Halifax, NS – Kevin Keefe, a trailblazer in Canada’s craft beer movement and founder of the Granite Brewery, has passed away at 75 following a heart attack. Keefe, who opened the Granite Brewery inside Ginger’s Tavern in Halifax in 1985, is being remembered for his significant contributions to the brewing industry and his genuine connection with customers.
Keefe introduced English-style beers to a market dominated by bland, mass-produced lagers. The shift was initially met with skepticism. One patron famously told Keefe that while his English bitter didn’t taste bad, it was unlike anything he had experienced. Keefe encouraged the customer to give the beer a chance, and after a week, the man returned, albeit frustrated.
“The place was packed, just rocking, and now I’m sitting here all by myself because this is the only goddamn beer I can drink,” the man confessed. “I ordered a Schooner at another bar and almost threw up.”
Keefe’s adventurous approach to brewing eventually won over many patrons, and his passion for craft beer left a lasting legacy.
Champion of Craft Brewing
Brian Titus, president of Garrison Brewing Company in Halifax, remembered Keefe as a pivotal figure in the industry. “He sort of personified what the industry is in its best form,” said Titus, reflecting on how Keefe was always willing to share knowledge with others starting breweries or loan ingredients like malts and yeast to fellow brewers in need.
When Keefe opened the Granite Brewery, it became only the second microbrewery in Canada and the first east of the Rockies. His foresight was a stark contrast to today’s landscape, where craft breweries are ubiquitous in Nova Scotia and beyond.
A Vision for Craft Beer
Keefe’s brewing journey began after reading about craft brewing and then traveling to the U.K. in 1984 to study the craft firsthand. He wasn’t just a brewer, though; he had a sharp business acumen that helped sustain his venture.
“If I retailed it to the liquor commission, I’d get 50 cents a bottle,” Keefe said in a 2017 interview, “but if I sold it in a glass to you, I’d get almost two bucks a bottle.” His decision to focus on direct-to-consumer sales from Ginger’s Tavern paid off.
Passion for Brewing and Hospitality
Before entering the brewing world, Keefe ran a construction business with his brother, Wilf. However, brewing offered him a more immediate sense of gratification. “When you do [brewing], you get that gratification every day,” he once said.
Keefe’s sons, Brian and Joe, also worked alongside him at the brewery. Brian recalled how his father loved being behind the bar and engaging with customers. “Beer was the main thing … he just loved talking to people about it,” he said.
A Brewery That Adapted and Endured
The Granite Brewery moved to several locations over the years but eventually closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of bars and restaurants halted keg sales, forcing the business to shutter. Despite this, Keefe maintained his admiration for the modern craft beer scene, even if newer styles weren’t always his preference. “He enjoyed the simple British pub pint,” Brian Keefe said.
A Legacy Beyond Brewing
Keefe’s contributions weren’t limited to beer. At Ginger’s Tavern, he supported the local arts scene by hosting open mic nights for aspiring artists. His obituary highlighted his dedication to helping others, noting his service as the president of both the provincial and national Alzheimer’s societies, a cause close to his heart as his mother had suffered from the disease.
Titus fondly remembered visiting Keefe at his brewery, where the veteran brewer would always find time to offer advice. “This wasn’t a marketing play for him … he was trying to make good craft beer for customers who appreciated it,” said Titus. “You can’t help but respect somebody like that.”
Kevin Keefe’s influence on craft brewing and his community spirit will leave a lasting imprint on Canada’s brewing landscape.
