Tag: beer

Together We’re Bitter – Co-operative Brewing

VickiLeave a comment
Together We're Bitter - Co-operative Brewing
Together We’re Bitter – Co-operative Brewing

I want to tell you about a new craft beer brewing up in Kitchener-Waterloo and I haven’t even tried it yet. That’s right, haven’t tasted it, haven’t been to the brewery, haven’t even seen it in a glass. It’s what is behind this up-and-coming brew that has me excited. It’s called Together We’re Bitter and it’s not just a beer, it’s an experience. Together We’re Bitter is set to be the first co-operative brewery in the K-W region. What does that mean?

I went to a colleague of mine to answer this question, Rob Shorney. His is one of the pictures on the “Who We Are” page of the Together We’re Bitter web site.  His explanation of what he and his TWB teammates were working on, inspired me.  He explained that everyone on the team had an investment into the co-operative but it wasn’t about making money.  It was about creating something beyond just a good-tasting beer.  “Half the reason a beer tastes good is the atmosphere in which it is shared and we want to bring music, food, friends and beer together to create that”.  They are working towards a “brewpub” that will serve its own beer made on the premises, along with local musicians, great pub fare and of course lots of friendly and fun, beer enthusiasts.  He made it very clear that the brew vision was NOT about Lamborghinis and corporate “fat-cat” attitudes, it’s about the community and building something from the grass-roots.  Everyone who is a part of TWB is a “worker/owner” with most money earned going back into the brewpub.

The excitement about what he was embarking on was evident as he shared this collaborative endeavor.  I told him that it seemed more like it was about brewing passion than beer.  It’s a perfect vision for Kitchener, a city that has been revitalizing its downtown and celebrates diversity and creativity.  TWB is all about those ideals.  I love this quote that I took right from a promotional video:”Kitchener has a unique and vibrant history.  We’re growing and we’re diversifying.  Our beer should reflect that”.

TWB has a Kickstarter campaign to help raise funds for a fermenter, equipment and gear to help them with their launch.  If you’d like to learn more about the co-operative and even better, be a part of the campaign, check it out.  They can also be found at TWB, Facebook and Twitter.  I can’t wait to experience the whole package when it comes.  It is set to arrive in Kitchener summer 2015.  You can bet I will reserve my place in line.

 

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My Husband’s Beer-of-the-Month

Vicki4 Comments

I was so excited. I got my husband a membership to a beer-of-the-month club with AmazingClubs.ca, for his birthday.  The first delivery arrived this week.  I think I was more excited than him.  For the next 6 months, a package of 12 specially selected craft beers from across Canada will arrive on our doorstep.

When I brought the box inside it was just a box.  Nothing exciting or identifying about it.

A Plain Old Box.
A Plain Old Box.

 

Open it up though …

 

SURPRISE!!
SURPRISE!!

and SURPRISE!!!  A box full of beer.

For this month we received (look at me saying “we” as though I should include myself in this gift of my husband’s – you’d think I got the gift for me …) 4 Pissed Off Pete’s Pumpkin Porter by Nickel Brook Brewery out of Burlington, ON, 4 Farmhouse Blonde Ales by MacLean’s Ales of Hanover, ON and 4 Pumpkin 3.14 (get it … 3.14 is pi … Pumpkin “Pi” – pretty witty if you ask me) by Taps Brewery in Niagara Falls.  My husband was worried about the percentage of “pumpkin” branded items in his first installment.  He is not a fan of the pumpkin.  I, on the other hand, was very pleased.  I love pumpkin and I love beer and I thought this first month’s collection was going to serve me just fine since I figured the hubby would abandon the pumpkin beers.

The First Month's Collection of our Amazing Clubs Beer-of-the-Month
The First Month’s Collection of our Amazing Clubs Beer-of-the-Month

He was up for trying his pumpkin samples and thank goodness he’s a generous type, he was happy to share too.  My first sample was the Taps Pumpkin 3.14.  It was smooth and crisp with a hint of pumpkin.  I must say, I was a bit concerned that the pumpkin might overpower the beer but I thought it was a perfect complement.  I was pleased.

Up next, I went for Nickel Brook’s Pumpkin Porter.  I LOVED it!  I am a fan of the thick and hearty stouts and porters and this did not disappoint.  I could taste chocolate through the thick brew and assured my husband that the pumpkin brews would not go to waste should he not wish to consume them.

Finally, the next night, we both tried the final beer, the Blonde Maclean’s Ale.  Refreshing and familiar I would say.  It was a lighter taste and one I think my husband found more enjoyable.  I would say it reminded me more of the standard brew taste of something like Coors Light.  A great beer to offer the more traditional beer drinker.

For me, the thrill of being surprised by different brands of beer each month, was worth the membership in itself … and I wasn’t even the recipient.  And I was definitely not disappointed in the brands that were provided.  I can’t wait to see what next month brings.