E-Malt.com News article: Canada, NS: Tatamagouche brewery readies for opening

Hans Christian Jost and family are expected to open the Tatamagouche Brewing Company in May or June. The village of Tatamagouche is buzzing with excitement, Truro Daily News reported on March 12.

"It's a community brewery. It's going to be everybody's brewery," said Jost.

The plan went into effect after Jost and wife Karen sold Jost Vineyard's two years ago in Malagash. They then bought the library and Houston's Butcher Shop. Revamping the butcher shop and library began last September by expanding the shop and installing two garage door windows that will open to the streets of the village.

"It is something slightly related to wine, but also something different enough to be a challenge," Jost said.

"People will be able to see fermentors ranging from 700 litres to 4,200 litres. There will be a kettle mash tun, where the grains are turned into wort, the process will be visible," Jost said. "The majority of the beer-making process will be open to the public."

Jost's daughter, Christiane, and her partner, Matt Kenny, are also a part of the brewing journey.

The Josts have been filling their cups full of not just samples of hand-crafted brew, but of knowledge of yeast and malt grains and have attended various festivals, all relating to the micro-brewing industry.

Research has led to current recipes the brewery is hoping to produce in draft form.

"We are mainly dealing with pale ale. We have been experimenting to try and find a good beer that is approachable," said Christiane, who plans to sell about three different types of homemade brew.

"We've been experimenting with reds and stout porter types. We would like to have all three in circulation permanently and add in seasonal ones once we get on our feet."

The Tatamagouche Brewing Company is taking baby steps in the process of making beer, said Jost.

"The learning process is the reason why we are just doing draft. The canning is another whole batch of equations we have to learn about," he said.

Customers can purchase a growler, which are beer jugs made of glass that come in various sizes.

"It will be fresh, hand-crafted beer." said Christiane.

"We want to get the brewing down pat than save the packaging for later down the road," said Jost.

The family is looking forward to opening the brewing business to the public and to experience the taste of local beer.


14 March, 2014