Established in 2010 in Joliette, Brasserie Albion have quietly been brewing some of the province’s best British-style beers. Indeed, their name refers to the poetic name for England, thought to be derived from the Greek for “white”— most likely a reference to the famous White Cliffs of Dover. 🇬🇧 🍺
Recently Albion expanded into new brewing facilities and much to the joy of many craft beer fans this came with a wave of their beers presented for the first time in cans. 🙌🏻
While many beers were released, I’d like to focus on these core three. Each one pays homage to one of the three constituent kingdoms making up the island of Great Britain— England, Scotland and Wales. 🇬🇧
First is Albion, the English offering. An Ordinary Bitter, it pours a light copper with a persistent head. It opens with grassy, tea like hop aromas on top of lightly biscuity malts, while some earthy undertones come in underneath. On the palate soft and smooth biscuit comes through with a touch of bitterness that balances things nicely. While many might be worried about the move to a can, the carbonation is on point with a round mouthfeel despite the low alcohol. This is was an excellent start and possibly the closest I’ve tasted to a beer from home in Quebec. 🏴
Next is Prydain, taken from the medieval name for Wales. This is a darker Bitter, with a moussey head that left a thin ring. It brings plenty of toast with some nuts and caramel. A livelier carbonation on this one though accentuates the bitterness, bringing forth the mild spiciness and earthiness of the English hops. 🏴
Finally, 60 Shilling represents Scotland. Essentially a Scottish mild, this beer pours a muddy gold with a fast dissipating head. It has a subtle nose with some of biscuit malt and earthy floral hops leaving a hint of tea leaves. It boasts notes of granola and digestive biscuit on the sip , but isn’t too sweet. In fact it’s the least sweet of the three but also the least bitter too, finding a nice equilibrium. 🏴
All these beers brought me straight back home and I’ll certainly be seeking them out again and again! 😋
Originally from England, Mike Davis came to Quebec ten years ago to study history. During this time he fell in love with the microbreweries of Quebec, which reminded him of English pubs. Now, he holds a Ph.D in History from McGill University, but works in the beer world as the Brand Ambassador for Microbrasserie 4 Origines.
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