The Brew Master's Journal « Alexander Keith's

A Note from The Brew Master…

Brew Master — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:28:06 +0000

It has been several months since we celebrated the launch of Alexander Keith's being brewed in Creston, British Columbia. I continue to receive many positive comments from those of you who have been following this blog. Followers have had an opportunity to read first-hand about the commitment that we feel is essential to Keith's fans - to be true to the brewing tradition, and to quality standards that must be met in order to brew this great beer. Furthermore, the accreditation process that the Columbia Brewery went through to be qualified to brew Keith's was developed as a guarantee. That is to ensure that the Keith's beer brewed at the Columbia Brewery is identical to the beer brewed in Halifax. No compromise is allowed. On this you have my word. The Brew Master's Journal is intended to provide insight to the Keith's fans. That includes explaining the proud brewing tradition that Alexander Keith started in 1820. The blog highlights the values of Mr. Keith, shows that they are still held today, and the great beer he launched is growing into a national favorite. The Journal also acts a validation of the exacting standards that have to be met to brew Keith's IPA. I take my hat off to Scott Stokes and the Columbia Brewery team. They had to endure numerous trials and adjustments to ensure a perfect match. This culminated in a successful result and a flavour match being declared - not an easy task . It needs to be emphasized that achieving accreditation is an initial step. On-going checks will continue and ensure that the Keith's brewed in Creston B.C. reaches our highest standards each and every day. I hope all of you enjoyed following along throughout this process. I have certainly enjoyed being a part of it. Send me your questions and comments on what you're still interested in learning about Alexander Keith's and the life of a Brew Master, and I'm happy to answer them here. Thanks to all. Graham Kendall

Alexander Keith’s Biggest Fan Feedback

Brew Master — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:00:57 +0000

One of the Alexander Keith’s Biggest Fan contest winners provided some feedback on his trip to celebrate the Accreditation of the Columbia Brewery to brew Alexander Keith’s: “I recently won the Alexander Keith’s Biggest Fan facebook contest and I am writing to thank everyone at Alexander Keith’s for the unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Creston, BC. From the moment I learned that I was the contest winner, my wife, Cheryl & I were treated like royalty, and everyone involved with this contest was amazingly supportive and accommodating. Our trip to BC included a private helicopter tour of the Kokanee Glacier! The event was amazing and I am sure that Alexander Keith would be proud to have his name attached to the fine brewery in Creston. The Keith’s tasted the same to me in B.C. as it does in P.E.I. I have been a fan of Alexander Keith’s for more than 15 years now, and you can be guaranteed I will continue to drink this fine ale. Sincerely, Alexander Keith’s Biggest Fan, 2009 Tim Wartman”

Highlights from the Accreditation Celebration

Brew Master — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:02:17 +0000

Here it is, folks! The big celebration marking the successful Accreditation of the Columbia Brewery in Creston, British Columbia to brew Alexander Keith's IPA. See the video for highlights from the party!

The Accreditation Ceremony

Brew Master — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:38:24 +0000

The tasting of the Creston-brewed Keith’s that successfully passed the Accreditation Process was a big accomplishment for everyone involved. This success demonstrated a strong sense of commitment, one that honours the Keith’s beer drinkers in the West and shows them that the Keith’s beer they enjoy is brewed the same and tastes the same [...]

Congratulations Are In Order!

Brew Master — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:35:27 +0000

Congratulations Columbia Brewery! It is with great pleasure that I announce that the Keith's India Pale Ale brewed in Creston has met the exacting criteria of the Accreditation Process. Mr. Alexander Keith would be proud. By taking the time to get it right, Keith's drinkers are assured that the Keith's beer they enjoy will be brewed to the same time honoured traditions as it has been since 1820. I know this is a great achievement for the Columbia Brewery team who have been working very hard to perfect the beer. I'll be heading to Creston today to officially accredit the Columbia Brewery. Stay tuned as I'll be posting pictures and video from my trip over the next two weeks.

We Love To Hear Your Feedback!

Brew Master — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:10:11 +0000

One of the best parts of my job is hearing feedback from our loyal Keith's customers, and just the other day an email found its way into my inbox that I want to share with all of you! Steven visited our brewery and took the time to tell us about his great experience at the Keith's Brewery Tour- [...]

On the Road to Accreditation

Brew Master — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:49:20 +0000

Alexander Keith's IPA brewing trials are making headway at the Columbia Brewery! I asked Brewmaster Scott to give everyone an update on the ongoing accreditation process in Creston, and here's what he had to say: [...]

Biggest Keith’s Fan Contest Announcement

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:46:31 +0000

Alexander Keith himself was a generous man that respected good competition and loyal fans. In holding true to that, we see no reason but to declare there to be TWO Biggest Keith's Fans! Both top-voted entrants will be travelling to Creston to celebrate with me and Brew Master Scott at the accreditation of the Columbia Brewery to brew Alexander Keith's [...]

Back to the Kettle, Scott!

Brew Master — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:56:34 +0000

The results have been thoroughly analyzed, and the Columbia Brewery’s Keith’s IPA that we tasted did not match the Halifax Keith’s IPA. Scott and the team need to go back and make some more changes. I will grant them that it was a good effort but the expectation is that in order to pass the [...]

The Results Are In

Brew Master — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:54:13 +0000

Again we are "taking the time to get it right" and now for the results of the taste comparison between Keith's IPA brewed in Halifax versus the B.C. Keith's IPA . Check out the video below to see if I conclude there is or is not a flavour match.