1 Maritime Express Cider Co.
Maritime Express, a taproom a cidery located in an old railway hotel, opened in October thanks to Jimi Doidge and Scott Hearn. It serves up a rotating selection of Nova Scotian craft beers as well as the company's own Annapolis Valley apple ciders, pressed and fermented right underneath the bar's stone floors. In addition to its regular cider options, the Express releases a single keg of experimental cider every Friday for customers to try. If it's a hit, they'll make a larger batch.
325 Main Street, Kentville
2 Two Islands Brewing
Along Main Street in Parrsboro sits an inviting red-panelled building, home to Two Islands Brewing (and its neighbour, Rising Tide Bakery). Owners Wendell Gallagher, Tom Maclaren, David Beatie and Norm Rafes opened the brewery's doors in late October, offering five brews on tap, the most popular being By The Bay Blonde. Come for the beer, stay for live local musicians and trivia nights. 69 Main Street, Parrsboro
3 Shipwright Brewing Co.
Located on Lunenburg's historic waterfront, Shipwright Brewing is the town's first craft brewery, recently opened in December. Owner Adam Bower says the company's name is "a toast to Lunenburg's shipbuilding heritage and shipwrights themselves past and a present" and calls the space "like an open kitchen—the brewery version." On a brewing day, you can enjoy a pint as you watch brewmaster Kellye Robertson at work. Find German lagered ale, a milk stout and a coffee porter on tap now. Retail cans and growler fills available. 2 Montague Street, Lunenburg
4 Hill Top Hops Brewhouse
What started off as small-batch brews-at-home morphed into a family business over the past few years. Just opened in January, Hill Top Hops is a rustic brewhouse located steps from Tidal Bore Market in Newport. Owners John and Adrienne Peters also have a hopyard in Scott Village, where they grow most of the hops used in the beer (brewed by John himself). 7232 Highway 14, Newport
5 Route 19 Brewing
This new Cape Breton brewery is set to open its doors in late April. The large, three-level space will include brewery seating for 400 guests, as well as a shop space for growlers and other retail goodies. The company (run by five islanders and two Haligonians) plans to start off with five brews upon opening: Pale ale, IPA, double IPA, a stout and an amber ale. Route 19 will also have a full restaurant offering snacks, wood-fired pizza, main entrees and more. 16030 Central Ave, Inverness
