❖ CRAFT BEER QUÉBEC
Quebec craft microbreweries: L'Inox, La Barberie, and terroir beers
Quebec is a craft beer capital. From L'Inox pioneers in 1987 to the seasonal creations of La Barberie and Archibald, the city's brewing scene is a race for creativity. Here is the circuit of must-visit addresses for lovers of characterful beers.
L'Inox
Pioneer since 1987
Quebec's first microbrewery, L'Inox opened its doors in 1987 on the Old Port. An institution that laid the foundations for today's thriving brewing scene.
The first of the circuit
Located in the old Old Port train station, L'Inox has been brewing its own beers for over 35 years. The craft brewery helped put Quebec on the map for quality beer long before the craft movement became trendy. A pioneering stance, like a historic pole position.
Signature beers
Light blonde privet, malty Viking red, golden Dulcinia... Each brew from L'Inox tells a story. The terrace facing the Saint-Laurent, the large wooden tables, the smell of hops in the air. A must-stop on an Old Port tour.
La Barberie
Solidarity cooperative
Founded in 1997 in Saint-Roch, La Barberie is a unique solidarity cooperative. Seasonal beers, local ingredients, community commitment: an inspiring model as much as its recipes.
The different model
La Barberie is collectively managed by its worker-members. This cooperative philosophy is felt in every beer brewed: authenticity, creativity, and local roots. Seasonal beers change regularly, following the harvests and the brewers' inspiration.
Seasonal beers and local ingredients
Blueberries from Lac-Saint-Jean, black spruce, blackcurrant, maple syrup... La Barberie incorporates Quebec terroir into its recipes with a creativity that recalls new racing strategies. Each brew is a circuit surprise.
Microbrewery Archibald
The Laurentians in Quebec City
Born in Lac-Beauport, Archibald conquered the capital with its hoppy beers and large brewery-restaurants. A rapid success that speaks volumes about the quality of its recipes.
From the Laurentians to the capital
Microbrewery Archibald started in 2002 in Lac-Beauport, in the Quebec Laurentians. Its brewery-restaurant formula quickly won over Quebec enthusiasts. Today, the Saint-Joseph street location is a must for regional craft beer.
IPA, red, and white
The Archibald range plays on the classics with well-calibrated recipes: hoppy IPA, malty red, light white. Their seasonal selection and limited editions keep enthusiasts coming back regularly. Each season, a new starting line.
Brasserie Griendel
The new guard of craft
Newer on Quebec's brewing scene, Griendel has established itself through the quality of its Belgian recipes and its passion for traditional brewing. A brewery to watch closely.
Belgian inspiration on Quebec soil
Brasserie Griendel draws inspiration from the great Belgian brewing traditions to create complex and refined beers in Quebec. Saisons, tripels, amber ales... A repertoire that flatters both craft lovers and abbey beer connoisseurs.
Complete brewery circuit
For craft beer lovers, Quebec offers a true circuit: L'Inox in the Old Port, La Barberie in Saint-Roch, Archibald on Saint-Joseph, Griendel for Belgian brewing enthusiasts. A whole day is not enough to explore everything.
✦ Barista Tip
On the morning of the brewery tour, start with a house espresso at Carrera Café to prepare your palate for a day of taste discoveries. After the tasting, an iced latte is the best way to close the loop. The flavors complement each other, the sensations follow one another, like a good circuit lap.
Beers and coffee: unexpected pairings
The Carrera Café selection
Specialty coffee and craft beer share more than you might think: terroir, know-how, balance of flavors. Here are our pairing suggestions between Quebec breweries and our menu.
Stout & Espresso
A full-bodied stout from La Barberie and a double espresso from Carrera Café share the same roasted and chocolate notes. Two different expressions of the same aromatic vocabulary. The perfect pairing for depth lovers.
Blanche & Flat white
The lightness of an Archibald blanche and the silky smoothness of a flat white create a delicate pairing. The citrus and coriander notes of the blanche blend with the milky nuances of the coffee. Simple and elegant.
IPA & Charcuterie
A well-hopped IPA from L'Inox with our organic Charlevoix charcuterie platter. The bitterness of the hops contrasts with the richness of the charcuterie in a sharp, clean pairing, like a straight line on a circuit.
Saison & Cortado
A seasonal beer from Griendel, with spicy and floral notes, and a concentrated cortado from Carrera Café. The aromatic complexity of the saison meets the intensity of the coffee. A connoisseur's pairing for those who love to seek out detail.
The brewing scene in summary
Quebec, craft beer capital
From L'Inox in 1987 to Griendel today, Quebec has built a diverse, creative brewing scene deeply rooted in its terroir. A circuit every enthusiast must explore.
Brewing itinerary
Start from Carrera Café in Petit-Champlain for the morning espresso. Descend towards the Old Port and L'Inox. Head back up to Saint-Roch and La Barberie. Stop at Archibald on Saint-Joseph. Discover Griendel in the evening. A great craft beer circuit in one day.
Prepare your tour well
Plan for the whole day. Eat before starting the tasting. Pay attention to the alcohol levels. Take time to chat with the brewers when the opportunity arises. And finish the loop with a quality coffee. The perfect finish line.
Start the tour with us
Before exploring Quebec's microbreweries, recharge at Carrera Café. A house espresso and a gourmet platter: the best race start for a day of brewing discoveries.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this item. Be the first to leave a message!