Tatamagouche Brewing Company wins at Canadian Brewing Awards
Muwin Estate Wines, Garrison Brewing also take home prizes from national awards
Three Nova Scotia breweries are celebrating medals in a national beer contest.
The Tatamagouche Brewing Company's North Shore Lagered Ale won bronze in the Kolsch category at the Canadian Brewing Awards. Muwin Estate Wines in New Ross won gold for speciality cider for their Bulwark Gold Traditional Craft Cider. Garrison Brewing took bronze in the Barley Wine section for its Ol' Fog Burner.
Matt Kenny, the brewmaster at the Tatamagouche Brewing Company, said the win validated a big life change he made — a year ago, he worked in insurance. Now he's an award-winning brewmaster.
"I can't really believe it — being so young and not really expecting this award," he said Monday. "It's kind of getting a name as our lawn mower beer. It's a nice and refreshing summer beer."
He said it was extra special to win for a "more approachable" beer than some of the more exotic entries. Kenny called it a perfect drink for the cottage or beach. It was the only organic drink in the competition.
Watch the video for a 30-second description of how Kenny makes the beer.
The Canadian Brewing Awards get more than 1,000 entries.
"You couldn't be getting into the craft beer scene at a better time," Kenny said. "The industry is booming. It's good for everyone to get the exposure on the East Coast. Hopefully it continues to grow."
Pure Tatamagoodness
Christiane Jost, the brewery manager, said the award comes a week before Tatamagouche Brewing Company turns one on June 17.
"We were ecstatic. To be a new brewery in a growing industry, it was amazing. Definitely a confidence booster," she said.
The win is good for the town, too, Jost said. The company slogan boasts of "pure Tatamagoodness."
"We are a growing community in rural Nova Scotia, which is not a common trend. We're very proud to be from Tatamagouche. It's an incredible place to live," she said.
Kenny plans to release another new brew at the end of the summer.
"We're here, we're here to stay, and we want to continue to make good beer for people," he said.
