Since February, when Liberal Finance Minister Kevin Falcon dropped the bomb that the Provincial Government were going to sell off the province's two liquor distribution centres, and with them, the province's warehouse distribution system, it seems everyone associated with the local liquor industry has been voicing concerns about how this is going to negatively impact the BC liquor landscape.
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees of BC, who represent more than 1,000 pubs, bars and private liquors stores has come out against the privatization. The BC Government Employees Union has come out against the privatization. The NDP have come out against the privatization, with NDP alcohol critic Shane Simpson stating in the BC Legislature "the whole process is tainted". CAMRA BC, on behalf of craft beer consumers, is about to officially come out agianst the privatization. Heck, even the mostly inert Craft Brewer's Guild of BC have gotten in on the action and gone public with their displeasure of how this will negatively impact the province's alcohol industry.
This sale is being fast-tracked, with the Request For Proposals (RFP) deadline coming up June 29th. The government hopes to have this whole sale wrapped up and signed by March 2013.
The simple fact is that it looks like the Liberals are ramming through the sale, which most likely is going to result in higher prices for alcohol consumers, without consulting those directly impacted or doing any sort of case study on how this move will be advantageous and impact the BC alcohol industry.
I wrote a post a while back which highlights connections between Liberal insiders, our country's large national breweries and those vying to be the successful bidder but there are much more competent, and in-the-know-and-connected journalists than myself shedding light on all the cloak-and-dagger, shady, back-room goings-on in regards to this process.
Probably the most comprehensive and in-depth coverage I have found is provided by Bob Mackin, on his 2010 Gold Rush blog, with his series of posts called #LiquorLeaks.. The whole incestuous, sordid, complicated mess is being laid out for all to see and if you have any interest in how this move by the Liberals is shaping up, I would give Mackin's blog a read. He has gained access to many sensitive documents and memos that really highlight how this privatization process may rival the BC Rail scandal and in fact has many of the same players.
The Province newspaper columnist Michael Smyth has also written quite a bit on the subject and exposed that cabinet minister, and the man ultimately responsible for the LDB, Rich Coleman, cannot 100% guarantee consumer prices would not rise with privatization. Smyth, in another column, also highlights how the Liberals have even stooped to 1950's- McCarthy-style "red baiting" and Communist bashing in attempts to discredit NDP and deflect attention away from the facts.
I know I am not really enlightening anyone with new information here, but I wanted to point those who are interested towards some informative sources and resources. I hope you take the time to read through the material, especially Mackin's posts and take the time to voice your concerns to Rich Coleman and LCLB General Manager Karen Ayers.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
No Consular Privilege for GCBF's 20th Anniversary
The Great Canadian Beer Festival is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch have decided that the festival is not eligible for the Consular Privilege Program.
For two decades festival organizers have been using Consular Privilege, which allows alcohol to be imported tax and duty free into Canada by foreign consulates for registered charitable events, but this year they have been told by LCLB General Manager Karen Ayers that beer will have to be sourced through regular channels, namely the Liquor Distribution Branch, meaning the festival will have access to beers listed with the LDB or they can try to access unlisted beers through "special orders" which are never guaranteed to be brought in by the LDB.
"The federal government requires that all proceeds go to a registered charity, and the province requires that you have to be a registered charity to apply," stated a LCLB spokesperson, contacted via email.
"The Great Canadian Beer Festival is not a registered charity. The Province has concerns the festival does not meet the criteria for a consular liquor event because it is not a registered charity. This concern has been communicated to festival organizers."
So by that rational, as I see it, the GCBF does qualify for Consular Privilege under federal rules, as they do donate proceeds to two registered charities, but do not qualify according to provincial requirements because the applicant has to actually be a registered charity.
Hieter states another reason cited by the LCLB for not granting Consular Privilege is that the alcohol consumed at the GCBF is not done so on consular property. This issue was not specified by the LCLB in their communications with me as being part of the reason for their decision.
The LCLB also pointed out that the GCBF had not applied for Consular Privilege this year, but that seems to be a moot point due to the stance being taken by provincial liquor regulators.
This move by the LCLB cannot be too much of a surprise as last year a warning shot was launched by the LCLB last year when they unexpectedly pulled Consular Privilege less than 24 hours before the 2011 GCBF was set to begin, then reversed the decision just a few hours prior to the gates opening (for full story go here). It was a somewhat bizarre move, considering the timing, but definitely a hint of things to come. If the LCLB had stuck to their guns with their original decision to pull Consular Privilege, the GCBF would not have been allowed to let any of the US beers to be poured and would have had no time to work out an alternative, leaving a massive hole in the festival's line-up.
This year Hieter had reached out to the office of Liberal Cabinet Minister Rich Coleman and the LCLB to try to arrange meetings to ease the tensions and clear up any misunderstandings. They were granted a meeting with Lori Wanamaker, Deputy Minister to Rich Coleman and Karen Ayers. According to Hieter, he felt that meeting was somewhat positive.
When GCBF organizers were granted a second meeting with Ayers and a few others from the LCLB, Hieter was excited that him and GCBF organizers may finally be getting somewhere with opening a dialogue with the LCLB GM about Consular Privilege and a number of other issues, but those hopes were soon dashed when Hieter and his team realized the meeting was a one-way communication with the LCLB delivering bad news on all fronts.
Hopefully the impact of no Consular Privilege will be negligible as there has been sufficient warning given for Hieter and his team to source other beers. It will mean that festival goers will not be able to sample those US beers that do not make it north of the border except for special events like the GCBF, but there still will be an American presence..
"We will be looking more to the east instead of south," said festival organizer Gerry Hieter, during a recent phone interview, meaning that there may be a decidedly more Canadian flavour to the beers poured at this year's event, to be held in Victoria's Royal Athletic Park Sept 7-8. Hieter also believes that the line-up of beers being poured will remain top-shelf. "More and more (beers fro the US & Canada), are getting listed in BC all the time."
For their part, the LCLB report they will work with the GCBF organizers to get the beers they require to host a top-class event.
"The Province recently met with Greater Canadian Beer Festival officials and offered to work with them to bring in casked and/or kegged beer from outside the province (US or other provinces) through the Liquor Distribution Branch," stated the LCLB spokesperson via email.
It seems once again that both sides see things from completely different angles and Consular Privilege is only one of many issues that concern Hieter but I will address some of the others in future posts.
Lets hope there are no other surprises in store for the GCBF from LCLB officials and inspectors so that we can celebrate Canada's longest-running beer festival's 20th birthday in style.
For two decades festival organizers have been using Consular Privilege, which allows alcohol to be imported tax and duty free into Canada by foreign consulates for registered charitable events, but this year they have been told by LCLB General Manager Karen Ayers that beer will have to be sourced through regular channels, namely the Liquor Distribution Branch, meaning the festival will have access to beers listed with the LDB or they can try to access unlisted beers through "special orders" which are never guaranteed to be brought in by the LDB.
"The federal government requires that all proceeds go to a registered charity, and the province requires that you have to be a registered charity to apply," stated a LCLB spokesperson, contacted via email.
"The Great Canadian Beer Festival is not a registered charity. The Province has concerns the festival does not meet the criteria for a consular liquor event because it is not a registered charity. This concern has been communicated to festival organizers."
So by that rational, as I see it, the GCBF does qualify for Consular Privilege under federal rules, as they do donate proceeds to two registered charities, but do not qualify according to provincial requirements because the applicant has to actually be a registered charity.
Hieter states another reason cited by the LCLB for not granting Consular Privilege is that the alcohol consumed at the GCBF is not done so on consular property. This issue was not specified by the LCLB in their communications with me as being part of the reason for their decision.
The LCLB also pointed out that the GCBF had not applied for Consular Privilege this year, but that seems to be a moot point due to the stance being taken by provincial liquor regulators.
This move by the LCLB cannot be too much of a surprise as last year a warning shot was launched by the LCLB last year when they unexpectedly pulled Consular Privilege less than 24 hours before the 2011 GCBF was set to begin, then reversed the decision just a few hours prior to the gates opening (for full story go here). It was a somewhat bizarre move, considering the timing, but definitely a hint of things to come. If the LCLB had stuck to their guns with their original decision to pull Consular Privilege, the GCBF would not have been allowed to let any of the US beers to be poured and would have had no time to work out an alternative, leaving a massive hole in the festival's line-up.
This year Hieter had reached out to the office of Liberal Cabinet Minister Rich Coleman and the LCLB to try to arrange meetings to ease the tensions and clear up any misunderstandings. They were granted a meeting with Lori Wanamaker, Deputy Minister to Rich Coleman and Karen Ayers. According to Hieter, he felt that meeting was somewhat positive.
When GCBF organizers were granted a second meeting with Ayers and a few others from the LCLB, Hieter was excited that him and GCBF organizers may finally be getting somewhere with opening a dialogue with the LCLB GM about Consular Privilege and a number of other issues, but those hopes were soon dashed when Hieter and his team realized the meeting was a one-way communication with the LCLB delivering bad news on all fronts.
Hopefully the impact of no Consular Privilege will be negligible as there has been sufficient warning given for Hieter and his team to source other beers. It will mean that festival goers will not be able to sample those US beers that do not make it north of the border except for special events like the GCBF, but there still will be an American presence..
"We will be looking more to the east instead of south," said festival organizer Gerry Hieter, during a recent phone interview, meaning that there may be a decidedly more Canadian flavour to the beers poured at this year's event, to be held in Victoria's Royal Athletic Park Sept 7-8. Hieter also believes that the line-up of beers being poured will remain top-shelf. "More and more (beers fro the US & Canada), are getting listed in BC all the time."
For their part, the LCLB report they will work with the GCBF organizers to get the beers they require to host a top-class event.
"The Province recently met with Greater Canadian Beer Festival officials and offered to work with them to bring in casked and/or kegged beer from outside the province (US or other provinces) through the Liquor Distribution Branch," stated the LCLB spokesperson via email.
It seems once again that both sides see things from completely different angles and Consular Privilege is only one of many issues that concern Hieter but I will address some of the others in future posts.
Lets hope there are no other surprises in store for the GCBF from LCLB officials and inspectors so that we can celebrate Canada's longest-running beer festival's 20th birthday in style.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Canadian Beer Awards
For the second time in three years, Surrey's Central City Brewing took home top prize for Brewery of the Year at the Canadian Brewing Awards held Saturday, at the Mondial de la Biere in Montreal.
Central City, who brew the popular Red Racer brand, took home three gold medals and one silver for their beers (see list below) before being named Canada's top brewery. East Vancouver's R&B Brewing also carted away three golds and a silver, matching Central City's haul for beer medals.
In all, BC fared quite well, taking 44 of the possible 118 medals available for beer including 14 golds..There were a few surprises, one of the biggest for West Coast IPA fans being that last year's Beer Of the Year, Driftwood's Fat Tug IPA, did not even place. Another big surprise, at least for me, is that BC breweries, known for putting out BIG hop IPAs, swept the English IPA category, a category known for more subdued hop profiles compared to the West Coast style of IPA.
For a complete list of winners see below. BC breweries are in bold italics.
North American Style Lager
Gold: Brewhouse Pilsener, Great Western Brewing Co. (SK)
Silver: Sleeman Original Draught, Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
Bronze: Alpine Lager, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Gold: Brewhouse Pilsener, Great Western Brewing Co. (SK)
Silver: Sleeman Original Draught, Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
Bronze: Alpine Lager, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
North American Style Premium Lager
Gold: Vancouver Islander Lager, Vancouver Island Brewery (BC)
Silver: Muskoka Craft Lager, Muskoka Brewery (ON)
Bronze: Beach Blonde Lager, Tree Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Vancouver Islander Lager, Vancouver Island Brewery (BC)
Silver: Muskoka Craft Lager, Muskoka Brewery (ON)
Bronze: Beach Blonde Lager, Tree Brewing Co. (BC)
European Style Lager (Pilsner)
Gold: Steam Whistle Pilsner, Steam Whistle Brewing (ON)
Silver: Red Canoe Lager, Canoe Brewpub (BC)
Bronze: Steamworks Pilsner, Steamworks Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Steam Whistle Pilsner, Steam Whistle Brewing (ON)
Silver: Red Canoe Lager, Canoe Brewpub (BC)
Bronze: Steamworks Pilsner, Steamworks Brewing Co. (BC)
North American Style Amber Lager
Gold: Buzz Beer, Cool Beer Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Blue Buck Pale Ale, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Barking Squirrel Lager, Hop City Brewing Co. (ON)
Gold: Buzz Beer, Cool Beer Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Blue Buck Pale Ale, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Barking Squirrel Lager, Hop City Brewing Co. (ON)
North American Style Dark Lager
Gold: Hermann’s Dark Lager, Vancouver Island Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Okanagan Spring Brewmaster’s Black Lager, Sleeman Breweries
Bronze: King Dark Lager, King Brewery (ON)
Gold: Hermann’s Dark Lager, Vancouver Island Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Okanagan Spring Brewmaster’s Black Lager, Sleeman Breweries
Bronze: King Dark Lager, King Brewery (ON)
Light (Calorie-Reduced) Lager
Gold: Cracked Canoe Premium Light Lager, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Silver: Moose Light, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Bronze: Brewhouse Light, Great Western Brewing Co. (SK)
Gold: Cracked Canoe Premium Light Lager, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Silver: Moose Light, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Bronze: Brewhouse Light, Great Western Brewing Co. (SK)
Bock – Traditional German Style
Gold: Deviator Doppelbock, Cameron’s Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Hermannator Ice Bock, Vancouver Island Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Amsterdam Spring Bock, Amsterdam Brewing Co. (ON)
Gold: Deviator Doppelbock, Cameron’s Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Hermannator Ice Bock, Vancouver Island Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Amsterdam Spring Bock, Amsterdam Brewing Co. (ON)
Kellerbier
Gold: Kellerbier, Creemore Springs Brewery (ON)
Silver: Bohemian Lager, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Festivale, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (ON)
Gold: Kellerbier, Creemore Springs Brewery (ON)
Silver: Bohemian Lager, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Festivale, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (ON)
Porter
Gold: Coffee Porter, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: 25th Anniversary Robust Porter, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Coffee Stout, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Coffee Porter, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: 25th Anniversary Robust Porter, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Coffee Stout, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
Strong Porter (Baltic)
Gold: Lost River Baltic Porter, Bellwoods Brewery (ON)
Silver: Grand Baltic Porter, Garrison Brewing Co. (NS)
Bronze: Okanagan Spring Porter, Sleeman Breweries
Gold: Lost River Baltic Porter, Bellwoods Brewery (ON)
Silver: Grand Baltic Porter, Garrison Brewing Co. (NS)
Bronze: Okanagan Spring Porter, Sleeman Breweries
Cream Ale
Gold: Original 16, Great Western Brewing Co. (SK)
Silver: Portage Ale Cream Ale, Mill Street Brewery (ON)
Bronze: Begbie Cream Ale, Mt. Begbie Brewery (BC)
Gold: Original 16, Great Western Brewing Co. (SK)
Silver: Portage Ale Cream Ale, Mill Street Brewery (ON)
Bronze: Begbie Cream Ale, Mt. Begbie Brewery (BC)
Kolsch
Gold: Lug Tread, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Swans Arctic Ale, Swans Brewery (BC)
Bronze: Harvest Moon Organic Hemp Ale, Nelson Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Lug Tread, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Swans Arctic Ale, Swans Brewery (BC)
Bronze: Harvest Moon Organic Hemp Ale, Nelson Brewing Co. (BC)
North American Style Amber/Red Ale
Gold: Red Racer ESB, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Thirsty Beaver Amber Ale, Tree Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Lighthouse Race Rocks Ale, Lighthouse Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Red Racer ESB, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Thirsty Beaver Amber Ale, Tree Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Lighthouse Race Rocks Ale, Lighthouse Brewing Co. (BC)
North American Style Blonde/Golden
Ale
Gold: Boreale Blonde, Les Brasseurs du Nord (QC)
Silver: Picaroons Blonde, Picaroons Traditional Ales (NB)
Bronze: Kichesippi Natural Blonde, Kichesippi Beer Co. (ON)
Gold: Boreale Blonde, Les Brasseurs du Nord (QC)
Silver: Picaroons Blonde, Picaroons Traditional Ales (NB)
Bronze: Kichesippi Natural Blonde, Kichesippi Beer Co. (ON)
Brown Ale
Gold: Iron Horse Brown Ale, Prince Edward Island Brewing Co. (PEI)
Silver: Beaver Brown Ale, Canoe Brewpub (BC)
Bronze: Nelson After Dark, Nelson Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Iron Horse Brown Ale, Prince Edward Island Brewing Co. (PEI)
Silver: Beaver Brown Ale, Canoe Brewpub (BC)
Bronze: Nelson After Dark, Nelson Brewing Co. (BC)
American Style Black Ale
Gold: Terrestrial India Brown Ale, Wellington County Brewery (ON)
Silver: Black IPA, Brasserie Dunham (QC)
Bronze: Houblon Libre, Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean (QC)
Gold: Terrestrial India Brown Ale, Wellington County Brewery (ON)
Silver: Black IPA, Brasserie Dunham (QC)
Bronze: Houblon Libre, Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean (QC)
Scotch Ale
Gold: Swans Scotch Ale, Swans Brewery (BC)
Silver: Iron Duke, Wellington County Brewery (ON)
Bronze: St. Ambroise Scotch Ale, McAuslan Brewing Inc (QC)
Gold: Swans Scotch Ale, Swans Brewery (BC)
Silver: Iron Duke, Wellington County Brewery (ON)
Bronze: St. Ambroise Scotch Ale, McAuslan Brewing Inc (QC)
English Style Pale Ale (Bitter)
Gold: Pale Ale, Yaletown Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: St. Ambroise Pale Ale, McAuslan Brewing Inc (QC)
Bronze: River Rock Bitter, Canoe Brewpub (BC)
Gold: Pale Ale, Yaletown Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: St. Ambroise Pale Ale, McAuslan Brewing Inc (QC)
Bronze: River Rock Bitter, Canoe Brewpub (BC)
North American Style Pale Ale (Bitter)
Gold: Steamworks Pale Ale, Steamworks Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Crazy Canuck Pale Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Naughty Neighbour, Nickel Brook, (ON)
Gold: Steamworks Pale Ale, Steamworks Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Crazy Canuck Pale Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Naughty Neighbour, Nickel Brook, (ON)
Wheat Beer – Belgian Style White/Wit
Gold: Cheval Blanc, Les Brasseurs RJ (QC)
Silver: Dominus Vobiscum Blanche, Microbrasserie Charlevoix (QC)
Bronze: Mons Abbey Witte, Brasserie Belgh Brasse (QC)
Gold: Cheval Blanc, Les Brasseurs RJ (QC)
Silver: Dominus Vobiscum Blanche, Microbrasserie Charlevoix (QC)
Bronze: Mons Abbey Witte, Brasserie Belgh Brasse (QC)
Wheat Beer – German Style Hefeweizen
Gold: N/A (no beer had high enough points to receive gold)
Silver: Beachcomber Summer Ale, Vancouver Island Brewing (BC)
Bronze: Hefeweizen Unfiltered Wheat Ale, Tree Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: N/A (no beer had high enough points to receive gold)
Silver: Beachcomber Summer Ale, Vancouver Island Brewing (BC)
Bronze: Hefeweizen Unfiltered Wheat Ale, Tree Brewing Co. (BC)
Wheat Beer – North American Style
Gold: Sungod Wheat Ale, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Sir John A’s Honey Wheat, Prince Edward Island Brewing Co. (PEI)
Bronze: Dooryard Summer Ale, Picaroons Traditional Ales (NB)
Gold: Sungod Wheat Ale, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Sir John A’s Honey Wheat, Prince Edward Island Brewing Co. (PEI)
Bronze: Dooryard Summer Ale, Picaroons Traditional Ales (NB)
Belgian Style Abbey Ale
Gold: Don Juan, Broadway Microbrasserie and Pub (QC)
Silver: Tchucke, Broadway Microbrasserie and Pub (QC)
Bronze: Dominus Vobiscum Double, Microbrasserie Charlevoix (QC)
Gold: Don Juan, Broadway Microbrasserie and Pub (QC)
Silver: Tchucke, Broadway Microbrasserie and Pub (QC)
Bronze: Dominus Vobiscum Double, Microbrasserie Charlevoix (QC)
Belgian Style Strong Specialty Ale
Gold: Tripe a Trois, A la Fut (QC)
Silver: Buteuse, Microbrasserie Le Trou du Diable (QC)
Bronze: 17 Grande Reserve, Unibroue (QC)
Gold: Tripe a Trois, A la Fut (QC)
Silver: Buteuse, Microbrasserie Le Trou du Diable (QC)
Bronze: 17 Grande Reserve, Unibroue (QC)
Barley Wine Style Ale
Gold: Woolly Bugger Barleywine, Howe Sound Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Thor’s Hammer Barleywine, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Gaz de Course, Brouhaha (QC)
Gold: Woolly Bugger Barleywine, Howe Sound Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Thor’s Hammer Barleywine, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Gaz de Course, Brouhaha (QC)
Stout
Gold: St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, McAuslan Brewing Inc. (QC)
Silver: Bete Noire, A La Fut (QC)
Bronze: Midnight Sun Espresso Stout, Yukon Brewing Co. (YT)
Gold: St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, McAuslan Brewing Inc. (QC)
Silver: Bete Noire, A La Fut (QC)
Bronze: Midnight Sun Espresso Stout, Yukon Brewing Co. (YT)
Imperial Stout
Gold: Stout Imperiale Russe, Brasserie Dunham (QC)
Silver: Fort Garry Kona Imperial Stout, Fort Garry Brewing Co. (MB)
Bronze: Hammer Imperial Stout, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Stout Imperiale Russe, Brasserie Dunham (QC)
Silver: Fort Garry Kona Imperial Stout, Fort Garry Brewing Co. (MB)
Bronze: Hammer Imperial Stout, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
English Style India Pale Ale
Gold: Powell IPA, Coal Harbour Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Tranquility IPA, Moon Under Water Pub and Brewery (BC)
Bronze: Devil’s Elbow IPA, Howe Sound Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Powell IPA, Coal Harbour Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Tranquility IPA, Moon Under Water Pub and Brewery (BC)
Bronze: Devil’s Elbow IPA, Howe Sound Brewing Co. (BC)
American Style India Pale Ale
Gold: Karma Citra, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Rye Pale Ale, Cameron’s Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Swans Extra IPA, Swans Brewery (BC)
Gold: Karma Citra, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Rye Pale Ale, Cameron’s Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Swans Extra IPA, Swans Brewery (BC)
Imperial India Pale Ale
Gold: Central City Imperial IPA, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Diable au Corps, Les Brasseurs du Temps (QC)
Bronze: Amnesiac Double IPA, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Central City Imperial IPA, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Diable au Corps, Les Brasseurs du Temps (QC)
Bronze: Amnesiac Double IPA, Phillips Brewing Co. (BC)
French and Belgian Style Saison
Gold: Deliverance Saison, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Nit Wit, Garrison Brewing Co. (NS)
Bronze: Patio Saison, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (ON)
Gold: Deliverance Saison, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Nit Wit, Garrison Brewing Co. (NS)
Bronze: Patio Saison, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (ON)
Special Honey/Maple Lager or Ale
Gold: Royal York Stinger, Mill Street Brewery (ON)
Silver: Boreale Doree, Les Brasseurs du Nord (QC)
Bronze: Cypress Honey Lager, Granville Island Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: Royal York Stinger, Mill Street Brewery (ON)
Silver: Boreale Doree, Les Brasseurs du Nord (QC)
Bronze: Cypress Honey Lager, Granville Island Brewing Co. (BC)
Fruit Beer
Gold: Mandarin Orange Amber Ale, Dead Frog Brewery (BC)
Silver: Pepper Lime Lager, Dead Frog Brewery (BC)
Bronze: Moose Light Lime, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Gold: Mandarin Orange Amber Ale, Dead Frog Brewery (BC)
Silver: Pepper Lime Lager, Dead Frog Brewery (BC)
Bronze: Moose Light Lime, Moosehead Breweries (NB)
Fruit Wheat Beer
Gold: Amsterdam Framboise, Amsterdam Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Ephemere Pomme, Unibroue (QC)
Bronze: Crique, A La Fut (QC)
Gold: Amsterdam Framboise, Amsterdam Brewing Co. (ON)
Silver: Ephemere Pomme, Unibroue (QC)
Bronze: Crique, A La Fut (QC)
Pumpkin Beer
Gold: St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale, McAuslan Brewing Inc. (QC)
Silver: Highballer Pumpkin Ale, Grand River Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Pumpkineater, Howe Sound Brewing Co. (BC)
Gold: St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale, McAuslan Brewing Inc. (QC)
Silver: Highballer Pumpkin Ale, Grand River Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Pumpkineater, Howe Sound Brewing Co. (BC)
Wood and Barrel Aged Beer
Gold: 25th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Robust Porter, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON
Silver: Amsterdam Leipziger Gose, Amsterdam Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Red Truck Ruby, Red Truck Beer Co. (BC)
Gold: 25th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Robust Porter, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON
Silver: Amsterdam Leipziger Gose, Amsterdam Brewing Co. (ON)
Bronze: Red Truck Ruby, Red Truck Beer Co. (BC)
Wood and Barrel Aged Strong Beer
Gold: Thor’s Hammer Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Nectar of the Gods, Russell Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Singularity Russian Imperial Stout, Driftwood Brewery (BC)
Gold: Thor’s Hammer Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine, Central City Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Nectar of the Gods, Russell Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Singularity Russian Imperial Stout, Driftwood Brewery (BC)
Wood and Barrel Aged Sour Beer
Gold: Co-Hop V, A La Fut (QC)
Silver: Bird of Prey-Flanders Red, Driftwood Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Vent d’Anges, Broadway Microbrasserie and Pub (QC)
Gold: Co-Hop V, A La Fut (QC)
Silver: Bird of Prey-Flanders Red, Driftwood Brewing Co. (BC)
Bronze: Vent d’Anges, Broadway Microbrasserie and Pub (QC)
Experimental Beer
Gold: Dark Snout Bacon Stout, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Honey Lavender, Garrison Brewing Co. (NS)
Bronze: Harry Porter and the Bourbon Soaked Vanilla Beans, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Gold: Dark Snout Bacon Stout, R&B Brewing Co. (BC)
Silver: Honey Lavender, Garrison Brewing Co. (NS)
Bronze: Harry Porter and the Bourbon Soaked Vanilla Beans, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (ON)
Beer of the Year
Co-Hop V, A La Fut
(QC)
Brewery of the Year
Central City Brewing
Co.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Brewery Lounges and Beer Picnics
If things go according to plan you may soon be able to enjoy a nice afternoon of beer sampling and socializing at a brewery lounge, picnic area, or attend a wedding held at a local craft brewery.
The BC Liberal Government is currently asking for input from brewers and distillers as they are looking to change current laws to allow on-site sales and consumption of the manufactuer's products to bring them more in line with the freedoms and privileges wineries have enjoyed for years here in BC. Under current LCLB regulations, wineries can submit applications to have lounges, special events areas and picnic areas where patrons can consume wine they have bought on the premises while breweries and distilleries can only provide samples of products, which they have to give away, in tasting rooms. Breweries can apply for a license to sell their products at the brewery, in a store-like setting, but there is no allowance for consumers to enjoy these products they have bought on-site and there is no allowance for special events to be held on the brewery premises.
According to the LCLB Consultation Document, entitled Expansion of On-Site Sales and Patron Consumption Opportunities for Manufacturers, "the proposed expansion (of the laws) described here (in the document) mirrors many of the opportunities that have been afforded to wineries over the years." The document goes on to say the government allowed wineries these liberties "to help support wineries market their products and enhance the customer experience."
If allowed, there will be an application process, similar to getting a liquor primary license, that will have to be navigated and it is hard to predict just how difficult the LCLB will make it for breweries and distilleries to obtain these on-site perks at their facilities. I don't know about distilleries, but many of the existing breweries I have seen do not lend themselves well to having designated picnic or special events areas and would have to undergo major renovations to have on-site lounges but it will allow for those opening breweries in the future to take these possibilities into consideration when choosing a location/building for their breweries.
This consultation is a rare admission by the Provincial Government and the LCLB that wineries do get preferred treatment over breweries and distilleries here in BC. This consultation and proposal to change these laws is a start, a baby step in the direction of supporting the BC craft brewery industry as they support the wine industry. Let us hope there are many other changes to BC liquor laws in the near future that will allow breweries and craft beer lovers to have the same opportunities and privileges that wineries and wine lovers have here in this province.
It think it would be a lot of fun to be able to head out to your favourite craft brewery with a few friends to sample their beers in a lounge or outdoor picnic environment. It would be a great opportunity to taste beer fresh from the source and is a great tool to encourage and grow the local beer tourism scene.
So if you run a brewery or distillery and want to have your voice heard, or you have not received this consultation document, contact Melanie Golder of the LCLB at 1-866-209-2111 or melanie.golder@gov.bc.ca.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Craft Beer Drinkers Getting Short Poured Again
About a month ago I wrote about the discussions being held by provincial politicians looking at possibly changing liquor laws to allow for a Bring Your Own Bottle-style program in BC restaurants.
In that post I pointed out that most of the focus was on including wine only to be allowed to be brought by patrons to participating restaurants and I have since had confirmed that the BC craft beer industry is once again being given no support by the Provincial Government while the wine industry is getting preferential treatment.
But this latest snub of the craft beer industry has a lot to do with the fact that the craft beer industry and the craft beer consumers of BC are just not as organized as their counterparts in the wine world.
NDP MLA and critic for the LCLB/LDB, Shane Simpson brought up the subject in the BC Legislature, prompted in part by discussions and email communications with CAMRA Vancouver who are pressing to have beer included in any BYOB discussions. When asked directly by Mr Simpson if beer, particularly craft beer, is being considered as a part of any future law reforms in regards to BYOB, Liberal Cabinet Minister Rich Coleman, the minister responsible for the LCLB/LDB, replied, "No. We (Liberal Government) have not even had any overtures from restaurants or bars in BC, with regards to that."
So, a combination of a lack of organization and desire to lobby on their own behalf by the Craft Brewers Guild combined with a lack of respect for the BC craft beer industry from the Provincial Government has once again placed beer lovers in this province in the role of second fiddle.
Those involved in and who support the craft beer industry and those who love craft beer need to get active and need to do it quickly. Check out what the wine folks have been doing to make sure the government knows they are interested in BYOB. Sign the CAMRA Vancouver petition to show your support for craft beer and BYOB. Tweet Rich Coleman @colemancountry, email him at rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca or contact LCLB General Manager, Karen Ayers at Karen.Ayers@gov.bc.ca to let them know we want craft beer included in BYOB talks.
If not, we craft beer drinkers are soon going to be crying into our pints about how the government has once again short-poured the craft beer community in BC while local wine lovers are busy enjoying their favourite BYOB wine while out enjoying a meal.
In that post I pointed out that most of the focus was on including wine only to be allowed to be brought by patrons to participating restaurants and I have since had confirmed that the BC craft beer industry is once again being given no support by the Provincial Government while the wine industry is getting preferential treatment.
But this latest snub of the craft beer industry has a lot to do with the fact that the craft beer industry and the craft beer consumers of BC are just not as organized as their counterparts in the wine world.
NDP MLA and critic for the LCLB/LDB, Shane Simpson brought up the subject in the BC Legislature, prompted in part by discussions and email communications with CAMRA Vancouver who are pressing to have beer included in any BYOB discussions. When asked directly by Mr Simpson if beer, particularly craft beer, is being considered as a part of any future law reforms in regards to BYOB, Liberal Cabinet Minister Rich Coleman, the minister responsible for the LCLB/LDB, replied, "No. We (Liberal Government) have not even had any overtures from restaurants or bars in BC, with regards to that."
So, a combination of a lack of organization and desire to lobby on their own behalf by the Craft Brewers Guild combined with a lack of respect for the BC craft beer industry from the Provincial Government has once again placed beer lovers in this province in the role of second fiddle.
Those involved in and who support the craft beer industry and those who love craft beer need to get active and need to do it quickly. Check out what the wine folks have been doing to make sure the government knows they are interested in BYOB. Sign the CAMRA Vancouver petition to show your support for craft beer and BYOB. Tweet Rich Coleman @colemancountry, email him at rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca or contact LCLB General Manager, Karen Ayers at Karen.Ayers@gov.bc.ca to let them know we want craft beer included in BYOB talks.
If not, we craft beer drinkers are soon going to be crying into our pints about how the government has once again short-poured the craft beer community in BC while local wine lovers are busy enjoying their favourite BYOB wine while out enjoying a meal.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
CAMRA Vancouver Making a FUSS in the Legislature
CAMRA Vancouver may have finally arrived on the political scene last week when their FUSS Campaign was raised in the BC Legislature by NDP MLA Shane Simpson.
Mr Simpson, during debate in the legislature, asked Liberal MLA and Minister of Energy and Mines, Rich Coleman, who also oversees the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and the Liquor Distribution Board, why the LCLB was not enforcing their law requiring licensees to provide serving size-price lists to patrons, citing that it is in the interests of public safety and consumer protection that this law be properly enforced.
Although CAMRA Vancouver, or the FUSS Campaign, were not mentioned by name, this issue was raised as a direct result of a meeting held a few months ago between myself, CAMRA Vancouver VP, Dieter Friesen and Mr Simpson who is the NDP critic for all things alcohol in BC. During the meeting, Mr Simpson stated he saw value in the FUSS Campaign, what it stood for, and stated he would support the initiative, a promise he has followed through with by writing a letter to Mr Coleman, asking for governmental support of the FUSS Campaign and then by raising the issue in the BC Legislature.
In his comments to Mr Coleman, Mr Simpson pointed out that there are no standardized measures in BC for draft beer and without serving size lists, customers often have no idea what they are paying for.
"We know glasses can be of mighty different sizes," stated Simpson in the legislative debate. "People should know if it's a real pint, or is it 12 ounces, or what is it?"
Simpson then went on to state that licensees should not only have serving size lists available, but that they should be posted for people to see, stating there is "the need for the establishment to display a sign that says, 'When you get a mug of beer here, this is the size that you're buying,' and you'll know and you'll (the customer) pay accordingly."
Public safety was also raised as an issue, with Mr Simpson pointing out that many of the craft beers on the market are much higher in alcohol content compared to the traditional, massed-produced lagers, which could lead to accidental intoxication if a customer does not know exactly how much he is consuming.
"There's a difference here, if you're having a couple of these (higher alcohol beers) versus a couple of Coors Lights, in terms of making a decision about your conduct, particularly if you're going to go out and get in a car," stated Simpson. "Is there any thinking about enforcing that more rigorously or encouraging that enforcement through your inspectors?"
Mr Coleman was frank in his response, stating he was aware of the serving size issues, but the the LCLB was focusing their resources on four major enforcement issues, those being service to minors, overcrowding of licensed establishments, sale of illegal liquor and over-serving. Coleman did not acknowledge that Mr Simpson did link serving sizes to possible over-serving, even if that over-serving may be accidental.
"
So although the LCLB is aware that this law is being flaunted, it will not act unless they are forced to by getting specific complaints against specific licensees. The LCLB are bound by policy to investigate all complaints. So in their mind, the LCLB will not prioritize this issue unless complaints for the public begin to roll in.
I guess not all laws are meant to be enforced equally, even though "it is a law, we have no choice" is the party line of the LCLB when they are enforcing ridiculous laws like no dancing in liquor primary establishments and they are questioned as to why they are cracking down on something so harmless.
At this point in time, CAMRA Vancouver has not made any specific complaints against particular licensees, although I have personally been tempted more than a few times when I have seen a sign or menu advertising a "pint" and then the server brings over a sleeve and brushes off my complaints that they did not deliver on what they promised. If you find yourself in this situation and are unhappy with the response or explanation you get, you now know how to prompt the LCLB inspectors into action.
CAMRA Vancouver received confirmation this week that the LCLB is following through via their newsletter "Liquor Line" which goes to all licensees and LCLB employees in the province. LCLB General Manager, Karen Ayers, via email, advised me, "the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch has included a reminder to licensees and to our staff," stating, "the newsletter is the most effective and cost efficient method we have of communicating to licensees."
A mention in a newsletter does not seem like a huge result for CAMRA Vancouver, but I would argue differently. I do not think CAMRA Vancouver has ever been able to get political support at the level of the Provincial Legislature, or has been successful in grabbing the attention LCLB and prompt them to any sort of action. It is not much, but it is a start and the FUSS Campaign has definitely made both politicians and the LCLB aware that CAMRA is out there advocating on behalf of the craft beer consumers of BC.
CAMRA Vancouver needs to take a pause to see if there are any changes as a result of the newsletter reminders and if not, will decide how to take this issue to the next level. I know there are some out there that think we are missing the mark with this campaign and who believe it is a waste of energy, but those few are in the minority and are usually not looking at the issue from a consumer's point of view.
As long as I am president of CAMRA Vancouver, I will continue to raise this issue until we get compliance and enforcement. I am not one for pushing for the LCLB to be heavy-handed with their enforcement unless the law being enforced makes sense.
Knowing what you are being served and what you are paying for, stamping out misrepresentation of serving sizes/short pouring and promoting responsible drinking/public safety do make sense to me and at its core, that is what FUSS is all about.
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