The process combines both experience and knowledge of the ingredients and techniques to create a high-quality, delicious beer. Simply, the process of creating beer from ingredients such as water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. The brewing process typically involves mashing, boiling, fermentation, and conditioning steps.
Breweries have been a staple in the production of beer for centuries, with a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations. As the craft beer movement is rising, more people than ever are seeking out unique and flavourful brews from small, independent breweries. But what is a brewery, and how have crafted beer become so popular?
Whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply curious about the world of brewing, read on to discover what sets apart craft breweries, microbreweries, brewpubs, and gastropubs.
A brief history of beer in Canada
The first commercial brewery in Canada was established in Quebec City in the 1660s. After a few centuries, brewing became an increasingly important industry throughout the country.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many large breweries dominated the Canadian market thanks to the wave of consolidation. This trend continued into the mid-20th century, when beer consumption reached its peak in Canada. Now, the Canadian beer market is a mix of large, multinational corporations and a thriving craft beer industry.
Craft Beer In Montreal & Quebec
Being one of the first brewing place in Canada, Québec & Montreal contribute significantly to the development of the Canadian beer industry. The city is home to a number of well-established breweries, including Molson, which was founded in 1786 and is one of the oldest breweries in North America.
In recent years, Montreal has also become a hub for craft brewing, with many new breweries opening up in the city and surrounding area. Currently, more than 150 microbreweries are operating in the province of Quebec, with many of them located in the Montreal area.
In 2020, Quebec was the largest producer of beer in Canada, accounting for 39% of the country’s total production, followed by Ontario at 33%. In addition, approximately half of the beer drinkers in Québec and Ottawa-Gatineau preferred consuming microbrew or craft beer.
What Is Brewing?
Brewing delightful tastes of beer is not easy. One of the most influential steps in brewing to make good beer is the fermentation process.
During this process, the wort, which is the liquid obtained by mashing grains, is combined with yeast in a specialized vessel known as the Fermentation Tank. As the yeast consumes the sugars present in the wort, it produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, as well as unique flavors and aromas that contribute to the final product. The temperature, duration, and strain of yeast used all have a significant impact on the flavor and alcohol content of the beer.
Additionally, proper sanitation is crucial to avoid contamination and tasteless in the finished product. At the end of the brewing process, the beer is typically stored in large containers such as Barrels Of Beer to allow it to mature and develop its full flavor.
Distinctions of Craft Beer
So what has considered craft beer?
The trend of craft beer started in the United States in the 1970s and has been spread worldwide, boasting their thriving scenes. Certainly, the craft beer brewery is usually independent. Additionally, they value distinctive flavours and often seek out new and interesting varieties to try. On the other hand, a non-craft brewer is typically a large, commercial brewery that produces beer on a much larger scale. Hence, craft beer stands out from commercial beer in some characteristics:
- Quality: Being produced in limited batches allowed local brewers to focus on quality control, ingredients and flavours.
- Distinction: Craft breweries create unique beer styles through experimentation with locally-sourced ingredients, resulting in a diverse range of kinds of beer produced. Due to their smaller size in the brewery, craft breweries are more agile and flexible in their production and distribution.
- Independence: As craft breweries are independently owned and operated, they have more flexibility in their brewing practices. Therefore, we can taste seasonal drinks throughout the year.
How About Microbrewery?
In general, microbreweries have the same size and operation as craft brewers. However, it performs at a higher production capacity. So, their distribution network is wider and further. Thanks to their advantage of productivity, they can extend experimentation and innovation to a wide variety of styles and flavours.
What About Brewpub?
Brewpubs are local bars or pubs that brew their own beers on-site. These establishments often create a menu of signature dishes that complement their beers. Unlike craft breweries or microbreweries, Brewpubs are typically designed with a larger seating capacity to accommodate more guests. In addition to serving their own beer, they often offer a selection of guest taps from other breweries to provide a wider variety of options for customers.
And Gastropub?
Gastropubs are a modern version of the traditional taverns and public houses. Unlike brewpubs, these establishments provide an upscale atmosphere for foodies and craft beer lovers. The priority at gastropubs is to develop a diverse menu of authentic food items. Instead of exclusively offering their beers, they rotate a selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries.
Exploring the craft brewing culture with City Brew Tours
Inspired by the love of beer, we elevate your experience through the history, brewing process and one-of-a-kind tastes of local brewers. We are excited to give you exclusive access to the brewing industry in Québec:
Les Sans-Taverne Coop & Brewery: The award-winning microbrewery is located in the Pointe-Saint-Charles, which is known as the district of a hundred taverns. Les Sans-Taverne is famous for its creative and experimental approach to brewing, using unique local ingredients and sustainable techniques to create its drinks.
Boswell Brewery: It is one of the famous oldest craft breweries in Montreal Quebec City. They offer a cozy and welcoming taproom on the banks of the Richmond River. Their beers are known for the unique flavours of the Eastern Townships region of Quebec.
Benelux Brewery: a modern Belgian and West Coast-styled brewpub in the heart of Montreal. The brewpub tackles your taste with a menu of pub-style food, and award-winning Belgian style.
Messorem Bracitorium: The brewery specializes in hazy IPAs, using a variety of hops and brewing techniques to create their sour-type hop beers. To combine passion and friends gather, Marc-André Filion, Sébastien Chaput and Vincent Ménard have created a welcoming and social atmosphere for everyone.
Avant-Garde Artisans Brasseurs: a microbrewery and taproom was established by 2 brilliant young men, Renaud Gouin and Shawn Duriez. After merging with Jukebox for expansion purposes, Bingo Holcheta, has become the hottest bingo among beer lovers.
Don’t hold anymore! Let’s find out the answer to the question “what is breweries?” through a city tour with us today. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through local breweries, where you’ll discover the unique brewing processes and taste a variety of delicious beers. Book your tour now and let us show you what makes these breweries so special.