A short guide to the local craft drink scene

Spirits, beer, cider and more — Nova Scotia is exploding with flavour

By Nick Cantar

With COVID-19 restrictions mostly over, Nova Scotian brewers and distillers are ready to bounce back. Consumers have a lot to look forward to in the coming months, including the craft beer festival, which has been rescheduled and revamped for September on the Halifax Waterfront.

According to Debbi MacDonald, executive director of the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia, local brewers and distillers have been creative with their business models over the last two years, which has helped the industry not only survive, but thrive.

“When they had to move right, they moved right. When they had to move left, they moved left. I’ll tell you, they were just so resilient,” says MacDonald, noting that despite the challenges, Nova Scotian brewers remained important fixtures within their communities and collectively raised $500,000 for charity. “You would think they would be in competition, wouldn’t you? But in fact, they work together so well. It’s unbelievable.”

Wherever you roam and whatever you seek, the right place is out there for you.

In the city

With warm weather upon us, you’ll probably look for somewhere sunny to have a

drink. Look no further than Dartmouth’s Brightwood Brewery. When the weather in nice, the taproom opens its large French doors. Grab a flight and sit in the open space to enjoy the breeze, or head down to the company’s beer garden at Alderney Landing and see what’s on tap. brightwoodbrewery.com

If you’ve been on Agricola Street in Halifax lately, you might have noticed a peculiar, rounded building. This is Compass Distillers. Using locally sourced ingredients, the distillery team is always experimenting. Try the Gin Royal with a bit of tonic and watch the gin change colour. It’s made with local honey and $1 from every bottle sold goes to the Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association. Looking for a place to stay? You can rent the room at the top of the building and take in the Halifax skyline. If you want a distillery tour, pop in on Wednesday evenings or call ahead to book another night. compassdistillers.ca

A newcomer, Serpent Brewing is seeking to add a little something to the Spryfield community. This Belgian-inspired brewery focuses on live events. In addition to music, it also hosts standup comedy and movie nights. A fan of woodfired pizza? Stop by on Saturdays and look for the local food truck. You can now purchase its Belgian-style beers in the NSLC. facebook.com/ serpentbrewing

The Church Brewing Co. in Wolfville is located in the former St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Tourism Nova Scotia / Aaron McKenzie Fraser

When exploring the Annapolis Valley, be sure to visit The Church Brewing Co. in Wolfville. You can find Church Brewing in the former St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, a building with a lot of local history. In the past, the community would congregate at old St. Andrew’s; now they do so at Church Brewing. Expect farm-to-table food, live music, a large outdoor patio and “a heavenly experience.” churchbrewing.ca

Off the beaten track

Black Harbour Distillery sits nestled along the coast of beautiful St. Margaret’s Bay. A bit of a newcomer to the craft distillery scene, Black Harbour stands out for its flavoured spirits. The company’s popular cotton candy and moon mist vodkas are based on the classic Nova Scotia ice cream flavours. Pop in to taste some free samples and learn how the spirits are made. When summer comes, kick back on their newly renovated patio and enjoy a flight board. bhdistillers.ca

On the South Shore, visit the Boxing Rock taproom. It’s named for a local landmark, where legend purports feuding sailors were sent to either duke it out or enjoy a beer together. Boxing Rock offers “a small-town craft beer experience.” At the Shelburne taproom, you can purchase charcuterie boards of local meats, cheeses and chutneys. The staff will teach you all about pairing craft beer with food. Or you can give axe throwing a try. boxingrock.ca

Breton Brewing aims to capture the spirit of Cape Breton.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Dean Casavechia

The rugged yet stunning Cape Brenton Island has its own culture and craft breweries. Breton Brewing works hard to capture the spirit of Cape Breton and create a sense of community. Trivia fans will want to stop by on Thursdays for trivia night, which is in support of a local charity. Be sure to enjoy a live show on Friday or Saturday and mingle with the friendly locals. There are a few new things on the horizon for Breton Brewing. Look for the Crazy Angus DIPA at the local liquor store and prepare for a new location in downtown Sydney. bretonbrewing.ca

Accounting for taste

Looking to catch a show with your craft beer? Stop by New Scotland Brewing Co. in downtown Dartmouth to hear some East Coast artists you won’t hear elsewhere. New Scotland Brewing doesn’t offer tours, but because the brewing equipment is easily seen from the taproom, it doesn’t need to. Try the popular Saint Andrews Cross, an extra pale ale, and enjoy an immersive, musical craft beer experience. newscotlandbrewing.ca

Starting in a renovated chicken barn, Half-Cocked Brewing Co. in Antigonish has recently expanded. Its new taproom boasts 10 different beers on tap and a large, welcoming greenspace outside. For something unique, try the raw beers, a Scandinavian style of beer with a creamy texture. Half-Cocked combines these beers with botanicals to create a cider-like beverage. facebook.com/halfcockedbrewing

Raging Crow Distillery’s products include dill pickle vodka and Can’t Call It B**rbon, which won best new whiskey spirit in Canada two years in a row.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Acorn Art & Photography

If you’re looking for some unique, high-quality spirits, check out Raging Crow Distillery outside Truro. Popular products include dill pickle vodka and Can’t Call It B**rbon, which won best new whiskey spirit in Canada two years in a row. The owners of the small batch distillery will explain the distilling process when you come in for a tasting. Keep an eye out for their Crow’s Nest Rum, which is aging in a barrel at the top of an 18-foot pole. ragingcrow.com

On the hunt for something a little lighter or more mainstream? Check out the Spindrift taproom, which specializes in lagers — something a bit uncommon in the craft beer world. Its Toller Lite beer is both low in alcohol and calories. Look for its Sea Glass North IPA in the NSLC or head to the Dartmouth location for a bit of beer and washer toss. Also, if you’re in Antigonish, check out the new second location. spindriftbrewing.com For variety, Coldstream Clear Distillery has you covered. Coldstream products include everything from rum and vodka to liqueurs and mixed drinks in a range of flavours. With three locations around the province — in Stewiacke, Antigonish and Dartmouth — find one nearby and try a flight or relax in their cocktail lounge. For something sweet, check out the sour cherry lemonade or the new peach mango vodka. coldstreamclear.com

Coldstream Clear Distillery has locations in Stewiacke, Antigonish and Dartmouth.

Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia / Acorn Art & Photography