Canuck Brewer...

Some of you may know him, others may not, but a good friend of mine has decided to make a change in his life, getting out of the beer industry for the time being to travel across Canada. And he's started a blog to record his adventure so I thought I'd share that with you.

John Bowden, a former long-time employee of Etobicoke's Great Lakes Brewery and co-founder of Toronto Beer Week, decided to pack up his things and hit the Trans Canada highway to see all that Canada has to offer between Ontario and B.C., and you'll be able to follow his progress on his Canuck Brewer blog. Bowden will be stopping in little towns and villages, trying to find good beer bars and breweries along the way.

The trip started yesterday with his first overnight stay in Sault St. Marie, but not before visiting the Laughing Buddha in Sudbury, a beer bar that is receiving some good chatter over on Bar Towel.

www.canuckbrewer.wordpress.com

Job Posting: Great Lakes Brewery - Sales Representative

The following is a job posting from Great Lakes Brewery

Job Title: Sales Representative
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Apply before: Jan 15, 2011
Job Type: Full-Time
Experience: 3 years - 6 years

The oldest craft brewery in Toronto is also one of the fastest growing breweries in Ontario! We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a sales background to help coordinate various initiatives at the brewery. Please visit www.greatlakesbeer.com to learn more about the company.

Your responsibilities will include:
• Coordinating sales to the LCBO.
• Organize and attend promotional events
• Develop sales strategy and targets for LCBO sales and track progress.

It is expected that the qualified applicant will have at least 3 years experience in the food and beverage industry, display proven leadership, communication, coaching and interpersonal skills, and must be a proactive initiator able to work in a team environment.

Experience
• 3+ years experience in the food and beverage industry
• Sales experience, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
• Strong track record of managing accountability with proven leadership skills
• Strong communication, coaching and interpersonal skills
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and vehicle are required

How to Apply: Send your cover letter and resume via email to opportunities@greatlakesbeer.com with ‘Sales Coordinator’ as the subject line. Please send your application as a single document – either Microsoft Word or PDF.

Deadline: Jan 15, 2011

We thank all who apply but please note that only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

January CASK! Social Announced

From CASK! Toronto

The next CASK! Social will take place on:
Saturday January 22nd 2011
Time: 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Burger Bar & Tequila Tavern
319 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

Hello everyone,

The Holidays are over and a new year has begun. What better way to jump into 2011 then with a Cask! Social? Join us at the Burger Bar at College and Augusta on Saturday, January 22nd from 3-6pm for some delicious beers and great company!

We hope to see you there

NC Brewmaster Program - Semester One Thoughts

Part 2 of Mark Murphy's take on year one at Niagara College's Brewmaster & Brewery Operations Management Program

by Mark Murphy
In short, the program has been amazing. I think I’ve increased my beer knowledge 1,000% and have found myself consistently bringing up beer in conversation and introducing new styles to friends and family over the Christmas break.

Niagara College Teaching Brewery

From the school’s standpoint, the program has been a huge success. They received over 180 applications for just 24 spots. I was originally wait-listed but I think persistence paid off, as I called the admissions office weekly for a couple of months to check on my status. Part of me thinks they only let me in so that I would stop calling. Of the 24 students in the program, there are 4 from the US, 2 from the East Coast, 2 from Alberta, 6 from the Niagara region, 4 from the GTA and 6 more from other areas of Ontario. There are a handful of people who have actual industry experience and the majority are college or university educated (including engineering, chemistry, music, business and communications majors). I think our diversity bodes well for future job opportunities as most people will likely move back home after school, which means all 24 of us won’t be competing for the same jobs.

We had seven courses this semester, four of them relating to beer (Intro to Brewing, Sensory Evaluation, Basic Practical Brewing and Brewing Ingredients). Of our four instructors this semester, I would guess that they combine at least 70+ years of industry experience, which is pretty awesome. For the school’s brewmaster, Jon Downing, the teaching brewery represents the 107th brewery opening that he’s been a part of. Clearly, we’re learning from the best.

This semester, we’ve covered topics such as the malting process, barley physiology, brewing water, hops and have discussed brewing equipment from the hot liquor tank through to the fermentation tanks and packaging equipment. In our sensory class we tasted 13 different kinds of malt, smelled lots of hops, explored American, English, German and Belgian beer styles and have run through the entire Siebel off-flavour tasting kit (those were some bad weeks!). We’ve also had presentations from Hop Union, Canada Malting, General Filtration, Criveller Brew Tech (our equipment supplier), Eco Lab and Bill White (who will be teaching us next year). We’ve visited Taps Brew Pub, Niagara’s Best, Sleeman’s, Mill Street and Steamwhistle. As you can see, we’ve been pretty busy so far, and this is followed up next semester with 6 of our 7 courses relating to beer.

The program hasn’t been without its faults though, the major one being that we didn’t start brewing until the end of November. On the plus side we have the benefit of being the first students to use the system, and figuring out all the quirks as we go along. Our first releases “First Draft” lager (a crisp golden lager) and a Canadian Pale Ale are already on sale at the campus retail store.

I think things will start to get really interesting once we’re unleashed on the pilot system and start getting into our own recipe formulation. I know everyone is really looking forward to that.

Stay tuned for a chocolate beer in February to be released during the culinary program’s “Decadence” chocolate and ice wine festival. All in all I’m having the time of my life and can’t wait to find a job in the industry this summer.

A Picture Of A MolsonCoors Vat Heading To Toronto

Remember that link I posted a while ago about the MolsonCoors procession from Hamilton to Toronto? The one about six vats, each one that can hold up to six million bottles of beer each, causing havoc over five nights as thousands of overhead wires and traffic lights get cut and roads are closed?

Well the CBC has a photo of the huge vats on their website today, courtesy of MolsonCoors.

The 1 kilometre convoy leaves the Hamilton port tomorrow night and consists of a crew of 40 vehicles, including mechanics, police and welders, who will all be moving at walking pace speeds between 9pm and 6am Friday to Tuesday.

Utopias - Place Orders Today

January 6th - today. A lot of people in Ontario have been waiting for this day to come, hoping they'll get lucky on January 17th with a phone call from the LCBO indicating that they've been randomly selected for a bottle of Sam Adams Utopias.

The coverage has been pretty extensive since Bar Towel broke the story months ago. Newspapers and beer bloggers have helped spread the word, leading me to believe that hundreds of Ontario residents will head to the LCBO's online ordering site to submit orders at www.vintagesshoponline.com.

There are only 70 bottles available, so good luck to all!

From Chris Layton, the LCBO's Media Relations Coordinator:

The LCBO has purchased 70 bottles (710 mL) of Utopias for customers. It will retail for $114.95 per 710 mL bottle. Due to the extremely limited availability of this product, and to ensure all customers have an equal opportunity to purchase it, the LCBO will be offering Utopias via online and telephone orders only – not in LCBO stores.

Orders received by the assigned deadline will be randomly selected. This is the same process that the LCBO uses to offer rare, limited-edition wines through its Vintages fine wine and premium spirits business unit.

The LCBO will accept orders starting January 6, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. up until 6:00 p.m. on January 13, 2011. Given the very limited availability of this product, only one order per customer will be accepted and allocation will be limited to one bottle per customer. We regret that we cannot guarantee that all orders will be filled. Orders randomly selected will be confirmed by either telephone or email on or after January 17, 2011. Orders will be shipped to the LCBO store of the customer’s choice at no extra charge.

Order by Online Form

Submit your order before the deadline using Vintages new Direct Sales Online form. Sign up today for your Online Direct Sales account at www.vintagesshoponline.com.

Order by Telephone

Submit your order before the deadline by calling Vintages Sales Centre at 416 365-5767, or toll free 1-800-266-4764, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

New Look For GCBBeer Blog

Sometime yesterday, and I'm not sure when, my old template was erased while I sat at work. The blog reverted back to the look it had when I first started it in 2007. I searched for ways to correct it, but to no avail, so I took it as a sign to update the layout and design. After a couple of hours trying to figure Blogger out all over again I ended up with this look.

If you notice any bugs or misplaced items, I would greatly appreciate it if you could shoot me a message letting me know so I can try fixing it.

King Brewery Sold To Beer Barons

*Update below*

Rumours were going around a couple of weeks back that Phil DiFonzo, founder of King Brewery in Nobleton, ON, had sold his brewery to the individuals behind Beer Barons, best known as the importers of the world famous Weihenstephen. I contacted both parties before the holiday's but I have not received any comment to date.

However, Roger Mittag, a TAPS contributor, beer educator and operator of the Quench Your Thirst blog, has confirmed the rumours today in a post on his site.

Says Mittag:

A significant deal has emerged in the past few days and I’m proud to bring this to you.

Beer Barons is a company that was formed a few years ago. Sean Fleming and Troy Taylor began with what could be described as an iconic brand as their cornerstone. Weihenstephan is not only one of the best Weizenbiers in the world, it is also home to the oldest active brewery in the world and if that’s not enough, home to the technical brewing university of Bavaria.

They succeeded in picking up a few brands along the way but recently solidified their position in the beer industry by acquiring King Brewing. This wonderful brewery that was created by award winning brewer, Phil DiFonzo, is going to provide the beginning of a portfolio of beers that will only enhance the position of Beer Barons. Being able to offer a solid Pilsner, Dunkel and now the Pilsbock will complement the Weissbier of Weihenstephan.

King Brewery was founded in Nobleton, ON by Difonzo in 2002 and quickly received high praise for his traditional style Czech Pilsner, which has won it's fair share of awards throughout the years, including a Gold Medal at this year's Canadian Brewing Awards. King also produces a Dark Lager and most recently released a Pilsbock.

Mittag also mentions that DiFonzo will remain with the brewery as the brewmaster.

*I just spoke with Sean Fleming of Beer Barons and he confirmed the acquisition, stating that they acquired King on December 24th. Fleming mentioned that they have plans for expansion and greater distribution in the near future. "King is a great brand with lots of potential," said Fleming, "and we will be working on a significant expansion and will look at getting into other Canadian markets." He also indicated that there is a great synergy between Weihenstephan and the King Brewery and wouldn't rule out future collaboration.

Mill Street Robbie Burns Brew Masters Dinner

Toronto's Mill Street Brewery will be hosting another Brew Master's Dinner at their brew pub down in the Distillery District on Tuesday January 25th at 6:30pm - a traditional Robbie Burns Supper.

The dinner will feature Mill Street's Brew Master, Joel Manning, who will speak about each course, which includes five courses and six beers (Royal York Honey Beer, ESB, IPA (cask), Black Watch Scotch Ale (cask), Coffee Porter, Orange-Chocolate Stout (cask)).

Tickets for the dinner cost $59.99 per person, plus tax and tip.

beerbistro & Dieu Du Ciel! Beer Dinner - February 8th

Bar Towel has all the information on the Dieu Du Ciel! beer dinner taking place at Toronto's beerbistro on February 8th, but I thought I'd mention that the tickets are half-way sold out at this point. So, if you're thinking of attending, you better act now!

Dieu Du Ciel! Beer Dinner
Tuesday February 8th, 2010 6pm
Location: beerbistro - 18 King St. E
10 Course dinner with beers from DDC
Cost: $125 per person, plus HST and gratuity

Call beerbistro to purchase your tickets at (416) 861-9872

Happy New Year

Here's to a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Whatever your plans may be tonight, drink good beer!

I'll be back in a couple of days to start updating the blog with new posts, getting back to the way it used to be in the past with a post a day, including new pub reviews.

I'll also be putting together a review of 2010 post on here shortly, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, here are some links from the past.

Sam Adams launch in Toronto - with shoddy video

Session: A Craft Beer Festival

8th Annual Canadian Brewing Award winners

Toronto Beer Week Thoughts

Meet Reid Pickering: The Feather's Pub - Toronto, ON

Meet Reid Pickering, the owner of The Feather's Pub on Kingston Road. Pickering used to call The Rebel House on Yonge St. home as he was a longtime manager there before purchasing Feather's off of a retiring Ian Innes, who opened the popular pub almost 30 years ago.

Since the purchase, Pickering has altered a couple of taps at Feather's, bringing on more local craft beer and continues to serve cask conditioned ale to his loyal customers. Pickering also took part in the first ever Toronto Beer Week, running events with Wellington, Steam Whistle and Creemore.


How long have you operated your establishment
1 1/2 years

How did you get into the hospitality industry?
I started washing dishes at age 15.

What is the best part of operating a pub?
The people

What is the worst?
The people

How do you go about selecting the beer for your establishment?
I try to maintain list of good quality and seasonal beers from around the world.

Where did the name of your establishment come from?
The original owner Ian Innes named it after a pub in his native Scotland.

What has been the biggest change in the beer industry since you started your business?
I have seen a huge growth in cask or real ale as well as so many new micro breweries.

If you could change one thing about the industry (pub/bar/restaurant), what would it be?
I would like it if the LCBO would allow licensees the ability to split cases or privately order in higher end product. As it is right now it is very cost prohibitive to try to maintain a specialized cellar.

What do you get up to when your not at your establishment?
I sing and play guitar in local roots rock band Tin Roof Rusted

If you're not drinking at your own bar, where do you head to for a beer?
Kilgour's or Fanny Chadwick's

Name the last beer you consumed?
Creemore

The Feathers Pub
962 Kingston Rd
Toronto Ontario
www.thefeatherspub.ca

Vancouver Island Brewery - Virtual Tour

Vancouver Island Brewery have posted a short video on YouTube that takes you inside the brewery for a virtual tour as their highly acclaimed Hermannator Ice Bock is being bottled.

Ontario's Roger Mittag and B.C's Chester Carey provide tasting notes for the 2010 Ice Bock in the current winter issue of TAPS The Beer Magazine, both providing glowing reviews.

barVolo - Holiday Heavy Hitters

The following is a message from Toronto's barVolo

Join barVolo for our last two events of the year featuring our favorite beers of 2010 and special beers from Quebec on draught.

Thank you for all your support this year!

HOLIDAY HEAVY HITTERS Monday, December 27th, 2010 (4pm-2am)

Mill St. Barley Wine 2010
Black Oak Ten Bitter Years Double IPA
Scotch Irish Jon By Imperial Stout 2010
Grand River Russian Gun Imperial Stout 2010
Duggan's TBA
Wellington Russian Imperial Stout 2010
Muskoka Double Chocolate Cranberry Imperial Stout 2010
Taps Belgian IPA
Granite Gin Lane Barley Wine 2010
Great Lakes Stalin’s Choice Russian Imperial Stout
Grand River Jubilation Ale 2010
Nickelbrook Belgian Double
** All beers will be served in 300mL glassware.
** All beers are limited in quantity and subject to change

NEW YEARS EVE Friday, December 31st, 2010 (4pm-2am)

Le Trou Du Diable Sang-d'encre Dry Stout
Le Trou Du Diable La Saison Du Tracteurs
Taps Belgian IPA
Hopfenstark Saison Du Repos
Denison’s Weissbier
Flying Monkey Smash Bomb IPA
Black Oak Ten Bitter Years Double IPA
Great Lakes Ace Of Spades Single Hop Black IPA
Hopfenstark Kamarad Friedrich Russian Imperial Stout
Dieu Du Ciel! Peche Mortel Coffee Imperial Stout
Dieu Du Ciel! Rigor Mortis Abt
Mill St. Barley Wine 2010
Hopfenstark Framboise

Black Oak Nutcracker Porter (Cask)
Volo / Biergotter “V” Black IPA (Cask)
Volo / Biergotter / Dieu Du Ciel! Lendemain De Veille (Cask)
Volo Johnny Boy Ontario IPA (Cask)
Volo Hip-Hop Series #1: "RUN ESB" Black Extra Special Bitter (Cask)

** No Reservations, pre-fix menu, dress code or door admission
** Regular food menu will be served plus daily specials
** All beers are limited in quantity and subject to change

HOLIDAY HOURS
December 20th-23rd: 12PM - 2AM
December 24th: 12PM - 5PM
December 25th-26th: CLOSED
January 1st - 2nd: CLOSED

LCBO Sam Adams Utopias Update

Cass Enright of Bar Towel was the first person to break the news in October, and Josh Rubin of the Toronto Star built upon it days later, leaving Ontario beer enthusiasts thirsty for more news about the release of the famous Sam Adams Utopias.

Earlier today Rubin posted some news on his Tweeter feed about an update he received and an hour or so ago I received a message from Chris Layton, the LCBO's Media Relations Coordinator, who had this to share.

The LCBO has purchased 70 bottles (710 mL) of Utopias for customers. It will retail for $114.95 per 710 mL bottle. Due to the extremely limited availability of this product, and to ensure all customers have an equal opportunity to purchase it, the LCBO will be offering Utopias via online and telephone orders only – not in LCBO stores.


Orders received by the assigned deadline will be randomly selected. This is the same process that the LCBO uses to offer rare, limited-edition wines through its Vintages fine wine and premium spirits business unit. 

The LCBO will accept orders starting January 6, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. up until 6:00 p.m. on January 13, 2011. Given the very limited availability of this product, only one order per customer will be accepted and allocation will be limited to one bottle per customer. We regret that we cannot guarantee that all orders will be filled. Orders randomly selected will be confirmed by either telephone or email on or after January 17, 2011. Orders will be shipped to the LCBO store of the customer’s choice at no extra charge.


Order by Online Form
Submit your order before the deadline using Vintages new Direct Sales Online form. Sign up today for your Online Direct Sales account at www.vintagesshoponline.com.


Order by Telephone
Submit your order before the deadline by calling Vintages Sales Centre at 416 365-5767, or toll free 1-800-266-4764, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.


As you know, Sam Adams Utopias is considered by some beer collectors to be the culmination of the art of brewing. The 2009 release, which the LCBO is offering, is a blend of batches, some aged as long as 16 years in bourbon, sherry and port casks. 

I've been lucky enough to share in a number of bottles in the past and at $114.95 people lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle will be rewarded for their patience.