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Week 14: Slainte Mhath!

Posts Tagged ‘Accreditation Process’

A Note from The Brew Master…

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

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

Highlights from the Accreditation Celebration

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

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

Monday, September 14th, 2009

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!

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

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.

On the Road to Accreditation

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

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: [...]

Back to the Kettle, Scott!

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

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 [...]

Introduction to the Tasting Panel

Friday, May 29th, 2009

It’s time for the official tasting of Columbia Brewery’s Alexander Keith’s IPA and Scott has brought some samples for me to evaluate. We must ensure that the Keith’s brewed in Creston BC tastes identical to the Halifax brewed Keith’s. In this video we discuss progress to date of the Brewing Trials at the Columbia Brewery.

Think you’re the biggest Keith’s fan?

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Do you have a picture that proves it? Show us or tell us why you’re a fan and you could celebrate with me at the certification of the Columbia Brewery in Creston, B.C. The Columbia Brewery will only be certified when it passes all the requirements of the accreditation process. Visit the Alexander Keith’s Sociable [...]

Let the trials begin! Columbia takes the time to get it right

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Keith’s IPA brewing trials are progressing well at the Columbia Brewery.  The first batch of Keith’s was brewed and fermented and it’s now in aging.  As expected, some adjustments are necessary and a follow-up trial brew is in progress.   For a first attempt though, both the analytical values and the initial tasting completed by Scott Stokes, Columbia Brewery’s [...]

West Meets East at the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery

Monday, May 4th, 2009

It was with great pleasure that I welcomed Scott Stokes, the Columbia Brewery’s Brew Master, to Halifax and started taking him through the Accreditation Process to brew Alexander Keith’s I.P.A. It is important that he understands not only the process of brewing Keith’s, but also the long standing relationship that Nova Scotia has with this [...]