We get the privilege in talking with Cameron MacKinnon, who while also being involved at Breton Brewing, happens to be on the board of directors at CBANS – Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia. Cameron chose 3 prominent beers to chat over and they happen to be favourites: The Diablo Mexican Lager from Good Robot, the Butcher Block Red Ale from Tatamagouche Brewing Co, and the Black Angus IPA from Breton Brewing.
In a shorter-than-normal episode, Ian and Ross get into a couple of interesting porters, but due to some terrible luck, Ross realizes one of his cans has been compromised and they cannot enjoy the Punch Hill Porter from Smokehouse Brewery. But they do get to explore the Smoky Chipotle Porter from Meander River.
Ross is joined by Ananda and together they explore a couple of newer IPAs available right now. The “What in Tarnation” New England IPA from 2 Crows Brewing and the “Blursday” Hazy IPA from Big Spruce.
Ian and Ross find some seasonal fare in Oktoberfest ales as well as a Pumpkin Ale. The Oktoberfest Ale from Horton Ridge Malt House and Sea Level Brewing’s Oktoberfest. The Pumpkin Ale from Schoolhouse rounded out the season.
Ian and Ross get to sample the 3 additional brews now in cans from Brig & Barq Brewing, amounting in a fleet of IPAs that we get to sift through and compare. The Session IPA, the IPA, and the Big IPA.
Ian and Ross get to chat with Erin Norman, co-owner of Lazy Bear Brewing, and try three of their best sellers. The “Gut View” Amber ale, the “Lazy” Lager, and the “Louis” Witbier.
Ian and Ross get the chance to talk to Chris Stewart, head brewer of Paddy’s Brewery in Wolfville, about what it’s like to brew at the longest-standing brewery in the province. We try the TBA IPA, the Cream Ale, and the new Japanese Lager.
Ross is on his own this week, having scared everyone off with the prospect of trying Moosehead and Keith’s brews. “Small Batch”, they say, so let’s see how they compare with our favourites. Trying Moosehead’s “Helles” Bock & “East Coast” IPA, as well as Alexander Keith’s “Citrus Blonde” and “Hazy IPA”.
Ian and Ross get the opportunity to speak with James Marshall, the one-man operation behind Party Time Brewing in Mount Uniake, and enjoy the Pilsner, the “Party at Mexi’s”‘” Amber Ale, the “Mod XXX” Best Bitter, and the “Wrap Party” Double IPA.
Ian and Ross try to tell the difference between a Dark Lager and a Schwarzbier and come to the conclusion… spelling. Comparing the Dartmouth Dark Lager from North Brewing and the Labour of Love Schwarzbier from Horton Ridge Malt House.
