New brewers everywhere, but not yet a drop to drink

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/08/2015 (4052 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fans of craft beer in Manitoba have quite the buzz on right now — and it’s not because they’ve consumed a few too many wobbly pops. Rather, there’s been plenty of news on the local beer scene as of late.

First was Manitoba Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari’s press conference Aug. 5, when she said (somewhat vaguely) that her party was open to looking at ways to lower the price of booze in the province, which may or may not include some privatization.

The next day, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MLL) announced details of the expansion of its growler bar (refillable beer container) program that will go into effect in November. In addition to adding a smaller-sized receptacle approved for use (945 millilitres, or a half-growler), MLL said it is putting out an expression of interest to gauge which private beer vendors and rural liquor vendors might want to add a growler bar.

MLL also wants to add more breweries to the mix, meaning growler bars will soon be pouring products from more than locals Half Pints Brewing Co. and Fort Garry Brewing Co.

Interestingly, the MLL press release quoted Tim Hudel, co-owner of One Great City Brewing Co.

Never tried One Great City’s beer? Me neither — because it’s not yet in operation. One Great City is one of many local breweries and brew pubs coming down the pipes, as it were, in the next year.

Already announced and well underway is Peg Beer Co., a brew pub to be run by ex-Half Pints CEO Nicole Barry at the site of the former Edge skate park on Pacific Avenue in the Exchange District. There’s Tyler Birch and Barn Hammer Brewing Company, which is looking to open a microbrewery on Wall Street. Torque Brewing Co. has an online presence and is a project spearheaded by five beer lovers working together to get something operational within the next year. Aurora Craft Brewery has been announced, and Darren Wanless — who had been slated to open a brew pub across from the MTS Centre called Portage Ave. BrewWorks and Kitchen — is still in the mix, though it’s not known whether he has a specific timeline or location in mind. (I’ll find out.)

Keeping track? That’s a six-pack of brew pubs/breweries in the works.

As of this past week, add one more brewery to the proverbial mash. In addition to the $2.5-million reno to the centre court area — which will become a licensed food hall with a craft beer and wine kiosk — The Forks Market announced plans on Wednesday to open an on-site craft brewery, with a request for proposals from budding brewers to fill the $1.8-million turn-key operation.

If even half of these proposed bleweries/brew pubs go through, Manitoba will be well on its way to catching up with most other Canadian provinces. We’ve suffered a dearth of brew pubs and so few local breweries for so long that local hop heads can be forgiven for any outright beer-fuelled bliss they might experience over the next year.

uncorked@mts.net Twitter: @bensigurdson

I didn’t manage to toast all this this beer news with a brew, but I did enjoy a few very good wines…

QUAILS’ GATE 2014 GEWÜRZTRAMINER (Okanagan Valley, B.C. — $16.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

 

Pale straw in colour, this B.C. Gewürz offers intense apricot, guava, lychee, floral and spice notes on the nose. It’s light-bodied, slightly off-dry and crisp, with ripe tropical fruit, peach/apricot, spice and sweet apple notes on the palate. Gewürztraminer is typically lower in acidity than, say, Riesling, meaning there’s a rich, viscous texture to this wine that’s remarkably attractive. Try with mild to medium curries for a killer pairing. 4/5

 

MT. DIFFICULTY ROARING MEG 2014 PINOT GRIS (Central Otago, New Zealand — $22.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

 

Very pale straw in colour, the red apple, lemon curd, pear and modest lactic notes are attractive on the nose of this New Zealand Pinot Gris. It’s dry and light-plus bodied, with fresh apple, lemon, spice and pear notes showing well on the palate thanks to some lean, chalky notes and a spice-driven finish. Try with grilled salmon, lemon chicken, shrimp skewers, crisp salads or mild cheeses. 4/5

 

LANGMEIL 2012 HANGIN’ SNAKES SHIRAZ VIOGNIER (Barossa, Australia — $21.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

 

This Barossa Shiraz has been co-fermented with four per cent Viognier (a white grape) which typically adds aromatics intensity and, interestingly, depth of colour. Inky black in the glass, the Hangin’ Snakes offers brambly blackberry, blueberry, sweet plum, leather and floral aromas. It’s a chewy, full-bodied red with loads for ripe black fruit, licorice, spice and a hint of vanilla and light tannins from a touch of oak aging. Great concentration of fruit — grill some big meat and enjoy. 4.5/5