Pints & Plates 2022
PINTS & PLATES: Hill Top Hops Red Ale Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce
Posted by Stephen Barrett on
Located at 7232 Highway 14, Brooklyn, NS, Hill Top Hops Brewhouse is a true example of a brewmaster who is connected to his craft. John Peters personally built his brewing equipment with the pipefitter skills he acquired in a previous life. This brewery is a family business and everyone is involved. They make a range of great beers, and their tap room is an inviting space just off the beaten path. They have a range of six well crafted beers that are always available, but they also brew seasonal beers and two ciders. Our pick is the Tidal Bore Blonde as it is approachable, drinkable, and a great example of style.
PINTS & PLATES: Meander River Smoky Chipotle Porter Jerked Chicken
Posted by Stephen Barrett on
Located at 906 Woodville Road, Newport, NS, Meander River Farm and Brewery is set on a picturesque 186 acre farm that grows lavender, often has pigs and livestock, grows some hops, and produces a range of products including cider, soaps, and essential oils. This truly is a farmhouse style microbrewery where everyone helps out in all aspects of the farm. Meander River also produces a range of flavourful and well thought out beers, from approachable honey browns and ales, to Belgian farmhouse ales and smoky chipotle porters. It is such a lovely place to visit with the whole family. Our pick is their Barn Swallow Belgian Farmhouse Ale because it is a true representation of time and place.
PINTS & PLATES: Schoolhouse Chequers Porter, Bacon, Jalapeno Burgers
Posted by Stephen Barrett on
Located at 40 Water St, Windsor, NS, Schoolhouse Brewery had humble beginnings, becoming the smallest commercial brewery in Nova Scotia when they first opened in their 1860 schoolhouse. The brewery and production have since expanded and can now be found in their current location in downtown Windsor. In addition to getting its start in an actual schoolhouse, Cameron, one of its owners, also has his education degree and has taught for years. Schoolhouse Brewery has a school themed beer line that links back to its roots. Early Dismissal Kolsch is a crisp example of the style that is very enjoyable. PINTS & PLATES: Church Saltwater Joys Butter Poached Shrimp Rolls
Posted by Stephen Barrett on
Located at 329 Main St, Wolfville, NS, The Church Brewing Co specializes in European style brews that are elegant and well made. The brewery itself is in a fully restored church that was originally built prior to 1840. The attention to detail in both the building restoration and the beers themselves is spectacular. In addition to a brewery, the newly renovated church has an onsite restaurant that offers up-scale pub fare which pairs perfectly with their beer. It is a beautiful space, and the beers they produce are worthy of such. They have a line of core brands but also release specialty brews. Married to the Sea, a Church Brewing German porter, is particularly delicious.
PINTS & PLATES: 24 Hour Brined and Smoked Lunn’s Mill Pub Ale Turkey
Posted by Stephen Barrett on
Located at 515 Carleton Rd, Lawrencetown, NS, Lunn’s Mill Beer Co. has been in operation since 2017. In addition to a variety of great beer, there is also an in-house kitchen for tasty bites with lots of vegetarian options. The tap room plays host to karaoke, crib tournaments, musical entertainment, and is an ideal meeting place for friends and family. The beer itself ranges from traditional English pub ales to Belgian ales to West Coast IPA’s. It is a perfect stopping point for anyone travelling to that part of the province and may just be worth making a special trip. Our pick is their Patio Saison that just happens to be perfect consumed on any patio.