Specialty Beer Shops: Tabagie Ranger

Tabagie Ranger is one of those unexpected gems. The exterior facade screams Molson, but when you step foot inside you are treated to a sizable assortment of Quebec microbrews. It was here that I bought my first microbrew six pack, "L'Accomodante" by Dunham, and my first big beer -- Big Ten not included --, "Porter Baltique" by Les Trois Mousquetaires. I cannot quiet remember when I started to frequent Tabagie Ranger, but I first noticed it when we started to hang out on Beaubien St. near Molson Park and the sign in the window, "Spécialité, Microbrasserie, Bieres du Quebec" sparked my curiosity. 

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.  

Specialty Beer Shops: Le Bièrologue

The next stop on our beer journey is Le Bièrologue, located a couple blocks north-east of Bières Etc. on the corner of Ontario street and avenue Letourneux. And, a short walk from Marché Maisonneuve - an historical public space and symbol of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Le Bièrologue opened their doors in 2012; further evidence of the growing popularity of Quebecois artisanal beer. Though, we do not think any more evidence is required...Both of these beer shops are located in the eastern section of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. That is enough for the geography lesson, onward to the shop itself.

Specialty Beer Shops: Bières etc.

On a Saturday morning we decided to explore the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve area, in the eastern part of Montreal where we found a great neighbourhood beer store, situated near the corner of Saint Catherine street and Avenue Desjardins. The shop is called Bières etc. the name says it all. This specialty beer store is owned and operated by Mme. Brigitte Couture, who opened up shop "en 2011 pour faire la promotion de bières québécoises auprès des résidents d’Hochelaga-Maisonneuve"....That would be us! That morning we got to meet her and talk beer!

Beer Festivals: Oktoberfest des Québécois 2013 edition

Another weekend pilgrimage to the outskirt's of Montreal to taste Quebec's finest craft beer. The Oktoberfest des Québécois held in Repentigny every year to pay homage to the mother of all beer festivals, Munich's own Oktoberfest. 

Beer Festivals: 12e édition Bières et Saveurs de Chambly

Off to Brouhaha on a sunny Sunday afternoon to hop on the Broue-Bus for a good ol' fashion yellow bus ride to the Bières et Saveurs de Chambly, a beer festival held to celebrate the best of Quebec micro brews. There were 33 craft beer tents, meat on a stick, and lots of fried good stuff. Most of the brewers have done a beer festival or two but there were some welcomed newcomers like Jukebox, brewed right here in Montreal.

Specialty Beer Shops: Le Marché des Saveurs du Québec

Our next destination in the Specialty Beer Shops tour is Le Marché des Saveurs du Québec, situated within the Jean-Talon market only a few steps away from La Grange du Marché. As the name suggests, their focus is on all things Quebec and artisanal. They offer various products from oils, ice creams, cheeses, jams, honeys, to cream liquors, wines, and beers. There craft beer selection is in no way vast, but it is carefully selected, and they have the added benefit of having opened their doors in 2000. Thirteen years of customer loyalty and distributor loyalty, as Microbrasserie de l'Île d’Orléans' products are only available at this location within the Jean-Talon market, gives them an edge.

Specialty Beer Shops: La Grange du Marché

Over the past three to four years there has been significant growth in the MicroBrew scene. Both, in terms of small breweries and brewpubs, but more specifically in regard to the amount of specialty shops dealing exclusively in the sale of microbrews. In this article we will discuss one in particular: La Grange du Marché, situated within the Jean-Talon market. La Grange du Marché is going on there one year anniversary as of this September.