tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31310855692171863042024-03-13T14:16:09.021-03:00PEI Beer GuyIt's hard to bargle nawdle zouss with ales and lagers in his mouth, but a PEI native intends to do so here anyway. Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-34796215536294639912018-08-08T22:22:00.001-03:002019-03-05T21:10:47.319-04:00Hat-Trick<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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Yesterday's beer - Soaked, by Tatamagouche Brewery,</div>
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at Hopyard Charlottetown</div>
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Three.<br />
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Three years. That's the hat-trick I'm talking about here, as it's been three years (and about 36 days) since I last made a post on the ol' beer blog. It's something that has bothered me, that static state, but today, I decided to reassure you (and me) that it isn't dead. Why today? I suppose there was a hat-trick of reasons.<br />
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One - I got a message from a friendly American via my Twitter account that he had found my site and thought I'd be the guy to talk to about some beer-related questions he had regarding PEI and his visit. I gave him lots of info, and he says if we run into one another in town this week, he has a can of beer for me to say thanks (from a <a href="https://www.eqbrew.com/" target="_blank">good-sounding new-to-me brewery</a>, too). This kind of interaction is right at the top of why I started a blog in the first place over eight years ago. People. Connecting with people via beer. It's magic.<br />
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Two - After about two years of Google telling me my domain registration had expired, and me not being able to sort my admin account / payment out, I got the "we just threw your domain to the wolvez" email from Google today, which turned my alert level from amber ale to red ale (which I'm not big on). In about 20 minutes, I had the whole thing sorted, and I'm up and running again. All registered.<br />
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Three - Maybe there isn't a solid third. Well, there was earlier, when I tried to post via the app, but the app always crashes / is garbage, so here I am. Thoughts dissolved. And do you think I can remember it right now? Nope. But that's OK.<br />
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The point is, I intend to keep this space alive. I think the site accomplished some things in its day, but I still feel like it has a role, or has unfinished business, at least for me. Sure, I have the Instagrams and Twitters and Untappds that drew my time away from here, and I'll keep those, but I can't let this space go, either. It has a place.<br />
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So, raise a glass if you want (I'm having my only beer of the day right now, a La Fin du Monde) and have a drink with me. We'll do it every now and then, you and I. Just probably asynchronously.<br />
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PS - I don't intend to cover lost ground about the brewery / personal growth that has gone on in the last three years. I'm just going to pick things up and go from here. Fresh start. Shake things up. Oh - fittingly - it's also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hopyardhalifax/" target="_blank">Hopyard Halifax</a>'s first day if you'd like to have your beer of the day. They're great folks, them.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-35350880584760853132015-07-03T08:36:00.001-03:002015-07-03T09:46:32.781-03:00Maritime Hops Research<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNBZ7CHg9Cw/VZaDk0X4Y4I/AAAAAAAAC6A/GrFqjrsh-GU/s1600/aaron-mills-left-and-jason-mccallum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNBZ7CHg9Cw/VZaDk0X4Y4I/AAAAAAAAC6A/GrFqjrsh-GU/s1600/aaron-mills-left-and-jason-mccallum.jpg" /></a>Man, what a week it's been for Aleanders. First, Upstreet opened one week ago, and now two more of us are in the news again! </div>
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Aaron Mills & Jason MacCallum work for Agriculture Canada, and are looking for as many old / wild / native / heritage strains of hops in the maritime region as they can. </div>
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The idea is to grow and develop hops that have local traits (which is marketable for local brewers), and are more resistant to pests and disease. Check the full article at <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/prince-edward-island/topstories/hops-research-could-aid-beer-industry-1.3136764" target="_blank">CBC</a>. </div>
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If you know of the location(s) of some hops, drop them a line:</div>
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<a href="mailto:Jason.McCallum@agr.gc.ca" target="_blank">Jason MacCallum</a> or <a href="mailto:Aaron.Mills@agr.gc.ca" target="_blank">Aaron Mills</a></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-23957325512916218472015-06-27T13:10:00.001-03:002015-07-03T09:48:21.664-03:00Upstreet Craft Brewing - Officially Open!<div dir="ltr">
Yesterday, at around 3:30, the good folks at Upstreet Craft Brewing, got the word that they could finally open & also start delivering kegs to their accounts. </div>
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Two of their three beers are on a the moment: their refreshing & slightly tart witbier Rhuby Social, and their hoppy Do-Gooder APA. Their Commons Pilsner will be ready on Tuesday or Wednesday. </div>
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I meant to have a better camera last night for some higher quality photos, but, due to a tickle fight with my toddler and my excitement leaving the house, I was lucky to remember my phone. These crooked ones will have to do for now.</div>
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See you soon at Upstreet!</div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-50548376212232370372015-05-22T17:56:00.001-03:002015-05-23T07:31:41.871-03:00Gahan / PEI Brewing Company 2015 Homebrewers' Contest<p dir="ltr">In case you haven't seen or heard, the final judging of this year's home brew competition is tomorrow at <u>2</u> pm at The Gahan House. The large field of competitors has been narrowed down to <u>six</u> for tomorrow's finale.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was able to have several of the entries on Tuesday, and I must say there are some great summer brews in the mix. Whatever wins promises to be pretty great. </p>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-8508526156181502322015-03-10T20:39:00.001-03:002015-03-10T20:48:17.265-03:00Upstreet Craft Brewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pZL4aweMHo/VP97WxfXyUI/AAAAAAAAC4M/6nGN6s5LgpY/s1600/UpstreetCraftBrewing_FinalLogo-colour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pZL4aweMHo/VP97WxfXyUI/AAAAAAAAC4M/6nGN6s5LgpY/s1600/UpstreetCraftBrewing_FinalLogo-colour.png" height="128" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not too far from where the old Spring Park Brewery used to be in Charlottetown is PEI's newest craft brewery - Upstreet Craft Brewing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A sign will go out tomorrow, and the Facetwittergram machine will fire up, too, but tonight... I am lucky to be able to have the scoop (thanks, guys) and introduce PEI's third brewery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did a semi-formal Q-and-A with Upstreet's head brewer (as well as fellow Aleander and Brewnoser) Michael Hogan (who is joined in the venture by Joey Seaman and Mitch Cobb). I hope we have complied all (or at least almost all) of what you would want to know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>PEIBG: When's your planned opening date? </b>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>MH:</b> </span><span style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14.9499998092651px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s looking like a May opening. We plan to have a soft opening with two beers released, followed by a grand opening, with an additional two beers.</span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgEMQpJeLb8/VP97WRP8OvI/AAAAAAAAC38/ihmND9Rn3i0/s1600/UpstreetCraftBrewing_FinalIcon-black.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgEMQpJeLb8/VP97WRP8OvI/AAAAAAAAC38/ihmND9Rn3i0/s1600/UpstreetCraftBrewing_FinalIcon-black.png" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What's the size of your brewhouse / what's your expected production volume for the first year?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a 15bbl system with four fermentors. We’re keeping our expectations realistic but there’ll be plenty of beer flowing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Will you be in PEILCC stores as soon as you open?</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s a process we have to follow and the people at the PEILCC have been really supportive right from the start. We’re hopeful to have everything in stores not long after we open, but it won’t be necessarily timed to the grand opening.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What are the planned styles upon release? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have three flagship beers selected based on some recipes I’ve been developing over the past few years. I’m very proud of each one of them. I’d take any one to a desert island for the rest of my days. We plan to always have seasonals available as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What formats will you be brewing for (growlers on site / pints / bottles / cans / keg rentals)?</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our flagship beers will be on tap at restaurants across the Island. Seasonals will be more limited in availability. We’re planning on bottling in a 500 ml size and growlers will be sold from our tasting room. Keg rentals will also be an option. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How many taps / varieties can people expect to see at the brewery? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Usually four, but hopefully more!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How many establishments do you predict you will be in this spring? </b></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Can you say any specifically? </b></span><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can’t say for certain because a lot of that will depend on supply and demand, but I can say that every single restaurant and bar owner that we’ve spoken with has been really supportive. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What can people expect from your tasting / retail space (capacity, vibe, events)?</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It won’t be anything fancy, more gritty and industrial, but inviting. Our hope is that our place becomes a focal point for the community and a favourite neighbourhood hangout. With respect to the beer, we’ll be recruiting members for our “mug club” right off the bat. We’d love to create some casks as a regular feature. Expect some local art on display too, and live music from time to time. We’ll have some merch available as well for anyone who wants to share the Upstreet love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What inspired the name?</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upstreet is an old PEI saying - You know, like… “Normie’s headin’ upstreet to meet the fellas”. It’s typically a term used for a spot just outside of downtown. It’s perfectly fitting with our Allen St. location. It also reflects our hopes to be rooted in the local community. We’re all Island guys who have spent some time away, but are so happy to be putting down roots and pursuing our passions on home turf. We love this town, and we just love the name.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Do you have a slogan? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How about, “Here’s to beer: the cause of, and solution to, all life’s problems”. No wait, I think Homer Simpson said that. For now let’s go with “something’s brewin’”. <b>(and let's now add to that "Head Upstreet")</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Who will be the head brewer? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That’d be me. My friends call me Hogie.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How many people will it employ outside the three of you at the beginning? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.9499998092651px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Running a brewery is a lot of work. We’re a few months from opening but I’m certain we’ll need help in some capacity, especially for the summer season.</i></span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">How did this endeavour come about? Who started the ball rolling? </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I guess I started the ball rolling by getting the others hooked on my beers. I’m sure they have different versions of how the events played out, but I recall convincing Joey to buy a keg fridge a few weeks after we meet, and I believe he and Mitch had a serious heart-to-heart regarding craft beer over a pint of my vanilla cranberry stout at a Christmas party a year later. Once the passion was rooted and we all agreed we could make tasty beer, we had to figure out if we could make a business out of it. That took a serious amount of time, effort, meetings and spreadsheets. I’m thankful the other two are strong on the finance and management side of things because without them, this thing would have never got off the ground.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Any favourite inspirational brews, breweries, brewers, or beer experiences? </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have to give a shout out to the living legend (Greg) Nash over in Halifax. He is a brewmaster extraordinaire, especially when it comes to hops. I’m happy he’ll finally be opening his own brewery very soon in Halifax. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of my most memorable beer experiences have been on vacation with my wife Laura (aka the Brew Widow). We’ve done a pubcrawl of Dusseldorf for all the altbiers in the city, walked the grounds of the Chimay monastery, enjoyed the company of strangers at the HofBrauhaus in Munich, and sampled unfiltered pilsner in old underground lagering caves in Pilsen. We’ve lined up for a once-a-year release of Pliny the Younger in Pasadena, had a slice of pizza on the California coast next to tanks from DME, and soaked in the amazing aura at the Stone Brewery in California. Back on the local front, we’ve hosted many of the monthly Aleanders’ meetings and can’t wait for everyone to join us in the tasting room soon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How can people connect with you online?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll be on the usual suspects like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Untappd (to come after our beers are out). You can see Upstreet get started here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Web: </span><a href="http://upstreetcraftbrewing.com/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://upstreetcraftbrewing.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email: </span><a href="mailto:cheers@upstreetcraftbrewing.com" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cheers@upstreetcraftbrewing.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook: UpstreetCraftBrewing</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter: @UpstreetBrewing</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instagram: @UpstreetBrewing</span></span></div>
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-3830993075217995552014-10-28T18:52:00.001-03:002014-10-28T18:52:05.830-03:00Halifax's Rogues Roost Bought By The Murphy Group<p dir="ltr">Well, just like the title says, hot on the heels of buying the Hart & Thistle, PEI's Murphy Group has also purchased Rogues Roost, a longtime-popular craft brew destination in Halifax. The article says they plan to maintain the staff and brewer, and hope to work on / build the brand, perhaps even growing it in Nova Scotia, PEI, and bottling their beer at the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown. They plan to stay at the current location, even after the upcoming development of the block. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/prince-edward-island/topstories/rogues-roost-bought-by-pei-brewing-company-1.2815998">http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/prince-edward-island/topstories/rogues-roost-bought-by-pei-brewing-company-1.2815998</a></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RCiZDjvD-tQ/VFAP_rr3PjI/AAAAAAAAC2E/2cTWfWxgU2w/s1600/newlogo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RCiZDjvD-tQ/VFAP_rr3PjI/AAAAAAAAC2E/2cTWfWxgU2w/s640/newlogo.JPG"> </a> </div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-45699832612985375332014-10-22T21:15:00.001-03:002014-10-22T21:15:36.889-03:00Brewers' ABV Limit to be Raised<p dir="ltr"><br>
Good news here today. The PEILCC is going to change the regulations on how strong brewers can brew their beers. Up until now, the limit has been 6.5%. The article says we're supposed to be on par with other provinces in the future. Good news for our two existing breweries, the brewery-in-progress in town, and the rumored one in the Montague area. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/prince-edward-island/topstories/p-e-i-microbreweries-able-to-produce-stronger-beer-1.2809043">http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/prince-edward-island/topstories/p-e-i-microbreweries-able-to-produce-stronger-beer-1.2809043</a></p>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-45986556478913703192014-08-22T20:39:00.002-03:002014-08-22T20:41:56.519-03:00Harvest Time<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zBEdx6apDQ/U_fUE4PnQvI/AAAAAAAAC0c/CNANvWuTJkI/s1600/IMG_8610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zBEdx6apDQ/U_fUE4PnQvI/AAAAAAAAC0c/CNANvWuTJkI/s1600/IMG_8610.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>The first whiff of this lager is great. I got excited. Lots of aroma from the can (and probably best drank from the can) - tropical fruit / citrus aromas, just as promised. Not far behind, though, there's something about the aroma that comes across bordering on popcorn or buttered popcorn. I don't think it's an error - on big whiffs, it just seems like the combination of the malt profile & hops (not sure which NZ one is in this) combine to make something a bit in that direction. It's not overwhelming, but it bothers me that it's there. Otherwise, it's crisp, refreshing, has a nice clean citrus-y finish, is different enough from Beach Chair, not as good as Landing Day, and will probably appeal to lots of folks. I'd say drink this one cold, as the nice aroma (and a bit of the flavour) degrades as it warms.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-18560012829851300342014-08-11T15:01:00.004-03:002014-08-11T15:01:55.988-03:002014 PEI Beer FestivalThis September 5th and 6th, a Friday & Saturday, sees the PEI Beer Festival return, promising "another amazing weekend of beer tasting, food pairings and entertainment." This year, the festival will be held indoors, at the Delta Prince Edward - which, after undergoing renovations last year, is quite a nice & modern spot. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12th, at 11:00AM at <a href="http://www.beerfestpei.ca/">www.beerfestpei.ca</a> as well as the PEI Brewing Company on Kensington Road. There are also fest + hotel packages available through the Delta. There are three different tasting sessions to choose from: Friday evening, Sept. 5th, Saturday afternoon, Sept 6th, and Saturday evening, Sept 6th. Afternoon sessions are $30, and evening ones are $40. Tickets include all beer samples, live entertainment, special cask contests (no clue what that is yet), games and more. Ticket prices also include a service fee and taxes, of course.<br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-10452034902577175712014-08-10T12:35:00.002-03:002014-08-10T12:55:18.383-03:00(Mostly) Beer Trip To Maine - Geaghans Restaurant & Pub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once we got to Bangor, we were starving and thirsty. I recall eating some sort of chicken sausage, cheese, and tomato sandwich thing. It was good, but super-filling. Geaghans, as far as I can tell, was a lot like a few other stops in Maine, in that they only served their own beer. I get it, but it's a little disappointing as a customer. Don't let that deter, you, though. They have a good little selection of their own stuff, and the food / atmosphere were good. I decided to try out a sampler of some of their brews with my lunch.<br />
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<b>Left to right:</b><br />
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<b>Smiling Irish Bastard</b> - with a name like this, you'd expect some sort of stout, or maybe a red ale, it's actually an American Pale Ale, brewed with Cascade - "American strong, like Officer Bernie Welch, a legend in the Bangor Police Force." It was OK - light grapefruit and bitterness.<br />
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<b>Dad's Oatmeal Stout</b> - Made with Chinook and U.S. Goldings, this was an easy-drinker. Smooth, but not too thick. Nice enough stout.<br />
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<b>Bangor Tiger</b> - Maine River Drivers (you know, the guys that rode logs on the rivers) were known as Bangor Tigers. This is supposed to reflect them - a strong 6.5% ale, 62 IBU, not for the faint of heart. It was bitter, with a bit of citrus. A bit one-dimensional.<br />
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<b>Wake Up Wheat</b> - they say this was their take on an American Adjunct Dunkel (which they made up). For me, it was the clear winner of the bunch. It was a total chocolate coffee porter, but light. Sumatra coffee, oats, fresh-brewed coffee, vanilla beans, choc malt... pretty involved, but darn tasty.<br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-9054366756716897672014-08-04T18:54:00.001-03:002014-08-04T18:58:54.835-03:00The Gahan House Expands To Halifax<div dir="ltr">
A few days ago, the good people at The Gahan House tweeted that they were expanding to Halifax. </div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Halifax…we're coming for ya! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gahanhouseexpansion?src=hash">#gahanhouseexpansion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spreadtheword?src=hash">#spreadtheword</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mgrstory?src=hash">#mgrstory</a> <a href="http://t.co/9y4KOpmy2W">pic.twitter.com/9y4KOpmy2W</a><br />
— Gahan House (@GahanPub) <a href="https://twitter.com/GahanPub/statuses/495201823318605825">August 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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I'd like to put this out there for folks, to confirm that they are indeed taking over the place that was once the beloved Hart and Thistle. As far as I know at the moment, no brewing staff from PEI are slated to make the move. It sounds like most / all staff there will be new to the company. I wish them the best of luck there - I'm sure they'll make it a highly successful / quality destination, which should please the beer-loving folk who miss the old H&T.<br />
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Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-36139817762515016552014-08-02T19:45:00.000-03:002014-08-02T19:45:49.162-03:00(Mostly) Beer Trip to Maine - Bringing Beer BackThis year, my patient and encouraging Mrs. and I decided to go to Maine, and that we'd try to visit as many beer destinations on the way (for me) as we could. Some of my site visits were all too quick, but at least I can say I have tried the place out, and if it's worthy of a return trip or not.<br />
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I'd like to highlight some spots that I went to, and beers that I tried, in a series of posts, starting today.<br />
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Before we even went down, the first thing I had to figure out was what my limit was in terms of bringing back beer. I even went so far as to talk to a customs agent at the airport to clarify a couple of things for me that the online rules didn't point out. Basically, in terms of beer, the rule is:<br />
<ul>
<li>if you stay in the US for 48 hours or more, each person is allowed to return to Canada with 8.5L of beer (no matter what the ABV is)</li>
<li>if you go over that amount, you'll have to pay tax / duty on whatever the overage is, not your first 8.5L</li>
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So, that meant my wife and I were allowed to bring back 17L of beer. Problem is, many cans / bottles in the US are only marked in ounces, and not all mL/oz ratios on cans/bottles are the same... which lead to some frantic number crunching in the parking lots of a Shaw's and Christmas Tree Shops store. I don't know how picky border agents can be, but I didn't want to push my luck. Essentially, one fluid ounce is 29.5735 mL. So, a 355mL can is labeled 12 ounces, a 650mL bomber = 22 ounces, a 750mL bottle is 25.3605... wait, that's when it gets a bit dirtier. Once you hit a pint, many US bottles say "1pt" and then the ounce total. For what it's worth, a US pint is 16 US ounces. So, imagine my fun adding up pints and ounces to convert to mL and L before we returned. My initial estimations were off, and we were over by a bit, but it all worked out. Just be honest and well-documented at the border, and you'll probably be sent on your way pretty speedily. </div>
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I bought some beer here and there on our trip (Allagash, Bangor Wine & Cheese, In'finiti, Oxbow, Shaw's), but the vast majority of what I bought was at the <a href="http://hoganroaddeli.com/" target="_blank">Hogan Road Deli</a> in Bangor. Even with a GPS, we missed the place at least twice. It's in one tiny end of a CITGO station - it's not its own little place at all, which was kind of what I expected from their website. Inside, it's like any other gas station, except for how much beer they cram into a small portion of it.<br />
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Basically, all of the beer they carry is good, well-rated, or really really good / well-rated. It's just some refrigerated shelves on one wall, the refrigerated shelves at the ends of two rows, and one two-sided (and fairly short) row of shelving that has all their beer. The selection, especially for someone like me, from somewhere like here, is mind-blowingly good. All the Maine breweries - Allagash, Maine Brewing Company, Smuttynose, Rising Tide, etc., brewers like Dogfish Head, Jolly Pumpkin, Clown Shoes, Victory, Founders, Evil Twin... and European brews like Fantome, magnums of St. Bernardus... Christmas beers I want... meads in stoneware... just so much to pick from.<br />
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Unfortunately, I didn't get to make it to the Bier Cellar in Portland, but I wouldn't have had room for anything anyway. Next time, I'll try to balance out visits to both places.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-41812896529485958792014-07-10T14:22:00.002-03:002014-07-10T16:02:46.241-03:00Picaroons' Brewer's Bash<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45FTeaIv9Qs/U77HjhROenI/AAAAAAAACiQ/jdhGoOmxcOk/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45FTeaIv9Qs/U77HjhROenI/AAAAAAAACiQ/jdhGoOmxcOk/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Last year, we headed out with a rig full of beer and a few empty kegs to return to the mainland. This year, I return with a toddler (it must have been some bash last year).<br />
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I haven't been to too many beer fests over the years (five or six, maybe), but last year's Brewer's Bash stands out as the best one. Why? Well I'll give you a few reasons:<br />
<ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEE42ZnC8Ws/U77JFvQrGNI/AAAAAAAACic/Ehs27SFnwQY/s1600/IMAG0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEE42ZnC8Ws/U77JFvQrGNI/AAAAAAAACic/Ehs27SFnwQY/s1600/IMAG0939.jpg" height="200" width="119" /></a>
<li>It's twelve hours long, and you can come and go as you please.</li>
<li>It's only Canadian beer, and includes beer from every province and one territory.</li>
<li>Last year, there was something like 60 breweries and 300+ beers. This year, I counted 64 brewers, and most likely more offerings (don't know how many yet, as there's no pre-bash list this year). </li>
<li>The breweries don't cheap out - in more than one way, but the one I want to emphasize is that they don't just serve their most mainstream / cheapest stuff. There was (and will be this year) some rarer and more expensive stuff to try out. </li>
<li>Fredericton's got free WiFi downtown (why doesn't everywhere?!).</li>
<li>It's a great crowd, complete with interesting people - like the balding guy with the long hair, goatee, lab coat, and glittery ball that he kept rolling in one hand while drinking with the other all day. Don't believe me? Check the picture. </li>
<li>Nearby eats. King Street Ale House, The Snooty Fox (which provided me with some kind of spring roll-like bacon cheeseburger fried things late that night - just the right thing), that sushi place kitty corner to Officer's Square... all good options. </li>
<li>The price. $25 for eight samples, plus the musical entertainment later. Last year was a personal fave of mine, the Skydiggers, with Deep Dark Woods. This year, it's <strike>Zeus (another big fave of mine) with</strike> a couple of soulful backing acts, Cydni Cain and the Chronos Band, the latter of which sounds like one tight bunch with some serious groove. </li>
<li>So much variety to imbibe, for everyone from the new-to-beer person to the beer snob/geek. </li>
<li>It never felt crowded. Lineups were never that long - mind you, there are 50% more people there this year... but I think it should still end up comfortable. </li>
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Don't have a ticket for this Saturday's Bash? don't despair. They are still looking for volunteers for four hours of work (leaving you up to eight hours of drinking). Check out their <a href="http://www.brewersbash.picaroons.ca/" target="_blank">page</a> for more.<br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-63003990905794041982014-07-07T20:56:00.000-03:002014-07-07T20:56:09.686-03:00Palomar Ale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Buying Mill Street's variety packs is kind of like gambling - I know there is a great chance of disappointment, but I can't help myself. I have never had a flawed Mill Street beer, but they definitely have a few brews that are weak - at least to me, anyway (I'm looking at <i style="font-weight: bold;">you</i>, Stock Ale). Don't hate me, it's just my own personal truth. That being said, they also have some good beer, too.<br />
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This one is in the middle. On paper, it sounds like an interesting beer - chipotle and lime, in an American red / amber ale.<br />
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Well, the chipotle does come through, and is light enough that it won't offend anyone. It's a little smokey, and has the slightest heat at the back of the throat. There's a little zip to it, too but I almost can't tell if it's from the lime or the hops, as there's no easy-to-differentiate lime flavour to it. I think it's there... lightly... but it's not strong, for sure.<br />
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What will the next seasonal variety pack hold? Well, I'm sure it'll have a few that are interesting-sounding, and at least a couple that are good, and probably a couple that aren't. The sixer's never a total bust, but it's never a total win, either.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-68943884793103319342014-06-23T21:17:00.003-03:002014-06-23T21:17:59.676-03:00Steam Whistle Now On PEI ShelvesIf you haven't been to the LCC stores in the last week, you may have missed noticing that six-packs of <a href="http://www.peibeerguy.com/2011/04/steam-whistle-pilsner.html" target="_blank">Steamwhistle</a> have made their Eastern-Canadian debut in our little province. Why PEI first? Perhaps a section of the brewery's media release will shed some light on that:<br />
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"A Gold Medal winner in 2012’s Canadian Brewing Awards, this GMO-free Pilsner offers a balance of malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness that refreshes the palate and quenches thirst. In 2013, Steam Whistle was voted by CityBites (a Toronto based publication) as the best beer to be paired with lobster (see page 26-27). It was the lager’s ability to accentuate the sweetness of the crustacean and the lobster’s ability to bring out the malt of the beer that earned the Pilsner its title."</blockquote>
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There you have it. Go grab a sixer, some lobster, and try it out. Let me know how it goes. <br />
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-7373980245424963462014-06-23T21:04:00.001-03:002014-06-23T21:26:06.318-03:00Landing Day Lager<div dir="ltr">
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<a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-oB6ROw8WsOU/U6jAhl4bGZI/AAAAAAAACeY/hJXyerXSKyc/s640/1402597729308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oB6ROw8WsOU/U6jAhl4bGZI/AAAAAAAACeY/hJXyerXSKyc/s640/1402597729308.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I'm so far behind these days, but I can't let any more time pass on this one. The PEIBC crew have put some of the new hops they've received to good use (they got some different varieties to play with and test out), by creating this 4% lager. It's a dandy lager, in my opinion. They used Kohatu and Motueka hops to help create a drink with a light, hoppy aroma, great hoppy burps, a light sweetness, and is crisp and clean. It's better than Beach Chair in quality & name (and label, IMO, as well). Look for it at the PEIBC, The Gahan House (though it wasn't there when I checked early on), and, perhaps, on store shelves in the not-too-distant future.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-kpBjfFNkRcI/U4DWm79AkWI/AAAAAAAACbo/7_2BAMv3yv8/s640/Picture-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kpBjfFNkRcI/U4DWm79AkWI/AAAAAAAACbo/7_2BAMv3yv8/s640/Picture-2.png" height="320" width="250" /></a>I have very little free time, or at least it feels like I do, what with a career that can eat up both hours at work & at home, as well as an almost-three-year-old about the house. But, sometimes, when I do get a bit of time, I'll grab a beer-reIated book, and try to boost the beery brawn of my brain. </div>
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Locally Brewed, by Anna Blessing, is an interesting & casual read that's easy to pick up & put down in short sessions. In it, you'll surely learn about some of the beers brewed in the midwest of America, but the uniqueness of this book lies in its real focus, which is the people & places behind these beers. You will learn about the beginnings, challenges, and successes of 20 breweries like Bell's, Three Floyds, and Jolly Pumpkin. You'll find lists of the best local places to grab a pint of these breweries, like New Glarus, Great Lakes, and Founders. You'll learn some info on brewery setups / size, & things each company's learned along the way (like how most of them wish they'd started out bigger). One of my favourite parts of the book, that I think was pure genius, is the inclusion of brewers' playlists. For whatever reason, I would argue that those in craft beer are more deeply into music than the average citizen. Seeing their choice of at-work tunes is a neat look inside of their work environments and minds, a bit of insight into what kind of gals and guys are making these brews. </div>
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Locally Brewed is a great read; an enjoyable and insightful book that you can pick up and read any part of in any amount of spare time that you may happen to have. </div>
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Last weekend, somewhat quietly, the (take a deep breath to say it) John Brown Richmond Street Grille opened in the spot that was most recently "The Globe" (as well as Brennan's, Pat's Rose & Gray, etc.). It'll be affectionately known as "Brown's".<br />
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I make note of it here because it instantly became the best place to go on PEI if you are looking for off-Island beers on tap. As of last weekend, they have 18 taps, and plan to have up to 21, and to rotate the selection if they can. Most of the beers they have on tap are available in bottles in PEILCC stores, but there are a few that aren't (Garrison's Nut Brown, for example, and Pump House's Pail Ale and Pilsner). Some expected beers didn't make it for the opening (Garrison's Imperial IPA, for example, Hop Bot, as well as a few from Picaroons, and local brewers, Barnone). Hopefully they'll make an appearance some time soon. It would have been nice to see some other brewers included like Propeller (who apparently didn't want to sell here... yet), or some newer quality regional brewers, like Boxing Rock, for example.<br />
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Who knows... maybe we'll see them there in the future. I'll keep you posted. Stop on by online to check out their offerings:<br />
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<a href="http://johnbrowngrille.com/">http://johnbrowngrille.com/</a><br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-69084966094573361002014-05-23T20:35:00.000-03:002014-05-23T20:35:05.157-03:00Liefmans Oud Bruin<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RR-DxBAQ7N8/U3_a5FeVoHI/AAAAAAAACa0/5Rpc44kAuH0/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RR-DxBAQ7N8/U3_a5FeVoHI/AAAAAAAACa0/5Rpc44kAuH0/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>A cloudy medium-brown, this low-headed beer has a great aroma - reminding me of some other great sours, it has a smell a bit like a white wine melded with some dark fruits. Its flavour doesn't knock my socks off, but it is quite refreshing - like a ratcheted-down lambic with a bit more sweetness. The body is surprisingly light, given its colour, and it has low carbonation. It would be a great beer to start introducing someone new to sours with, or to get a wine-loving friend to open up to some different notions on beer.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-51859366265753183222014-04-12T19:57:00.001-03:002014-04-12T19:57:30.416-03:00Picaroons... in bottles... in PEI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a move that both contradicts Sean Dunbar's notions over 2.5 years ago, and excites especially New Brunswickers living in / visiting PEI, Picaroons is now available in PEI.<br />
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After finding, surprisingly, two offerings, I heard from a brewer at the PEIBC today that Picaroons was to have three listings here, but in the two PEILCC shops I was in today, there was just two (although, in one shop, one brand took up two rows).<br />
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I also wanted to mention that, after literally years of sporadic tries, I finally had a Yippee IPA that allowed me to see what people who really like this beer have been talking about.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-40447997955474681082014-04-12T18:00:00.001-03:002014-04-12T18:17:07.719-03:00First Annual Gahan Homebrewers' Challenge<a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-vk515e5FXVg/U0mpfLNcGEI/AAAAAAAACaA/qmkpatVvvrw/s640/IMAG1568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vk515e5FXVg/U0mpfLNcGEI/AAAAAAAACaA/qmkpatVvvrw/s640/IMAG1568.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a>Today, at 3:55, local tech, beer, and Aleander guy Ryan Palmer became the first winner of The Gahan House / PEI Brewing Co.'s homebrewers' contest with his Cranberry Wit. <br />
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Congrats to a good guy who made a good, refreshing, and tart ale. The Aleanders are lucky to call you a member. I'll be eager to try the pub version of your brew!
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Folks, it's been a mess of "perfect storm" weather on PEI lately, but - rejoice. A new perfect storm of things is going to get mixed up, starting tomorrow, in bombogenic fashion: ECMA week officially starts tomorrow, so does Burger Love, and, as part of the ECMA festivities, Barnone has made a special beer exclusively for the 150-hr jam at Baba's Lounge: Red Eye P.A., or a red India pale ale. The brew had a 150-min boil time, was brewed with 150 kg of malt, 150 ounces of hops, and clocks in at 150 IBUs. It was also created for the 150th anniversary of the Ch'town Conference (<b><i>finally</i></b>, someone around here has a good beer idea for this!). I know what my supper plans are for tomorrow: Burger Love at Cedar's / Baba's with some Red Eye P.A.<br />
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PS - while I may expect a lot from the beer, if it was ever bottled and this was the label, it would instantly be the best label a beer on PEI's ever had.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-69024186070126707842014-03-29T21:59:00.001-03:002014-03-29T21:59:15.516-03:00Coming to a tap near you... <p dir=ltr>I'm not exactly sure what is at play, but it seems Sapporo / Sleeman (same company if you didn't know) are putting a push on in these parts to grab a share of the taps at local bars. One pub I like to go to is installing a new draft setup soon, adding three taps: two Sleeman, and Sapporo. I was at another restaurant / pub just over a week ago, and a beer rep was in, dropping off tap handles and Sapporo glasses. A co-owner was talking to servers, enthusiastically, about how they'd like Sapporo, a new-to-them light beer. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I'm always happy to see growth in beer around here at all, but, of course, I always want it my way and figure I may know a little better (come on, what Islander doesn't). Is Sapporo just footing the bill for these expansions? How are they enticing more places to take them on? I can't, off the top of my head, name a <i>bad</i> Sleeman beer, and Sapporo is OK, but, really... they're largely bland. If you want to attract new patrons with something different & good, why go with selections that are much like every other brew from a large commercial operation? </p>
<p dir=ltr>To support those places listed above, they both have two taps from our newest local brewery, Barnone, one has been bringing in good things from Pump House for over a year, and the other tried out some Garrison beers (why didn't they let anyone know they had the Imperial IPA on tap once?). To keep pushing them, though, why not try Unibroue if you're going to go with the Sleeman group of breweries? We have three of their offerings in bottles here now, and, overall, their beers are more interesting, appeal to more different drinkers, and, to be blunt, are just better. </p>
<p dir=ltr>One definition of insanity is doing the same things repeatedly & expecting different results. If you run a bar or restaurant, and want new customers, or more repeat customers, why offer them more of the same unremarkable brews that surround us all? </p>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-67634330028682353152014-03-20T11:28:00.005-03:002014-03-20T11:29:18.750-03:00Alexander Keith's Galaxy Hop Ale<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NG2wNrG1wAg/Uyr57cPV4AI/AAAAAAAACY8/54GjcZy7XUg/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NG2wNrG1wAg/Uyr57cPV4AI/AAAAAAAACY8/54GjcZy7XUg/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>I like the idea of this hop series by Keith's - it's the right thing to do for them to be a bit more relevant & keep up with current beer trends / culture / knowledgeable drinkers. I have had the Cascade and Hallertauer in the series already, with the Hallertauer being my favourite thus far, I think. I expect more from this one, as I like what Galaxy has to offer.<br />
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Unfortunately, this is my least favourite of the three, I think. First off, like many hoppy beers, this is better drunk from the can - don't follow the poor glass suggestion on the can (suggests some plain Keith's glass). The best glass for this is a goblet or <a href="http://www.peibeerguy.com/2013/07/ipa-glass.html" target="_blank">the IPA glass</a> - something with a narrow opening.<br />
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The aroma is fairly nice, albeit a little restrained. They definitely didn't go all in with this hop to really let it shine. Mostly pineapple and orange come out, but they don't whack you over the head like they could have. The flavour isn't that great. It's a bit too sweet. It comes across as a little peachy, and will probably give some tasters notions of corn or the use of adjuncts.<br />
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Kudos to Keith's for doing this series, and for selecting Galaxy, but to really succeed with this, they need to ramp things up just a bit more before many people will care. On the plus side, this series should help to entice, expose, and educate some folks on the broad topic of what's in their beer.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131085569217186304.post-42880906917058170682014-02-23T12:40:00.000-04:002014-03-02T12:40:34.903-04:00The Gahan / Hot 105.5 FM Home Brew Contest<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://www.hot1055fm.com/UserFiles/image/Gahan%20HomeBrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hot1055fm.com/UserFiles/image/Gahan%20HomeBrew.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a>I mentioned it on Twitter, but haven't gotten around to posting anything here about the first local home brew contest. </div>
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Hot 105.5 FM and the folks at Gahan / PEI Brewing Company are putting it on. Sign-up was to close on February 21st or the 23rd (different documents say different things), but, who knows... maybe you could still squeeze in. A recipe, detailed brewing instructions, and a 6-pack of your brews need to be dropped off at the Gahan House by March 21st, with judging to happen at the pub on March 29th. Your prize? You would get to make your brew on the pub's system with their brewer Trent Hayes, and have it served at the pub as a seasonal. The pub would also have the right to retain & reuse your recipe in the future if they so desired.<br />
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So, either get a move on & hope you can still get in, or look forward to trying the brew out later this spring. </div>
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The sign up form can be found <a href="http://brewnosers.org/forums/download/file.php?id=6716" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088451744703448423noreply@blogger.com