Arts & Science Brewery Launch Event

May 7th, 2014

201 Burlington Street East

As you may have heard, there was recently an exciting announcement by Nickel Brook Brewing and Collective Arts Brewing, stating that they are forming a merged craft beer company called Arts & Science. Their brewery location will be stationed in the city we love: Hamilton!

We were very fortunate to be invited to the media release announcement event and had such a great time that we wanted to share with our readers not just the announcement, but about the whole event.

About the Event:

It took place in the old “don’t-call-it-Lakeport” brewery on Burlington Street East (now and forever to be known as the ARTS & SCIENCE brewery) where dozens of people: media, local dignitaries, and others, showed up last Wednesday for the official launch of the company. Nickel Brook and Collective Arts folk, Hamilton Port Authority staffers, and mayor Bob Bratina, talked of inspiration, motivation, and the promise a brewery can hold for the city. Especially a brewery like this one that intends to do more than just make beer. Between speeches, the audience mingled over drinks.

Heather and her guest (/sister) Jessica, both familiar with Nickel Brook’s offerings, went for Collective Arts options instead. Heather had the Rhyme & Reason Extra Pale Ale (described as somewhat similar to an IPA), and it was strong, hoppy and all-round delicious. Jessica, with less of a love for the hoppier beers went for Saint of Circumstance Citrus-Infused Blonde Ale – an ideal summer brew.

The Southern Smoke truck was hanging around outside with its original BBQ sandwiches + cole slaw, which made a good combination with the drinks. (We tried their BBQ Brisket Sandwich and their grilled Portobello Sandwich. Yum!) As far as what original Arts & Sciences brews will be made? It’s a mystery so far.

About the Brewery   

History: The 50,000 sq ft Brewery had been built by brewer Andrew Peller in 1947 and had exchanged hands many times throughout the span of it’s existence. The last bottles leaving the plant were in 2010 and since then, the empty shell had been waiting patiently for it’s chance to shine…which is why many in Hamilton are so excited about this announcement!

Their Plan: The Arts & Science brewery will be more than just a place where the beer is made. In addition to the production of fine craft beers, there will be a 10,000 sq ft retail store for promoting culture in North Hamilton: an art gallery and music venue, to name two potential uses. It will be another way that development spreading along the harbour.

About the Brands

Nickel Brook: Their brand is focused entirely around the Science of brews. They know the method of making proper beer and they do it right! Plus, we heard Nickel Brook was named after the founders’ kids. Cute!

Collective Arts: We LOVE the brand of Collective Arts. They use artist’s work from all over Canada on their labels, as well as including information on their site about the work. Perfect for promoting local art! Being that we are both Artsy Fartsy folks, we can really relate to the brand. After trying some of their brews – they may just become one of our fave Craft Beer brands.

The Merging of Two Brands: The “Arts” came from the Collective Arts brand, and the “Science” from Nickel Brook’s slogan, “a miracle of science”. It works. We love the font they’ve used in the launch of their logo and can’t wait to see what kind of designs they come up with for their website/labelling.

Social Media Campaigns

Nickel Brook: Nickel Brook has really been rockin’ the social media lately, plus, we’re pretty sure they’ve just done a slight redesign of their website as well? We are loving it!

Twitter – https://twitter.com/NickelBrookBeer

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NickelBrookBrewing

Instagram – None that we could find.

Website – http://www.nickelbrook.com/

Collective Arts: Enough posts with great content to keep us happy on all social media channels. Plus they’ve got lots of pictures, which we think is integral in a company that features visual art labels!

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CollectiveBrew

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/collectiveartsbrewing

Instagram – http://instagram.com/collectivebrew

Website – http://collectiveartsbrewing.com/home/

Arts & Science: There is no social media campaign set up that we could find….yet!

Have you tried Nickel Brook or Collective Arts brews before? What type was your favourite? We’d love to hear from you! 

 

 

Guest contributor: Jessica Peter is a graduate student, tea seller, and rabid #HamOnt fan. She has a passion for local shows, local food, and writing kind of strange novels in her spare time. Oh, and she’ll try any craft beer she can get her hands on.