Follow beer writer, Troy Burtch, as he explores the wonderful world of craft beer and the pubs that serve it. Great Canadian Beer is a place to come to catch up on beer news, read tasting notes, check out event listings, and for pub previews and reviews.

PLANNING AN EVENT? GOT A NEWS TIP? INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? SEND A MESSAGE TO troy (at)greatcanadianbeerblog(dot)com

Monday, August 29, 2011

Sitting Down For A Beer - Posting To Resume Shortly

Life has gotten the better of me lately. Longer work hours (organizing the Canadian Brewing Awards, which were the largest to date), writing material and interviewing individuals for the Fall Issue of TAPS The Beer Magazine, and down to the wire preparation for the 2nd annual Toronto Beer Week (it's all taking place at the same bloody time) have unfortunately stole most of my free time, thus hindering my ability to post on a more frequent basis. And there has been a lot going on. But there is much more to come. It's exciting out here in the Canadian beer industry; very exciting. 

I will get back to posting on here on a regular basis, but in the meantime, please do visit the other beer blogs from across Canada that I have listed in the CDN Beer Directory. Everyone is doing such a great job sharing beer news from coast to coast to coast!

Until next time, keep your glass tipped in the right direction! ... and visit the Toronto Beer Week website to see what's going on in Toronto between September 16-24th.

Cheers,
Troy

 

Friday, August 19, 2011

Homebrewing Demonstration Day At Brew Time (Sept 18th) - Hamilton, ON

I received the following press release this morning from a group of Hamilton, ON homebrewers who will be holding a brewing demonstration in September. The event is open to anyone willing to learn about the joys of brewing your own beer.


August 19, 2011: Brew Time, in cooperation with a group of Hamilton brewers (known to themselves as HOZERs), invite you to spend a day learning about homebrewing on September 18th, 2011 at 1638 Upper James St. (just South of Rymal Rd.). This group of homebrewers will be demonstrating a range of homebrewing techniques and equipment from single-vessel systems through larger 3-vessel breweries. The group consists of novice homebrewers through ex-professional brewers.

"Homebrewers are proud of our craft, and usually take any opportunity we can get to show it off." explained Jason Stranak, one of the event organizers. "We hope to attract members of the public with an interest in craft beer, homebrewing or anyone who enjoys tasting hand-crafted full-flavoured beer."

Victor VanBeek of Brew Time has been generous in hosting this event, and will be participating in the homebrewing session. The Brew Time store will be open, selling the ingredients and equipment needed to start brewing and providing tours and explanations of their brewing equipment and process.

Date: Sunday, 18.September 2011
Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Brew Time, 1638 Upper James St., Hamilton (just South of Rymal Rd.)

For further information, media may contact:
Jason Stranak, HOZERs, 905-393-7900
jason.stranak@gmail.com

The HOZERs are a group of amateur brewers in the Hamilton area, and their name is an acronym standing for Hamilton Ontario Zymurgy Enthusiast Ring. Zymurgy refers to the biochemical processes involved in fermentation.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Toronto Beer Week 2011 HomeBrew Competition - PRIZES

From the folks at Toronto Beer Week

Toronto Beer Week's HomeBrew Competition is truly extraordinary and unconventional in terms of the relaxed rules that we apply to encourage entries, how we judge the beers and for the prize lineup that we will be offering to winning brewers this year-- thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, participating craft breweries and key industry suppliers.

Although some details are still being finalized, and the prize categories will ultimately be tailored to respond to the categories of beers that do well in the first round of judging, here's what we can tell you:
  • Spearhead Brewing Company, as "Official Sponsor" of the TBW Home Brew Contest is offering a "best of show" prize to the brewer who has submitted a beer that is, in the opinion of the judges, truly exceptional.
The prize that Spearhead is offering consists of an opportunity to be special VIP guests of Spearhead Brewing Company at the 2012 Craft Brewers Conference in San Diego, including CBC registration, transportation and hotel accommodation. The winning brewer will also be offered an opportunity to be Spearhead's guest at their brewing site during a brew day.


  • The Amsterdam Brewing Company, brewer of last year's best of show, Teichert Smoked Porter, is again offering to brew and release one of the winning beer categories with the winning brewer.
  • Beau's All Natural Brewing Company is joining the contest this year and is offering to brew an organic version of one of the winning beer categories with the winning brewer at their brewery in Vankleek Hill, and release the beer.
  • The Granite Brewery released the winning Beer from the Southern Ontario Brewers "Plan it at the Granite" Contest during last year's Toronto Beer Week. This year the Granite will be offering to brew one of the winning ale categories with the winning brewer. The brewer will have the opportunity to join Ron Keefe during the brew session as "Brewer for the Day" .
  • Great Lakes Brewery is offering the opportunity to brew one of the winning beer categories with the winning brewer their pilot system. Great Lakes will release the winning beer as part of their illustrious Project "X" series.
  • We are also planning to offer additional prizes from participating breweries, such as gift certificates, gift packs, swag, goodies from Bob Latimer at Beer Wine and Filter, gift certificates from Randy at Canadian Homebrew Supplies in Brampton, offerings from TAPS The Beer Magazine, and other prizes that we will offer at random to brewers of high placing beers! Just one caveat though: Aside from Spearhead's Best of Show Prize trip to the Craft Brewers Conference, transportation and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending a participating brewery for a guest brew day are the responsibility of the winning brewer.


We don't know of any other Home Brew Contests that can match TBW's Home Brew Contest awesome prize lineup that will be available to the winning brewers. So brewers, fire up your kettles and give us your best!


The deadline for receipt of entries is Friday September 9th at 9pm!


ENTRY FORM


CONTEST RULES

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Event - Made In Creemore Locavore Lunch: Aug 28th

Every year the Creemore Springs Brewery throws a big one-day street party in the village of Creemore called the Cooper Kettle Festival. It will once again take place this year on Saturday August 27th, but the brewery will be extending their festivities into Sunday with their first ever Made in Creemore Locavore Lunch.

Featuring a number of highly recognizable Chefs from local Ontario establishments, the lunch will get underway at 2pm at the Mad River Park and tickets are $150 per person. All the Chefs will be using local ingredients from local suppliers and growers and every course will be paired with different Creemore brands. (see list of Chefs in poster below)

A portion of the proceeds will support the Canadian Chefs Congress and the Eager Beaver Scholarship Project, both of which reinforce the passion and integrity of Canadian Food Culture.

Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.


I was lucky enough to attend a lunch the brewery hosted a number of years ago that included meals prepared by Michael Stadtlander and his son, and it was simply amazing. Seeing the list of the talented Chefs who will be in Creemore on the 28th makes my mouth water.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Move The Family Back Home - Beau's Documentary

I received an email earlier today from Travis Boisvenue, a freelance writer and a Senior Producer with a company called MediaStyle, who wanted to share a short 8 minute mini-documentary he put together on Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. in Vankleek Hill, ON.

Beau's co-founder Steve Beauchesne sat down for an interview with Boisvenue for the video and he openly discusses the history of the brewery, talks about working with ALL of his family, building a brand in a small market, and how important it is to him to support local businesses.

Creative Director, Jordan Bamforth, is also interviewed and he discusses how he developed the strong Beau's logo, integrating the community identity while tying in the family values that the brewery holds so dear.  (Bamforth just won a very  big award for the packaging for Beau's 4-Pack in the Applied Arts magazine - Category: Wine/Beer/Spirits - Single)

Check out Travis' website for more of his work at www.travisboisvenue.ca


Move the Family Back Home from Travis Boisvenue on Vimeo.

Canada's Only Teaching Brewery & Start-Up Put All Of Canada In One Glass

*upfront disclosure - I am employed with TAPS Media (parent company of TAPS The Beer Magazine and the Canadian Brewing Awards)*

The following is a press release from TAPS Media, Niagara College Teaching Brewery and the Sawdust City Brewing Co.

August 15, 2012 – Toronto, ON: TAPS Media, parent company of TAPS The Beer Magazine is pleased to announce the release of the first collaboration brew between the Niagara College Teaching Brewery and Sawdust City Brewing Co - Great Weiss North

Brewed on July 27th, Great Weiss North is an All-Canadian brew in every sense of the word. Made with an ingredient from every province and territory in the country, it is a unique beer that was designed to showcase all that Canada has to offer. The idea was the brainchild of Sawdust City Brewing Co., Brew Master Sam Corbeil, the beer itself was designed and made by Jon Downing Brew Master and professor at the Niagara College and a team of his first year students from the College’s Brew Master and Brewery Operations Management course.

Along with an array of malts, supplied by Canada Malting, and home grown organic Ontario hops, the beer also features a variety of interesting ingredients such as Birch Syrup from the Yukon and teas from the North West Territories and Nunavut.

The beer will be released Friday, August 19th at this year’s Canadian National Exhibition and will only be available at the CNE’s Craft Beer Garden. A first for the CNE, the Craft Beer Garden is headed up by Jed Corbeil and Curt Dunlop, proprietors of the Griffin Gastropub of Bracebridge, ON and the brains behind the Muskoka and Session Craft Beer Festivals.

Along with Sawdust City and Niagara College, the CNE’s Craft Beer Garden will have 10 other Ontario Craft Brewers on hand to sample their wares and educate people on the wonderful world of craft beer.

For additional information about Great Weiss North, Sawdust City Brewing Co, or Niagara College, please contact Sam Corbeil or visit sawdustcitybrewing.com

For additional information about Great Weiss North, Sawdust City Brewing Co, or Niagara College,
please contact Sam Corbeil or visit sawdustcitybrewing.com

Sam Corbeil, Brew Master / Sales & Marketing TAPS Media:
tel: 416-536-7121
fax: 416-536-2898
email: sam@sawdustcitybeer.com

Job Posting: Black Oak Brewery - Administrator/Marketing Coordinator

The following is a job description for a Administrator/Marketing Coordinator with the Black Oak Brewing Company in Etobicoke.

Company: Black Oak Brewery www.blackoakbeer.com
Position: Administrator/Marketing Coordinator
Location: Toronto, ON (Etobicoke, TTC accessible)
Job Type: Full Time
Compensation: Hourly wage
Posting Date: 08/15/2011
Closing Date: 08/31/2011

Job Summary:
  • Provide administrative & organizational support.
  • Retail store service.
  • Customer order calling/receiving (Restaurant, LCBO & Beer Stores) & Invoice creation.
  • Trade Shows, Tastings & In House Event Co-ordination & Support.
  • Website and social media updates.
  • Assist with preparation for bottling.
Major Responsibilities:
  • Support Sales & Sales growth.
  • Provide receptionist duties including customers/vendors, phone calls & email.
  • Clerical duties (spreadsheets, filing, faxing, photocopying), process, sort and file invoices and financial documents, weekly beer inventory & monthly inventory counts.
  • Regularly update website and social media site (Facebook).
  • Assist with preparation and execution of trade shows, tastings & In House events.
  • Follow compliance policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure privacy and confidentiality of information at all times.
  • Marketing program planning, budgeting, targeting & execution.
Relationships:
  • Internally - work in a team environment.
  • Externally - successfully relate with customers, vendors, event staff and most importantly with new and existing clients.
Requirements:
  • Detailed knowledge of administrative/clerical/organizational tasks including planning & achieving targeted goals.
  • Previous experience supporting events.
  • Strong organizational skills with an ability to prioritize and handle large volumes of work in a fast paced environment and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Maintain a high level of productivity and accuracy while completing tasks within an established work schedule.
  • Good knowledge of Mozilla products & Open Office software & Excel 2003 sufficient to edit information, as well as compose complex documents with detailed formatting. Will provide training on accounting software (MYOB transitioning to Quickbooks).
  • Proven listening, verbal, analytical and written communication skills.
  • SMART Serve Certified.
  • Strong problem solving and decision making skills sufficient to execute on assigned tasks.
  • Ability to grasp new concepts and skills, acquire new ways of seeing things.
  • Some light lifting required.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Skills:
  • Accountable Dependable & Organized
  • Confident & Outgoing
  • Sales & Service Oriented
  • Good Communication Skills
  • Computer & Technology Savvy
  • Retail/ Restaurant Experience (an asset)
  • Planning & Monitoring Marketing Programs
Work Environment:
  • Indoors, in a warehouse and office setting.
  • Occasionally outdoors while supporting events.
  • Not always a Monday-Friday 9-5 job, Occasionally at shows & events & tastings, (some travel involved depending on event location), Weekends & evenings as required by events.

Method:
Provide resume to Ken Woods, President via email kenwoods@blackoakbeer.com or in person during normal retail hours (Tues-Sat 10-3pm).

75 Horner Ave, Unit #1, Etobicoke, M8Z 4X5

Friday, August 12, 2011

Meet Erica Graholm: Steam Whistle Brewery

Meet Erica Graholm, brewer with Toronto's Steam Whistle Brewing Company. 

Graholm, like many others working in the brewing industry, has an interesting story about how she came to be a brewer. From leaving University early, to working in a brew-your-own shop, to VLB Berlin; Graholm has travelled in interesting path to her current position with Steam Whistle. 

She is also part of the Toronto Chapter of Barley's Angels where she is part of a team working together to get more  females enjoying beer! 

Meet Erica!

For those that don't know, where is the Steam Whistle Brewery situated?
We are located in The Roundhouse on Bremner Blvd across the street from the CN tower in downtown Toronto.

Can you give us a brief history lesson about the brewery, and the pilsner.
Steam Whistle opened its doors in 2000 when 3 former Upper Canada Brewing employees had a vision of starting their own brewery that would produce Canada's Premium Pilsner. The pilsner recipe was crafted according to traditional brewing methods and using only 4 natural ingredients, adhering to the Bavarian Purity Law. We launched the pilsner in our signature green glass bottle, modelled after the industry standard bottle of the 1950s. In 2007, we expanded from 11 to 14 bays in the St. John Roundhouse, increasing capacity by about 30%. A new 75hL energy-saving brewhouse was installed in 2008. Later in 2008 came our 500mL cans, and then last year we added our 355mL can to the lineup. This year we plan to hit 60,000 hL.

Where can someone find the Pilsner? 
At LCBOs, Beer Stores, bars and restaurants across Ontario, BC, and Alberta, as well as select locations in Saskatchewan.

What's new at the brewery?
Our new 6-pack can carrier was launched into Alberta and Ontario in the last few weeks. Also, Steam Whistle is hosting its own Oktoberfest here at the brewery inspired by a staff trip to Europe last year. Seventeen employees who had worked here for more than 5 years went to Munich’s Oktoberfest and then visited around Pilsen & Prague touring 5 different historic and modern breweries. Our Oktoberfest happens Saturday September 17th from 3-11pm in our beer hall. (During Toronto Beer Week)

Why did you get into the brewing industry and where did your passion for it come from?
I left university after my first year, feeling pretty directionless, and started homebrewing as a hobby (to save money!). The more I learned about beer styles and flavours, the more I loved it. My hobby led me to eventually take a job at a brew-on-premise shop, where I would help customers craft their own batches. I didn't think at that time I would embark on a career in brewing, but over the next few years my passion grew. My friends were all graduating from university and getting into the rat race, and I realised how lucky I was to have found something that made me truly happy. Why not go for it?

Have you brewed at any other breweries in Ontario?
Yes, the first brewery I worked at was Magnotta Brewery in Vaughan. There I learned the basics of brewing in a production facility, and I was instantly hooked. Deciding it was time to further my education, I enrolled in the Certified Brewmaster program at the VLB Institute in Berlin, where I spent 6 months. When I came back to Ontario I joined Amsterdam Brewing, and I enjoyed the challenging work of brewing in such a fast-paced and dynamic environment. At the beginning of last year, an opportunity presented itself to join the team at Steam Whistle, and I jumped at the chance.

What is the best aspect of working in the Canadian craft brewing industry?
The people, definitely. The community is really welcoming of anyone who shows a true passion for the craft, regardless of your background, age, or maybe in my case, gender. It's a growing industry filled with people who love their jobs, which I think is pretty rare and wonderful.

What kind of reaction do you get when you first tell people that your a brewer? 
People are often surprised, and interested to know what a brewer actually does. If they ask "how is beer made?" I say "how much time do you have?"

You're part of Barley's Angels in Toronto. Can you tell us a little about it?
Barley's Angels is an international network of women-only beer education clubs, an offshoot of the US-based Pink Boots Society. Their goal is to involve more women in the enjoyment of craft beer through various educational seminars, tutored tastings, brewery tours, etc. The Toronto chapter, headed by beer specialist extraordinaire Mirella Amato, launched this year with talks from 4 local brewsters, of whom I was one. We also did a women-only tour of Steam Whistle a few months ago which was a lot of fun. I really enjoy talking about brewing and beer with the women I've met through Barley's Angels, and I think the BA events will help to grow this largely under-recognized demographic.

Tell us something about Steam Whistle that not a lot of people know about.
Steam Whistle uses a decoction mash, a process in which part of the mash is removed, boiled in a separate vessel, and then mixed back in to raise the temperature. This process allows for a more complete starch conversion and ultimately enhances the malt profile in the beer.

To date, what would you say is the highlight of your brewing career?
My 6 months studying at VLB in Berlin. Being taught by top experts in the field, being on-site at a world renowned research institute, attending brewing conferences, and visiting breweries and malteries all over Germany. It was an amazing experience.

Name your favourite non Steam Whistle produced beer.
Liefmans Goudenband.

Best time for a pint?
On a nice patio, in good company.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Beau's 3rd Annual Oktoberfest - Tickets On Sale Aug. 19th

Here is a press release from Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. about their 3rd annual Oktoberfest! Tickets go on sale August 19th.


OTTAWA — (August 9, 2011) Earlybird tickets for the Vankleek Hill Oktoberfest, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company’s signature fundraising event, will go on sale Friday August 19 — with a special incentive to buy early. The first 1000 tickets sold will be accompanied by a free CD compilation of all the musicians who will be onstage at this year’s festival.

The 2011 edition of the Vankleek Hill Oktoberfest has expanded to three days of Bavarian celebration: Friday September 30, Saturday October 1, and Sunday October 2. The extra day will mean a larger and more diverse roster of craft beer, local food, independent musicians as well as activities for adults, children and families. In its third year, Beau’s All Natural’s popular fundraiser boasts a goal of $50,000 raised, slated this year to benefit the Canadian Red Cross, Good Food Revolution, the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society, and additional community-building not-for profits.

“I'm really excited about this year's fest,” beams brewery co-founder Steve Beauchesne. “We've been working on it all year and for such a young event it has really evolved into a unique, quality-focused extravaganza.”

Musical guests for this year’s Vankleek Hill Oktoberfest include local talents Jim Bryson and Cuff the Duke, as well as famed Toronto indie rockers Lowest of the Low. Colorado alt-country band Drag the River returns this year for an evening performance, and the festival will be graced by the presence of royalty: Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek. As in previous years, traditional German oompah music and dancers will entertain through throughout the day.

Adult Oktoberfest revellers will be able to compete over the three days in fun challenges of strength and endurance, such as the “Stein-Hold Struggle,” a beer keg toss, and a spouse-carrying race. A sausage-eating contest and a sauerkraut cook-off will test those with stomachs of steel. And children and families will be welcomed into Kinderfest, a non-licensed area hosted by DooDoo the Clown. Family activities include a youth parade, giant castle-building area, face painting and malt sack races.

Bavarian and seasonally inspired food will be prominent and plentiful at this year’s event. There will be 20 Ottawa and Eastern Ontario-based restaurants serving up unique creations: sample selections such as Cheshire Cat Pub’s inimitable Reuben sandwich, or Elements of Merrickville's Beau's drunken sausages with caramelized onions on a pretzel bun.

And of course, there's the beer. The festival features seven different Beau’s brews flowing on tap, five of which have been created exclusively for this event alongside more than 30 one-off cask ales from craft breweries from Ontario and Quebec. Dieu Du Ciel from Quebec, Ottawa’s Clocktower, Barrie, ON’s Flying Monkeys, Toronto brewery Great Lakes, and Guelph’s Wellington Brewery are some of those that will be highlighted at Cask Days, hosted by Toronto's BarVolo. A Beer Speakers Series will feature World of Beer’s Stephen Beaumont as well as other notable beer experts from around the globe.

“We've got so much going on, it's almost impossible to describe how killer this is going to be,” concludes Beau’s All Natural’s Steve Beauchesne. “Last year we really nailed it — from the format to the programming to the food and beer. This year has been all about building from that model to make it even better.”

Earlybird tickets will go on sale online beginning Friday August 19 at www.beaus.ca/oktoberfest. The first 1000 tickets sold will include the limited-release compilation CD, featuring a track from each of the musicians playing this year. A single day pass for adults is $18, or one can save $9 on daily admission by purchasing a three-day pass for $45. Youth admission (18 or younger) is $5. Bus rides (roundtrip from Ottawa to Vankleek Hill and back) can be added for $12 per fare.

Ticket giveaways will take place weekly at the Beau’s Facebook page, or admission is free for “Volun-beers” who can also help out at the festival. More information is available at www.beaus.ca/oktoberfest, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beaus-All-Natural-Brewing-Co/244410471113, or by calling the brewery at 1-866-585-BEER (2337). Oh yeah!

Monday, August 8, 2011

LCBO Autumn 2011 Specialty Beer Release

Here is the LCBO's Autumn 2011 Speciality Beer Release, which is slated for release on September 12, 2011.

It's a pretty solid release with some great Canadian beers! I'm sure a number of products will move like crazy; stuff like Microsbrasserie Charlevoix Triple, Le Trois Mousquetaires Porter Baltique and Garrison's Imperial IPA.


Item #
Product Name
Alc./ Vol.
Size (mL)
 Price
Agent
Vendor
Country
237693
Cannery Maple Stout
5.5
650
 $5.80
DeLancey Direct Inc.
CANNERY BREWING COMPANY
BC
254656
Ayinger Celebrator
7.2
330
 $3.45
MCAUSLAN BREWING
Ayinger Brewery
GERMANY
173658
Garrison's Imperial I.P.A.
7
500
 $4.25
Cecktor Limited
GARRISON BREWING COMPANY
NOVA SCOTIA
234047
Bacchus Flemish Old Brown
4.5
375
 $4.50
RUBAIYAT WINE AND SPIRIT MERCH.
BROUWERIJ VAN HONSEBROUCK
BELGIUM
236091
Celt Bronze Crafted Ale
4.5
500
 $3.65
RUBAIYAT WINE AND SPIRIT MERCH.
The Celt Experience Ltd.
UK
233486
Pedgree V.S.O.P.
6.7
500
 $3.50
BRUCE ASHLEY GROUP
MARSTON'S PLC
UK
233494
Goliath
4.2
500
 $3.50
BRUCE ASHLEY GROUP
MARSTON'S PLC
UK
236992
Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale
7
500
 $4.60
BGS INTERTRADE LTD.
RENAISSANCE BREWING COMPANY
NEW ZEALAND
173534
Southern Tier Choklat
11
650
 $9.85
ROLAND AND RUSSELL
SOUTHERN TIER BREWING CO. INC.
USA
504670
Fuller's 1845 Bottle Conditioned Ale
6.3
500
 $3.50
PREMIER BRAND, LTD.
FULLER SMITH & TURNER PLC
UK
125153
Affligem Dubbel
6.8
330
 $2.75
MCCLELLAND PREMIUM IMPORTS
Affligem Brouwerij
BELGIUM
239475
Dominus Vobiscum Triple
9
500
 $5.95
HMH NEGOTIANTS
MicroBrasserie Charlevoix
QUEBEC
244376
Porter Baltique 2011
10
750
 $9.95
HMH NEGOTIANTS
LES TROIS MOUSQUETAIRES
QUEBEC
237875
Box Steam Funnel Blower
4.5
500
 $3.55
ID AGENCIES
BOX STEAM BREWERY
UK

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

TAPS The Beer Magazine - Summer 2011 Issue Contents

TAPS The Beer Magazine - Summer 2011 Issue
Up front disclosure: It is no secret that I am employed by TAPS Media, the parent company of TAPS The Beer Magazine. From time to time I've posted material on this blog (before and after being hired) with respect to work that has appeared in TAPS. My intention when posting said material, and the material below, is only meant as news, nothing more.

p.10 Bar Snacks
Coast-to-Coast Industry News

p.14 Quebec Dispatch by Mirella Amato
Brewing news from the belle province.

p.15 Okanagan Fest-Of-Ale by Connie Proteau
A perennial favourite for beer lovers every spring, this event plays host to breweries across the Western provinces and Washington State to showcase their products to an enthusiastic crowd of thousands.



p.16 Down The Hatch featuring Tree's Stefan Buhl by Troy Burtch
A recent shipment of Hop Head Double IPA from the Tree Brewing Co. in Kelowna, BC to Ontario’s LCBO was such a success that a small number of cases had to be removed from store shelves and saved for two special events that Tree was attending in Toronto.

p.18 Brewing A Brewery by Matt J. Simmons
Chapter Three in the ongoing series about starting a microbrewery. "Who knew finding a brewery location could be so frustrating? In our little town on BC’s north coast, commercial leases range from the absurdly cheap and falling down to the prohibitively expensive (which are, at times, still falling down)."

p.20 Canadian Heritage by James Burla
Fort Garry Brewing Company began way back in 1930 when B.W. Hoeschen started producing two brands that included Frontier Beer and Frontier Stout – the former having won ‘best in class’ in England at a Commonwealth brewing competition.

p.21 French Connection by Mirella Amato
In 2005, Frédéric Tremblay and the rest of the team at Microbrasserie Charlevoix realized that it was time for a change. At that time, Microbrasserie Charlevoix was housed in a quaint little pub on the main street of Baie-St-Paul, a small city northeast of Québec. Microbrasserie Charlevoix’s two lines of beer, the Dominus Vobiscum Belgian ale series and the La Vache Folle English ales were selling so furiously that the brewery had to rein in distribution in order to meet local demand.

p.24 Maritime Malt by Craig Pinhey
A room full of brewers showcasing their latest effort is a beautiful sight for a beer geek. That’s what it was like for the lucky few who attended the Maritime Malt launch party on March 30th in the back room of the Hart & Thistle on the Halifax waterfront. Brewers from around Atlantic Canada gathered to celebrate a new malted barley produced from barley grown exclusively in the Maritimes, the next stage in 100% locally sourced beer.

p.26 Vive L'Alberta! by Mike Tessier
In the wild, oil-rich west, the AGLC (Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission) loves laissez-faire capitalism and increasing their sin tax revenues with a user-friendly private liquor system. This system is in stark contrast to other Canadian provinces that seem content to bite the hand that feeds them by imposing restrictive measures impeding variety in their markets and lessening their provincial tax revenues.

p.28 Canada Day by Bill White
As Canadians come together to celebrate 144 years as a nation, beer will be an integral and important component of the party, as it has been since the first European settlers came to the New World...

p.30 Perfect Pair featuring Chefs Alain Tremblay and Anthony Walsh
Delectable beer and food pairings from the continent's top chefs, including exclusive recipes.

p.36 Who, What & Weiss by Chef Michael Olson
So here’s the drill – I have been assigned the duty of reminding you of the basics of getting back to the grill but also the great matches that can be made between grilled foods and Weissbier. Not a bad gig I must admit and I, diligent as always, made sure to taste the brews several times in order to steer you in the right direction.

p.40 Rise Of The Gastrobubs by Martin Sayers
There was a time in the UK when good pub food was a contradiction in terms... ...the most you could hope for was a curled up ham sandwich or some reheated cottage pie. How times have changed; over the past twenty years, the British culinary landscape has been transformed by the rise of a new concept in eating out - the gastropub.

p.43 2011 Craft Brewers Conference by Bill White
4000 beer enthusiasts in the only place on earth with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and a four-storey rainforest all under one roof...

p.48 Editorial: Beer After Wine by Craig Pinhey
There’s an old adage in the wine industry that ‘it takes a lot of beer to make good wine.’ I’ve heard this several times, in various regions, mainly in California... My own quote is that “it takes a lot of beer to judge wine.” That should be clarified...

p.49 Naked Ladies & The Gypsy by Chuck Cook
When I visited Davy Spiessens and Glenn Castelein at their first Alvinne brewery in Ingelmunster, West Flanders, in 2006, it was little more than a tiny, one room building stuffed with brewing equipment. It was a hot September day and the temperature in the brewhouse must have been 140 degrees Fahrenheit. I didn’t stay inside long, preferring to pull up a chair in the ‘tasting chalet’ just a few feet from the brewery. In November 2008, I visited this innovative brewing duo once again, at their new location in Heule...

p.52 Quaffs, Questions & Answers featuring Dr. Charlie Bamforth by Mirella Amato
Dr. Charlie Bamforth is Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Malting & Brewing Sciences at UC Davis. He has been part of the brewing industry for some 33 years. Bamforth is Editor in Chief of the Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists, is on the editorial boards of several other journals and has published innumerable papers, articles and books on beer and brewing. His latest contributions have been "The Brewmaster’s Art" (A 7-CD recording in The Modern Scholar series) and "Beer is Proof God Loves Us: Reaching for the Soul of Beer and Brewing".

p.55 Prague Beer Revolution by Evan Rail
A few years ago, the capital of the Czech Republic was what it had always been; a place where you could drink a lot of beer. The Czech lands are, famously, the home of the first Pilsner and the original Budweiser, and for years the nation has happily consumed the world’s largest amount of beer per capita, about 160 litres each year for every man, woman and child. Beer is served everywhere, from opera galas to state dinners, at almost every lunch, many dinners, and even some breakfasts. But while we might have had plenty of beer, what we didn’t have was much variety – you basically saw the same three or four brands everywhere you went. And then something happened...

p.58 Border Beer by Rob Symes
...anyone whose know-ledge of beer surpasses Bob and Doug Mackenzie, they know American brews are nothing to be laughed at. Sure, this is the country that gave us Coors Light, Keystone Light and Bud Light Lime, but it’s also the country that gave us Stone IPA, Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald and New Glarus Belgian Red. Unfortunately you won’t be seeing many of the latter three north of the 49th parallel, which is the reason behind Canadian craft beer lovers driving south...

p.60 Adventures Of A Craft Beer Foodie... the Dreaded Food Allergy by Tracy Phillippi
Oh yes, it’s time. The days are getting longer, gardeners are planting their first seeds, and fine establishments around my beer-loving city of Toronto are slowly dusting off their patios. It’s summer in Canada. Still, for a select number of Canadians, this summer’s BBQs won’t be enjoyed with as much vigor...

p.63 Picaroon's by Craig Pinhey
Picaroons was one of the first modern breweries in Atlantic Canada, opening in 1995 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. They’ve gone through an expansion, closure, reopening, another expansion, and rapid growth. They are absolutely flying now, with a new retail store just opened in downtown Fredericton, a recent introduction of growlers – a first for any brewery in New Brunswick - and big plans for the future. Things are looking up for Picaroons.

p.68 Confessions Of A Brewer by Sam Corbeil
It’s a razor thin line that separates passion and obsession, and I’m riding the edge baby!

p.70 Breakfast Of Champions by Matt J. Simmons
I don’t like wheat beers. To me, they taste like a sickly balance between ale, lager and herbal tea… not exactly a winning combination. Every few years I give them another try, but when the glass is emptied of its pale contents, I wipe my mouth and quickly trade in for something more familiar like a stout, an IPA, or a bitter – something comfortable and comforting. But maybe I’ve been approaching it all wrong...

p.72 Experience Canada The Beer Way by Troy Burtch
After reading the Fall 2010 issue of TAPS cover to cover three times while on a farm in Greece, Graham Reid knew what he wanted to do.... bike across Canada visting breweries and brewpubs along the way.

p.74 Homebrewing Recipe by Eric Ecclestone
The best part of this time of year is undoubtedly the first ‘sit down’ on a patio after being inside with your pint for the previous six months – in Canada anyway. I always want something refreshing and sessionable, with a little bite to keep it interesting. Not too long ago the American innovators came up with their own take on a German classic, the American wheat beer.

p.75 Carboys In My Laundry Room by Christine Beevis
With the coming of warmer weather, the common homebrewer (brewus domicilis) may now be spotted re-emerging from the warmth of his burrow to brew on back patios or in open garages, after hibernating during a long, dark winter.

p.76 Craft Brewing At The Cellular Level by Luke McKinney
Craft brewing embodies the very best of humanity: the ability to enjoy things, the intellect to brew them, the freedom to drink them - and now the technology to improve them. This ability to look at a global selection and think “Not good enough!” is incredibly arrogant, unbelievably demanding, and the reason why we have so many wonderful drinks instead of just sipping rainwater in caves.

p.78 Tasting Notes
Beau's - Lug Tread, Half Pints - Little Scrapper, Howe Sound - King Heffy, Le Trou du Diable - Dulcis Succubus, Charlevoix - Dominus Vobiscum Blanche, Black Creek - Pale Ale - tasting notes provided by Stephen Beaumont, Roger Mittag, Chester Carey, Greg Clow, Craig Pinhey and Troy Burtch

p.80 Cafe Artisanal by Craig Pinhey
With an eye to educate the local palate, café owners turn nano-brewing into retail success...

p.81 Fire & Ice by Matthew Bellamy
...diversification into ‘high wines’ caused a rift in the Molson family firm. Whereas Thomas was determined to continue distilling, his partners wished to abandon the practice. Moral reformers were starting to denounce distilling as an evil undertaking.

p.84 My Shout by Stephen Beaumont
...in today’s world of so-called extreme brewing, we can sometimes overlook the pleasures afforded by a well-constructed helles, or elegant best bitter in favour of some phenolic, high-alcohol monster aged in rare Amazonian wood and scented with the petals of obscure Asian flowers harvested but once a year by amber-haired virgins dressed in flowing robes of saffron and lavender.
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