Vermont, Part 1: Hill Farmstead

It's been a few months since our weekend in Vermont but I thought I would still share some photos from that trip and I think I am a little overdue for a post. I was busy all summer working on my thesis and once that was finished I was occupied with converting my garage into my new beer making space, so before I get started on my beer production I wanted to get some other beer related events on the blog first.

Specialty Beer Shops: La Consigne

I have been meaning to get around to this post for a while, but just have not found the energy to do so. Well, here we are in Ahuntsic, on Fleury near St-Urban, and guess what? Yeah. You guessed it. We are hitting up another specialty beer store.

Specialty Beer Shops: Les Délires du Terroir

Back to our Beer Shop Series, not far from Marché Station 54, Les Délires du Terroir is situated along Montreal's infamous St-Hubert Plaza between Bellechase and Beaubien. If you're familiar with the plaza, you might associate it with wedding dress boutiques and cheap clothing shops, but it has gone through somewhat of a revival over the past years especially the section in which Les Délires du Terroir is located. 

Brewpub Series: Vices & Versa, 10th Anniversary!

So it has been a week since Vices & Versa's 10th anniversary celebration. Since then I have been thinking about the current state of the microbrew scene in Montreal. This period can be likened to a "Golden Age" of beer, where collaboration, innovation, and conviviality are the pillars of the craft world and they pervade all facets. We are happy to be part of this network with our blog, however small. Joining in on the discussion, and just taking the time to participate in the world of beer is a wonderful experience. And Vices & Versa has played a big part in my beer experience and definitely the beer scene in Montreal, so being able to attend their 10th anniversary was special.  

Specialty Beer Shops: Depanneur Simon Anthony (Le Paradis de la Biere)

On a cold Saturday morning in November, Adri and I woke up with the intention of visiting a specialty beer store. We bring you "Le Paradis de la Biere", Depanneur Simon Anthony. This quaint depanneur is located on Beaubien corner Lanaudiere, across the street from Poutine Ville. This was our first time walking into "Le Paradis de la Biere" and it was quite an intense experience. When I first walked through the doors I said to myself that this was a pretty decent setup, a lot of bottles, nice tall shelving units, narrow, but long rows. But, I did not see any refrigerating units, I thought that was strange. They could not possibly call themselves "Le Paradis de la Biere" without an awesome selection. Then Adri popped out of a hole in the wall and said, "Hey, there is another room back here". So, I walked into the other room, smaller than the other, but loaded with fridges, and a wonderful row built upon overstock cases of Le Castor and Unibrou, amongst others. 

Specialty Beer Shops: Depanneur Lalime

Following our visit to Depanneur A.S. we walked along St-Laurent boulevard, under the overpass separating the Plateau from Rosemont - Petit-Patrie, and towards the shiny, metallic sign indicating Depanneur Lalime. They have been around for a while, though very recently they updated the facade of the building (yelp has an old photo with which you can contrast the new and old facade) and added signs announcing that they now carry microbrews - our reason for the visit. As we entered we were surprised that they not only carried beer and other related products, they also carry canned goods, and have a kitchen where they make pies (meat mostly).

Specialty Beer Shops: Depanneur A.S.

On a beautiful Saturday morning we took a nice walk on St-Laurent street around the Mile-End neighbourhood of Montreal. Our first destination was Dépanneur A.S. a corner store which we would often pass by after some late night bagels at Fairmount, but never really found ourselves around the area during the daytime. We were always intrigued by the very nice and well displayed artisanal beer signage. That Saturday we finally had a chance to stop in and get a good look at what Depanneur A.S. is all about.