Iceberg beer maker hikes bottle reward for brewing demand

The company that brews Iceberg beer is doubling the deposit refund to try to get its empties back.

Quidi Vidi Brewery co-owner David Rees says it's not just the glacial water that makes Iceberg beer a hot seller, but the distinctive bottles it comes in.

"Some restaurants have actually sold the bottle ... they serve the beer to the customer, then the customer will purchase the bottle after drinking the beer," Rees said.

Last summer, Quidi Vidi ran out of the bright royal blue bottles. That meant production of Iceberg beer stopped for a few months.

Customers pay a 10 cent deposit for each bottle of beer they buy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

According to Rees, Quidi Vidi is offering 20 cents a bottle to anybody who returns them.

Now Quidi Vidi is dealing with even bigger demand, thanks to a recent U.S. radio documentary about icebergs and the drinks brewed from them.

The story seemed to capture the imagination of thirsty National Public Radio listeners.

"People have been calling us and emailing looking for the Iceberg beer," Rees said. "People just want to get their hands on it now; it's such a unique product."

The appearance of icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland every summer is intermittent and unpredictable.

But forecasters say early signs suggest this year those who enjoy the fruits of icebergs will have nothing to worry about.