Carrera Café x Quebec craft beer
Quebec microbreweries: L'Inox, La Barberie, and the brewing scene
Quebec invented Quebec microbrewing. From L'Inox in the Old Port to La Barberie in Saint-Roch, the city distills a brewing culture unique in the world, rooted in the terroir, bold in its recipes, and proud of its roots. Guided tour of the capital's hoppy scene.
Since the 1980s
Pioneers of Quebec hops
When Quebec reinvented beer
Before craft beer became a global trend, Quebec already had its craft breweries. The city played a founding role in the rise of microbrewing in Canada, with establishments that have stood the test of time and forged a distinct brewing identity.
Context
The craft beer revolution in Quebec ★
In the 1980s, when large industrial breweries dominated the market, a few enthusiasts dared to brew differently. Quebec became the epicenter of this movement, with microbreweries that imposed their local recipes, their terroir raw materials, and their refusal to compromise. Today, the city has about a dozen active establishments, each with its character, yeasts, and history.
Quebec Old Port
L'Inox: the pioneer
The microbrewery that changed everything
Founded in 1987 in Quebec's Old Port, L'Inox is the oldest of Quebec's microbreweries. Its exceptional location facing the Saint Lawrence, its seasonal beers, and its warm atmosphere make it a living institution.
★ Pioneer
L'Inox: 1987, the big start
Located in a building in the Old Port with a chic industrial look, L'Inox has been brewing on site for nearly forty years. Its stainless steel tanks shine behind the windows, visible from the room. Among its iconic beers: the Trouble-Fête, a light and lemony white beer, and the Joufflue, a complex and comforting amber. Each season brings limited creations that excite enthusiasts.
Experience
The terrace facing the Saint Lawrence
In summer, the terrace of L'Inox overlooks the Old Port and the river. With a beer in hand, you watch the ships and kayakers pass by on the Saint Lawrence. In winter, the indoor room with its beams and visible tanks creates an atmosphere that combines European brewery and Quebec inn. The Old Port Market, right next door, allows you to perfect the meal with products from local artisans.
Saint-Roch
La Barberie: cooperative and creativity
The avant-garde of the craft movement in Quebec
Founded as a worker cooperative in 1997, La Barberie in the Saint-Roch neighborhood embodies the democratic and creative model of Quebec craft beer. Its tasting room and range of draft beers have become national references.
★ Cooperative
La Barberie: the different model
Founded by enthusiasts who wanted to brew differently, La Barberie is a worker cooperative where every member has a say. The result: limitless creativity, seasonal beers that constantly surprise, and an authentic relationship with customers. Its tasting room in Saint-Roch is friendly, unpretentious, and open to all. The kegs rotate regularly to offer exclusive new releases.
Selection
La Barberie's iconic beers
La Barberie excels in revisited Belgian styles, mixed fermentation beers, and seasonal creations. Its range of beers with local fruits, especially with Quebec's berries, is particularly appreciated. In summer, the tasting room terrace in the Saint-Roch neighborhood becomes the must-visit spot for craft beer lovers from all over Quebec.
Other brewing addresses
The complete craft beer circuit in Quebec
L'Inox and La Barberie paved the way, but Quebec's brewing scene continues to grow. Here are the addresses that complete the picture of a city where craft beer is taken seriously.
★ Saint-Roch
Noctem Brewery: the dark and bright beer
Noctem Artisans Brasseurs, in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, pushes brewing creativity to its darkest and most flavorful limits. Their imperial stouts, smoked porters, and whisky barrel-aged beers have gained an international reputation. A taste laboratory for lovers of complex beers and serious tasting.
Classic pub
Pub d'Orsay: the selection of imported beers
Le Pub d'Orsay, on Saint-Louis Street in Old Quebec, is not a microbrewery but an essential destination for beer lovers. Its selection of Belgian, British, and Quebec beers is one of the most complete in the city. The typical English pub atmosphere, dark woodwork, and oak tables make it the perfect stop after visiting the antique shops on Saint-Paul Street.
Old Quebec
The Brewing Epic: Guided Tours and Tastings
For a complete immersion in Quebec's craft beer scene, guided tours organize visits to the city's main microbreweries, with commented tastings. These tours help understand the brewing processes, differences between styles, and each brewer's technical choices. An excellent way to discover the city from a different and flavorful perspective.
Beer and Gastronomy
The Perfect Pairings from the Paddock to the Podium
Like fine wines, craft beers pair with gastronomy. Here are the pairings that enhance Quebec flavors and honor the capital's brewers.
Classic Pairing
Quebec Beers and Cheeses ★
Fine Quebec cheeses, especially those from Île d'Orléans and Charlevoix, pair wonderfully with local craft beers. An amber beer accompanies firm cheeses, a wheat beer is perfect with a local brie, and a stout is a must with aged goat cheese. J.A. Moisan and the Old Port Market offer a remarkable selection to compose your platter.
Innovative Pairing
Charlevoix Organic Charcuterie and IPA Beer
The Charlevoix Organic Charcuteries, with their smoky and spicy notes, find an ideal companion in a well-hopped IPA. The bitterness of the hops balances the fat and salt of the charcuterie, while the beer's floral aromas highlight the spices in the meat. A pairing that perfectly sums up the best of Quebec: craftsmanship, terroir, and boldness.
Barista Tip
The Beer Pit Stop at Carrera
At Carrera Café, we don't brew beer, but we love those who do. Our Charlevoix Organic Charcuterie board paired with a competition espresso or a tight americano is our tribute to the artisans of taste. Before heading out on a beer tour around the city, recharge with us in Petit-Champlain. We prepare the fuel of good taste, you do the rest of the race.
Before Your Beer Tour
Carrera Café is your ideal starting point before exploring Quebec's craft beer scene. Espresso, local specialties, refined atmosphere: take pole position from the morning.
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