Seaport Beer Fest!

I survived the Beer on The Pier / Halifax Beer Fest or whatever name you want to give it and what a good time it was trying out all the different kinds of beer I could in the 2 hours we were there. Now unfortunately I can't get an in depth review of all the beers I got to try but I did scribble them down and gave them a rating as I went along as well as some side notes. This also proved to be a difficult task however as the taste buds got tired the further along we got.

Here's the official list:

1. Picaroon's - Irish Red - 3/5
2. Schnitzer Brau Organic -  This was a gluton-free beer but in my opinion this beer's aroma and taste were just off. Not to mention the beer was quite warm when pored for me. - 1.5/5
3. Flying Monkeys Brewry - Smashbomb Atomic IPA - Very good IPA as I love my IPA's - 4.5/5
4. HARP Lager - Very light and refreshing, crisp - 3.5/5
5. Krombacher Pils - 4/5
6. Stutz Cider - n/a - I felt like giving this local cider a try, it was nice, light and refreshing as you'd assume in the warm summer heat.
7. Acadie-broue Brune - As an Acadian myself I was excited to see this here. Was a dark beer with a mixture of Grapefruit and Choclate, not bad. - 3.5/5
8. Spearhead Brewing - Hawaiian style pale ale - Infused with pineapples - 4/5
9. Pumphouse - Thai wheat - 2/5
10. Pumphouse - S.O.B. - 3.5/5
11. Brouweri Huyghe - Fruli Strawberry Ale - This one is running a fine line between hard juice and beer but very tasty nonetheless, if you like fruit flavored beer this is a must try - 4/5
12. Gahan House Pub & Brewery - Island Red Amber - 3/5
13. L'abrie de la Tempete - Corps Mort - This one was a smokey barleywine that was unamously dubbed "Bacon Beer" by a lot of the people who tried it and I'l have to agree. Who doesn't like Bacon? 4/5
14. Picaroon's Summer Ale - 3/5

Halifax Beer Fest!

Halifax's Beer Festival - Beer on the Pier - is happening today and tomorrow! I will be joining in on the fun tomorrow afternoon to try out some fine craft beers. Hope to see you there and il definitely be reporting back on the beers I get to try! Also follow me on twitter as I will be posting through the event! @BeerReviewDotCa

For more info visit: http://www.seaportbeerfest.com/


The Halifax Seaport Beerfest continues to grow and expand, encompassng two days - Friday August 5th & Saturday August 6th, 2011. The festival is a true celebration of all things brewed and is a great opportunity to sample, experience and learn about beer and cider in a relaxed and fun setting!

The spectacular Halifax Seaport will once again host the mostly outdoor site. Tented booths and pavilions as well as inside the spacious Pavilion 20, all near Pier 21. Armed with souvenir sample cup and guide, we urge you to explore the incredible range in styles and countries on offer. Employ your senses, ask questions and keep an open mind - you will be surprised.

#75 Dieu Du Ciel - Péché Mortel (Canada)

Next up I have 2 beer from one of the less known but top rated microbreweries in Canada; Dieu Du Ciel. I picked these up Premier Wine and Spirits on Dresden row located in downtown Halifax. A great shop I love to check out when looking for something new!

Péché Mortel is an Imperial Stout. Taken from the website: "Péché Mortel (French for "Mortal Sin") is an intensely black and dense beer with very pronounced roasted flavors." I poured this into a tulip glass and shared with a friend for the occasion. Intensely black is an understatement here, it poured a thick pitch black color with a great aroma of dark chocolate, caramels and coffee. Which is not surprising given the beer is literally infused with coffee during the brewing process. There is a small light brown head that lingers for a while. The taste is strongly of coffee, dark chocolate again giving it a sort of mocha but quite bitter taste. This is not your everyday beer at 9.5% ABV. I think my problem with this one is that I am not normally a coffee drinker and dark chocolates are not my favorite either. This beer is raved about in the craft beer community but I would suggest staying clear if this is your first craft beer, otherwise its worth the experience. Overall; despite my negative comments and it not being quite my style I will give this one a 3 out of 5 .


NEXT UP -  Dieu Du Ciel - Blanche du Paradis (Paradise white)

#74 Keith's Tartan Ale

How's everyone been? Its been a while... Took a few month's off to do a little more of the drinking beer and a little less of the reviewing beer but I'm back! Ive also been scoping out new designs for the site but more on that at a later time... Time to review!

Now Ive been slammed a couple time's on my Keith's reviews by some unnamed critics but truth is as far as macro brews go I do like my Keith's. When I was first made aware that they had a new limited release brew master's special Keith's tartan ale I was excited to give it a try.

This beer is a Scottish style ale that has a golden brown copper color to it with a small white head to it. The aroma is not very strong but is sweet in nature. The taste is actually one of the best for a macro brew, a little bit sweet caramel, touch of smokiness and a little malty and very smooth. It is quite carbonated but that is my preference. At 6.1% ABV and a high drinkability with a light, smooth taste this was one of my favorite go-to beers for the last little while.

Rating: 4 out of 5