New Local Beer Marks the Canadian Naval Centennial - April 2010
When the Canadian Naval Centennial Committee put a call out for a signature beer to honour the navy’s 100th anniversary, without hesitation, Vancouver Island Brewery, jumped on board.
Four months later, Sea Dog Amber Ale was developed, bottled, packaged and distributed. Last week it officially launched at the Pacific Fleet Club and is now available in government and private liquor stores, bars and pubs throughout Vancouver Island and the lower mainland.
“We are very proud of the navy when it comes to their 100-year commitment of protecting our waters and our sovereignty,” said Jim Dodds, general manager of Vancouver Island Brewery. “I think it’s a good fit between the Pacific naval base and Vancouver Island Brewery right here on the Island. We are certainly proud to be a part of this with Sea Dog beer.”
The creation of the brew began with a trip to CFB Esquimalt to learn naval lingo and to generate a brand. “Sea Dog came up as a name, meaning an experienced sailor, and everybody loved it,” said Dodds. “For the individual sailor this beer gives them something to hang their hat on.” The label incorporates navy blue, a burly sailor overlooking a Canadian frigate sailing the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic mountains on the horizon. Each six pack of Sea Dog Amber Ale comes with a Canadian Naval Centennial sticker. Sea Dog is a deep amber ale with a floral hop aroma and full malt flavour. Handcrafted using chocolate and crystal malts and a signature blend of hops, these natural ingredients are fermented and cellared at low temperatures to produce a unique smooth finish.
While Dodds was in the community promoting the beer to pubs and stores, he was amazed at the many links to the navy. “I never realized how many people were associated with the navy until I got involved with this beer. I started talking to the reps and individuals who would carry it and it seemed everyone had a brother, uncle, grandfather or family member who was in the navy,” said Dodds. “To become an official title beer of this event and its related celebrations is an honour,” he adds.
Check out this article courtesy of Lookout newspaper www.lookoutnewspaper.com/newspaper.php
Local Craft Brewery Partners with Canadian Navy to Celebrate Naval Centennial - March 2010
This year the Canadian Navy is celebrating its 100th anniversary of protecting Canadian waters and defending our security and prosperity. In honour of this significant milestone in our naval history, Vancouver Island Brewery has crafted a new beer, Sea Dog Amber Ale, to help celebrate this achievement.
“The theme of the Canadian Naval Centennial is “Bring the Navy” to Canadians and showcase 100 years of service to our country. Vancouver Island Brewery’s aptly named “Sea Dog Amber Ale” is a reminder that Canada is a maritime nation with the longest coastline of any country in the world,” said Cmdr. Tony de Rosenroll who heads the planning for the Naval Centennial in the Pacific area. “This new beer is a fitting salute to a century of Naval Service.”
Jim Dodds, General Manager for Vancouver Island Brewery, echo’s this local sentiment, “We are proud to call Victoria home and are thrilled to support the Canadian Navy and CFB Esquimalt as they are pillars in our community. We were very excited at the opportunity to develop this beer and the unique chance to truly showcase our appreciation and support for our Canadian Navy and the work they do for our country.”
As part of their commitment to this project, Vancouver Island Brewery has also made a cash contribution to the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Program. This program enhances the morale and welfare of the military community by delivering high quality support, health & recreation programs. Sea Dog Amber Ale will also support all of this summer’s Naval Centennial celebrations including the International Fleet review that will see more than 10,000 foreign sailors visit Victoria the week of June 9-14.
Sea Dog Amber Ale is deep amber coloured ale that has a floral hop aroma and full malt flavour. Handcrafted using chocolate and crystal malts and a signature blend of hops, this combination of natural ingredients is then fermented and cellared at low temperatures to produce a unique smooth finish. Sea Dog is united with new packaging that pays tribute to our Canadian Navy and each case and bottle neck label will be adorned with the official Navy Centennial Logo.
Sea Dog is now available in draught at many local pub and restaurants and in 6-pack bottles from government and private liquor stores. For a full listing of details and events surrounding the Canadian Naval Centennial feel free to visit the following website: www.navy.forces.gc.ca/centennial.
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