Carrera Café — Beers & Terroir
Quebec's microbreweries and craft beers
From La Barberie to Le Moine Échanson, including L'Inox and Archibald, Quebec is a leading brewing capital. Explore the hoppy flavors of the old capital.
Brewing Culture
Quebec's brewing scene
Quebec has forged a unique brewing identity, at the crossroads of Belgian tradition, northern winters, and the Saint Lawrence terroir.
Quebec is one of the most dynamic cities in Quebec for microbreweries. Since the opening of the first craft breweries in the 1990s, the brewing scene has continued to diversify and sophisticate. Local hops, boreal spices, wild yeasts: Quebec brewers constantly push the boundaries of taste.
This brewing revival is part of a broader movement to promote local terroir. L'Inox, a pioneer of microbrewing in Quebec, paved the way as early as 1987, turning the Old Port docks into a must-visit brewing destination.
L'Inox
Founded in 1987 in the heart of Old Quebec's port, L'Inox is one of Quebec's first microbreweries. Its stainless steel tanks shine just steps from the Saint Lawrence, and its Belgian and British style beers have introduced generations of enthusiasts to craft brewing culture.
Key Addresses
Must-visit microbreweries
Each brewery has its own character, atmosphere, and house recipes. Here are the addresses that make Quebec proud of its brewing culture.
La Barberie
A worker cooperative founded in 1997, La Barberie has become the brewing soul of Saint-Roch. Its lively terrace, unfiltered beers brewed on site, and ethical and community approach make it a symbol of Quebec authenticity.
Archibald Microbrewery
With its multiple branches and proudly Quebecois identity, Archibald has become an accessible reference for regional microbreweries. Its beers with evocative names, inspired by Quebec's landscapes and seasons, speak directly to the hearts of local beer lovers.
Le Moine Échanson
A true Aladdin's cave for lovers of Belgian and craft beers, Le Moine Échanson offers one of the most comprehensive selections in Quebec. Their expertise in beer-cheese and beer-charcuterie pairings makes them a reference for those wanting to deepen their brewing culture.
Griendel Brewery
Located in a converted industrial space near the Old Port, Griendel offers European-style beers crafted with remarkable technical rigor. Their fresh lagers and complex ales have won over the most demanding enthusiasts of the capital.
Styles and Flavors
Signature Beer Styles
Quebec brewers draw inspiration as much from European traditions as from boreal natural resources to create unique beer profiles.
Red Ale with Boreal Spices
Infused with Labrador tea, spruce berries, and dune pepper, this malty red ale is the most authentic expression of Quebec's forest terroir. Its aromas of caramel, resin, and mild spices make it a quintessential seasonal beer.
Summer Lemon White
Light, cloudy, and refreshing, the Quebec summer white beer is scented with lemon zest, coriander, and orange blossom. Perfect on a terrace facing the Saint Lawrence, it ideally accompanies fresh cheese platters.
Maple Syrup Stout
Embodiment of Quebec terroir in a glass, this intense black stout pairs with the sweetness of pure maple syrup. Aromas of coffee, chocolate, and maple: a dessert or winter contemplation beer that sums up the soul of the province.
Hoppy Itinerary
The Brewery Circuit
A brewing route through the neighborhoods of Quebec, from Saint-Roch to the docks of the Old Port.
Step 1: La Barberie
Start your evening at La Barberie in the late afternoon. The terrace livens up from 4 p.m., and the rotation of house kegs always guarantees a surprise. Opt for a tasting platter of four small glasses to explore their current range.
Le Moine Échanson
Head back to Old Quebec for a stop at Moine Échanson. Let yourself be guided in the beer-terroir pairing: a Belgian Trappist with an aged Quebec cheese, or a gueuze with organic charcuterie from Charlevoix.
L'Inox, the historic docks
End the evening at the tanks of L'Inox in the Old Port. View of the river, beers brewed on site, relaxed atmosphere between visitors and regulars. A memorable finale under the stars of Quebec.
Rare Beers
Prestige Beers
Limited editions and aged beers that make the reputation of Quebec's most ambitious craft brewers.
The Barley Wine de Garde
Aged in oak barrels that held Canadian bourbon, this strong beer develops aromas of vanilla, burnt caramel, and warm alcohol. To be enjoyed like a luxury digestif, alongside a 70% dark chocolate square.
The Wild Berry Saison
Fermented with wild yeasts and refermented with Quebec black elderberries, this complex and tart saison defies classic categories. Close in spirit to a Belgian lambic, but distinctly Quebecois at heart.
The Spiced Christmas Beer
Every year, Quebec’s craft breweries release their Christmas brew: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg infused in a generous amber beer. The most anticipated of the year by collectors.
At the Table
The Beer and Coffee Pairing
At Carrera Café, artisanal culture is expressed in every cup, echoing the neighboring brewers who share our values.
The Brewer’s Board
Inspired by brewing traditions, our board brings together Quebec’s aged cheeses, organic charcuterie from Charlevoix, and breads from Borderon et Fils. The same local products found at Moine Échanson, served with the Italian elegance of Carrera Café.
The Dark Roast Espresso
Our espresso with a toasted and chocolatey profile shares the soul of a well-crafted stout: noble bitterness, caramelized roundness, long and persistent finish. An elegant way to extend the brewing culture over a cup.
The Cold Brew Paddock
Cold brewed for twenty-four hours, our cold brew develops aromas similar to a craft brown beer: notes of cocoa, roasted malt, and licorice. Served on ice in a large glass at Petit-Champlain.
Craftsmanship in Its Purest Form
From microbrewery to specialty coffee, Quebec celebrates the craft of flavor. Join us at Petit-Champlain to discover our single-origin coffees, local tasting boards, and the spirit that connects us with the city’s best artisans.
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