new releases

- this thursday, from ninkasi brewing:

What:

A metal Xmas – featuring the seasonal launch of Ninkasi’s Sleigh’r beer and special guest, “extreme” craft beer expert and award-winning author Adem Tepedelen.

Your first chance of the season to enjoy Sleigh’r on draught – one of 100+ beers featured in Tepedelen’s “Brewtal Truth Guide to Extreme Beers” – and to purchase a special line-up of beers, as Oregon craft brewery Ninkasi takes over the taps for the evening. While you’re there, pick up a copy of Tepedelen’s book – ‘a hugely entertaining read’ (The Province) and a great Christmas gift.

When:

Thursday, November 20, starting at 6 pm
Where:
Caffe Brixton, 212 E. Georgia St., Vancouver, 604.568.8200

About “The Brewtal Truth Guide to Extreme Beers”:

‘Brewers these days are taking beer to extremes, and Tepedelen is just the writer to introduce drinkers to severe suds.’ – Minneapolis Star Tribune
“The Brewtal Truth Guide to Extreme Beers” describes and rates more than 100 unusual beers from around the world and draws parallels to the music scene, with profiles on craft-beer-loving metal musicians and extreme craft beer brewers.

About author Adem Tepedelen:

An expert on craft beer, Victoria writer Adem Tepedelen is a winner of the prestigious Michael Jackson Beer Journalism award, which celebrates excellence in reporting on American craft beer. Tepedelen is the Brewtal Truth beer columnist for Decibel Magazine and a regular contributor to other publications across North America, including Fine Cooking, Imbibe and Northwest Palate. Also a highly respected music writer, he was editor of Seattle’s The Rocket during the height of the grunge movement and has since written for dozens of other magazines and websites including Mojo, Rolling Stone, Revolver and Warp.

- from central city brewing:

Central City Brewers + Distillers Lands Canadian Brewing & Distribution Rights to The Hobbit Trilogy Series of Beers

Introduces Gollum Precious Pils, Smaug Stout and Bolg Belgian Tripel Beers to Canada

Surrey, BC (November 17, 2014) – Fantasy can become reality for Canadian craft beer fans and The Hobbit devotees! Central City Brewers + Distillers has signed an exclusive agreement to brew and distribute the series of beers inspired by The Hobbit Trilogy to the Canadian market.

“We are extremely excited and proud to be the first Canadian brewery to get the exclusive brewing and distribution rights to The Hobbit Trilogy series of beers,” says Tim Barnes, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Central City Brewers + Distillers. “With the last film of The Hobbit Trilogy coming out in December, we are working hard to get these beers in stores by Christmas.”

As the exclusive Canadian partner, Central City will unleash the three beers selectively tailored to emulate the characters from the films - Gollum (Smeagol), the Dragon Smaug, and the vicious Orc Chieftain Bolg – to Middle-earth British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Central City is also working on distributing the beers to the east coast.

Consisting of a “Precious” Pilsner with Northwest hops, a Russian Imperial Stout mildly flavored with Habanero chilies, and a smooth Belgian-style Tripel; these beers will take you on the journey of a lifetime. 

The Hobbit Trilogy Series of Beers:

	The Gollum Precious Pils: With flavors as smooth and crafty as Gollum himself, the Gollum Pilsner (5% alc./vol) is brewed in the classic Bavarian tradition, using only the finest two-row barley, and hops from the Hallertau region of Germany. This light and golden Pilsner has a distinct hop aroma and flavour, with a dry, crisp finish.Like the One Ring which Gollum has spent his life pursuing, the “precious” pils, if your quest leads you to it, may not extend your life, but it may make your journey a little more enjoyable!
	The Smaug Stout: Smaug Stout (9.5% alc./vol) is styled after a classic Russian Imperial Stout, but with a subtle hint of Habanero chilies to remind you of the fire and danger awaiting Bilbo and to the Company of Dwarves in their journey to The Lonely Mountain. Pronounced notes of coffee and chocolate balanced with Northwest Hops and a touch of heat produce an exceptional imperial stout, a worthy reward for your hard-fought journey.
	The Bolg Belgian Tripel: An Orc chieftain who ruled for 150 years, Bolg seems like the kind who would drink his grog of choice and no one would tell him otherwise; however, this flavorful strong BelgianTripel(8% alc./vol) may be too refined for this otherwise gruesome character.

The Hobbit Trilogy series of beers will be sold in 650ml bottles and will be available at a Canadian shire liquor store before Christmas.

The final film in The Hobbit Trilogy, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, a production from New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), arrives in theaters December 17, 2014. http://www.thehobbit.com/

 

- kona brewing comes to canada:

KONA BREWING EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION TO CANADA

British Columbia and Alberta are the first to receive Liquid Aloha in the Great White North

Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawaii, November 12, 2014 — Canadians will soon start to see Liquid Aloha arriving on store shelves as Kona Brewing Company has announced its island brews will be available throughout British Columbia beginning in late November. Kona beers will make their official Canadian debut at the Hopscotch Whisky Beer and Spirits Festival to be held November 21-22 at The Grand Tasting Hall in Vancouver, B.C., and will roll out in Alberta on December 1st. Draft will be available in both provinces starting early January 2015. Distribution is made possible through partner Beerthirst, and this marks the first time the Hawaiian brewer will have both on and off-premise distribution in Canada.

“For more than a decade, Kona has been bringing its Hawaiian Liquid Aloha to thirsty fans across the mainland,” said Kona Brewing Company brand manager Aaron Marion. “Our pubs in Kona and Oahu attract nearly one million visitors a year, and Hawaii is a top destination for Canadian travelers who have long been asking when we’ll bring Liquid Aloha to their door. We’re stoked to help our new ohana in the north relive their island memories by enjoying their favorite Kona brew back at home.”

With a footprint of 40 U.S. states and 16 countries, Kona Brewing will be entering the Canadian market with its high-quality year-round craft beers Big Wave Golden Ale, Fire Rock Pale Ale, and the newest release to their core lineup, Castaway IPA. More information on Kona Brewing Company and its award-winning craft beers is available on the company’s website. 

- coming soon from phillips brewing:

Two Winners for 2014! November 17th, 2014 - The votes are in and the result was so close between the Victoria Humane Society and Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society that we've decided to have them both win!  Plus, a judicial recount is just too much work. Since the Vic Humane Society had the razor edge lead after the first count we're going to brew their paired beer--a Dunkelweizen--but we're going to brew double the amount.  Half will be released in BC as the Vic Humane Society Brew, with the other half finding its way to Alberta as the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society Brew.  Full proceeds from the sale of each will be donated to their causes (~$10,000 each!). Here is a little snapshot of the incredible work that each of these groups do:     Victoria Humane Society is a registered charity created in 2013 to fill a gap in animal welfare services on Vancouver Island. Its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused, neglected and surrendered animals. In their first year of operation we successfully helped over 450 animals find their forever homes. http://victoriahumanesociety.com/     Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society's (AARCS) mission is to improve the lives of animals by rescuing and providing sanctuary to abandoned, surrendered or abused animals. They also promote responsible guardianship, and advocate on behalf of all animals. www.aarcs.ca     STAY TUNED for each of the Benefit Brew Dunkelweizens, expected to be released in mid-January. We would also like to thank everyone who nominated, voted and participated in the project this year; especially the other finalists. They all do incredible work and for participating as a finalist each will receive a $500 donation. Please check them out below and consider lending your support. Better Environmentally Sound Transportation CFUV - Victoria's Campus Community Radio Station Habitat Acquisition Trust MS Society Nature Trust of BC Power To Be Adventure Therapy Prostate Centre of Vancouver Island Vancouver SPCA Hospital Trust Fund For more information on the project, or to make sure you're notified about key project dates, head over to WWW.BENEFITBREW.COM.