TORONTO, ON – In the Globe Focus section of today’s edition of The Globe & Mail, author and regular Globe contributor Ian Brown profiles brewerianist Larry Sherk, who recently donated his collection of more than 3,000 historic beer labels to the Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library at the University of Toronto.

The article discusses Sherk’s four decade history of collecting beer memorabilia, starting with beer trays and leading to “beer labels, beer mats, beer-bottle caps (collectors call them crowns), beer matchbook covers, beer-related sports schedules, coasters, openers, catalogues, tap handles and cans.” He now holds one of the largest privately owned collections of breweriana in Canada, if not the world.

As for the labels, the Library has started scanning them for their electronic archive, and roughly 600 of them have been posted online at Flickr in three sets – here, here and here.

[Photo of Larry Sherk from the Globe & Mail]

SQUAMISH, BC – Howe Sound Brewing is bringing back two limited edition releases from the past in new batches this month.

The first, as originally announced back in January, is Total Eclipse of the Hop Imperial IPA, which was reintroduced earlier this week:

A high gravity India Pale Ale brewed with 100% barley, six varieties of hops, water and yeast. Extra barley malt nicely balances the huge volume of hops in this brew. (8% alc/vol & 90 IBUs)

The other is Megastroyer Imperial Licorice Stout, which was originally available in late 2010 as part of the 200th tap list celebration at Vancouver’s Alibi Room, and will be returning on February 15th:

This beer, as the name suggests, is not for the faint-hearted. It is brewed with seven different barley malts, blackstrap molasses, hops, water, yeast, licorice root and star anise. It has an intense depth of roast earthy flavour, with a pleasant licorice aroma. (10% alc/vol & 75 IBUs)

Both beers will be available on draught and in take home bottles at the Howe Sound brewpub, and each will be available via off-site retail as well – Total Eclipse at most BC Liquor Store locations, and Megastroyer at select private liquor stores.

DALHOUSIE, NB – Shiretown Beer, the small brewery that opened last year in Dalhousie’s Artisan Cafe & Brewpub, has announced via Facebook that brewing operations “will be down indefinitely in order to clear up a few brewing discrepancy’s (sic).”

The announcement apologizes for “past inconsistencies” in Shiretown’s brands, which include Blonde du Quai and Big Brown Ale, and notes that beers from other craft breweries including Pump House and Picaroons will remain available at the Artisan as the quality control issues are being worked on.

No estimate has been given as to when the brewery is expected to be up and running again, but updates will likely be posted to Facebook when available.

TORONTO, ON – After a preview run on tap at Toronto’s Duke of Devon pub, Hogtown Brewers will be officially launching Hogtown Golden Ale with an event at the same location next week.

On Tuesday February 7th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, representatives from Hogtown Brewers will be on hand at the Duke to offer samples of the new brewery’s flagship brand along with complimentary food and prizes.

Hogtown Golden Ale will remain available at the Duke of Devon throughout February, and will also start showing up on tap at other bars and pubs in Toronto soon.

BARRIE, ON – Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery will be doubling its capacity this weekend with the addition a four new beer tanks to the brewing facility.

Three new 90 hectolitre fermenters and one 100 hectolitre bright beer tank will be crane-lifted through the brewery’s removable roof starting at 8:00 AM on Saturday February 4th, and founder & brewer Peter Chiodo has invited Flying Monkeys fans to come down and watch the “Tank Drop”.

In a press release announcing the event, Chiodo notes that in keeping with the brewery’s efforts to support the local community, the delivery and installation of the tanks will involve a number of local businesses and tradespeople, and that the expansion will allow Flying Monkeys to “better meet the demand for their unique craft beers and continue developing new brands for the specialty beer market.”

TORONTO, ON – Double Trouble Brewing, a new venture from craft brewing industry veterans Claude Lefebvre and Nathan Dunsmoor, is getting set to unveil its first beer.

Hops & Robbers IPA, which is being contract brewed under the auspices of brewmaster Paul Dickey, is described as follows:

This is a golden IPA with an exceptionally rich and complex character. Fruity aromas of lemon with hints of pineapple combine crisply with toasty caramel flavours and a tasty malt backbone. Late hopping with cascade hops in a hop back, ensures more hop aromatics are retained in the finished beer. Made with pride and panache, Double Trouble Brewing’s flagship brand Hops & Robbers is refreshingly delicious.

Hops & Robbers IPA will be officially launched this weekend at a media event in Toronto, before being rolled out on draught at several bars and pubs including Betty’s on King, C’est What and Dominion on Queen. It’s also been submitted to the LCBO to be considered for retail sales.

TORONTO, ON – In this week’s edition of Toronto-based alternative newspaper The Grid, beer columnist Crystal Luxmore presents a multi-page feature on winter beers.

The main article, titled “The Ultimate Winter Two-Four”, gives mini-reviews of 24 brews that are suitable for cooler weather. Sidebars include a quick guide to winter beer buzzwords; a list of a few draught-only winter beers available around town; and a look forward at what Toronto’s beer scene has in store for 2012.

The paper edition of The Grid is available for free at many locations in and around Toronto.

[Photo from The Grid website]

VANKLEEK HILL, ON – Today may be Groundhog Day, but the folks at Beau’s All Natural Brewing have another large rodent on their minds as they kick off the FeBREWary series of beer releases and events with the earlier than usual launch of their spring seasonal Beaver River IPA:

Hoppy and delicious, Beaver River marries the typical flavour profiles of the British and American interpretations of an India Pale Ale. Expect a bold yet balanced presentation of hop bitterness, bready malts, fruity esters, and a blend of both citrusy and earthy aroma hops.

Beaver River IPA is available from today until May at the Beau’s brewery store and BYBO delivery service, as well as at select LCBO outlets throughout Ontario.

The release will also be celebrated at the brewery this Saturday, February 4th starting at 12:00 noon with a cask tapping, informal “meet the brewers” sessions, tours and tastings.

FREDERICTON, NB – Picaroons Brewing is teaming up with Fredericton’s Garrison District Ale House to launch a new cask ale program.

The first Picaroons beer to be offered using this traditional serving method is a version of the brewery’s award-winning Yippee IPA which has been dry-hopped with Amarillo and Cascade hops. It will tapped at the Garrison at 4:00 PM today (Thursday, February 2nd).

The same beer will also be available in take-home growlers at the Picaroons Brewtique, conveniently located next door to the Garrison in downtown Fredericton.

TORONTO, ON – The Beer Store, the Ontario beer retail chain jointly owned by brewers Molson Coors, Labatt/AB InBev, and Sleeman/Sapporo, has opened the latest location of its Beer Boutique branded stores in Toronto’s historic Distillery District.

Similar to the inaugural location opened in the city’s Liberty Village neighbourhood last year, the new Beer Boutique has a more customer-friendly layout than a typical Beer Store outlet, and specializes in smaller package sizes that are convenient for downtown residents who are more likely to walk or take public transit.

As with all Beer Store locations, brands available beyond those offered by the three owners are dependent on which breweries and import agencies request listings and pay the associated stocking fees.