The local cup

The craft drink craze is still at fever pitch — Bluenose beverages for any budget

BY BROOKLYN CONNOLLY

Recommendations from Bishop Cellar’s director of consumer experience Kathryn Harding.

TATA KETCH BERLINER WEISSE (355 ml)

COMPANY: TATAMAGOUCHE BREWING $3.50

This locally brewed, 3.1-per-cent ale is a fresh taste of summer. Harding says that Tatamagouche brewing has core products that are offered year-round, and a seasonal rotation of other hops.

CRAZY ANGUS DIPA (473 ml)

COMPANY: BRETON BREWING CO. $5.00

For the serious IPA lovers, here’s your upgrade on the previous beer, packing a lot of hoppy bitterness in its 473-ml can. At seven per cent alcohol, you may want to pair this with a hearty meal or share with a friend. (Or share with an enemy, and make them into your friend.)

BLUFF CIDER (355 ml)

COMPANY: BLUFF CIDER $5.00

This up-and-coming cidery is new to Nova Scotia’s shelves. Distilled in Avonport, Nova Scotia, its cider is made out of champagne yeast which gives the drink a crisp, fresh taste. You can find it for purchase at Bishop’s Cellar.

UPSTREET LIBRA NON-ALC PALE ALE (4-pack)

BREWERY: UPSTREET BREWERY $11.50

You used to have to go to P.E.I. to get Upstreet, but a few years back it opened a brewery/BBQ joint in Burnside, where it brews this alcohol-free options. Historically, “near beer” has had a (largely justified) reputation for flavourlessness, but Harding promises this one brings the classic taste.

BRETON BLACK ANGUS IPA

BRETON BLACK ANGUS IPA (6-pack)

COMPANY: BRETON BREWING CO. $16.00

If you’re looking for a hoppy punch, Breton Brewing Co. might just be the brand for you. Its Breton Black Angus IPA recently came out in a 473 ml 6-pack, whereas before it was only offered in tall boys. Harding, who loves the beer, says that the smaller servings make its 6.2 per cent alcohol more approachable.

Flavour

Pine resin, grapefruit, subtle caramel, and orange peel that lead into a smooth/bitter finish.

Pairing

Big tropical hops and brisk carbonation cut nicely through rich and fatty foods — try with fish and chips.

MINT CHAMOMILE KOMBUCHA (6-pack)

COMPANY: GOODMORE $23.00

Reaching outside of Harding’s world, and the walls of Bishop’s Cellar, she recommends Goodmore’s Mint Chamomile kombucha. She says she likes all of Goodmore’s flavours, but Chamomile Mint is a definite favourite.

BLUE LOBSTER LEMON ICED TEA (6-pack)

BREWERY: NOVA SCOTIA SPIRIT CO $18.48

Blue Lobster’s lemon iced teas are a hit ready-to-drink summer beverage. According to Harding, the brewery flavours the teas with Nova Scotian honey. The natural additive brings a light sweetness to the lemony drink.

COMPASS GIN ROYAL (750 ml)

BREWERY: COMPASS DISTILLERS $50.00

Compass Distillery in North End Halifax is a year-round favourite for Harding. The distillery uses all local products that are harvested throughout the province which bring a lasting nuance to their flavour. In particular, Harding says Bishop’s Cellar has been selling a lot of the distillery’s Compass Gin Royal — it makes a beautiful cocktail with its light purple colour made naturally with violets.

BLUE LOBSTER VODKA (750 ml)

BREWERY: NOVA SCOTIA SPIRITS CO. $28.97

Harding says that you can’t beat Blue Lobster’s vodka. The price, matched with how clean it is, is “everything you’d need.” A classic Bloody Caesar is always a safe bet, however she says it’s great on the rocks, too.

LAKE CITY DISTRICT 5

LAKE CITY DISTRICT 5 (6-pack)

COMPANY: LAKE CITY CIDER $19.00

Harding calls this a “staple cider.” Balancing sweet and dry, Lake City’s District 5 cider is a well-built, crushable cider. Perfect for balmy early autumn nights.

Flavour

Crisp and clean, apples all day, but dry not juicy.

Pairing

A no-brainer Thanksgiving pairing— works with turkey dinner or pumpkin pie.