A New Job....A New Start

For those of you out there who know me personally, you'd know that for the last three years I have been employed by the provincial government, working in a department of the the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. 

During that time I have somehow managed to maintain this blog, sell advertising for TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine, write my Burtch on Beer Column for TAPS. conduct interviews with people in the industry for TAPS features, help out with a weekly radio show, and attend numerous events and festivals throughout Ontario.  It has been hard work (I know you might laugh at that.  I mean, how hard could it be to attend beer events, talk about beer....?), especially juggling everyday work commitments while a deadline is looming over my head or spending an entire weekend doing nothing beer related. 

Something had to change.  I was getting bogged down, feeling stressed out at times.  I knew that I needed to re-evaluate things in my life and was hoping that the beer writing wouldn't lose out to the steady job that working for a government branch offers. 

So, I'm about to make a significant change to my life and the beer world that I've ingrained myself in over the last 3 1/2 years won't disappear at all.    In fact, it will become my life.  As I mentioned last week, I left my cushy job with the government to embark on a new venture. 

Starting today, April 6th, I'll be assuming my new role with TAPS Media as the National Director of Sales and Marketing.  I'm very excited about this.  I have a lot of ideas for the magazine and everything that goes along with it, some that I hope to get up and running in the next month.  And as I'm getting my feet wet I'd love to hear from TAPS readers out there with their thoughts on how to improve the magazine, changes you'd like to see, articles that would be of interest to you, or anything you'd like to pass along for consideration.  Feel free to drop me a line at troy@tapsmedia.ca.

I'll continue posting information on this blog, but I'm assuming that the post count will  drop slightly.  The new position will provide me with the chance to travel the country, visiting our terrific breweries, brewpubs, and pubs/beer bars which will give me much to post on. 

Goodbye government - hello beer!

TAPS: Winter '09 Issue

The winter issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine was released one week before Christmas and again, like the previous two issues, has over 90 pages full of beer related information from coast-to-coast, with a couple of international stories mixed in for good measure.

Here is a sneek peek into what you'll find in the magazine, although there is a lot more inside the 98 pages, including regional beer news, beer reviews by our Tasting Panel, a profile of the the Scotland's oldest brewery, Belhaven, beer and food articles, and much more.

Greg Clow: Clow's series of Beer Styles 101 has taken a glimpse into Stouts, Witbier, Barley Wines, Porter, and Weissbier over numerous issues and this winter issue features a good read on IPA's.

Stephen Beaumont: In his My Shout Column, Beaumont takes a look back at 2009 and picks some winners for his self-styled achievement awards.

Craig Pinhey: Takes a look at the White and Lime beer trends, explains that "Dark" is not a taste, and discusses the love of local hops in Atlantic Canada.

Bill White: For his Ask the Brewmaster column, White takes readers through the entire brewing process and talks about food pairings in another article.

Mirella Amato: Busy as ever, Amato profiles the Bierbrier brewery in Montreal, provides highlights of the first ever Mondial de la Biere in Strasbourg, France, interviewed Ray Daniels, and she took a close look into the Quebec beer scene.

James Burla: 11 Alberta breweries got together in October at the Grizzly Paw brewery in Canmore, AB to brew a beer together for charity, and Burla was there to document the special day. He also wrote about the beers from Alley Kat brewery in Edmonton.

Connie Proteau: Proteau pays a visit to the Whistler Brewing Company in Whistler, BC and Tree Brewing in Kelowna, BC.

Kristina Santone: Santone reviewed three books: Cheers! An Intemperate History of Beer in Canada - Beer Lover's Britain - World's Best Beers.

Cary Hyodo: Took a trip to Transylvania, tasted the local beers, visited the local breweries and pubs, profiled and took some great photo's.

Sam Corbeil: Beer and Clothing in Las Munich. Corbeil and a bunch of friends traveled to Munich to soak up (literally) Oktoberfest....and he survived to write about his experience.

Eric Ecclestone: Shared his Scotch Ale recipe in his Homebrewing column.

Chuck Cook: Cook was at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado and he shares his views with readers.

The Tasting Panel featured the following beers: Salt Spring Porter from Gulf Island Brewery, Dark 266 Lager from Cameron's Brewery, Alberta Crude Oatmeal Stout from Wild Rose, Russian Gun Imperial Stout from Grand River Brewing, Gin Lane Barley Wine from the Granite Brewery (Toronto location), and Ol' Fog Burner Barley Wine from Garrison Brewing.

And I wrote a little story on the Black Oak Brewing Company and their 10 year anniversary, interviewed Beer Wars movie producer Anat Baron, and put together a small last minute gift guide for TAPS readers.

TAPS is available at select Chapters/Indigo nation-wide and at many independent book and magazine retail outlets from coast-to-coast. Subscriptions for the magazine can be purchased by visiting the TAPS website (www.tapsmagazine.com) or by calling 416-536-9100. On-line digital versions of the magazine can also be purchased for the low yearly price of $12. Click here for more details.

Winter TAPS Magazine Released

Just a quick note, the winter issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine has been released and should start appearing on store shelves anytime now. It's another 98 pager, filled with some excellent reading that will get your through the holiday season. My writing includes a look into Black Oak's recent 10 year milestone, an interview with Beer Wars producer Anat Baron, and includes a small gift guide.

Look for copies at Chapters/Indigo locations throughout Canada or other fine bookstores.

TAPS: Fall Issue

Released on September 24th at the Canadian Brewing Awards gala, the latest issue of TAPS is jammed packed with over 90 pages of beer material and makes for a great read.

Without giving away what the entire magazine contains, here is a sneak peek at what some of the writers put on paper.

Stephen Beaumont plays around with beer and whisky in his My Shout column.

Mirella Amato takes readers on a trip to the Le Loup Rouge brewpub north of Montreal, profiles BC craft brewing pioneer John Mitchell, and talks glassware. Amato also interviews Jeannine Marois in the Quaffs, Questions + Answers feature, who happens to be the President and co-founder of the Montreal's Le Mondial de la Biere.

Bill White once again works with editor, Karla Dudley, to put together the Perfect Pair section of the magazine, matching food with the right beer. White also profiles SAB Newlands Brewery in Cape Town, South Africa.

Craig Pinhey attended the Atlantic Beer Festival in Moncton back in May and wrote a piece about how the event unfolded. Pinhey also informs readers about Halifax's gastropub and brewery - The Hart and Thistle on the Harbourfront, and Big Tide, Saint John's newest brewpub.

Eric Ecclestone provides homebrewers with his (biergotter's) Pumpkin Ale recipe.

Greg Clow choose Stout as the style to profile in his Beer Styles 101 column and reading it made me want to reach for a Hockley Valley Stout.

Connie Proteau takes a look at the BC beer distribution numbers, complete with graphs (pie charts - who doesn't like pie charts). Proteau also profiled Gulf Islands Brewery located on Salt Spring Island in BC.

Sam Corbeil continues his Confessions of a New Brewer column with an article about summer love.

Roger Mittag came out to the Canadian Brewing Awards judging and shares his thoughts, and he also explains his newest venture, Prud'homme Beer Certification, a beer educational program he's offering starting this fall.

James Burla takes a trip to the Grizzly Paw brewery in Alberta.

I interviewed Ontario Craft Brewers Association President, John Hay and Chairman, Gary McMullen, asking questions about their roles and how what the provincial government could be better doing to assist them. For my Burtch on Beer column I wrote an article on Bar Volo's very successful Ontario IPA Cask Challenge.

There is a lot more inside the 98 pages, including regional beer news, beer reviews by our Tasting Panel, a profile of the the Belgian city Ghent, and much more.

TAPS is available at select Chapters/Indigo nation-wide and at many independent book and magazine retail outlets from coast-to-coast. Subscriptions for the magazine can be purchased by visiting the TAPS website (www.tapsmagazine.com) or by calling 416-536-9100. On-line digital versions of the magazine can also be purchased for the low yearly price of $12. Click here for more details.

**
Thank you to all our advertisers (in no particular order):

Ontario Craft Breweries
Grand River Brewing Company
C'est What
Mill Street
Beau's All Natural Brewing Co.
Granite Brewery
The 3 Brewers
Pump House Brewery
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Draft-Care
Draught Services

If you are interested in advertising in the winter Issue, please feel free to contact me at the email address listed at the top of this blog, or email me at troy@tapsmedia.ca.

Canadian Brewing Awards - Thursday Night

The 7th Annual Canadian Brewing Awards Gala is taking place this Thursday night to celebrate the best in the Canadian brewing industry and to recognize all the winners from the judging that took place in August.

Just like last years awards, I will have the entire list of winning beers posted here on the night of the gala - real time. So remember to check here around 8pm local (Toronto) time.

There was a significant increase in brewery participation this year, and there are some surprising, and not so surprising results. 8pm local time - read it here first to find out who won brewery of the year and beer of the year .

D-Day. Canadian Brewing Awards Judging

Around 10:30am, a group of BJCP beer judges will be taking their seats for the long day of tasting and scoring beers for the 7th annual Canadian Brewing Awards (CBA). The CBA's are run by TAPS magazine so I'll be there for the third year in a row as the official pourer of the beers.

There has been a lot of work put into the awards again this year. We've been able to increase the number of participants from the previous two years that I have been involved, which means there is a lot more beer to pour than ever before. Breweries from almost every single province have sent in their product and it has been chilling in the fridges, just waiting for this day.

So pouring? Well, I do exactly that. Each beer that enters the competition is given three number in sequence: The first number is the style category the beer is being entered in. The second is the number assigned to the brewery that entered the beer. And the third number is the number of products a brewery entered in the same category. Make sense? So, for example (using a fictional beer), if Blue IPA from the Yukon entered the number might look like this: 14(category)-2(brewery)-1(one beer entered in category by brewery 14). The beers are all grouped together and labelled and my job is to make sure I open and pour the right ones into the appropriately marked glasses before the tray heads to judges table.

It usually makes for a long day, but is it ever fun. And besides, I am the only one in the room who, if I choose, can sample every single product being opened. Not bad eh!

I am going to bring along a camera and my computer and at certain breaks during the judging I'll see if I can get some live pictures and comments from the judges. Stay tuned.

A Tribute to Jim Brickman

I wrote the following article for my 'Burtch on Beer' column for the Spring issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine. Since the article appeared in print, Brick brewery has filed suit against Brickman, suing him for $1 million, which Brickman has recently responded too.

Pioneer Rides Into the Sunset
TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine
Spring 2009 Issue
Page 33

It was a cold winter day. The line-up extended from the back door of the historic furniture factory that sat in the shadow of the now-demolished Labatt Brewery. It was December 18, 1984, and the people of Kitchener/Waterloo had turned out in droves to get their hands on the first microbrewed beer to enter the Ontario market in more than 35 years. Jim Brickman became Ontario's first modern craft brewer when he opened the Brick Brewing Company on that December morning.

Within a couple of hours the beer was sold out, and it was then that Brickman realized people were ready for change, thus beginning the turn of the tide for Ontario's craft brewing industry. Little did Brickman know at the time, but he would go on to revolutionize the way people in Ontario thought about beer, while opening up a market that had been left ignored for years.

On December 11, 2008, almost 24 years to the day of opening the door to the public for the first time, Brickman announced his retirement as Executive Chairman of Brick Brewing. “It was definitely sad to hear,” stated Ken Woods, President of the Black Oak Brewing Company. “Jim was the inspiration for many of us in the Ontario brewing industry. He was always very supportive, very helpful, always willing to extend a hand. Jim laid the groundwork for where we are today, and I for one am very thankful for that.”

Let's take a retrospective look at the man who started it all.

Brickman's journey didn't start in 1984 with the opening of the brewery. No, it started five years earlier in 1979. With no brewing experience behind him (Brickman worked in packaged good marketing), he noticed how the US micro scene was slowly gaining public acceptance, and he felt that the province of Ontario was ready for some new flavourful products. Brickman embarked on a brewery crawl (for lack of a better term), visiting more than 60 breweries in many countries to educate himself in his new venture, and to taste the many different styles and flavours on the international market. He would often tell people that he opened a brewery to satisfy his own palate, as he himself was tired of all the similar products on the market.

It was tough in the early days, but Brickman had passion, commitment, and a strong desire to persevere. After two years of fairly successful sales, Brickman listed his small brewing company on the Toronto Stock Exchange, becoming the first Canadian craft brewery to do so. It raised enough capital to expand his capacity, enough to cement his goal of giving the citizens of Ontario the opportunity to try something other than the beers brewed by the national giants.

“Jim is a true beer lover who challenged Ontario's beer industry by stepping up to brew the type of beer(s) he wanted to brew! This has inspired many other brewers to indulge their entrepreneurial passions to brew a variety of premium, high quality beers based on their individual interpretations of brewing styles,” stated Lisa Dunbar, the Sr. Marketing Manager of the Ontario Craft Brewer's Association (OCB), and friend of Brickman's.

The first beer produced and sold was Brick Premium Lager; a distinct German style lager that possessed qualities that set it apart from the lagers produced by Molson and Labatt's. Other styles soon followed, like the popular Waterloo Dark, and Red Baron beers. Brick's most notable beer produced under Brickman's watchful eye was their Brick Anniversary Bock, a beer that still generates a lot of discussion to this day even though it has not been brewed for many years.

The 90's were a period of growth for Brick as they focused on their discount Laker brand, which they acquired from Molson. (You remember that tagline - “Make her a Laker it's a buck a beer.”) They also purchased the rights to brands from the defunct Conners Brewery, and the Formosa Springs brands from the Northern Algonquin Brewing Company. Then a couple of years ago Brick discontinued a number of their mainstream brands and went back to their traditional roots with the release of three beers under the J.R. Brickman Founders Series.

Brickman was also a leader in innovation. They were the first and are the only brewery outside Germany to brew and distribute the world recognized Andechs Spezial Hell Lager. In 2002, Brickman announced that Brick would bring back the much-beloved stubby bottle, and it would be 50s and 60s icon Red Cap Ale in the bottle. “Both the stubby and Red Cap have earned a place in Canadian brewing history, so we felt it was a natural fit to bring them back together for a whole new generation of beer drinkers, and for those of us who remember our stubby days,” Brickman was quoted as saying in a press release highlighting the stubby's re-birth.

Bringing back the stubby and taking on the Beer Store for many years (the Beer Store threatened to discontinue supplying Brick with long-neck industry bottles, because the Beer Store claimed that the Red Cap stubby bottle broke the brewery's existing listing deal), was the spark that other craft brewers needed to experiment with different bottle sizes themselves. Brickman was fighting for an equal playing field, standing up for all other small breweries.

When the OCB came together in the early 2000s, Brickman was a natural fit as their unofficial spokesperson, and he served as a role model for the newer brewers and brewery owners. “If you visit the OCB website, you will see that we describe Jim as one of the “Pioneers of Craft Brewing” here in Ontario. This is 100 percent true, but also slightly understated. Jim's contribution to the evolution of our industry has spanned over 20 years, and his leadership will continue to have an influence on craft brewers as we proceed into the future. I think that you would be hard-pressed to find an OCB member (and there are 29 of them) that couldn't share a story or two about Jim Brickman and how he has impacted their own existence in the craft brewing industry,” proclaimed Dunbar.

Ron Keefe (another Ontario brewing pioneer, and owner of the Granite - Toronto location and OCB member) said, “We'll miss him in the OCB. He was a great spokesperson in the media for us.”

So now as Brick enters their 25th year in the business, they do so without the man who started it all. After retiring as Executive Chairman, Brickman ended his run with Brick as he officially resigned from the Board of Directors on February 11, 2009. It won't be the same at Brick without the passionate mustached beer-guy behind the bar.

The Ontario brewing community will miss a partner, a friend, an innovator and an inspiration. Grand River Brewmaster Rob Creighton had this to say about Brickman; “Jim is a colourful individual, extremely passionate about beer, and the first to see the potential in the craft market. His guidance has helped the little guys compete on the regional level with some success.”

In the 24 years Brickman served as owner, spokesperson, and face of the brewery, his beers won an astounding number of Gold Medals in the Monde Selection for Quality Competition in Brussels. 24 Gold Medals to be exact, and the most ever for a craft brewery in North America. The brewery has also racked up many Ontario and Canadian Brewing Awards, and Red Cap recently won a Bronze medal in the Golden or Blonde category at the prestigious World Cup of Beer.

Brickman always says, “Behind every Brick beer is a Brick man.” Indeed there is, Jim.

TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine - Summer Issue

The summer issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine was recently released and is now available on newsstands across the country.

This is a big issue. Over 90 pages of beer facts, brewery news, interviews with brewers, international brewery profiles and drinking hotspots, beer reviews and much much more.

Without giving away what the entire magazine contains, here is a sneak peek at what some of the writers put on paper.

Stephen Beaumont weighs in on the "Does Size Matter" debate when it comes to the alcohol strength of beer and he doesn't believe it does - perspective does.

Mirella Amato takes readers on a trip to the Benelux brewpub in Montreal where she talks to head brewer and part owner, Benoit Mercier. Amato also interviews Gordon Strong in the Quaffs, Questions + Answers feature, who happens to be the President of the Beer Judge Certification Program

Bill White once again works with editor, Karla Dudley, to put together the Perfect Pair section of the magazine, matching food with the right beer. White was in Boston for the Craft Brewers Conference and wrote about his time there, and he also profiles the world's oldest brewery - Weihenstephan.

Craig Pinhey questions how the ANBL gets away with releasing their own brands of beer (Selection Lager) and why the local craft breweries weren't allowed to bid on the contract to brew it. It's a great look at something that didn't get much attention in this part of the country. Pinhey also judged in the Garrison Ultimate Brew-Off competition and shared his insiders view of how the challenge unfolded.

Joe Wiebe wrote a great article on Granville Island's 25th anniversary.

Greg Clow choose Belgian Witbier as the style to profile in his Beer Styles 101 column and made me thirsty. Clow also covered this years Brewers Plate event for the magazine.

Connie Proteau takes a trip to BC's Salmon Arm to have lunch at the Barley Station Brew Pub with the owners and brewmaster.

Sam Corbeil continues his Confessions of a New Brewer column with a witty article about the difference between standing behind the serving table at an event as opposed to being the sampler.

Roger Mittag shares some tips on tasting and reviewing beer.

I interviewed Anders Kissmeyer of the Danish brewery Norrebro Bryghus for my Burtch on Beer column when he was in Toronto to help host the Danish beer dinner at beerbistro. I also interviewed Scott Kerkmans, Chief Beer Officer for Four Points by Sheraton Hotels. Kerkmans also wrote his first article in the magazine.

There is a lot more inside the 95 pages, including regional beer news, beer reviews by our Tasting Panel, a profile of the Great Western Brewing Co. in Saskatchewan and news of another Bill Perrie book on pubs.

TAPS is available at select Chapters/Indigo nation-wide and at many independent book and magazine retail outlets from coast-to-coast. Subscriptions for the magazine can be purchased by visiting the TAPS website (www.tapsmagazine.com) or by calling 416-536-9100. On-line digital versions of the magazine can also be purchased for the low yearly price of $12. Click here for more details.

**
Thank you to all our advertisers (in no particular order):
Sleeman,
Ontario Craft Breweries,
Muskoka Beer Festival,
Grand River Brewing Company,
C'est What,
Granite Brewery,
Creemore Springs Brewery,
The 3 Brewers,
Pump House Brewery,
Great Lakes Brewing Co.,
Innis and Gunn,
Picaroon's, and
Draft Care.

If you are interested in advertising in the Fall Issue, please feel free to contact me at the email address listed at the top of this blog, or email me at troy@tapsmedia.ca.

2009 Canadian Brewing Awards Call for Entries

Toronto, ON - TAPS Magazine is pleased to announce the 7th annual Canadian Brewing Awards. The call for entries has just recently gone out for this year’s Canadian Brewing Awards. The deadline for entries is July 31st and all products must be received by August 7th. The Canadian Brewing Awards are sanctioned by the BJCP and Judging will take place in Toronto on August 15th. This year's Gala will be held at the Art Gallery of Ontario with a date to be announced shortly.

Applications and rules for entry can be found at: www.canadianbrewingawards.com.

The CBAs are the premiere competition for Canadian-brewed beer, with judging overseen by 20 BJCP certified beer judges with no commercial links to the industry. Awards are decided in over 20 categories, with each entry being judged on appearance, aroma, flavour, mouth-feel and overall impression.

The CBAs are proudly presented by TAPS Magazine, Canada's only National Beer Magazine. Focusing on Canadian beer, TAPS is an excellent source of news and trends in Canadian beer, and the bars and taverns that serve it. It’s also a good place to find fun facts, beer culture, recipes and food and beer pairings.

For more information on the Canadian Brewing Awards or Taps Magazine, please contact Carole Hines, or go to www.canadianbrewingawards.com.

Contact: Carole Hines, TAPS Media Events Co-ordinator
Telephone: 416-531-0222 x 223
Email: carole@canadianbrewingawards.com

A Couple of Things Brewing at TAPS Magazine

Without sounding to much like an informerical, here is some news with regard to TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine.

The owners of TAPS have recently announced some good news. Late last week, the popular beer magazine that covers everything from brewery profiles, to food and beer pairings, to beer reviews, and so much more, announced that you can now purchase a subscription no matter where you are in the world as the magazine will now be available for purchase on-line. Interested? Individuals can head over to Zinio Digital to purchase a yearly subscription for the low cost of $16, saving over 55% of the cover price. But if you go there right now, you can get save an additional 25% and pay only $12. A steal!

Also, in an effort to get to know their readers better, TAPS has created a 5 minute survey on their website, and each individual who participates has the chance to win $500 or one of 10 InstaKilts. It's not lengthy, you don't have to do much thinking, so why not give it a whirl. Did I mention that you could win $500?

For those of you on Facebook, type TAPS Magazine into the search field and check out the new site that has been created. You can join in on the discussion boards; like the one What I hate in a pub, or Favourite Canadian Pub and share your thoughts. Tell us what you think of the magazine, offer suggestions, tell us what you like, and keep in touch.

And you twitterers out there, TAPS has also created a Twitter account to share news as it happens.

We are working hard on the summer issue, which should hit newsstands come the middle of June, and it appears to be a beauty. I've got all the beers here that are being reviewed for the regular tasting panel, and their all tasting damn fine. Keep an eye out at your local magazine retail store for our next issue.

TAPS Spring Issue

The Spring issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine is fresh from the printers and features a beautiful new cover with a nice, bold, green hop vine front and centre.

The magazine should start hitting newsstands any-day now, and I hope you readers out there enjoy it from cover to cover. I haven't even had time to browse through the entire thing, but there are some great articles on the Italian beer scene, Quads, a profile of Beau's Brewery, and Calgary's Wild Rose Brewery, a tribute to Jim Brickman, beer reviews, and much more.


Shameless plug coming - If you are interested in subscribing, head over to the TAPS website for more information. While there, take part in a survey for your chance to win $500. You can also purchase copies from Chapters/Indigo retail outlets. 

Interested in advertising in the magazine, you can contact me at troy@tapsmedia.ca for more information.

TAPS/Beerology Audio Podcast #4

Back on October 30th I wrote about Mirella Amato (beer writer/speaker and founder of Beerology.com) teaming up with TAPS Media to record audio interviews with brewers, pub owners and craft beer fans.

She started things off with a discussion at Volo's Cask Days event about cask conditioned beer and examined its growing popularity in North America. The second focused on Winter beers. She spoke with Ontario brewers to see what they look for in a good winter warmer and how to enjoy them. And the third podcast, released in January, dealt with the state of the local Ontario craft brewing scene.

In keeping with the promise of releasing a new audio podcast on the first Monday of each month, Amato and TAPS take us to Quebec for the February edition, and fourth in the series, to chat with a select group of Quebec brewers.

All the podcasts are free, easy to subscribe to, and make for a good listen on your daily commute into work. To subscribe, simply go to iTunes (free) and run a search, or RSS. Or check out the Beerology or TAPS magazine websites.

TAPS: Winter Issue

With every issue of TAPS Beer Magazine that gets released, I post a teaser here on the blog outlining what articles are featured and who authored them.

Alan (A Good Beer Blog) has already written his thoughts regarding the latest issue and Chris (Love Good Beer {BC}) felt that the magazine is still a little to Ontario focused.

It's good to see people writing about the magazine, and the constructive criticism and suggestions are always welcome - it helps gauge what others are thinking. When TAPS was re-branded under new management just over one year ago, no one wanted anything to do with the magazine. The first issue was primarily filled with news and stories from Ontario, but we heard from readers and over time TAPS has added writers from the East and West Coasts. We're trying to accommodate each province, and readers from each province, and hopefully it will please the readers out there.

Back to the winter issue, which was released two weeks prior to Christmas. I'll start from the west and make my way eastward.

Connie Proteau takes readers on a ski and brewery tour of the Rocky Mountains and Kootenay region starting in western Alberta. Good read for beer lovers visiting the area's mentioned this winter.

Joe Wiebe discusses, and points out, the various BC craft brewers who keep us smiling through the snowy season with Winter beers. Phillips Hammer Imperial Stout please!

Kristina Santone provides readers with a behind the scene story on the Canadian Brewing Awards gala. She also has lunch with Neil Sharp of Innis and Gunn and tells us how it went.

Greg Clow tells everyone about one of the most respected styles of beer out there - Barley Wines, and does a good job naming some beauties.

Bill Perrie visits the Griffin Gastropub in Bracebridge, ON and has a great time.

Stephen Beaumont ponders a serious question: Who happens to be Canada's best beer-drinking city. You can make your own guess, or pick up a copy of the issue to find out what Beaumont thinks.

Bill White took a trip to Germany (thanks to his daughter) and lived to tell about it. White visits the famous breweries, structures and drinks the beer that has put Germany near the top of the brewing nations.

Sam Corbeil tells another tale from the brewing side of things - about learning from his mistakes.

I conducted an interview with Brooklyn's brewmaster and noted beer author Garrett Oliver when he was in town for a beer dinner featuring Brooklyn's beers. I also headed out to the Publican House Brewery, Peterborough's newest resident, for a profile, and I reviewed Nicholas Pashley revised Notes on a Beermat book.

Mirella Amato was busy in this issue. She interviewed Beerbistro's owner and chef Brian Morin, took an interesting look at where many of the now defunct Upper Canada Brewery employees ended up, and celebrates Dieu du Ciel's 10th anniversary.

Craig Pinhey interviews both Graham Kendall (brewer with Oland in Halifax and maker of Keith's Stout) and Andrew Oland, the President of Moosehand Breweries. He also wonders if there is such as thing as beer TOO bitter.

And that pretty much wraps it up. There is also a gift guide, a homebrewing recipe (courtesy of the dudes at Biergotter's) and beer reviews featuring Mill Street Barley Wine, Yukon Lead Dog Ale, Wild Rose Black Cherry Porter, Picaroon's Man's Best Friend Porter, McAuslan Oatmeal Stout and Hockley Valley Stout.

Enjoy!

TAPS Media Update

The folks over at TAPS Media have been busy cranking out a number of new video podcasts for you to enjoy over the holiday season. The three podcast's include interviews with Bob Baxter of the Yukon Brewing Company, a behind the scenes glimpse into the Canadian Brewing Awards Judging, highlights of the CBA gala and a snapshot of the University of Toronto's Hart House Summer BBQ and Craft Beer event.

The video's are free to view. Simply go to iTunes and subscribe to TAPS magazine and load the video's when prompted. Or, head over to www.tapsmagazine.com and download each video separately. Whether sitting at work, riding the subway or while enjoying a seasonal beer, the video's make for great time killers and provide some useful information along the way.

Also, the newest (winter) issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine is set to hit store shelves any day now as the magazine was released from the printers yesterday. My articles include an interview with Brooklyn brewery's colourful brewmaster Garrett Oliver, a profile of the Publican House - Peterborough's newest brewery, a book review on Notes on a Beermat: Drinking and Why It's Necessary, provided some last minute gift ideas and reviewed two fine Ontario beers (you'll have to read the magazine to find out which ones). The rest of the team put together some great articles and everything wrapped up very nicely.

Speaking of last minute Christmas gift ideas, a new copy of TAPS would make any true beer lover smile upon reaching into their stocking on Christmas day. Better yet, a one or two year subscription. Check out the website for more details on how to subscribe to Canada's only beer magazine. One year - 4 issues: $23 or Two years - 8 issues $40. Pub/bar owners - 10 copies 4 times a year: $159.

TAPS: Fall Issue Review

When invited guests of the 2008 Canadian Brewing Awards departed the Richmond for the evening they were provided with a gift bag that included the newest issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine, the fall issue.

This was the second issue that featured the new look of the front cover and the fourth issue released under the new ownership, which is inching closer to their first anniversary of the re-launch.

The Fall issue is one of the best in my opinion, as the contributing writers all submitted exciting and engaging stories from the beer world and the many colourful pictures jump from the page. You'll notice that three new faces have joined the TAPS writing team as 'Professor of Beer' Roger Mittag was welcomed to the magazine along with British Columbia based freelance drinks writer Joe Weibe as well as Greg Clow's wife Sheryl Kirby who heads up TasteTO with Clow.

The magazine has also added a tasting section where six of us, including the Toronto Star's Josh Rubin, taste and review Canadian beer. This issue saw Propeller IPA, Tree Cutthroat, Great Lakes Pumpkin, Creemore Pilsner, Old Yale Sasquatch Stout and Dieu du Ciel Derniere Volonte get the spotlight.

Here is a breakdown of the content you'll find within the pages of Canada's only beer magazine.

Stephen Beaumont shares his expertise in setting up a high end beer dinner with the right beers;

Greg Clow tells a beautifully illustrated tale about the history of Porter and lists a number of respectable breweries in Canada that get the style right;

Bill Perrie talks about his view on the high and mighty Beer Store and what would happen to small craft breweries should grocery stores start selling beer;

Mirella Amato takes us to Quebec to Le Trou du Diable brewpub and profiles some members of the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association and their deep homebrewing passions;

Roger Mittag shares an inside look at the Canadian Brewing Awards Judging that took place back in September with notes on the judges, how judging is performed and what the atmosphere was like;

Craig Pinhey discusses the new wave of light beers from large macro breweries that are popping up along the East Coast and profiles the beautiful book "Sociable" that was written by Bob Cannon;

Bill White gives us beer and food pairings as well as a report from the World Brewing Congress he attended;

Joe Weibe carries readers on his shoulders while he travels across Victoria BC on an Ale trail;

Sarah Otto evaluates organic and gluten free beers for those not blessed with a wheat tolerance;

The complete winners list from the CBA judging is included; and,

I finally had the Henry House article published, albeit a smaller condensed version and I shared some insight on the new Railway City Brewing Co., Volo Cask Days, Roland and Russell Import report and some smaller tidbits throughout the mag.

Pick up your copy today at select Chapters/Indigo stores, Book City, independent newsstands or contact the magazine through the website at www.tapsmagazine.com.

TAPS:Canada's Beer Magazine-Issue 3

The newest issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine was recently released just in time for the Toronto Festival of Beer, complete with a new sleeker look and feel.

Gone are the paintings that graced the covers of the two previous issues, replaced instead with a picture of a beer on a side table beside a patio chair, in sync with other beer magazines. Above the picture is our new big bolded white title that 'pops' from the shelves at newsstands, making it easier to find among the various other beer and wine publications. The pages are also thinner than the previous issues, yet the entire magazine is still 100% colour with sharp photographs. The feedback was instantly positive from both retailers and customers alike, which was the aim for this new direction all along.

The stuff contained inside the magazine is fantastic as well. Many of the contributing writers are back with great editorials and educational articles.

Stephen Beaumont discusses glassware and how it can improve your beer;

Craig Pinhey weighs in on the debate between who's snobbier - wine or beer judges as well as offering some pub profiles in the Atlantic provinces and sharing his views on the World Beer Cup;

Bill White discusses malt and comes up with some good beer and food pairings for all to enjoy, along with a report from the Craft Beer Conference in San Diego;

Greg Clow teaches us about the wonderful wheat beers with German heritage and profiles some beer books;

Mirella Amato takes us to lupulin ride as she writes about double IPA's, the Montreal scene and her trip to San Diego;

Kristina Santone captivates women readers with a profile on female's in the brewing industry;

Connie Proteau tells us what's happening on the west coast;

Martin Sayers shares some London pub info;

Rob Engman drinks at the UFO in Nashville;

Bill Perrie takes you with him as he visits the Beer and Cocktail show, the Steelback re-launch and Saint John's Alehouse;

and I conduct interviews with Dogfish Head owner Sam Calagione, Steve Peters (the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario), and Val Stimpson of Neustadt Brewery, I also highlight the Weihenstephan beer launch and update readers with some Ontario and Alberta beer news.

The TAPS' website is currently being re-vamped to ensure friendly navigation and can be accessed by visiting www.tapsmagazine.com. Here you can browse through pictures, ask brew master Bill White any brewing related questions, check out advertising specifications, download any of the seven video podcasts for free and check out our subscription rates.

As mentioned here previously, TAPS is Canada's only beer magazine and is available coast to coast in select Chapters/Indigo bookstores as well as various Book City's and independent newsstands.

TAPS & The Canadian Brewing Awards

TAPS MAGAZINE
Contact: Carole Hines, Taps Media Events Co-ordinator
Telephone: 416-531-0222 x 223
Email: carole@canadianbrewingawards.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
***2008 CANADIAN BREWING AWARDS***
***Taps Magazine Presents the 6th Annual CBAs***

Taps Magazine is pleased to announce the 6th annual Canadian Brewing Awards. The call for entries has just recently gone out for this year’s Canadian Brewing Awards. The deadline for entries is August 15th and all products must be received by August 22nd. Judging will be held on September 6th with the awards gala to follow on September 25th at The Richmond in Toronto. Applications and rules for entry can be found at http://www.canadianbrewingawards.com/.

The CBAs are the premiere competition for Canadian-brewed beer, with judging overseen by 12 certified beer judges with no commercial links to the industry. Awards are decided in over 20 categories, with each entry being judged on appearance, aroma, flavour, mouth-feel and overall impression.

The CBAs are proudly presented by Taps Magazine, Canada’s only beer magazine. Focusing on Canadian beer, Taps is an excellent source of news and trends in Canadian beer, and the bars and taverns that serve it. It’s also a good place to find fun facts, beer culture, recipes and food and beer pairing.

For more information on the Canadian Brewing Awards or Taps Magazine, please contact Carole Hines, or go to http://www.canadianbrewingawards.com/.

TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine - Spring Issue

The new issue of TAPS: Canada's Beer Magazine will be hitting the shelves of select Chapters/Indigo stores nationwide this week. Since the first issue of TAPS was launched back in January the TAPS team has been working hard putting together a magazine that we can be proud of and one that will be well received by beer drinkers.

There are some new faces in this issue as Stephan Beaumont, Craig Pinhey, Connie Proteau, Martin Sayer and Kristina Santone have all joined the team with insightful articles on our favourite beverage.

Here's what you can expect to see in the Spring Issue:

Burtch on Beer - I prepared a question and answer article with the LCBO Category manager of beer - Leanne Rhee. We discussed the future plans the LCBO has for their beer section and discussed what Rhee's role entails.

Beer Styles 101 - Greg Clow (beerbeatsbites, Tasteto) prepared an article on dunkels and schwarzbier that left my mouth watering. He gives readers a clear understanding of these two types of dark lagers and offers up a number of suggestions from breweries coast to coast.

My Point of View - Stephan Beaumont tells you to get out there and explore beers diverse qualities. He delivers this message in his editorial piece, encouraging learning about beer and having fun doing it. Beaumont is a world recognized beer writer whose writing will bring a large degree of creditability to the magazine.

East Coast Brew News - Craig Pinhey, another new addition to the team discusses Inbev's (Labatt) decision to launch a new beer in Alexander Keith's Traditional Lager. It is an interesting article that should have beer fans paying close attention to its development nationwide.

Ask the Brewmaster - Seasoned veteran Bill White discusses hops in great detail on the back drop of some fabulous photographs of the green beauties. He also keeps readers posted on the "Order of the Hop" festival in Poperinge, Belgium. White also talks about beer and food pairings in the "perfect pair" section of the magazine.

Where in the World - Owner/publisher Rob Engman likes to travel and travel he did to Bruges, Belgium. He provides readers with a behind the scenes glimpse into the rich beer culture in Bruges, generating envy among all beer lovers.

Kristina Santone fills us in on some "green" breweries, Mirella Amato provides an insight into Le Chaval Blanc in Quebec and maple beers in Ontario, Connie Proteau invites readers into Crannog Ales in British Columbia's interior to learn about their organic operations, Bill Perrie talks about where he spent St.Paddy's day and the Bull and Barrel pub in Barrie,ON, and Martin Sayer makes his introduction with a great read on the history behind pub names. There is also an interview with Teri Fahrendorf, a female brewer known for brewing in many breweries during a 5 month beer safari.

There you have it, a beer magazine filled with loads of useful and interesting information for both male and female beer drinkers. So grab a copy, pop a top and sit back with your feet up and enjoy our hard work.

For a list of locations were to obtain a copy click here.

Cheers!