Science of Beer

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax 
Ages: 19+ (valid ID required) 

The 4th Annual Science of Beer, presented by Discovery Centre, invites guests to explore the science behind a great brew. Meet experts from Nova Scotia’s craft brewing community and sample a wide range of beers from across the province. 

This year’s event features breweries from across Nova Scotia—many of whom are proud members of the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia—bringing together a passionate and innovative group of producers. Discover how they raise the bar using both time-honoured brewing methods and cutting-edge science and technology. 

Guests will also get to dive deeper into brewing through guided master class experiences, learn about beer styles and ingredients, and engage with interactive science demonstrations led by both brewers and the Discovery Centre team. 

Highlights:

🍺 Meet and sample from local breweries
🍺 Participate in a Science of Beer Master Class with special guests
🍺 Experience live, science-based demos from breweries and Discovery Centre
🍺 Take home a Science of Beer collector’s glass
🍺 Explore Discovery Centre after Dark

Valid government-issued ID is required for entry. Guests must be 19 years of age or older. This event will comply with all applicable Alcohol & Gaming regulations in effect on the event date. 

Tickets are $50+tax per person & are non-refundable.

What is included in my ticket purchase?

Tickets include a souvenir tasting glass (while quantities last) and 10 (4oz) sample tickets to be redeemed at individual brewery booths. Non-alcoholic options available.

Can I buy additional sample tickets or products?

Additional sample tickets will be available for purchase on-site. Cash payments will be accepted.

Announced Breweries:

Big Spruce Brewing

Beddeck, Cape Breton Island
A blurry picture of a sweet little farmhouse popped up on their computer screen. They smiled. A few short weeks later Melanie and Jeremy White were standing at the bottom of a curving drive, somewhat stunned to realise they had just bought over 100 acres of pristine Cape Breton farmland. Perched on a southern slope facing the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Bras D’Or Lake, a hopyard was planted, and the land was certified organic. Water naturally rich in minerals was perfect for brewing. Ten years later, Big Spruce Brewing is focused on creating exceptional ingredient-driven beer. All of our ales and lagers are brewed with organic grain & hops, and we continually strive to keep giving you the perfect pint, every time. https://bigspruce.ca/

Burnside Brewing Co.

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Locating our brewery in the decidedly un-hip Burnside Industrial Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia was a perfect example of how we like to do things at Burnside Brewing. The park was emblematic of our no-nonsense ethos. We are relentless in our commitment to quality and consistency and brewing approachable beer – beer that our customers want to drink.

https://burnsidebrewing.com/

Breton Brewing Company

Sydney, Cape Breton
At Breton Brewing, we aim to provide you with the highest quality beers, time after time.  We pride ourselves on our consistency, drinkability, and variety. We also like to pay homage to Cape Breton Island. We brew and can 7 full-time beers along with many seasonals throughout the year.  From our lightest option, Island Time Lager, to our best seller Black Angus IPA, we have a style to suit you.  Among other honours, we have won Atlantic Canadian Beer of the year with our Stirling Hefeweizen, and Atlantic Canadian Pale Ale of the year with Seven Years Pale. https://bretonbrewing.ca/

Gahan

Halifax, Nova Scotia
With a total of six locations across Atlantic Canada, Gahan House has become an East Coast staple dedicated to creating memorable experiences. We get our name from John Gahan, a prominent merchant and importer of wines, teas, and groceries on Prince Edward Island in the 19th century. We began as a brewpub, and we stay true to our beginnings by having a brew system in-house, ensuring that the beer we serve is as fresh as possible. https://beer.gahan.ca/

Garrison Brewing Co.

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Simply put, craft beer is only as good as what goes in to it. From our Maritime-grown base malt to premium, specialty hops sourced from all over the world, we’re committed to using only the best. Sourcing local is also key & we’ve become pretty good foragers over the years. Spruce tips, lavender, rhubarb or pumpkin, we’re all about bringing fresh & local to the brewhouse & we think it shows. Enjoy! https://www.garrisonbrewing.com/

Nine Locks Brewing Co.

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nine Locks Brewing Co. began like many of today’s larger craft beer companies, with a small brewpub making great beer. Shaun O’Hearn, president and co-founder of Nine Locks Brewing Company, was a restaurateur for years before he discovered craft beer, but when he did he loved it so much he built a brewpub under his Halifax landmark pub and eatery, Your Father’s Moustache. Before long, the craft beers they were brewing were so popular, fans of his beer were telling him that he should package it to sell in local beer stores. Unfortunately, his liquor license only allowed him to sell his beer in the restaurant. After hearing this repeatedly, Shaun decided that it would be a good idea to take the beer to the next level. https://www.ninelocksbrewing.ca/

Propeller Brewing Company

Halifax, Nova Scotia
When we started, John brewed two beers: Extra Special Bitter and Pale Ale. A lot has changed since then! Our lineup is a blend of new and classic styles, with something for everyone. We have our celebrated standards, including that ESB, seasonal favourite Pumpkin Spiced Ale, and our IPA, the first true IPA made locally – it changed Nova Scotia beer. Newer craft beer fans might know us for our hazy, juicy Galaxy IPA or our fruity summer seasonals. We’ve even added craft cocktails to the mix. It’s all made with the care and curiosity that started Propeller.

https://drinkpropeller.ca/

Sea Level Brewing Company

Canning, Nova Scotia

A little off the beaten path in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. Family owned and operated. On Farm Craft Brewery. In 2007, Randy Lawrence opened the taps at Sea Level Brewing alongside The Port Pub and Bistro, in Port Williams. This was the beginning of a 17-year relationship pairing award winning craft beer with the delectable menu offerings at The Port Pub.

https://www.sealevelbrewing.com/

Tatamagouche Brewing Co.

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Many years ago, a two-headed calf came to Tatamagouche. We think it’s no coincidence that he happened to show up here. After all, Tatamagouche is a place full of many strange and wonderful things. It’s a little town with big ideas. A town that’s always looking forward while still keeping an eye on the past. This two-headed place is our home and it inspired us to make good beer for good people. Beer that just happens to be a mix of traditional and the unexpected. https://tatabrew.com/

Two Islands Brewing

Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

Welcome to Two Islands Brewing.  We’re a small craft brewery located in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, Canada… on the shores of the Bay of Fundy.  Our focus is to produce quality beers that will appeal to both those who prefer traditional beers, and those who like to experiment with more modern flavour profiles.

https://www.twoislandsbrewery.com

Presentation: Jake Saunders & Kristi White

Nine Locks Brewing Co.

Presentation: Shelby MacNeil

Breton Brewing Co.

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