Drink NS Dry: Recent Episodes
Ross Chapman
Once a week, we drink one or some craft beers made in Nova Scotia and talk about them, describing them for curious beer enthusiasts to pique their curiosity.
Ian and Ross have the pleasure of getting to chat with Mike Tobin and Matt Conrad, hosts of 'The Afternoon Pint' podcast. Unfortunately, Ross remains terrible at both organization and sound balancing, so this one is TOUGH to listen to, but worth the words from everyone else. Apologies, and we try to do better. Regardless, the gents drink the Smashing Blonde Ale from Great Roads Brewing, the "Cereal Killer" Oatmeal Stout from Big Spruce Brewing, and the "Malternate Reality" NEIPA from North Brewing.
Ian is away so Ross is joined by James to try some one-offs that defy comparison. From Garrison Brewing, the PB&J Ale. And from North Brewing, the "Let the Good Times Roll" Golden Stout.
We were introduced to Barb (craftbeergirl) and a conversation was inevitable, so Barb spends some time with us to talk us through her current three favourite beers. The 'Exile on North Street' IPA from unfiltered brewing, the 'Purple Grain' IPA from Lunn's Mill, and the 'Clock Work' imperial stout from Boxing Rock Brewing Co.
In our 4th St Patrick's Day special, we choose some light-coloured beers to dye green and embrace the irish heritage neither of us have. We drink "Willie's Wicked Pilsner" from Hill Hop Tops' Brewhouse, "Tastes Like Home" Pilsner from Horton Ridge Malt House, "SAL" Italian Pilsner from 2 Crows Brewing Co, and "Lunn's Millsner" from Lunn's Mill.
Ian is away, so Ross decides to get a lineup of Hazy IPAs to try. The "Foolishly Hoptimistic" from Roof Hound, the "What in Tarnation" from 2 Crows Brewing, and the "Dishoom Dishoom" Hazy IPA from North Brewing.
Ian and Ross are very fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Josh Counsil, co-founder and co-owner of Good Robot Brewing, and get to talk about origins and the future and craft beer in this province. All while drinking the "Ultra" light lager, the "Diablo" Mexican Lager, and the "Tropical Storm" DIPA.
Ian and Ross are THIRSTY for IPAs now, it seems. We were really looking forward to these ones, and try the "Slabtown" IPA from Propeller, the "Intertidal" Mosaic IPA from Tatamagouche Brewing so, and the "Surfer Scoter" IPA from Rare Bird Craft Beer.
After 200 weeks, Ross and Ian are ready for the second attempt at a Century Club evening. We are joined by Keir, and the three of us attempt 100 shots of NS craft beer in 100 minutes. Ross drinks Jake's Lager from Nine Locks, Ian drinks Toller Gold from Burnside Brewing, and Keir is having Toller Light.
Ian is still busy with his play, but Ross has found some Session IPAs to drink, and even though he invited others to join the session, 'tis a session of one. Trying the "Glory Days" from Candid Brewing Co, the "Session IPA" from Lazy Bear Brewing, and the "New Ross S.M.A.S.H." from Hill Top Hops' Brewhouse.
Ian and Ross see "dessert" and "s'mores" on a can and go right for it, even though one is a porter and one is a stout, but with this much sweetness, who can tell. The "Peanut Butter Cup" Dessert Stout from Propeller Brewing, and the "Campfire S'mories" Porter from Paddy's Brewing.
Ross is joined on boxing day, by Ian Smith of Tapestry Beer Bar, to try to remainder of their holiday finds, some of which are on tap at Tapestry Beer Bar. Ross drinks the "Tannen Bomb" from Hell Bay Brewing Co, the "Balsam Blue" from Saltbox Brewing, the "Cinnamon Bun" imperial stout from North Brewing, and the "Chocolate Orange" stout from Nine Locks Brewing Co.
Meanwhile, Ian drinks Sackvegas Brewing's Odin's Winter Ale (a recipe from Uncle Leo's), the "Festivus for the Rest of Us" from Big Spruce, and the Cinnamon Bun as well.
Ross and Ian have a lot of Christmas beers to get through, but they settle, for this week, on Stillwell's "Czech-Style" Amber Lager, Great Roads' "Naughty or Nice" Double chocolate stout, "All Lit Up" from Garrison Brewing, and Breton Brewing's "Milk N' Cookies" stout.
Ross is joined by David, Keir, and Ananda to drink some of the IPAs in the NSLC that we've yet to rate. With some difficulty in availability, we manage to discuss the Kilted IPA from New Scotland Brewing Co, and the First Cut IPA from Lunn's Mill.
Ian and Ross find a couple of stronger IPAs, 7.0% and up. The "Hop Storm" IPA from Hill Top Hops Brewhouse, and the "Frost Giant" Imperial IPA, the last can we have from the now closed Brightwood Brewery.
Ian and Ross get into a couple of blueberry ales, and lament the fact they should have drank several more as comparison. The "Blueberry Express" from Sober Island Brewing, and the "Blueberry Wheat" from Great Roads Brewing.
Ross goes it alone to tidy up some of the beers that don't really have comparative matches we've been waiting on. He get into the "Stone Fruit" Summer Ale from Propeller, the "Crustacean Elation" Ale from Saltbox, and the "Alakai" New England IPA from Heritage Brewing.
Ian and Ross go to Tapestry Beer Bar to talk with Luke Reynolds of Khuva Labs, about what Khuva is up to and what can happen in the future. Unfortunately, Ross put microphones too close together so this week's audio sounds a little weird/underwater.
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.
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.
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.
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 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".
With a complete breakdown in plans, Ross arrives late, but Ian joins him on the deck for non barely celebrational beers despite planning for just that. Together they drink the "Unnamed Light One" from Sea Level Brewing and the "Rye's Up" Pale Ale from Horton Ridge Malt House.
Ian and Ross decide to have some middle-of-summer dark beers and find the two strongest stouts with jet black can art in order to really stick it to hot weather. We compare the 'Moonlight Ride' from Tusket Falls and the 'Flat Black Jesus' from Unfiltered Brewing.
Ian and Ross get into a couple of fruity Double IPAs and find that there could maybe be a bit more... fruit flavour. Between the "Double Double" DIPA from Nine Locks Brewing Co and the Fuzzy Peach from Schoolhouse Brewery.
Ross ventures out of the house to meet up with Ian Smith, owner and occasional brewmaster of Tapestry Beer Bar, 833 Sackville Drive in Sackville, NS. On this particular occasion, Ross visits on the night of a New Brunswick Tap Takeover event, so we try some NB Beers before enjoying the Flat Black Jesus Stout from Unfiltered Brewing.
Ian and Ross are joined by the new co-general manager of Wayfarer's, Matt, as well as the new brewmaster, Matt. Together they try three new recipes brought in by their team in Brewce's Valley Lager, Southbound Lemon Wheat Radler, and the Muddy Big Stout.
Ian and Ross are BOTH back from vacations away, so we put our faces to some blonde ales we've been ignoring for too long: Rare Bird's "Party Dove" Blonde and the "Tidal Bore" Blonde from Hill Top Hops.
Ian remains on vacation, so Ross invites Mike Butler to join this week. And due to completely convenient circumstances, they discuss pride month and what NS craft breweries have done for pride in general. All while sampling the Queer Summer Brew from Garrison Brewing and the Thembot Sour from Good Robot.
Ian is away on vacation, so Ross dips into the backup stash of beers to try two Rye Ales, both currently available. From Tanner & Co, the 'Wild Rye' ale (from the Sauvage series) and from Annapolis Brewing Company, the W&A Railway Rye IPA.
In fact, we had to wait several months even to get a second, but both are available! Ian and Ross compare the "Not Your Bock" Maibock from Lunn's Mill Brewing Company with "The Doppler" Doppelbock from Hill Top Hops.
Ian and Ross are joined by Todd Beal, 'The Beer Dude', admin and moderator of the Maritime Craft Beer page and the Maritime Beer Report. Chatting over all things NS beer and slightly beyond, we also try the new Prickly Pear Lager from Propeller, the award-winning Puck-Off Blonde Ale from Boxing Rock, and Todd's current favourite: the Double Orange DIPA from Unfiltered.
Ian and Ross discuss the recent Canadian Brewing Awards 2024, where Boxing Rock took home Brewery of the Year, and we also get to try Saltbox Brewing's Bronze-Medal dry stout: "Old Foundry". We then compare it with another dry stout we had in the "Classic Dry Stout" from 2 Crows Brewing. Oh, and Ross messes up the audio a bunch again.
Ross is joined by Jeremy (of Where-It's-At Tours) to discuss the local wine industry and tourism in the Annapolis Valley. And wouldn't you know, even the wineries offer up some local craft beer, on tap or in cans. Including the new Summer Crush blonde, from Sea Level Brewing, the Malt House from Horton Ridge, and the 'Married to the Sea' Porter from Church Brewing.
Ian and Ross try to clean out the dusty beer cupboard by finding two pale ales that celebrated anniversaries from 2-3 years ago. 1st, Garrison Brewing Company's 25th anniversary pale ale, celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2022. Second, Saltbox Brewing Company's Commemorative Bluenose 200th Anniversary Pale Ale, celebrating 2021. Better late than never?
Ian and Ross decide to partake of their new favourite style, the Black IPA, in the offerings of the "Remarkable Dark" from Off Track Brewing and the "Blackboard Black IPA" from Schoolhouse Brewery.
Ian and Ross discuss how ESB always sounds like the 'e' is for 'english', but that's not the case. We like an english-style ESB nonetheless. We compare the "Ian and Ross discuss how ESB always sounds like the 'e' is for 'english', but that's not the case. We like an english-style ESB nonetheless. We compare "The Crossroads" ESB from Smokehouse Nano Brewery to the "Royal" ESB from Lazy Bear Brewing Co.
After taking a week off, Ross invites James and Jon back and they bring some fares from a non-NSLC in Clayton Park: "Westside Wine & Spirits". They try some choices James made in the "Werewolf" Porter from Burnside Brewing, the "Onyx" Stout from Propeller, and the "Caber Crusher" stout from Lunn's Mill.
Ian and Ross try to decide if wheat beers should taste a certain way, or it really is just a fermentation process. We compare the "Wheat Hound" from Brightwood Brewing Co with Garrison's "East Coast Music Ale" wheat ale.
Ian and Ross sit down and chat with Les, brewmaster of Roof Hound, about the history of Roof Hound, and three beers in particular: The Festbier lager, the Big Stink IPA, and the Big Brown Ale.
This week, Ross talks to Candace and Rob, who not only head up the Wolfville Crokinole Club, but also claim to have the most comprehensive collection of NS Craft Brewery Growlers, so the challenge is out there. Tonight we also compare hazy IPAs, the 'Next Phaze' from Tusket Falls and 'Sea Glass' IPA from Burnside Brewing Co.
Ian and Ross are joined by Ananda in this special post-St Paddy's Day celebration of european-style lagers which we endeavour to drop some green dye into for that authentic north american tradition. It doesn't affect the flavour as we compare the "Wiener Logger" from Nine Locks Brewing Co to the "Mutiny!" lager from Route 19 Brewing Co.
Ahead of St Patrick's Day, Ian and Ross drink two Irish Red Ales, the Jeezus Murphy from Saltbox Brewing Co, and the Cole Harbour Red from North Brewing.
Ian and Ross try to get through a full 4-pack of imperial stouts, the Mambo series, from 2 Crows Brewing. Numbered 1 through 4, they use flavours of marshmallow, graham cracker, coffee, cacao, and maple syrup.
Ross goes solo and tries to get rid of some strange flavours in the closet that he has the only can of. Garrison's Brut IPA anniversary (which is out of stores) and the Brux IPA from Tanner & Co (also not available) and finally get an idea of what "Brut" even is.
Ian and Ross have a couple of German-style pilsners, one from a while back, and one new one. This gives us a chance to work on our silly accents and discuss the German language a little. The "Stilly Pils" from Stillwell Brewing Co and the "Soul Intent" from Tusket Falls Brewing Co.
Ian and Ross discuss the pronunciation and pluralization of "Valentine's", but also try some sweeter dark beers. Vanilla Porter from Nine Locks and the Exit 14 Porter from Truro Brewing Co.
British hats, british accents, british persons, and british ales. In theory. Ian and Ross tried getting some ESBs, but these didn't seem to be those. The Fenwick's Ale from Annapolis Brewing Co, with union jacks all over the can, and the Best Bitter English Style Ale from Stillwell Brewing Co.
Ian and Ross somehow match up two peach-flavoured summer beers. Propeller's Yutopia Summer Ale VS Garrison's Georgia Peach.
Ian and Ross are joined by Patrick and Dan to talk craft brewing, and the plethora of IPAs that are in the NSLC. These are the four we picked for this round: Good Robot's Creature Feature, Propeller's Galaxy, Route 19's 1497 IPA, and North Brewing's Pleasant Disposition.
Ian and Ross get the opportunity and pleasure to talk with Dan Tanner, head brewer of Tanner & Co, and try the Sauvage, the Altbier, and their "Just Honey" Mead.
Ross is joined by Jon, who had a little/big youtube following for his beer review show a few millennia ago ("Beer review in a minute or two"), but still enjoys a craft ale. They try the Schwartzbier from Paddy's Brew pub, and also revisit the Sea Piper Coffee Stout from Rare Bird Brewing.
Ian and Ross compare two Blonde Ales, the "Crack of the Rock" Blonde from Tusket Falls Brewing Co, and "Valedictorian" Blonde from the Schoolhouse Brewery.
Ross manages to sell Ian on the concept of Black IPAs, using two from nearby, the Big Shot Black IPA from Annapolis Brewing Co and the Infinity IPA from Lazy Bear Brewing.
Ross decides to try the "Loyalist" Old English Ale from Saltbox Brewing Co. while Ian is away in jolly old england.
Brittany joins Ross, and are also joined by Tom, in order to try explain why people like sours. Ross still doesn't get it, but tries anyway, comparing the 'Let's Jam Rasberry Lemon' from Breton with the 'Sound Track Sour' from Burnside Brewing.
Ian and Ross try some reds, and learn the difference between an American Red Ale, the 'Temptation Red' from Boxing Rock, and a typical Irish Red Ale, the 'Ready Yer Knot' Red from Big Spruce. Ross also finds a spider.
Ian and Ross try a couple of dark lagers (one of which was a schwartzbier), one from North Brewing, and one from Uncle Leo's, but then get caught up in a challenge of who can perform the worst Michael Caine Impression.
Ian and Ross try the "Bar Dog Stout" from Horton Ridge Malt House, as it was described as "the best stout in NS" and compare it to "Incident 67" Salted Caramel Stout from Roof Hound Brewing Co.
Ian and Ross drink some brews from Lunn's Mill and chat with brewmaster Sean Ebert. The Purple Grain IPA, 'Girl Hold My Earrings" Berliner Weisse, and the Caber Crusher Stout.
Ross is joined by Kelsey Saunders, of Bad Apple Brewhouse, to decide if Annapolis Brewing Co's "Bad Apple Box Cutter IPA" is as good as the original, and comparing it to the "Townie Overpass Syndrome" NEIPA from Serpent Brewing, because we needed a second one, and I like those guys.
Ian and Ross are joined by Stephen Heisler from Big Spruce, who talks us through many things, including the "Hoom is Where the Heart is" English Pub Ale, "John Lemon" Hard Lemonade, and the "Tag You're It" Apex IPA.
Ian and Ross try some of the new Summer Ales for 2023, we compare Breton Brewing's SMASH session ale VS Propeller Brewing Company's Tropic Haze summer ale.
Brittany joins Ross to review Sour Ales from Roof Hound and 2 Crows, and so does their 3-month-old son. The audio is a little different because we had to factor in parenting. The "Thyme to Grow a Pear" VS the "Jamboree - Mango, Coconut, & Vanilla".
Ian and Ross get a couple of Milk Stouts to see if they're as good as previous attempts to drink a milk stout. There is unrest as they compare North Brewing's "Headline" and Roofhound's "Handsome Devil", which is a coffee milk stout.
Ian and Ross attempt to consume and compare the Leviathan Triple IPA from Propeller brewing to the Space Words Triple IPA from 2 Crows brewing.
Ian and Ross are joined by Keith, head brewer of Ol' Biddy's Brew House in Sackville, NS, and get answers to many questions, but also get to taste the Pops' Pilsner, Sackville Defender Copper Lager, and Patrick O'Neil Irish Red Ale.
James joins Ross with some beers he's brought, including the Blood Orange Strawberry Blonde Ale from Good Robot, and from Keith's Brewery, the King of Donair beer.
Ian and Ross decide to get into the strong stuff. From Smokehouse Nano Brewery, the Grandfather's Tartan Wee Heavy Scotch Ale, and from Lunn's Mill Brewing Co, Le Domaine Saison Biere Forte.
Ian and Ross talk to Steve Crane, of The Church Brewering Co, about their beers and the "together we brew" project in NS. And boy do we learn a lot.
Ian and Ross are joined by Darrin Harvey, of Rewind 89.3, to talk about the upcoming 'thirsty thursdays' spot, and drink some Pilsners from Propeller, Annapolis Brewing, and Smokehouse Nano.
Rebecca and Ross try two blonde ales from Off Track Brewing and Serpent Brewing, respectively.
Ian and Ross are joined by Wayfarer's Brewer Pete Adams, and together sample the Hellene Blonde, the Rudy Red Ale, and the Privateer's 1882 Blonde Ale, while getting the inside story from the crafter himself.
Ian and Ross try to figure out if Uncle Leo's Altbier is indeed, a type of brown ale, by comparing it to Gahan Brewery's Iron Bridge Brown Ale.
Ian and Ross decide to forgo their lack of enthusiasm for IPAs and double down with Breton Brewing's "Crazy Angus" and Garrison's "Juicy Double IPA"
Ross charges ahead, totally alone, to give a taste of this Porter from Ol' Biddy's Brewery, despite a knowing awareness to go off into tangents.
Ian and Ross return after Ross' wife births a child to try a couple of Red ales. Serpent Brewing's 'Belgian' Style Red, and Hill Top Hops Brewing's Red Tail Red Ale.
Ian, Ross, and Zenon (and Rebecca and Hannah) try some Porters from Annapolis Brewing Co and Schoolhouse Brewery, except Zenon is in Alberta and had to drink some European ones, instead.
Ian, Keir, and Ross attempt to drink 50 ounces of beer in 50 minutes. We all chose Spindrift's Toller Gold, even though we didn't have to.
Some difficult to categorize beers show up so we try to find ways to describe them. Nine Locks offers the 'Sober Monk', a Belgian Single, and Serpent Brewing delivers 'Jurassic Jesus', a spiced golden ale.
Ian and Ross discuss the origins of Kolsch while drinking the Universal Soldier from Off Track Brewing and the Crystal Crescent Strawberry Kolsch from Serpent Brewing.
Ian and Ross compare Spindrift Brewing's Nitro Oatmeal Stout with Breton Brewing's Storm Chaser Oatmeal Stout.
Ross is joined by special guest Jeremy to drink some Blonde Ales from Smokehouse Nano Brewery and Nine Locks. Ross then rants about "dirty blondes".
Recorded Dec 27, Ian and Ross try "white stouts" for the first time, and discuss the style which isn't a style. Propeller's Flat White VS Boxing Rock's Inverse.
Recorded Dec 20, Ian, Rebecca, and Ross discuss some Red Ales under the guise of it being a thematically holiday colour. Rare Bird's Arm Twister and Off Track's Bullseye Red.
Ian and Ross try 2 stouts and a porter from Breton Brewing, Propeller Brewing, and Ol' Biddy's Brewing Co.
Ross compares 2 Crows' Refresh Lager VS Spindrift's Toller Ice Lager. Recorded Dec 6, 2022.