Last weekend Big Axe Craft Brewery kicked off the largest outdoor Craft Beer Festival in New Brunswick. The sold-out event in Nackawic brought people out to sample some of the best beer anywhere from brewers around Maritimes and even south of the border. Here’s a list of what appealed to our senses this year, and let us know if there’s anything you feel we should have included!
Five Beers We Loved From The Big Axe Craft Beer Festival
Urban Farm FermentoryAlright, we know what you’re thinking. That’s not a beer. Where’s this list heading? But obviously Big Axe felt that Urban Farm Fermentory out of Portland, Maine, deserved a spot at the festival, and amongst that sea of beer, their variety of kombucha flavours can be exciting and refreshing.
Think Brewing
150 Red IP’eh
Okay, we knew Harvey, New Brunswick’s Think Brewing was going to be on here. We drank the Kool-Aid and went back for seconds. We’re big fans of their bitter, and their Revelation IPA, and just about anything they’ve done. Their new fresh, crisp, hop forward, Red IPA has been well balanced to be enjoyed by both red ale fans and hop heads alike.
Sober Island Brewing Co.
Oyster Stout
They say that a pint of stout is the equivalent of a meal in a glass, so why not make it a surf and turf? Sober Island Brewing Co. from the South Shore of Nova Scotia incorporates a taste of the sea and a roasted character balance designed to create a memorable taste. Fortunately, that taste is more beer than brine.
Big Spruce Brewing
Meek Thy Maker Red IPA
From Cape Breton, Big Spruce Brewing surprised us with a couple limited release beers at the festival. Their full flavoured and 100% organic Meet Thy Maker Red IPA, and The Silver Tart, a soured raspberry wheat ale – thirst quenching on a hot day!
TrailWay Brewing Co.
Hu Jon Hops IPA
Solid showing from Fredericton, New Brunswick’s TrailWay Brewing Co. and their mainstay IPA, Hu Jon Hops. Loaded with flavour! Also in attendance was their revamped raspberry wheat, Beyond Reality. Plenty of El Dorado hops and raspberries keep this light beer tasty for the summer heat.
Off Grid Ales
Sunny Day IPA
Another one of our regular favourites. Off Grid Ales’ Sunny Day IPA has a bright taste, clean body, solid hop bill and balanced malt profile that stood out amongst other beers of this genre. Alternatively, their Campfire Red Ale provided a delicious option for those not inclined towards hoppy brews. We also get to feel good about these two beers knowing how small their carbon footprint is.
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Special thanks to Shawn Bartlett for the help with the tasting notes and Denise Rowe for the photo!