Take a Brewery Tour in Nova Scotia, Canada
Plan a Trip to Unique Halifax Breweries for Maritime “Good Times"
Dec 28, 2008
For historic beer suds, head to Halifax: The home of North America’s oldest working brewery and a fountainhead of Nova Scotia microbreweries. Halifax brewery tours rank as the best way to learn what fuels those legendary Maritime kitchen parties, hear live East Coast music, and even dance a jig. And of course, the rowdy toasts of "Sociable" abound.
Tour the Keith’s Brewery in Halifax
Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale is the most famous product of North America’s oldest working brewery. The beer’s namesake, Alexander Keith, began brewing the beer in Halifax in 1820. Over the years and amidst growing popularity, Alexander Keith became so revered in his adopted home of Nova Scotia that he was elected as the Mayor of Halifax.
A brewery tour through the Keith’s Brewery (arguably the most famous Halifax brewery) provides insight into the history of the beer as well as the brewing process. From the starting stages of combining the barley and water through adding the hops and yeast, actors in 1800s costume lead the brewery tours through the stone hallways and rooms dedicated to the art of Halifax beer.
The one-hour Keith’s brewery tours run daily from May-September and on Friday-Sunday from October-April. Visit the historic Halifax brewery buildings at the Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water St. by phoning 1 (877) 612-1820.
For an extra lively tour, head to the Brewery Market for the Saturday 12pm (noon) brewery tour when it coincides with the vibrant Halifax farmers’ market.
Microbrewery Tours at Propeller Brewing Company
Walking down from Citadel Hill the gold churning propeller sticking out from the exterior wall at 2011 Gottingen Street hails all beer-lovers to sample Propeller Brewing Company’s microbrews.
Despite this Halifax brewery have been only fermenting since 1997, Propeller’s beers have quickly become an award-winning favorite of Halifax beer drinkers. From the dark richness of the London Style Porter to the delicate flavors of the Honey Wheat, Propeller beers have no preservatives.
This Halifax brewery tour guides visitors through the beer making process and ends in the tasting room. The Propeller brewery tour is a great option for kids because the brewery also makes all-natural sodas. Call (902) 422-7767 for tour arrangements.
Take in Waterfront Views with a Garrison Brewery Tour
Pull up a bar stool at the Garrison Brewery tasting room, with stunning views of the huge steel fermentation tanks inside and Halifax’s Seaport District outside.
The beers, such as the award-winning Nut Brown and Tall Ship Amber, have no preservatives. Since 1997 Garrison Brewing Company has brewed a diverse selection of beers, drawing on a centuries-old tradition of Halifax breweries. Tours run in the evenings, with three time slots. Call (902) 453-5343 for booking.
Other Ways to Enjoy the History of Halifax Beer
Halifax is also home to a lively (and regularly late-night) bar scene. For a less-structured beer tasting, consider visiting one of Halifax’s brewpubs such as the cozy Rogue’s Roost (5435 Spring Garden Rd.) or Granite Brewery’s Ginger’s Tavern (1662 Barrington St.).
Or, travel outside Halifax to one of the many Nova Scotia wineries.
Best of all the legendary Nova Scotia “Good times” and rousing cheers of “Sociable” can be experienced in any establishment in Nova Scotia.
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