Brew Donkey brewery tours are well established here in the beer community and in the local tourism sector. It’s a great concept, get on a classic yellow school bus to learn about beer and then visit breweries to put that knowledge to practical use. I have personally gained and lost many a brain cells on these fantastic tours.

But Brad Campeau and the Brew Donkey team have some exciting news – they have a launched a logo’d and wrapped bus. The new bus is styled brown and adorned with the Brew Donkey logo and other brewer-associated symbols. While the educational-stylings of the original bus will be missed, not having minors accidentally boarding the bus trying to get to class will, no doubt, lower Brew Donkey’s insurance premiums.

Brew Donkey don’t own the bus, as per their infamous coverage with TICO, but instead they will continue to charter through Roxborough. The timing is great because Ottawa continues to establish itself as a beer-destination and the bus will only add to the rich-malty tapestry that is Ottawa’s brewery scene.

But just like a good beer (or a friend…), what’s important is on the inside. And the new Brew Donkey bus interior is properly renovated to accommodate a culinary tour. Benches are turned inwards to face card tables and across neighbors. If you’ve ever been on a BD tour, you know you will make friends – might as well face them.

The new bus was soft-launched at the Canadian Brewing Awards as out-of-town breweries were treated to local 613 fare. This mighty vessel was officially christened June 23 when Brad cracked a traditional bottle of brew across her prow. There will then be a moment of silence while the front left headlight is repaired.

Even if you missed the maiden voyage, there are lots of tours to be had from east to west and beyond.

If you are looking to see the new tour bus in person, as always, tours can be booked with the intoxicatingly informative Brew Donkey crew here: www.brewdonkey.ca

Win tickets! What do you do after you christen a bus? You name it! Submit your suggestions in the comments and Brew Donkey will pick their favourite. In return, you’ll win four free tour tickets! Grab your favourite local brew and get creative… please note that “bus-y mcbus face” or “beer-y mcbeer face” will not be accepted. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday August 8 so act fast.