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Week 14: Slainte Mhath!

Posts Tagged ‘India Pale Ale’

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

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 Keith’s Daily Tasting Panel

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

People often ask me how we ensure every drop of Alexander Keith’s IPA is made consistently to the highest quality batch after batch. For one, we have an advanced quality control lab that checks analytical values of the beer as it is being brewed 24 hours a day.  For every batch, the lab completes over 150 checks on the ingredients and the beer in process.  However, it would not be Keith’s unless [...]

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 [...]

The Taste of Alexander Keith’s IPA

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Loyal Keith’s drinkers appreciate this great tasting beer. In this clip I review with Scott: the pour, the appearance and the great taste properties of Alexander Keith’s IPA. This is an important one as Scott will only be permitted to brew Keith’s once he is able to reach the exact same taste profile. I’ll have the final say.

Essential elements for brewing Alexander Keith’s

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

What inspired Alexander Keith to create this fabulous India Pale Ale? This inspiration is important in what makes Keith’s the beer that it is. Mr. Keith’s Scottish heritage influenced his craft but also knowing that the local Halifax population was mostly British soldiers inspired him to create a local India Pale Ale (IPA). This [...]