, explains that as many things as possible — including the brewing equipment, beer glasses and tap handles — will be either re-used or built by local businesses.

The concept of creating community is central to the existence of the brewery. After all, the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” has been revised to serve as the unofficial mission statement of the brewery: “It takes a village to raise a brewery.” Ten per cent of the business’s earnings will be donated to community projects, predominantly in the sphere of the arts. Art installations will also decorate a wall or two of the interior.

(from FFWD article)

http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/life-style/booze/it-takes-a-village-to-raise-a-brewery-8088/

http://www.villagebrewery.com/

http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/microbrewery+expand+Calgary+craft+beer+market/5399033/story.html

Alley Kat Cask Night

2011-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sept 22 will see Alley Kat's monthly cask beer nights open at Sugarbowl. The feature is a casked version of Full Moon.

Got to be the only time I'd rather be in Edmonton.

http://www.alleykatbeer.com/news_and_events.htm

HomeBrew / Beer Clubs are up and running

2011-09-21T19:52:00.001-07:00

As September hit, so did the first meetings of the homebrewers and beer enthusiast clubs around the prairies. If you've never been to one of these, seriously find the one in your area. You don't have to know anything about making beer, you just have to enjoy it and want to know something more about it than you already do.

Most memberships are cheap and the company enjoys beer so you know the people are good.

Here's a list:

Headhunters Beer Club of Saskatoon meets at Paddock Wood (first meeting was Sept 13)

Regina Ales of meets at Bushwakker (oktoberfest party Sept 24)

http://www.alesclub.com/

Edmonton Homebrewers Guild meet the first Monday of the month at Alley Kat

http://www.ehg.ca/

Calgary's Cowtown Yeast WRanglers meets the first Monday as well at Wild Rose (their the biggest in Canada - weird eh?)

http://www.yeastwranglers.ca/

Lethbridge Wert Hogs meet the third Sunday of the months

http://www.netcon.ca/werthogs/

Banff Beer Club meets at Banff Ave. Brewing

http://www.banffavebrewingco.ca/Beer-Club.page

Check 'em out

Paddock Wood Winter Ale a comin'

2011-09-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Saskatoon's Paddock Wood announced on Twitter that they have their Winter Ale "in the tank" now so we will be expecting that out in the months to come. In the past this slightly sweet ale has had the spiciness needed for all of us who like those winter/holiday beers.

We're not look forward to the snow, but now maybe at least the winter beers.

Wild Rose turns 15

2011-09-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

The 15th Anniversady Celebration for Wild Rose will be on September 20th. They will have four ONE DAY ONLY beers available at the taproom.

Nectarine Saison with Ginger

Belgian IPA Dry Hopped with citra hops

Irish Red Ale with fresh hops from the WR garden

Dark Scottish Ale aged with oak and whisky

I'm going to be there. I hope your not so there'll be more for me.

http://by160w.bay160.mail.live.com/mail/InboxLight.aspx?n=1788352105#fid=1&fav=1&n=1928283114&mid=cf95c4c8-dfe5-11e0-9b0b-00237de3a320&fv=1

Paddock Wood drunk at Canadian Embassy

2011-09-17T14:39:00.001-07:00

As tweeted today, Paddock Wood has sent its Melon Head Loelsch, 606 ale and Loki to Germany today for a "gathering" at the Canadian Embassy.

Very Cool. At least they'll be able to get some good beer in Germany now.

https://mobile.twitter.com/paddock_wood

Congrats Prairie CBA Winners!!!!!

2011-09-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

The results of this year's Canadian Brewing Awards were recently released and the Prairies were showed some love.

With Great Western Brewing Co, taking a silver and a bronze in the North American Premium Lager for their Great Western Pilsner and Brewhouse Pilsner respectively.

They also too silver in the Cream Ale category with their Original 16.

Big Rock, took silver in the Wheat Beer - North American Style, with their Grasshopper

and BUSHWAKKER TAKES GOLD in the Imperial Stout category with their Tartan Tsar Russian Imperial Stout.

Congrats everyone!!!

http://www.canadianbrewingawards.com/

Half Pints Smoktoberfest announced

2011-09-17T14:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, on twitter, Half Pints from Winnipeg announced it will release its Smoktoberfest brew October 11. Lucky Manitobans.

I don't think I've ever said that before.

Thank goodness you guys have Half Pints.

Also, in the Winnipeg Free Press, two Manitoba politicians, favour Half Pints St. James Ale. Neat.

One was a Fort Garry fan

One was an MGD fan - Iguess he just lost the election

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Pop-culture-quiz-Manitobas-political-leaders-129979658.html

Wild Rose Marzen now on tap

2011-09-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Launched with a cask conditioned version last Friday, the Wild Rose Marzen is a classic Bavavarian oktoberfest beer. It's copper, full bodied and delicious. Get to quonset!

http://wildrosebrewery.com/beer/canadian-beer.html

Grizzly Paw label the pop competition

2011-09-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

OK, it' s not beer, but the Grizzly Paw in Canmore is holding a competition to create the label for its new pop: Swamp Water. The winner of this Charity Pop label will win a case of the pop and cool hundgy! Get drawing.

http://www.thegrizzlypaw.com/grizzly-paw-news-and-events

Amber's Zombie Apocalypse Red Lager

2011-09-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

I know this Vienna styled red lager has been out for a while, but I haven't come across it. The Amber's Brewing Co, always has interestingly named beers and this is no different. If you find it, let me know what you think.

http://www.ambersbrewing.com/#!events

Yellowhead Brewery Website finally up

2011-09-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Those of you, like me, who have been trying to access this website since it launched will be pleased to know that their website is up and running. Now you can read about the beers and find out where to find Yellowhead beers. To date, you still have to be in Edmonton or the area to get some, but I bet Calgary will get some soon.

http://www.yellowheadbrewery.com/

New Fruit Hog on Tap at Brewsters

2011-09-17T13:45:00.001-07:00

The brewpub chain, Brewsters has released its latest in its fruit hog series: Fat Rabbit Raspberry Kristallweizen. This "crystal wheat" beer is a filtered German pale Weiss bier, or Hefeweizen wiht the sweetness and tart of fresh raspberries. A good late summer patio beer.

http://brewsters.ca/our-beers-2/

Two New Beers from Alley Kat

2011-09-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Alley Kat in Edmonton has released its new fall seasonal as well as its newest of the big bottle series.

Ein Prosit! Oktoberfest is, of course, an oktoberfest styled beer using German malts and leaving a toasty, bready note.

The new Big Bottle brew is Red Dragon Double IPA. With lots of piny hop flavour this beer reads at an 100+ IBU. Here you go Hop Heads!

Both beers are available throughout Alberta.

http://www.alleykatbeer.com/

Sherbrooke Release beer for the gods

2011-09-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, I know we've been out of the loop for a while and have probably lost the two people who were following, but we're back, so tell your friends.

If you're up in Edmonton, see if Sherbrook liquor store still has any of the Ragutiene Baltic Porter left. Made for their new "Beer Gods" series, this porter was made by Paddock Wood and is named for Ragutiene, the Slavic goddess of beer.

Each Beer God release will fall on a seasonal solstice or equinox, so mark your calendars.

http://www.sherbrookeliquor.com/sherbrooke_beer.html

Alley Kat cask

2011-08-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. We've been on vacation. If you've been following the tweets that's all constant. Any way I know Alley Kat has there cask now at sugarbowl so go check it out in Edmonton

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mail Strikes Hurts Beer Readers

2011-07-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's better now, but that darned mail strike really set back the distribution of TAPS - The Beer Magazine. This is Canada's premier beer magazine and if yo haven't ever picked one up you really need. It's a window into the beer industry from coast to coast and around the world. This summer's issue is currently available at Chapters and places like Wild Rose's Taproom.

From the prairie side, there's a GREAT article highlighting Fort Garry of Winnipeg. Seriously check this out. The subscriptions are a good price, it's quarterly and you can even get a serious deal digitally through zinio on your iphone.

Wild Rose Seasonal Out

2011-07-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Dave and the gang at Wild Rose have launched their seasonal - a kolsch. The press release writes it as having a "delicate fruitiness and a prominent, but not extreme hoppiness. Bright straw-yellow in colour, Kolsch are often mistaken for lagers. In fact, this beer style is an ale which is top fermented at a relatively warm temperature and then lagered, or aged, at a cooler temperature for about eight weeks."

You can find this at the WR taproom and some taps around Calgary.

Willow Park Hopfest

2011-06-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

June 23 - Willow Park Wine and Liquor is hosting Hopfest. Here they will feature many beers that truly give an array of hops flavours. Tickets are $25 and should please all levels of hop lovers. Even if you only get a taste of Alley Kat's Full Moon Pale Ale it would be worth it. Well - close anyway.

Big Rock Eddies - Results

2011-06-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Big Rock's annual red carpet fundraising event went off again this last week and what another great show. The video winner was Blake McWillian and Mike McLaughlin of Sherwood Park with "Never Trust a Sound Guy" Second and their came from entries from Vancouver and Calgary. The print winner, below, was from Mark Cromwell of Calgary, called :It's What We're Made Of" See the link for all winners

http://www.bigrockbeer.com/events/eddies/2011-eddies-winners

Sherbrooke's Neapolean Stout is back

2011-06-26T18:16:00.002-07:00

the Edmonton liquor store has brought back Neopolean Stout, produced by Alley Kat. A stout with flavours of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Seriously - next person to come to Calgary please bring me one.

So many Solstice Parties - but this one was awesome

2011-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wild Rose had a solstice party, like others did, but they did it right. They tapped a Hefeweizen with 18 zested oranges and coriander, a French juniper IPA, a coconut brown ale and a Special Bitter with extra hops. I know - so awesome. The recipes were features of each of WR's four brewers. Nice work guys (and Andrea).

WR AF23 Pale Ale out

2011-06-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hey beer fans hitting Calgary,

Get to the Wild Rose brewery to grab what's left of the AF23. Named after the military quonset where WR calls home, this pale ale came out as a seasonal last year and we're glad it's back. It's good. Some say it's a little hoppier than a regular pale ale - it's dry hopped - but try one. You'll like it.

Big Rock's Magpie finally out

2011-06-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

It's hard to find but Big Rock's new series of specialty beers is out. Magpie was brewed by Big Rock many moons ago but disappeared. Well it's back now and can be found at the brewery and at Willow Park. This is a rye beer - very cool.

Go get one damn it!

http://www.bigrockbeer.com/beer/magpie-rye-ale

Half Pints Queer Beer

2011-06-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Put out for Winnipeg's Pride parade, Half Pints has produced Queer Beer. It's a German Pale Lager with a touch of organic raspberry juice. Haven't seen it Calgary but it sounds interesting.

http://www.halfpintsbrewing.com/brew.php?id=8

Beer Events at the Cellar - Calgary

2011-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Calgary's Cellar Wine Store is offering a couple of cool beer events. Tonight is a "Beers of the World" tasting event. It starts at 7 and tickets are $35.

June 21 is their popular Cellar Summer Solstice Party. A rooftop party on the longest day of the year; enjoy with beers from around the world. Tickets are $55.

http://www.cellarwinestore.com/events.html

Craft Beer Market Opening - Friday, June 17

2011-06-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Calgary's newest restaurant and pub is opening soon - June 17. This pub dedicates itself to craft beers and promotes local prairie beer. Offering Alley Kat's Charlie Flint, Full Moon Pale Ale and Brewberry Ale, as well as Big Rock.

At 345 10th AVE SW, Calgary, come down and check it out. We'll be there.

http://craftbeermarket.ca/

Alley Kat's Sugarbowl Cask Night - Thursday, June 16

2011-06-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak at Alley Kat's next Big Bottle, this cask is the perfect accompaniment to any patio! A traditional Hefeweizen, brewed with lots of wheat, this spicy and fruity unfiltered ale is sure to be a summer treat.

Tapped at 5pm

Brewsters Coconut Porter

2011-05-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Brewsters craft beer restaurant chain currently has their Coconut Porter on tap as the seasonal. This hasn't been in the line up in a while and it is truly a unique beer. Go fast as this medium bodied porter that's made with organic coconuts will not last long.

Couldn't this have been part of their Fruit Hog line up? Coconuts are fruit.

Brewsters Fruit Hog

2011-05-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

The Prairies gastropub chain (is that some sort of oxymoron?) has introduced what they are calling their Fruit Hog. This is a new beer program where one tap at the restaurants will be completely dedicated to fruit based beers. Neat idea. They will change the taps regularly or as the quantities last and will begin the program with a strawberry wheat ale.

Future fruit beers will include:

- Ruby Red Grapefruit While Ale

- Watermelon Wheat Ale

- Strawberry Hefeweizen

- Tangerine Wheat Ale

- Peach Ale

- Apricot Pale Ale

Can't wait

TAPS Magazine hits the Prairies

2011-05-22T18:50:00.001-07:00

The spring issue of TAPS - Canada's Beer Magazine has been out for a while, but as per usual, it's taken a bit for it to get to the Prairies. A fun article with George Wendt from Cheers fame now that he's releasing a new book with some beer bases is the feature article.

Pertaining to the prairies, that great beer reporter, James Burla highlights Paddock Wood brewery as well as revisits the Alberta debacle of stopping high alcohol beer sales - immediately ... and then brought them back a month later.

Pick it up - Canada's best beer people contribute.

Alley Kat's second Big Bottle

2011-05-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

In its new Bog Bottle series, Alley Kat has released the second installment: Loaded Goat Maibock. This hopped lager is a little lighter than a traditional Maibock but remains classic in taste. The name's great, being named after a goat that ate dynamite on the Andy Griffith Show. You can find this throughout Alberta and obviously at Alley Kat.

Sherbrooke Liquor's Single Star Stout

2011-05-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last month saw the Edmonton Liquor store release it's Single Star Stout. Brewed by Alley Kat, this stout is aged in Jack Daniel's barrels and can be found at the liquor store.

Limited edition house beer - enjoy.

Paddock Wood Maibock

2011-04-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Saskatoon's Paddock Wood has sent out its Maibock to the region. This German style lager is sweeter than others and therefore very drinkable - a good one to bring to others to get them onto seasonals.

Lethbridge Homebrewers Winners

2011-04-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked it out yet the winners from the Wert Hogs competition were a few weeks ago - sorry. Follow the link to some great home beers:

http://www.netcon.ca/werthogs/

Grizzly Paw Seasonals

2011-04-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

Out in Canmore, the Grizzly Paw has their Moose Knuckle Oatmeal Stout on right now and this is a great stout with the roasty chocolaty flavours you love in them. Try it as a float - seriously.

They also have a "Dog's Breakfast" on tap as well which is listed as a mild ale with citrus flavours. We haven't had this one, but it makes me want to hit Canmore.

Cowtown YeastWranglers meet tonight

2011-04-06T14:33:00.001-07:00

The Calgary homebrew and enthusiasts club meets again tonight at WR - remember about the no beer clause at beer club tonight. Tonight's topic is pilsners. See you at 8.

More Alley Kay News

2011-04-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

Alley Kat will be releasing it's next "Big Bottle" in there series at the end of the month and it's a maibock. They are looking for the public to name it. You can go to twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/alley_kat_beer http://t.co/Tq6DHA9 via @alley_kat_beer

or facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alley-Kat-Brewing-Co/113210102040461

Also, This week has their next cask night and it's going to be "Full Moon on steroids" as it's a double hopped ipa. You can also first taste the Maibock to be released in cask version at their cask night - April 21 at Sugarbowl.

Alley Kat Brewberry Ale

2011-04-06T14:20:00.001-07:00

Alley Kat has brought back their Brewberry Blueberry Ale as their current warmer weather seasonal. Marketed as a "refreshing accompaniment to any patio" this is a light wheat ale made with a blueberry puree. Sounds great - now if only Alley Kat can actually bring the warm weather that goes with it.

Brewster's Seasonal - Yeah!

2011-04-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Brewsters' Double Chocolate Brown Ale is out and it is delicious. We are fans of the English browns and double chocolate is great, right? You have to go to a Brewsters to find one, but that's ok.

Alley Kat Three Bears Oatmeal Stout

2011-04-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Alley Kat's "Big Bottle" series was launched with their Three Bears Oatmeal Stout last month. This stout with a "great roasted malt aroma" is the beginning of Alley Kat's continuation of one-off beers. Their 15th anniversary special releases were so popular (and delicious) that they have decided to continue with the "Big Bottle" series.

Thank goodness!

Big Rock 25th Anniversary Launch

2011-04-03T09:56:00.001-07:00

Big Rock launched their special anniversary March with a rebranding and release of old recipes. Back in '85 when Big Rock started they had some great recipes for IPAs and others that have now be relaunched. They can be found in 6 packs and your old favourites have be relabeled too. This was first reported here and on CBN months ago and the beers are finally here.

Sherbroooke's Shamrock still available

2011-04-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Edmonton's Sherbrooke Liquor store released their Sherbrooke Shamrock again this March and you can still find it around. This Belgian styled lager is Kelly green in colour and brewed for them by Alley Kat.

Find it at Sherbrooke Liquor

Wild Rose Altbier

2011-03-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Wild Rose introduced their spring seasonal the M.A.D. Altbier - after brewers Marl, Andrea and Dave. The websites reads it as:

"Altbier is a German-style ale originating in Rhineland with a name which translates to “old beer.” This old style of making beer is a hybrid-process which involves brewing with a top-fermenting ale yeast and then aging at cooler temperatures, which is typical of lagers. The result is a clean, crisp beer which is full of flavour, yet easy drinking. Using a multi-step mash process, our brewers have created a mahogany coloured beer with amazing body and mouthfeel. This brew is cool fermented and cold conditioned resulting in a refreshing, clean tasting ale."

It's good - get in and give it a try.

Calgary YeastWranglers Homebrew Competition Decided

2011-02-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

Last week the Calgary Homebrewers and enthusiasts group, the Cowtown YeastWranglers hosted their third annual homebrew competition. There were over 200 entries and some wonderful homebrews. The YeastWranglers have many BJCP judges (prairiebeerblogger included) and was recently highlighted in TAPS magazine by James Burla (a prairiebeerblogger?).

The Best in Show prize went to Ari Giligson of VanBrewers for his Blue House Lager, a Premium American lager. Runners up were Eric Johnson and Ray Duperron of VanBrewers and Edmonton Guild repectively.

Eric Johnson took home YeastWrangler Homebrewer of the Year as well, dethroning two time champ, Cory Clayton, who did present very well in many categories.

For complete list of winners go to: http://www.yeastwranglers.ca/NMP/Roundup11/tabid/353/Default.aspx

Paddock Wood joins North American Craft

2011-02-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

This new company has formed in Toronto with a 'focus on representing smalls craft breweries from North America at the retail level in Ontario'. Industry vet, Claude Lefebvre, started this company to "support the out-of-province small breweries and eventually, American craft brands" sell in Ontario.

If you don't know, The Beer Store (that's what it's actually called) is the only place in Ontario to get beer. Sorry, you can get some at the LCBO, but the retail beer outlet is The Beer Store. A leftover from prohibition, this store is primarily owned by Labatt, Molson and in smaller shares Sleemans and although craft beers do appear in the store, each time I go in, they are often hard to find.

Paddock Wood began selling 606 and Czech Mate in Ontario last year, but only in liquor stores.

http://www.northamericancraft.com/

reported on Canadian Beer News earlier today

Great Western to release Pale Ale

2011-02-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

Great Western of Saskatoon will release Great Western Original 16 Pale Ale next month to commemorate the sixteen founders of Greta Western in 1990. These employees found themselves out of work when Molson closed the doors of the brewery so they purchased in and began their own independent brewery.

The press release describes it as:

'Original 16 is made with 100 per cent two-row prairie barley (widely considered to be the best in the world) and produced via a double-aging process through which the beer is matured for seven days, then chilled to minus 1.5 Celsius and held for a 24 day (minimum) cold-aging period. The beer then undergoes final filtration at this temperature to ensure maximum clarity.

“The result is a perfectly-balanced, exceptionally smooth-tasting Canadian Pale Ale with a delicate citrus hop flavour and fruity aroma,” said Viv Jones, Brewmaster, Great Western Brewing Company. “This pale ale is refreshing and highly drinkable and will leave a sparkle on your tongue.”'

News was posted on Canadian Beer News Feb, 16

New Beers at Sherbrooke Liquor

2011-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

Firstly, a month into sales already is their Chinese New Beer. A Belgian wheat beer designed to be paired at Edmonton's Lingnan Chinese restaurant. The orange and coriander should work well here.

Secondly, is a Bavarian dark wheat brewed with vanilla extract adn described as "bananas foster dunkelweizen". With notes of caramel, vanilla and banana, this one will taste differently that your regular brew.

Both beers are available at Sherbrooke Liquor in Edmonton and some restaurants around Edmonton.

This release was posted on Canadian Beer earlier this month

Alley Kat's Oatmeal Named

2011-02-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

As reported earlier, Alley Kat was holding a contest to name its newest brew - an oatmeal stout.

The contest resulted in Three Bears Oatmeal Stout which will be released toward the month's end but will be introduced at the next cask next. If I was only in Edmonton.

Alley Kat Contest

2011-01-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

Alley Kat announced that they are holding a "Name our Big Bottle Beer" contest. They are brewing an oatmeal stout and want you to name it. Deadline ends Tuesday, January 18 and the winner will receive an Alley Kat prize pack. Submit ideas to their facebook address.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alley-Kat-Brewing-Co/113210102040461

Bushwakker 20th Anniversary Beer Release

2011-01-16T14:16:00.001-08:00

Reported earlier on Prairiebeerblogger, Bushwakker ran a contest to name its 20th Anniversary beer. The Russion Imperial Stout, The Tartan Tzar, was infused in 12 year single malt scotch whisky. "Big chocolate, coffee and molasses flavours explode on the palate." Be quick, though; released this Saturday, January 22 at 11 am there were only 168 bottles made.

2 per person - I know I'm working on relatives to stand in line for my 2 bottles.

Oh Happy Day - Garrison Beer is Coming

2011-01-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

Get ready Prairies, Garrison Brewing out of Halifax, in a press release today, announced that they are shipping "palettes of Garrison's fresh Halifax draught ... across the country for sale in Western Canada" If you don't know Garrison's beers you will love them. We have traveled to Nova Scotia and it's almost all we want to drink. Beers such as their "Gold medal ... Imperial IPA and Hopyard Pale will soon be available in 80 to 100 stores across the province"

http://www.garrisonbrewing.com/

New TAPS hits the Prairies

2011-01-12T19:31:00.001-08:00

It always takes a little longer to get out here, but the newest TAPS - Canada's Beer Magazine is out in the west. Filled with great articles and news about beer in Canada and around the world, it is Canada's premier beer magazine. Pick one up - you'll start subscribing. There's a couple of articles I really like - one about Half Pints brewery in Winnipeg and one on the Home brew Beer Clubs of the west. That James Burla is a good writer!

www.tapsmedia.ca

Wild Rose Seasonal

2011-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

Wild Rose will release its January seasonal an imperial IPA. The M.A.D. IPA, named for the three brewers involved, have brewed this beer with apollo, cascade, centennial, glacier, Simcoe and zeus hops - wow!

Release date is Thursday the 13th - it's a limited brew so "hop" to it.

(I know, I couldn't resist)

Big Rock Eddies

2011-01-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

The Big Rock Eddies is now accepting submissions for this year's contest. For those not aware of these you are missing out. The Eddies are a commercial and print ad contest for the public to submit ideas and works that advertise Big Rock Beer. The event is a red carpet event and an impossible ticket to get in Calgary, but new Eddies are popping up in Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto. Check out the website for more info

http://www.bigrockbeer.com/index.php#/events/eddies

Alley Kat Cask

2011-01-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Alley Kat is once again hosting a cask night at Sugar Bowl and it should be a treat. Thursday January 20 they are presenting a Belgian Witbier with "traditional orange and coriander".

Sugar Bowl is at 10922, 88 ave in Edmonton. If you've never been, go and enjoy.

Also, starting January 19th, Next Act will be celebrating full moons by selling Full Moon Pale Ale at a special price. The 19th is the first full moon of the year.

Next Act is at 8224, 104 St in Edmonton.

Bushwakker Seasonal - Classic Vienna

2011-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

On tap at Bushwakker in Regina is their seasonal Classic Vienna. This is a great beer style that is often over looked in Canada and Bushwakker makes a great one. With tastes of toasty malts, nuttiness and slight sweetness it is hands down a great stylistic Vienna.

Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission news

2010-12-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

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.