Beer in the news

[mikeorr]

By the way, there is a movement afoot to potentially combine the three Liquor entities in the Maritimes, at this time they are looking at economy of scale when buying from off shore, but the writing is on the wall.

I'm not a business person, but this just makes too much sense to me. Better buying power, coordinated inventory management, and barrier-free availability for all local Maritime craft breweries (of course keeping up with demand is a separate issue...)

[McGruff]

Governments have no common sense at all. You can always hope I guess common sense prevails.

[BobbyOK]

By the way, there is a movement afoot to potentially combine the three Liquor entities in the Maritimes, at this time they are looking at economy of scale when buying from off shore, but the writing is on the wall.

May God and the Flying Spaghetti Monster have mercy on our souls.

[chicanuck]

Here my little rant about the whole thing, from an industry point of view. This is in NB.

NB liquor is our friend, they set the price for us to survive as a small producer of wines and spirit, beer is similar. NB Liquor is a business, they are in the business of generating tax revenue, that is their sole purpose. The tax revenue raised is for the purpose of business development, health care and general infra structure.

A bottle of wine can be purchased in Portugal, Italy, France, Germany at a cost of about $1.50, a half decent one that is. Back when we immigrated to Canada, a case of beer (20 bottles at 0.5 litre cost you about 8 DM, i.e. about 0.8 DM per litre). The entire issue is about raising taxes, as was mentioned, the "sin tax". We have a population that is surpased by most European Cities, i.e. our sin tax is considerably higher due to a lower capita. Also, our transportation costs are much greater, both in raw and finished goods, since Canada is such a bloody big country. Processing costs are comparable or greater than in other countries, due in part to population density, shipping and climate.

So, why is there a difference in alcohol tax from province to province? Population has a lot to do with it. Disposable income has a lot to do with. Business taxation rate has a lot to do with it (see Alberta - compared to NFLD). Any thoughts of liquor privatization in the Maritime or Atlantic Provinces is false hope, governments are reliant on the taxes generated, whether we like it or not, those taxes fill the government covers. Yet, some may argue, the mark up would be better off in private hands to stimulate the economy; capitalism is a funny thing says Kevin O'Leary - mine, mine, mine, you're sick - too bad, your road has holes - too bad, etc.

As a VP at NB Liquor told me, we will never get out of the liquor business, the stakes are too high, the potential loss to the taxpayer is too great. This may seem a cliche, but I believe he was sincere to the extreme when he made the comment. Could prices be lower, absolutely, however, unless poplulation increased and the department of public safety has a few retirees, and the civil service is streamlined, I would not hold my breath or stop drinking craft beer/wine/spirit.

By the way, there is a movement afoot to potentially combine the three Liquor entities in the Maritimes, at this time they are looking at economy of scale when buying from off shore, but the writing is on the wall.

Gotta stop this ranting bit.

I really agree with almost all of this, minus the NBLC is a friend quote. The governments should tax liquor for the various reasons you stated and I don't even have a problem with them setting price levels to a certain degree to ensure we generate this tax revenue. My issue is with them controlling the retail end as selling consumable products that is not the governments function and is the function of private business (IMO).....I guess that was my only point that differs from this post. Why don't we have government run retail gas stations and smoke stores, why only stop at controlling the retail sale of liquor? Anyway, I agree nothing will change anytime soon and we really have it good with the specialty wine/beer stores in NS but I still raise my eyebrow when I see most other countries selling booze privately, it is done basically everywhere but Canada.

[Keith]

I wouldn't even limit it to Canada in general, Ontario you can buy beer at Costco, nfld you can get it at the corner store. I'm sure there are other provinces that are similar.

[mikeorr]

Relevant: http://www.momandhops.ca/now-playing-st ... n-ontario/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Although the documentary is focused on Ontario's LCBO and The Beer Store, there are many valid points that apply to us as well.

[mr x]

Beer Store should pay more to province, says privatization czar
Premier Kathleen Wynne’s government is threatening to take away the privately owned Beer Store monopoly if brewers balk at paying a “franchise fee” to the province.

http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/ ... _czar.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

By: Robert Benzie Queen's Park Bureau Chief, Published on Thu Nov 13 2014

Premier Kathleen Wynne’s government is threatening to take away the privately owned Beer Store monopoly if brewers balk at paying a “franchise fee” to the province.

That’s according to Wynne’s privatization czar, former TD Bank chair Ed Clark, who tabled a report on public assets Thursday that recommends modernizing booze sales.

While Clark cautions against selling off the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, he said the province could “free up $2 billion to $3 billion” to fund transit by liquidating parts of Hydro One.

More controversially, he said The Beer Store, owned by AB InBev, MolsonCoors, and Sapporo, will have to cough up more money to Queen’s Park without raising prices for consumers — or else.

“Their position is that they can’t afford to absorb a tax,” Clark told reporters in a conference call after releasing his 77-page study, “Retain & Gain: Making Ontario’s Assets Work Better for Taxpayers and Consumers.”

“If we do decide to charge a franchise fee of some sort (and they say) they don’t have any room, they’re just right up against the wall here and they don’t have a dollar to give . . . we’re saying, ‘Well, then that means you’re really saying is that this franchise that you have is worthless. Would you then give it up?’ ” said Clark.

“And then they say they don’t want to, but they don’t want to pay for it. We don’t think that’s a reasonable position. If you really think this thing is valueless, then give it up and we’ll auction it off and see if people would pay something for it.”

Clark’s salvo, which went further than anything in his premier’s advisory council on government assets’ report, caught the breweries off guard.

“Beyond what’s in the report, we haven’t seen anything from the council on that issue at all. We haven’t received anything that speaks to (those) comments,” said Jeff Newton, president of Canada’s National Brewers, which runs the 448 Beer Stores across Ontario.

The panel report said the LCBO, the government’s 639-outlet liquor monopoly, should be allowed to sell 12-packs of beer instead of just six-packs. That would help craft brewers, though cases of 24 would still be exclusively sold at The Beer Store.

“We believe that the relationship between the provincial government and The Beer Store should be revised to ensure that Ontario taxpayers receive their fair share of the profits from The Beer Store,” the report said.

“Consumers should not see an increase in prices as a result of this change.”

But Newton argued The Beer Store and the breweries, which employ 9,600 people in the province, cannot absorb any levy because “at the end of the day those costs have to go somewhere.”

A brewing war with the parent companies of Labatt, Molson, and Sleeman was the most sensational revelation in Clark’s report, which was immediately endorsed by Finance Minister Charles Sousa, who tables the fall economic statement Monday.

“The government agrees with the council’s initial proposals and is asking the council to move to the second phase of its review,” Sousa said a statement, noting further details will come in budget next spring.

Clark also recommends the LCBO expand its retailing online and with “warehouse depot stores” and specialty boutiques that “emphasize craft beer or craft distillery products” and wines.

“For example, a store on the Danforth in Toronto could specialize in Greek wines and spirits while in Little Italy customers could find an exclusive selection of Italian wines and beers,” his report said.

Heather MacGregor, a spokeswoman for the LCBO, said it is awaiting “further direction from government on next steps.”

The panel also recommends the Liberals sell off parts of Hydro One, the provincial transmission company, including Hydro One Brampton and Hydro One Networks’ distribution arm.

That would bring in between $2 billion and $3 billion in one-time money and help Wynne fund her promised $29 billion for transit and transportation infrastructure over the next decade — $15 billion for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and $14 billion for the rest of the province.

[mr x]

Beer lovers hope to open taps to cash for Port Williams microbrewery

http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1 ... crobrewery" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A group of craft brew lovers in the Wolfville area has about 90 days to raise at least $450,000 to make their proposed microbrewery in Port Williams a reality.

“We want to open a brewery with a community focus that will serve as an institute for hobbyists,” John McNeil, chief financial officer for Wayfarers Ale Community Investment Ltd., said Friday.

The group of six dedicated hobby brewers is moving ahead with fundraising after receiving approval from the Nova Scotia Securities Commission to offer public shares through a Community Economic Development Fund, also known as a CEDIF.

“Under the terms of the CEDIF we have 90 days to raise between $450,000 and $1 million. If we achieve our minimum we proceed, otherwise we return the money to investors,” McNeil said.

MORE NOVA SCOTIA BEER: Nova Scotia craft beer guide

The founders of Wayfarers Ale plan to use the investment funding to build a 4,000-square-foot craft brewery in Port Williams, next to the Port Pub. It would open in 2015 with a 20-barrel brewing system and room for expansion.

“The plan is to start small and to grow slowly, beginning with growler sales and then distributing to some area pubs,” McNeil said.

Growlers are refillable jugs popular with the craft brewing industry.

McNeil said the microbrewery will include a community room to be used as a product sampling space and for workshops for craft brewing enthusiasts.

The fund is a pool of capital, formed through the sale of shares to support local business initiatives. Investments qualify for the Nova Scotia equity tax credit.

“The funds generated by the CEDIF will not only help us bring this vision to life, but it is also a smart investment for Nova Scotians that sees all their money staying in the community,” Jamie Aitken, CEO of Wayfarers Ale said in a news release.

Additional information on the venture is available at Investwayfarers.com.

[RossBee]

I really agree with almost all of this, minus the NBLC is a friend quote. The governments should tax liquor for the various reasons you stated and I don't even have a problem with them setting price levels to a certain degree to ensure we generate this tax revenue. My issue is with them controlling the retail end as selling consumable products that is not the governments function and is the function of private business (IMO).....I guess that was my only point that differs from this post. Why don't we have government run retail gas stations and smoke stores, why only stop at controlling the retail sale of liquor? Anyway, I agree nothing will change anytime soon and we really have it good with the specialty wine/beer stores in NS but I still raise my eyebrow when I see most other countries selling booze privately, it is done basically everywhere but Canada.

Agreed.

The "NBLC is our friend" reference pertains to the fact that NBLC sets and enforces our list prices (based on our input of course), in effect allowing us to survive. Complete privatization will, in my humble opinion, lead to driving prices down at the cost of the small producer that cannot afford a reduction in list prices. The policy at NBLC and most Provincial Agencies allows us to compete with other local and multi-national producers at the Provincial level. Survival on less than $3.00 for a bottle of spirit (40%) becomes dicey given that the empty package will run close to $2.50.

I can only wish and hope that none of the Provincial Agencies go the way of Nova Scotia Power.

[mr x]

From water slides to craft beer, this side of Fort McMurray might surprise you

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-o ... e21402849/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[toddthebeerdude]

From water slides to craft beer, this side of Fort McMurray might surprise you

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-o ... e21402849/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cool report, chuckled when they said groomed ATV trails

[BobbyOK]

Assuming this is from the Coast, just posted on Garrison's Instragram/Twitter feed. Do we know which brewery or is this one completely new?

http://instagram.com/p/voLn8VvP7b/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jeffsmith]

Assuming this is from the Coast, just posted on Garrison's Instragram/Twitter feed. Do we know which brewery or is this one completely new?

http://instagram.com/p/voLn8VvP7b/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

New brewery, I believe.

[chalmers]

Yes, new brewery. Not 100% sure of the folks running it, but I think it will include some familiar names.

[toddthebeerdude]

been hearing that rumour for a couple of months, going to be interesting to hear the story

Assuming this is from the Coast, just posted on Garrison's Instragram/Twitter feed. Do we know which brewery or is this one completely new?

http://instagram.com/p/voLn8VvP7b/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

New brewery, I believe.

[mr x]

A lot of breweries coming online...

[mumblecrunch]

Looks like the next few years are going to be a golden age for craft beer in the province and the region.

Somebody strap me in; should be a fun ride.

[GuingesRock]

Looks like the next few years are going to be a golden age for craft beer in the province and the region.

Somebody strap me in; should be a fun ride.

I think this is when quality will start to count more ...should be good.

[canuck]

Yes, new brewery. Not 100% sure of the folks running it, but I think it will include some familiar names.

Yep. Kelleye is pretty pumped to get started there!

[mr x]

Brewing Your Own Beer, With Help From an App

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/busin ... -well&_r=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Two years ago, craft beers were scarce in the pubs of Northern Ireland. The taps were dominated instead by megabrands like Guinness, Harp and Heineken.

“Even basic I.P.A.s were very rare in the region,” recalls Chris McClelland, who says the situation is slowly improving. “Sometimes you could get them, but you spent a lot of money. We were very constrained in what we drank.”

Mr. McClelland was the founder of a Belfast-based product design company called Cargo. He and three of his colleagues were so frustrated by the dearth of craft beers in town that they began experimenting with making their own, and even toyed with the idea of starting a brewery. But instead, they invented a machine that makes it easier for home brewers, bars, restaurants and even commercial breweries to make small batches of craft beer using their own ingredients and recipes.

Last year, Mr. McClelland and the group decided to focus exclusively on beer and founded a company called Brewbot. Its main product is a stainless-steel-and-wood brewing machine that’s 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall and 2 feet deep, and that produces five-gallon batches of beer. It can be stowed in a garage or even in a large kitchen.

For individuals, it’s a beer equivalent of a home-brewed coffee machine, yet it still encourages creativity and experimentation. For businesses, it’s a way to try new beers without the expense of enormous production runs.

Customers can devise their own recipes, but also have access to recipes the company has created or collected from breweries around the world, including the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, Calif., the Tiny Rebel Brewing Company in Wales and Galway Bay Brewery in Ireland.

The machines are manufactured in Northern Ireland and will be delivered to customers starting in early 2015. The company says it has received about 80 preorders at a price of $2,300 to $4,200; the eventual retail price has not yet been set.

Brewbot’s story illustrates the challenges and benefits of being a newcomer in a well-established industry.

According to Joseph B. Lassiter, a professor at the Harvard Business School and faculty chairman of the Harvard Innovation Lab, it’s never a good idea for an entrepreneur to enter an industry completely cold.

“You hear people make statements like ‘Because I had absolutely no experience in the business, I could reinvent it,’ ” he says. “In general, that’s a really stupid position.” Rather, it’s important “to have enough knowledge of the current system to know how to outcompete it.”

In the case of Brewbot, the co-founders were experienced technologists. Mr. McClelland, the chief executive, had previously founded a smartphone app company. Reflecting that expertise, the machine has sensors that collect data, such as the temperature of the water in the vessel. It sends that information to a smartphone app that lets the brewer know when it’s time for the next step — adding hops, for instance. The machine is also connected to the Internet, allowing it to communicate with other Brewbots, and letting brewers swap and collaborate on recipes via a smartphone app.

A Seattle-based competitor, PicoBrew, which makes a countertop brewing machine called the PicoBrew Zymatic, similarly was founded by a group of home-brewing enthusiasts, two of whom had spent their careers in the tech industry. Their machine brews 2.5 gallons of beer per batch; the retail price is $1,699.

During their time experimenting with home brewing, Brewbot’s founders learned a lot more about beer, including why people buy it, how they drink it and how it’s made.

The Brewbot team members had cobbled together a production kit using plastic buckets and kettles, and, like many home brewers, fumbled their way through their first few batches, calling on friends for advice and obsessing over the temperature of the ingredients.

“It was a lot of monitoring and babysitting,” Mr. McClelland says of the process. “We were setting aside five hours to brew a batch of beer, but it was taking nine hours. It was a lot of effort to achieve one batch of beer.” And they had no idea how it would taste.

Luckily, they liked it. So did the friends and relatives they shared it with as they made more batches.

Craft brews are meant to be consumed soon after they’re made. Shipping them long distances can compromise flavor and freshness, so many brewers don’t do it. And when they do, heavy taxes on beer can make it expensive to buy.

But by deconstructing the brewing process and creating a network where brewers can share recipes, Brewbot is allowing individuals and breweries to make beers they may not be able to buy at home. (To increase their revenue stream beyond selling a single, relatively expensive device, Brewbot also sells the hops, barley and yeast that go into the beer.)

Brewbot’s founders and investors see value in creating a community around small-batch brewing.

“You pull people into this ecosystem and hold onto them and engage them very deeply,” says Jason Seats, a managing director of the start-up accelerator Techstars, which invested in Brewbot. “You kind of own that group’s loyalty as long as you don’t betray their trust,” Mr. Seats says, adding that figuring out how to monetize the relationship isn’t the priority.

Brewbot has raised $1.5 million in financing and plans to open a second office in the San Francisco Bay Area next year.

Mr. Seats and Mr. McClelland both say they see the business as having the potential to “democratize” brewing. Mr. Seats imagines “all these different millions of variations, people trying different things, innovating their own recipes and discovering really interesting recipes and then being able to immediately syndicate those to other corners of the world.” He adds: “That’s a really exciting concept. And that’s what that makes us megabig in terms of potential.”

[dean2k]

Oland is bullying ON craft brewery over trademark of the word "Moose". That's garbage. Should only have rights over "MooseHEAD".

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-bruns ... 73?cmp=rss

[canuck]

^ Agreed. What a crock of shit!

[darciandjenn]

I have to say I disagree. Lots of people refer to Moosehead beer as "Moose" (or Moose Light, Moose Green, Moose Dry)... etc. It makes sense to restrict the usage of that word when your entire brand is built around it. Furthermore, I don't think notifying Stock brewery that they are in violation of the trademark is "bullying".

Maybe that's an unpopular opinion - oh well.

[Keith]

I have to say I disagree. Lots of people refer to Moosehead beer as "Moose" (or Moose Light, Moose Green, Moose Dry)... etc. It makes sense to restrict the usage of that word when your entire brand is built around it. Furthermore, I don't think notifying Stock brewery that they are in violation of the trademark is "bullying".

Maybe that's an unpopular opinion - oh well.

You forgot Moose Piss .

[canuck]

I have to say I disagree. Lots of people refer to Moosehead beer as "Moose" (or Moose Light, Moose Green, Moose Dry)... etc. It makes sense to restrict the usage of that word when your entire brand is built around it. Furthermore, I don't think notifying Stock brewery that they are in violation of the trademark is "bullying".

Maybe that's an unpopular opinion - oh well.

But that's like Dogfish Head going after any brewery that uses the word "Dog".