Alexander Keith’s Authenticity Accreditation

Only the finest pure barley malt and select hops shall be used to brew our beer. It will always be brewed slowly, carefully, taking the time to get it right. When the beer is ready, it will be delivered fresh to wherever fine beer is sold.

- Alexander Keith, 1820

The following accreditation process is based upon Alexander Keith’s Quality Brewing Principle. This rigorous practice shall take place at the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery under the strict supervision of Keith’s Brew Master, Graham Kendall. Alexander Keith’s Authenticity Accreditation shall encompass the following elements:

1. Brewing a Historically Great Tasting Beer

a. Keith’s Pure Water: To ensure each drop of Alexander Keith’s retains its signature quality and taste, any water used in the brewing process must undergo a unique purification process and analysis to ensure it meets the same quality and purity standards as the water used at the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery – no exceptions.

b. Quality Ingredients: Alexander Keith’s beer has a distinctive flavour profile that remains true to Alexander Keith’s original recipe from 1820. In the special ingredient room, Brew Masters will see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients that comprise Keith’s famous ale, including ingredients such as malted barley from Western Canada and specially imported Nugget hops.

c. True Keith’s Taste: Over an intensive two-week process, intended Brew Masters must undergo comprehensive taste panels involving Graham Kendall, Alexander Keith’s Brew Master, the AKNSB Quality Manager and the trained palettes of an independent panel of advisors. Brew Master Kendall will have a critical mentoring role during this process and, while there are 150 tests that are performed to ensure the quality of the beer at every stage of development, the taste panel and Brew Master Kendall are the last word in ensuring the product meets Keith’s strict standards.

2. A Commitment to Heritage and Tradition

a. Familiarity with the birthplace of Alexander Keith’s beer is mandatory. All Brew Masters must visit the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery (AKNSB) and the Keith family home and participate in a comprehensive orientation of each. In addition, all Brew Masters must possess an intimate knowledge of the following:

i. The history of Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery and its importance as a Halifax landmark

ii. An understanding of Alexander Keith himself, his hospitality and the importance of his involvement in developing early Halifax

iii. The inspiration behind the beer, including the people, the places, and the proud Nova Scotia heritage that goes in to every bottle of Alexander Keith’s beer.

3. A Pledge to the Man Himself

a. Alexander Keith’s Official Pledge shall be recited upon completion of the authenticity accreditation process, at the Keith monument at Camp Hill Cemetery.

b. A beer cap, can or bottle shall be carefully placed atop a ledge on the monument as a confirmation of this dedication:

I (state your name), Brew Master do proudly pledge to protect and honour the great brewing traditions set forth in 1820 by Alexander Keith.

I will ensure that the great taste and quality of Alexander Keith’s will endure. It shall always be brewed slowly and carefully, taking the time to get it right.

Respect for the craft of Keith’s brewing shall guide all of my daily activities, and every single drop of Keith’s shall be brewed to the high standards set forth by Alexander Keith and those that have followed in his footsteps.

Preserving Keith’s and its proud heritage is my pledge;
and brewing the same quality Keith’s beer since 1820 is my commitment!

Slainte Mhath! (pronounced SLANCHA VA!)

4. Sharing the Keith’s Brewing Legacy

a. Each step in the proprietary brewing process must be mastered by the selected Brew Master, no exceptions, before the brewing of Alexander Keith’s fine ale can begin beyond Nova Scotia’s borders.

b. Once Brew Master Kendall is satisfied that this has been achieved, the final prerequisite for brewing Keith’s at the Columbia Brewery, the Certificate of Authenticity, representing Keith’s secret recipe and exclusive brewing techniques, will be delivered under lock and key, to preserve the authenticity of Alexander Keith’s Quality Brewing Principle.

c. Significant time and effort will be invested at the new brewery to ensure these standards are implemented and followed precisely. Brew Master Kendall will make regular visits to the site during this process to ensure compliance. Samples of Alexander Keith’s will also be regularly sent back to Nova Scotia for verification.

5. Our Pledge to You – Our Consumer

a. A certificate of completion will be issued once Brew Master Kendall is satisfied that all elements of the authenticity accreditation are met. Not one drop of Alexander Keith’s will be released until it meets these exacting standards, ensuring that every bottle and pint offers the same high quality and great taste that Canadians have come to expect from Alexander Keith’s.