While across the Atlantic at a pub in Wales, Rebecca Atkinson was reminded of home. As she sipped on an oyster-infused beer, Atkinson asked herself, “‘Why don’t we have this?’”
“It really inspired me,” says Atkinson, a native of Sober Island, a community in Sheet Harbour, and the owner of Sober Island Brewing, a new craft beer company. The business just announced its first brew—an oyster stout made with ingredients from neighbouring farm Sober Island Oysters. Atkinson describes the taste as smooth, with an earthy tone to it.
The stout, as well as an English golden rye, will debut at the annual Saltscapes East Coast Expo, April 22-24 at Exhibition Park.
Atkinson says Sober Island Brewing plans to hit regional farmers' markets and beer festivals this summer, selling beers and serving up samples on a mobile wooden bar. The brews will also be available at The Henley House Pub & Restaurant and the Liscombe Lodge, both located on the Eastern Shore, beginning this summer.
Within the next few years, Atkinson hopes to operate a destination microbrewery on Sober Island. She wants to help the island evolve into more of a tourist destination.
“I absolutely love where I live,” she says. “I want to have people see the area, to see what a beautiful place we live in.”
