Friends We Meet Along The Way

Founded in 2008 in Griffintown, Brasseurs de Montreal may be a baby by comparison to other local microbreweries, but may have taken giant steps in producing numerous, diverse, first quality beers. Denise and Marc-André, along with an expert team have stretched their output to eight bottled and probably 10-12 brews available on tap.

La Rebelle Québecoise has been my favourite of their bottled products for several reasons; it can be described as an edgy, pure malt, with a strong, but refined character. The taste is smooth, but complete, with subtle nuances of toffee clove and other spices. A dark red-amber robe, with a soft white foam, allows the aromas of caramel & spice to present themselves amply. At 6.5% alc. /vol. And in 12 oz bottles, it can be found in most specialty depanneurs, as well as large supermarkets. I can see this going with strong cheeses, oriental stir-fries and spicier soups or stews. The label features a three-masted sailing vessel on waves approaching the tiers of an ancient castle, along with a pair of beautiful fascinating eyes (belonging to Annie Dufresne, a lovely, talented model, actress, singer and dancer, who devoted some of her time entertaining Canadian armed forces troops in Afghanistan, etc…)

Another person, who I consider a friend, is Peter McAuslan, who founded his brewery in 1989. He is the president of the St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal and devotes time and financial support to many charities, as well as the sports and music scenes in and around Montreal. The St. Ambroise Frambroise is a raspberry ale, brewed just once a year, as a unique summertime treat. It has a magnificent ruby-brownish colour and a light beige head, refreshingly revealing the charms of its bouquet raspberry, blackberry, delicate fruit and hops & malt. This follows a similar process in the mouth: well-balanced fruit (derived from red raspberry juice concentrate) and hops, tingle the palate with effervescence ending with a bittersweet after-taste at 5% alcohol and in 12 oz bottles, it pairs easily with light salads, creamy cheeses, and even fruit-based desserts.

Beer special- August 2nd-8th, 2010:

Adonis– Beck’s, $11.99/12

Drink in and enjoy life,

The Bugler

Beer friend and ambassador