From the bog, barrens, and backyards of Newfoundland, Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. has launched a series of beers with flavours of the province.

For years, QVBC has produced a core lineup of beers, occasionally experimenting with their seasonal offering. Recently, they’ve opened it up to big, bold choices and found new successes, like Calm Tom IPA or Day Boil, their session IPA.

“It’s been fun working on new beers from concept, to pilot batch, to full packaging and production available in stores,” says Justin Fong of Quidi Vidi Brewing Co.

“When we come up with a new idea, first we brew it on our pilot system and have our staff (and friends) taste it and evaluate. Once the recipe and flavor is perfect, we move up to our bigger system.”

It’s “Open Saison” This Fall (and Every Fall) at QV

“Open Saison is a new series of beer that we’ll be doing every year,” says Fong.

The saison is a Belgian style of beer (French for “season”), a pale ale that is highly carbonated, fruity and spicy.

“Saisons are the most diverse style of beer, so you have a lot to work with,” says Fong.

“Saisons are also amazing for adding fruit, berries, and even vegetables to! The style gives you the freedom to make some truly unique beers.”

Justin Fong

QV’s Justin Fong Rounding up Some Crab Apples for the Brewing

QV is planning to release an Open Saison series each year throughout the summer and fall.

“The plan will be to do a series of beers that use all the amazing local ingredients that grow right in our backyards,” says Fong.

Open Saison on Rhubarb is available now on tap and in six-packs at the brewery, the NLC, and some convenience stores.

Rhubarb is Out Now; Crab Apple, Blueberry, and Raspberry to Come

Open Saison on Crabapple will be available in all the same spots after November 3rd.

The blueberry and raspberry saisons will be taproom exclusives.

To launch the crabapple, blueberry, and raspberry entries in the series, QV is teaming up with Mallard Cottage for their Open Saison Pig Roast at the brewery on Saturday, November 3rd.

“The name pretty much says it all,” says Fong. “Mallard Cottage will be roasting a pig down at the brewery and serving everything buffet-style with all the fixings! Picture a fall harvest feast with some new beers added in! There is a limit of 80 tickets so you’ll need to move fast.”

Even More on Tap and to Come …

The Open Saison series is just the start of a busy harvest season for QV. The latest crop of beers includes Weizenhammer (German wheat beer, available now on tap and in growlers), Cappuccino Stout (six-packs and on tap, mid-November), Salt of the Sea (a salty sour beer collaboration with the Merb’ys, on tap and in growlers, mid-November), and Bog and Barrens (Imperial Bakeapple Gose, available in cans and on tap November 24).

Visit Quidi Vidi Brewing Company at 35 Barrows Road. Check quidividibrewery.ca for hours of operation.