As expected with the melting of the snow comes a spate of new beer news from prairie craft brewers. And so I find myself offering yet another installment of the news digest, with colours dominating the headlines.

First up is Saskatchewan newcomer Prairie Sun, who have quietly been building a following in S-Toon. They are releasing a special beer to raise money for the construction of a hiking/bicycle trail in and around Saskatoon. It is called Meewasin 80 White Ale (after the name of the trail, which will span 80 kms when complete). It is a witbier base (I am led to believe) but with the addition of spruce and pine collected from the Trail itself. A special launch party for the beer will be held March 27 at the brewery. Tickets are limited, so those interested are encouraged to act fast.

Also of particular note, the Brewster’s Brewpub chain announced late last week that it will be moving into retail sales. This decision is sparked by the recent regulation changes allowing brewpubs to also package beer for off-site sales. At first Brewsters will focus on a couple of Calgary liquor stores, but hopes to slowly expand the retail branch of the business.

And some other new beer releases and assorted news:

• Also in Saskatoon, Paddock Wood has released the 2014 version of its Maibock, a perennial spring favourite.

• Winnipeg’s Half Pints has released their 2014 version of what has quickly become a spring ritual. Black Galaxy is their take on a Cascdian/Dark/Black IPA. Initial release was last weekend for Manitoba but I suspect a few bottles will work their way to Alberta.
• Yukon Brewing, as usual, has been quietly beavering away at many things. Coming to Alberta in the coming weks is an Imperial Pilsner, which I am told has a bit of rye in it. They have also released a Gluten-Reduced Yukon Gold in limited quantities as something of a test run to see if it sells. Finally, in Yukon they have released a fruit-infused Grappa, with black current and haskap berry. In the near future expect a Scottish Export and a Roggenbier to work its way down the highway. Also, rumours are that Yukon’s first batch of whiskey might be released later this year.
• Finally as a supplement to the last news digest which reported Alley Kat had re-launched Scona Gold (now a Kolsch) as a Gluten-Reduced beer. What I didn’t realize at the time is that the new Scona Gold is replacing Charlie Flint’s Lager, which is being retired after many years. This means all of Alley Kat’s year-round beer are now ales, and we no longer have a beer on the market named after an Alberta beer pioneer.

I suspect this will be the bulk of the news for the moment, but as always I am prepared to be proven wrong.