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Taste the Townships

5 distilleries to Discover in the Eastern Townships

Published on Oct 24, 2022

The popularity of distilleries is growing everywhere in Québec, and the Townships have certainly not been outdone. Here are five of them and a few products that truly stand out.

By Marc-Antoine Bergeron


©Distillerie Autour de la Pomme

Autour de la Pomme, in Shefford

At Autour de la Pomme, they use their source products to their full potential: Shefford apples and natural spring water. The owner, Jean-Philippe Robert, invites amateurs of fine spirits to discover two wonderful products. They’re only available at the cidery boutique. I promise you, they’re truly worth the trip!

Nanuk

This is the first and only apple-based vodka to be produced in Québec. Distilled in a superb quadruple column still prominently displayed on the site, this vodka offers a magnificent purity, but it also stands out through its round and silky texture on the palate.

Eau-de-vie de pomme, Oak-Barrel-Aged Spirit

Being a great fan of Calvados, I’ve finally found a local product to please my taste buds. This Eau-de-vie, is also distilled with apples from the estate and is somewhat more potent than their Nanuk vodka, since it’s aged for several months in oak barrels giving it a soft woody aroma.


©Distillerie Cherry River

Cherry River, in Magog

The best spirits are made with quality water. At the Cherry River distillery, they use underground spring water that flows from Mount Orford to the small town of Cherry River. I also love that they have an extensive product selection. You’ll find three types of vodkas, four gins, some ready-to-drink beverages, and several simple and bitter syrups for mixing great cocktails at home. In addition, they now have a range of hard seltzers, with a touch of alcohol and fruit aromas.

Berry & Basil Gin

I love this Gin because it’s both complex and delicate with its blueberry and cranberry aromas, as well as offering hints of basil that give it a touch of freshness. It’s quite generous and supple on the palate. Perfect to drink straight, but also mixed into wonderful cocktail drinks.


©Distillerie du Granit

Distillerie du Granit, in Saint-Romain

Another great discovery you must add to your next road trip itinerary. This small distillery in Saint-Romain has just celebrated its first anniversary. Here, maple syrup is fermented and distilled to obtain a neutral alcohol base which is then flavoured with different local essences; The result is this very original spirit. Their innovative range of products includes chili pepper coffee liqueurs, a Gin-Réduit made with maple reduction, their Bleuet-Sapin Gin made with blueberries and fir tree essences, their Labrador tea liqueur with raspberry and cranberry essences, and their melon, cucumber, lavender Spritz. Containing between 20% and 27% alcohol, their products are perfect for cocktails, but can also be savoured on their own.

Liqueur Bleuet-Sapin

I greatly appreciate products that bring out the essence of the terroir, and with their Bleuet-Sapin liqueur, the Distillerie du Granit hits the mark. A very original liqueur offering home-grown aromas, with a distinct blueberry flavour and an aromatic freshness of evergreen. To extract fir essence from the tree, they work directly with the stems which gives the product its resinous appeal, and offers a rich texture in the mouth. Available at the distillery and in some Eastern Townships public markets.


©Distillerie La Chaufferie

The Distillery La Chaufferie, in Granby

The Distillery La Chaufferie’s Foreman. With this product, distiller Vincent Van Horn has proven that you can sometimes accomplish a lot with very little! Besides its alcohol base, this gin is made with only three essences: juniper berries, coriander seeds and angelica roots. The result is both aromatic and delicate. It’s a ‘’London Dry“ type gin, with a slight amount of residual sugar. Personally, I love to drink it straight, or with a little ice. However, if you prefer adding it to a cocktail mix, you’ll discover it blends in very well with your favourite recipes. If you’d like to try something out of the ordinary, head out to the Chaufferie distillery, in Granby, where Claudia Doyon, the head mixologist will prepare some amazing recipes showcasing this product as well as the local terroir.


©Distillerie Shefford

Distillerie Shefford, in Shefford

The Distillerie Shefford’s Acerum series. This still little-known spirit is truly part of our Québec terroir DNA. Acerum is a spirit developed through the fermentation and distillation of maple reduction. And, did you know that the Distillerie Shefford is Québec’s first Acerum distiller? The Distillery offers two different Acerums: a White Acerum, with delicate notes of pepper and a hint of maple. Then, there’s their Brown Acerum, aged in oak barrels, which offers aromas of butterscotch, baked apple and orange peel. A great product to accompany chilly autumn days!

Marc-Antoine Bergeron

A native resident and true lover of the Eastern Townships, Marc-Antoine has worked in the region’s restaurant business for more than twenty years. His love of the trade has inspired him to perfect his knowledge in sommellerie. Indeed, acquiring a wine expertise has been his passion for several years now, and even prompted him to enter and win the “Battle of the somm 2019” contest. Today, the wine and spirits field has become a full-time occupation for Marc-Antoine. Whether for restaurant businesses or for private sommelier services, he loves to share his knowledge and have people discover new wines. Follow him through his column to learn more about this fascinating world as you learn more about our fabulous local products and producers!
Visit his website

You should read

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12 Precious Elixirs Made in the Townships

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For alcohol-free drinks from the Townships, this way!

#easterntownships

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