New Beers in NS

The past 18 months has seen huge growth for the NS beer scene. The gov did change one of their prohibition-era laws to allow brewpubs to sell growlers, which means you can fill any growler at most places now. I now keep various sizes of growlers in my trunk, just in case.

Stillwell is still the best tap selection around. I heard the Bellwoods kegs were a favour to the owners and aren't likely to come back, but the guys are always looking to expand their selection. Any beer bar is going to be a hipster hangout, but I can still walk in and get my beer within a minute, any day of the week. I suspect the layout was chosen to maximize paying customers per square footage, as the rent cannot be cheap.

The new Gahan House in the old Hart and Thistle space is starting off strong, as Karen has another three new beers launching this month. That makes another good brewpub in HRM along with Rogues Roost and Rockbottom. There's also a few outside of HRM in Rudders, Paddys/Rosies, Sea Level/Port Pub and the Townhouse.

The biggest problem I see right now is the LC's near monopoly on importing beers. They push wine hard, bringing in the occasional new macro beer, and I've heard that even the private stores still have to get approval before bringing anything in. Premier Wines still has the best selection, but it was significantly better before the change in ownership to the Harvest/Cristall group. Bishop's Cellar is getting a better selection though.

Certainly an exciting time to enjoy craft beer in NS!

 

There's a new brewpub in Berwick?! I'm going to be in the valley around Christmas. Maybe I'll check it out.

I've been meaning to get to the Port Pub in Port Williams for a few years now but still haven't. Anyone who's been there have any particular beers to recommend?