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Week 14: Slainte Mhath!

Posts Tagged ‘Graham Kendall’

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.

We Love To Hear Your Feedback!

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

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

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 [...]

The Results Are In

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

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.

The Formal Tasting Room

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Judging beer quality is taken very seriously and no external influences can be allowed to affect the perception of the tasters. In this clip I show Scott the Formal Taste Panel room that was built as a taste assessment centre. This is where the Columbia Brewery Keith’s IPA will be compared to the Keith’s brewed in Halifax. As the Accreditation Process dictates, only through this level of sophisticated assessment can a flavour match be declared.

The Daily Tasting Panel

Friday, May 29th, 2009

In one of my previous posts, I talked about the Keith’s Daily Tasting Panel . In this video, Scott and I review in more detail what goes into the daily tasting. Once Creston is accredited, Scott will also be completing this daily tasting to ensure that the Keith’s brewed in Creston BC tastes identical to the Keith’s brewed in Halifax.