New brew pays tribute to pioneer of Nova Scotia craft beer industry
Craft brewers in Nova Scotia are coming together to honor the legacy of Kevin Keefe, the man who played a crucial role in kick-starting the craft beer industry in the province. Keefe, the founder of Halifax’s Granite Brewery, opened the first craft brewery in Nova Scotia back in 1985 inside Ginger’s Tavern.
To commemorate Keefe’s contributions, the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia has introduced the 2025 Together We Brew beer. This English-style bitter pays homage to the beers created by Keefe at the Granite Brewery. Described as “bready and full-bodied with a balanced bitterness,” this beer is a fitting tribute to a pioneer in the craft beer scene.
Joshua Counsil, co-founder of Good Robot Brewing, collaborated with dozens of other breweries within the association to produce this special beer. Counsil expressed gratitude for Keefe’s mentorship and support when he was first starting out in the industry. He acknowledged Keefe’s pivotal role in introducing Nova Scotians to the complexities of craft beer, steering them away from traditional brews towards more diverse and flavorful options.
With 6,000 litres of the limited-edition beer now in production, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with only 1,000 litres remaining just a few weeks after its release. Debbi MacDonald, executive director of the craft brewers association, highlighted that a portion of each sale will go towards funding scholarships and bursaries, including initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.
The Together We Brew beer is currently available in liquor stores and taprooms across Nova Scotia. It serves as a reminder of Keefe’s pioneering spirit and lasting impact on the craft beer community in the province. As the industry faces challenges, this tribute stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Nova Scotia’s craft brewers, inspired by the trailblazing efforts of Kevin Keefe.
