Quebec’s award-winning brewers cook up some of the best ales, lagers and pilsners this side of Bavaria. This fall, drink local and seasonal with Montreal’s best fall beers.
Nine years ago, Unibroue launched a series of lightly spiced white ales called Éphémère, infused with seasonal fruit. The latest addition features the rich aroma and tart taste of blackcurrant, a hearty counterpoint to Unibroue’s featherweight ale.
McAuslan’s St. Ambroise and Griffon pilsners are local staples, but their best seasonal beer is The Great Pumpkin Ale. Don’t worry about a squash aftertaste – the hops, malt and spice blend is closer to pumpkin pie.
Brasseurs de Montréal have recently unveiled a beer in keeping with this city’s obsession with Halloween: Ghost Town. Fans of Jäger and java will dig its strong anise aroma (or absinthe aroma, as advertised, but don’t expect any wormwood) and creamy malt flavour with roasted mocha accents. Get it at the SAQ – or the BdM resto-bar. 1485 Ottawa St., 514-788-4505
The scarves are out, and Brutopia has just the drink for this bittersweet time of year: Frosty Morning, a velvety red beer with a hoppy kick as refreshing as winter, without all the snow. 1219 Crescent St., 514-868-9916
Though known primarily for their blonds and Belgian whites, les Brasseurs RJ will be offering an imperial brown ale this fall: Morning Wood, which has a whopping 10 percent alcohol and 128 IBUs (International Bittering Units), due next week exclusively at the downtown le Cheval Blanc. 809 Ontario St. E.
Image courtesy of EDgAr H.
