Quebec’s Spiced Seasonal Ales

Tobogganing at Carnaval de Québec, followed by hot chocolate and tortierre; layers of woolen socks tucked snugly into ice skates, while slap-shots echo across frozen ponds… These are the tastes and traditions of a classic Quebec winter and a great way to warm up. But warming up with a cold beer?

While reaching for hot toddies and mulled wine may seem like the best way to weather cold winter nights, you may be surprised to learn that many Quebecers opt instead for a pint of specially brewed seasonal winter ale. This modern tradition may have contributed to an explosion of new microbreweries across the province. Between the late 1980’s and 2008, approximately 60 microbreweries opened in Quebec. Combined, they boast more than 400 unique hoppy concoctions. Quebec has made its mark on the national and international brewing scene, and among the noteworthy libations are a slew of innovative and traditional winter ales.

If you decide to try one of these mouthwatering winter treats, here are three highly recommended microbreweries.

Aptly located in Montreal’s picturesque Plateau neighborhood, the Dieu du Ciel is a hospitable brewpub that bubbles with bilingual chatter and beautiful brews. Solstice d’Hiver is Dieu du Ciel’s signature winter beer. Brewed only once a year, in December, this beer matures to a perfect and palatable balance of bitter and sweet in January or February. It has a complex combination of tastes, including burnt caramel, hops and fruit, with a liquor-like richness, and is described by the brewery as a “noble winter beer with flaming red highlights.” At an invigorating alcohol content of 10.2%, Solstice D’Hiver will certainly warm you from the inside out.

Housed in Hull’s first brewery, Les Brasseurs du Temps is a new microbrewery and restaurant that has revived the fascinating and extensive brewing history of Vieux-Hull, Quebec. The building dates from 1821 and it was returned to its original purpose in 2009. Located on the banks of the Ruisseau de la Brasserie (Brewery Creek), Les Brasseurs du Temps boasts an intimidating beer list, but a delightfully classy atmosphere. Their Belgian-style Christmas beer is delicious long after the holidays, while La Messe de Minuit (midnight mass) overflows with foamy flavors of orange and licorice. It’s like drinking a liquid spiced-cake, but with a robust alcohol content of 9%.

After enjoying the festivities of Carnaval de Quebec, pop in to La Barberie and celebrate their 15th anniversary with a pint of Rousse Forte aux Fruits. La Barberie’s seasonal winter beer, Rousse Forte aux Fruits has a caramel malt character with distinct and friendly flavors of cherry and fruitcake. With a healthy balance of bitterness and roasted flavors, this rich red ale is served pleasantly warm.

Don’t let Quebec’s low temperatures and high snow banks dissuade you from touring the province’s best brewpubs and discovering palate pleasing, and body warming, winter ales.

Love CARNAVAL DE QUEBEC? Find out more ways to enjoy it here!