Fredericton taps boom in craft beer

FREDERICTON The craft brewing industryis boom in gin Fredericton and officials in New Brunswick’s capital are hoping tourists will want to taste what the city has on tap.

“We now have the highest concentration of breweries, meaderies and cideries in Atlantic Canada,” said David Seabrook, manager of Fredericton Tourism.

Add to that lots of food offerings and various transportation options to get from one location to another, and you have something that tourists are looking for, he said.

“There’s this critical mass of great product that’s emerged, and on top of it you’re seeing the tasting rooms and the transportation options. The hotels and pubs and bars are all featuring local beers. What we have in Fredericton is this celebration of local beer product and it’s tremendous to see,” Seabrook said.

Add to that has been an effort by the city to develop an excellent trail system throughout the city for people interested in getting around by walking or biking.

“If we can be a destination and get people on the trails, that’s great,” said Sean Dunbar, owner of Picaroons Traditional Ales.

Picaroons recently opened a taproom offering food and a patio overlooking the St. John River. It’s located next to the historic walking bridge that connects the north and south sides of the city.

There you can sample not only Picaroons’ many brews, but also the beers of many other smaller craft beer makers around the city.

Dunbar said while they are competitors, they also know they can be stronger by working together to make themselves known.

The city is producing new tourism

advertising and promotional videos that will feature the craft brewing options in Fredericton.

And Picaroons is representing New Brunswick in a special compilation to celebrate Canada 150.

The Red Racer Across the Nation Collaboration Pack features 12 beers from the provinces and territories including an Extra Special Bitter from New Brunswick.