Garrison Brewing Company, Nova Scotia, Canada

I'm a fan of Halifax's Garrison Brewing Company and will often order their product when I'm at a restaurant or at the local beer seller. Garrison arrived on the Halifax brewing scene in 1997 which was really a watershed year for local breweryana, with Propeller Brewing Company and the Maritime Beer Company also coming onto the scene. I thought MBC quite ambitious at the time, launching with six new brands onto a crowded local market all at once. Their assets were bought by Sleeman in 2000. Garrison and Propeller, though, definitely had more of a 'craft' image and have appeared to have done well.

I'm drinking a Garrison Irish Red as I write, and the Raspberry Wheat and Barrack Street Brown are other ones I tend to go for. The Tall Ship Amber and Martello Stout are fine, as well, and I've yet to try the Khybeer Moka Ale or the Jalapeno Ale.

Created in conjunction with the Khyber Club, the hangout for students at Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Khybeer Moka Ale has graduated into its' own special niche. Flavourful nut brown ale & fresh, locally roasted "Java Blend" Espresso, combine to deliver an exceptional taste experience. Just like good art, Khybeer challenges the senses and satisfies your soul.
Unique in the Maritimes (& anywhere north of Santa Fe!), our Jalapeno Ale will cool you down and warm you up all at the same time. Our refreshing Tall Ship Amber Ale is loaded with Jalapeno, Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, & Jamaican Hot Peppers to create a truly unusual brew. This beer is great for lovers of all things hot & spicy, and a killer secret weapon in the kitchen and on the grill.

I met Garrison president Brian Titus at a Halifax bar one night years ago - not that he'd remember, given the thousands of people he's met during promotion nights, but I do recall impressing him with my knowledge that Barrack Street was the old Halifax name of present day Brunswick Street. As someone who is quite serious regarding Halifax History, I'm a sucker for both Garrison's company name and some of their brand names.

Comments

Alan - November 1, 2005 5:55 pm

I must say I had the Jalapeno and am not a fan. I say this of any hot pepper beer. A trick that I do not see the need of.

christine garrison - November 4, 2005 11:31 am

Mike, I am intrigued by this beer label as it shares my last name! My husband and brother-in-law (self appointed beer conisseurs) will be delighted at knowing their Canadian relatives have a brewing company. Can this brand be purchased in the U.S.? Our Garrison family is spread from Cape Cod to Hawai'i--surely we can find it somewhere...do you know which states might carry it?

Alan - November 4, 2005 12:52 pm

I don't think any Garrison products are even in Ontario. And I think that it is not named after the family Garrison but celebrates the British Garrison at Halifax.

Mike - November 5, 2005 10:03 am

http://www.mikecampbell.net/the_campblog.htm

Hi Christine,

Although I know there are some Garrisons in Halifax, Alan's correct, the name relates to Halifax's military heritage. Contact the brewery, I guess, to see if there are any options; otherwise, I guess the best solution might be to come visit Nova Scotia! (Or, Your hubby might enjoy some Garrison Gear under the tree this year ... http://www.garrisonbrewing.com/garrisongear.html).

Cheers,
Mike

ALan - November 5, 2005 3:34 pm

I have a very nice Garrison pitcher I bought years ago.

Andrew Ibey - November 11, 2005 6:20 pm

Dude, while I was drinking a Garrison Raspberry wheat in downtown Halifax I was somehow drawn by the powers that be to your beer blog. I love it. I'm an Ontario native, but have been in Halifax for 2 years. This beer company rocks, next time in Halifax you should check out the Garrison Brewery tour, 2 hours of all you can drink Garrison beer for 12 bucks! They have a seasonal blueberry wheat beer which is quite nice...it probably doesn't make it out of the province because they don't bottle it, except at the brewery.

So you're a liar...err.lawyer eh? My g/f is slaving for the same litter you have after your name.

Wicked blog keep it up!

Alan - November 11, 2005 8:13 pm

I am a Dal grad, too, Andrew. We did a brewery tour with pals back in 1999 or so and you are right. A lot. <p>You send reports from Rogues Roost and the Seahorse any time.

Jasmine - April 24, 2007 9:18 am

Im doing a project on this does any one Know any good facts i can use???

Alan - April 24, 2007 9:55 am

I think we'd have to have some understanding of what you were talking about as a starter.

Edgar rosado - August 25, 2008 1:42 pm

Hello,

I went to Nova Scotia on Carnival Cruise ship and visit your factory your Brown Nut Beer is off the hook (which means it is good). I live in Long Island and do you know of any distributors that sell this? If not can I buy a keg and have it delivered to Long Island, NY?

I love this beer!!! Please help me