T he Annapolis, Gaspereau and Avon River valleys and their concentrated cluster of wineries contribute undeniable richness to Nova Scotia’s wine landscape. But flanking this heartland, smaller sub-regions spice up the wine scene, presenting new flavours and textures for our kitchen tables. This diversity in wine is owed not only to Nova Scotia’s varied geography, […]
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Five new-to-Nova-Scotia grape varieties
As an emerging wine region, Nova Scotia faces constant questions about what grapes to plant and nurture for wine. Growers who have been at it for more than a couple decades are beginning to get a sense for what works and what doesn’t—emphasis on beginning. Many factors are at play for any vine in a […]
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I’ll have what they’re having
[IMAGE-4]“It depends on my mood and the weather and if I’ve had a long day at work or not. I like a clean lager after a long day at work, but if I’m having a meal I’ll have something with more flavour—right now I’m liking Tatamagouche’s Deception Bay, Abyss by Spindrift, or Roof Hound is […]
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Put a label on it
North Brewing Company Gus’ 65m Ale Jill Jackson—owner of Jill + Jack Paper—was one of the artists behind North’s series of illustrated labels all designed by women. She first worked with the brewery last summer, when she designed the label for its Lawrencetown Blonde. More recently, she revamped the look of Gus’ 65m Ale, one […]
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10 Nova Scotia beers you have to try
2 Crows Brewing Co. Liesse Table Beer Citrusy. Refreshing. Bright. Smooth. These are the words emblazoned on each can of Liesse from 2 Crows Brewing on Brunswick Street, one of the newest breweries in town. Weighing in at 3.5 percent ABV, this table beer packs so much flavour that you’ll wonder if the ABV really […]
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Apples to apples: 5 local ciders to try
1. Sid’s Cider Wild Blueberry The newest member of the ShipBuilders family re-imagines some of Stutz Cider’s familiar flavours—like this sweet treat Wild Blueberry, Crisp Apple or Chai Spice—in a snazzier, single-serve (and super affordable) bottle. This one’s for those who like to blush. $2.99 2. Bulwark Hopped Cider Because cider isn’t just a counterpoint […]
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Good for what ales you
The morning hangover—remember it? The pounding headache and nauseous sensations after a night of chugging back brew at your local watering hole are not easily forgotten. But what if the opportunity arose to forgo those symptoms, and others, by making the decision to drink beer created specifically for its health and wellness benefits? In ancient […]
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Craft beer conflict
The NSLC and local craft beer are in a relationship, but it’s complicated. The topic has caught the attention of beer lovers across the province, especially since Unfiltered Brewing filed a lawsuit against the NSLC last summer. The suit involves what the corporation calls the Retail Mark-Up Sales Allocation: A fee the businesses pay the […]
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A legacy, brewed and bottled
“I remember being in really good shape when I worked downstairs,” John Allen says. He’s leaning back in his chair at a desk in the tiny corner office tucked at the end of a short twist of a hallway that runs behind the storefront and tasting room of Propeller Brewing. The air in the office—on […]
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Can’t stop, won’t stop: a map of Nova Scotia’s breweries
HALIFAX 1. 2 Crows Brewing 1932 Brunswick Street 2. The Auction House 1726 Argyle Street 3. Gahan House 1877 Upper Water Street 4. Garrison Brewing Company 1149 Marginal Road 5. Good Robot Brewing Company 2736 Robie Street 6. Granite Brewery 6054 Stairs Street 7. North Brewing Company 2576 Agricola Street 8. Propeller Brewing Company 2015 […]
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One year of beer—2017’s festivals, special events and celebrations
Big Spruce’s 4th Anniversary: RA RA Rasputin Fest Sat, April 1 Stillwell, 1672 Barrington Street Saint John Annual Beerfest Sat April 8 1 Market Square, Saint John, NB saintjohnbeerfest.com Nova Scotia Craft Beer Week May 5-14 nscraftbeer.ca 3rd Annual Stillwell Open Sun May 7 Stillwell, 1672 Barrington Street Craft Beer Cocktail Face-Off Tue May 9, […]
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Warner Vineyards—Nova Scotia’s grape god
It’s been a dry summer. As John and Anne Warner walk around their vineyards, the grass crunches underfoot like gravel. Leaves and fields are tinged with yellow and dust picks up on the country roads with each breeze. Cereal crops planted in between the grape trellises struggle to make their way through the cracked dirt. […]