Microbreweries have become hugely popular around the planet and the Eastern Townships is no exception! In recent months, several new ones have opened their doors…
À l’Abordage opens a second venue
The À l’Abordage (‘All aboard!’) has opened a second venue near the original microbrewery on Sutton’s rue Principale Sud. The beer production will now take place at this new property – the Taproom & Buvette - and beer lovers will be able to purchase three kinds of canned India Pale Ale (IPA) to take out. During the cocktail hour, they can sip on an aperitif and sample some finger foods. Now that all the brewery equipment has been moved to this new location, there is more space in the original restaurant and here families and friends can enjoy a full menu. As well, the move has enabled the microbrewery to increase its production to 100,000 litres annually. Information: (450) 538-8338
Terrasse and boutique at La Ferme
La Ferme, a rural craft brewery in Shefford, is the very epitome of the expression « On récolte les bières que l’on sème » (loosely translated as « we harvest the crops with which we manufacture our beer ») Harvesting in this instance refers to the careful way their cereals and hops are grown and the partnerships La Ferme has with local farmers from whom they source fruit and herbs. A boutique and terrasse will open in time for the summer season. Information : info@brasserielaferme.ca
Hop Station microbrewery
This innovative young enterprise is housed in a former railway station – hence its name! Founded by three friends - Jérémie Pélissier, Maxime Savage and Étienne Pélissier – all of whom are beer lovers, Hop Station offers a range of regular beers as well as beverages aged in oak barrels. Since obtaining their permits in 2020, the novice brewers have focused on making quality beers with ingredients sourced (mostly) in Quebec. One of their goals is to offer custom beverages and limited editions (to be launched shortly), in partnership with well-established industry players such as Verger Gros Pierre (orchard) and Cep d’Argent (winery). In the meantime, the boutique will be welcoming visitors every Friday. Beer tastings will be offered on the terrasse (subject to pandemic protocols). Information: (819) 804-1004
Siboire Dépôt – continuing the tradition of beer making!
A popular Sherbrooke venue since 2007, the Siboire microbrewery, which is housed in a former railway station, is continuing the history of beer making in the city – an industry that dates back to the mid-1800s. During the course of a one-hour tour, visitors can learn all about this venerable trade, the story behind the historic station and the role the railway played in the commercial development of Sherbrooke. Discover the past and enjoy some of Siboire’s unique brews at the same time! Information : (819) 565-3636
An educational tour of the Coaticook Microbrewery
The brewing room at Microbrasserie Coaticook (situated in the municipality of the same name) has opened its doors to the public. During a 50-minute guided tour, visitors are shown the various stages of beer making – the equipment used, the brewing process itself and the different kinds of beers made on site. The explanations are given in layman’s language, so no prior knowledge of brewing is required. The tour will undoubtedly, prompt lots of questions about this ancient art! (The tour includes beer tastings.) Information : (819) 804-1234
Bad timing didn’t deter these brewers!
In January 2021, Robin Le Sage and Shirley Anne Smith opened their new craft brewery - Le Sage Brasseur - just as the pandemic was raging! The only microbrewery of its kind in Cowansville, this little enterprise is housed in a former ambulance station. In spite of the constraints of covid protocols, it has become a welcoming place where people from around the region can chat over delicious beers, brewed on site. The owners, inspired by the steady growth of the brewing community, regularly experiment with new varieties of hops and spices, changing their manufacturing methods and partnering with other local businesses. Visitors can sample their products in the tasting room or pick up provisions to take home. Information : (579) 420-4020
To learn more about the region, visit www.easterntownships.org.