What is Montreal known for if not hockey and beer? Although Molson beer is basic for drinkers on tight budgets and those visiting the Bell Centre, these local breweries and brewpubs offer a range of original, reasonably-priced and delicious beer that will appeal to those who expect a bit more from their brew.
Benelux (245 Sherbrooke St. W.): This brewpub, named for the region that includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, celebrates the European love of beer. With a constantly evolving selection of classic and seasonal beers, they offer an array of different tastes and styles to choose from.
Armada: This Texas brown ale combines a hazelnut flavour with caramel malt and strong hops.
Cuda: A popular India Pale Ale that tastes like piney hops and citrus fruits, with grapefruit notes.
Brutopia (1219 Crescent St.): Located around the corner from Concordia’s downtown campus, this brewpub is a convenient stop for after class drinks. Although they also serve a decent IPA and a well-liked chocolate stout, these are two of their more popular sellers:
Raspberry blonde: A light blond beer with a dominant, raspberry flavour.
Nut brown: A brown ale that combines the taste of toasted hazelnuts with sweet malts and a hint of chocolate.
Les Brasseurs RJ (5585 de la Roche St.): Created in the late “90s by the merging of three microbreweries, Les Brasseurs RJ are the makers of household names like Belle Gueule and Tremblay. The company also owns the Le Cheval Blanc brewpub (809 Ontario St. E.), which has been open since 1986 and continues to make its own all-natural beers.
Cheval Blanc Blanche: A witbier with a yeasty, citrusy flavour and a hint of coriander.
Belle Gueule Originale: A cool, refreshing lager that tastes of bitter hops. Although very drinkable, some complain that it is slightly watery.
Dieu du ciel! (29 Laurier Ave. W.): Celebrating its 12th anniversary on Sept. 11, this Plateau brewpub offers a wide variety of delicious and unusual beers. Having won numerous awards over the years at the Mondial de la Bière in Montreal, this establishment has consistently proven the world-class quality of its beer.
Corne du Diable: An American-style IPA that mixes rich caramel flavours with a pungent malt aroma.
Péché Mortel: A strong, creamy Imperial stout that is dominated by the taste of bitter roasted coffee. It is brewed with fair-trade coffee beans and is among the brewpub’s most celebrated beers.
McAuslan Brewery (5080 St-Ambroise St.): Founded in 1989, this Saint-Henri brewery has been a local success right from the start. The brewery has been frequently recognized for its achievements at national and international competitions. Although it is not considered a brewpub, the brewery runs a terrace where you can taste their beer and grab a bite to eat while overlooking the Lachine canal.
St-Ambroise Pale Ale: First brewed in 1989, this amber ale is the characteristic beer of the McAuslan brewery. Refreshing and fragrant, it tastes of hops and fruit.
St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout: A smooth, dark beer that combines a slight sweetness with chocolate and coffee. This stout is very popular among beer enthusiasts.
Unibroue (Chambly): A Quebec brewery that opened in 1990 which combines European brewing techniques with the rich culture of Quebec. Each beer has its own unique label and story, often drawn from Québécois history or folk tales. The brewery has been awarded prizes at several international competitions. Their beer is available in many local restaurants, dépanneurs and grocery stores.
Fin du Monde: A triple-style golden ale with a smooth, intricate flavour that combines yeast, malt, fruit and spices. This is one of Unibroue’s most popular beers.
Maudite: An amber-red beer with a strong malt flavour, offset by a clove-like spiciness and an aftertaste of hops.
Les Brasseurs du Nord (Blainville): Three students founded this Quebec-owned microbrewery in 1988. Their environmental concern is evident in practices such as converting their vehicle fleet to hybrid, distributing only locally in Quebec, using geothermal energy in the brewery, designing earth-friendly packaging and recycling or reusing almost 96 per cent of their waste.
Boréale Rousse: The first “rousse” created by Quebec brewers, this amber-coloured ale contains caramel malt and has subtle bitter notes with a full and smooth taste. This was the beer that launched Boréale.
Boréale Blonde: The taste is reminiscent of the northern forest after which these beers are aptly named. The pale malt is a great introductory specialty beer, and has a crisp, refreshing flavour.