7 Very Unique Microbreweries

I’m telling you, there’s always something’s brewing in the Eastern Townships! In fact, the artisanal beer sector is presently quite effervescent! The result? Mugs filled with bold flavours, served in surroundings overflowing with character. Here are seven locations where raising your glass is a truly memorable experience. . .

In Granby, Vrooden

Beerologists be warned: Here, you’ll find products elaborated in the style of authentic German beer brewing traditions.

• To savour: The Helle, a pale lager made to quench any thirst. Next summer, try the Berliner Weisse, a seasonal white wheat ale offering such aromas as those of fresh baked bread, pears and apples. It is indeed quite popular with visitors to Berlin terraces.

In Asbestos, Moulin 7

The pub, with its microbrewery products, pays tribute to this mining town’s builders. Therefore, you’ll find it established in an industrial setting, with its interior surrounded by artifacts and relics from the Jeffrey Mine. Here you’ll definitely be able to quench your thirst for discovering amazing brews.

• To savour: August 2018 World Beer Awards, prize-winning beers (national division), such as L’Or blanc (acknowledging, the region’s mining history), a Belgian white beer; 1949 (the year of THE strike), a stout milk with chocolate aromas; and L’Île-à-Roux, an Irish amber beer.

In Farnham, Farnham Ale & Lager

Are you the type to like bitterness in beer a little, a lot, or are you simply passionate about this particular trait? Well, here there’s no mistaking the taste. Each beer’s house number clearly indicates its bitterness units (IBU); 12, 27, 35, 64, BINGO!

• To savour: Their hard-hitting Scotch ale, which has received several awards in the country and elsewhere as well.

In Lac-Mégantic, Gare’nison

It’s a lounge, it’s a bar, it’s a performance venue, but first, it’s a microbrewery honouring our everyday heroes. One thing is for sure: its owners are examples to be followed with their investment in the rebirth of this town, so terribly affected by the tragedy of 2013.

• To savour: Feu Sacré is an English-style amber beer, created as a tribute to the region’s firemen.

In Magog, The Memphré

At the top of Lake Memphremagog, a house dating back to 1850, with its beautiful terrace, welcomes you in! Don’t be afraid to answer their invitation and discover a selection of about fifteen beers carefully brewed and named so you won’t forget them. . .

• To savour: the Double Menton, a surprising double IPA with tropical fruit aromas.

In Sherbrooke, The Golden Lion Pub and Brewery

The pioneer of microbreweries of Quebec was established in a lovely Victorian-style home. Inside this typical English pub atmosphere, you’ll be tempted to immediately order their home-made fish’n chips, but before you do, check out their brewing vats as you’ll enjoy their guided tour (by appointment only).

• To savour: The Lion’s Pride, a totally British brown ale.

In Sutton, l’Auberge Sutton Brouërie

Here “wild” yeast is what gives their brews their strong flavour. The Brouërie proudly boasts that it is the only establishment to concoct all its beers with its Brettanomyces. Plus, the pub is really a cool place to hang out.

• To savour: The Session Abénaki, fresh and fruity. (For newbies: “session” refers to an English-style thirst quenching beer.)

Discover the Eastern Townships's brewing industry!

The region counts 20 microbreweries that are all remarkable. To have a view of what the Eastern Townships has to offer, click here!