In the last few weeks, a new brewery has come onto the scene in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield— Microbrasserie du Vieux Canal. Situated in the historic town centre across from the old Beauharnois Canal, they have a really beautiful spot with a light, airy and modern feel and some great views from their terrasse and mezzanine. Well worth a stop by if you’re in the area! 🛥️ 🌊
But how is the beer? Well I stopped by and grabbed a few of their first creations known as « Cargaisons Éphémères » including this West Coast IPA. Due to the brand-spanking-new nature of this brewery, I couldn’t find much information about the beer online, but it’s as classic as they come! 🍻
Indeed, the bouquet is very old school with lots of caramel accented by some somewhat subdued floral aromas and pithy notes of orange and grapefruit peel. It’s quite sticky and sweet at first on the sip, with a surprisingly full, round malty body that coats the mouth with some residual sugar.
Like all decent West Coasts though, there’s plenty of biting hop bitterness to cut through this in the back end, with more citrus peel, resin and pine coming through here than anywhere else. Even so, it’s not too overwhelmingly bitter and remains fairly accessible— a far cry from the IBU wars it harkens back to. 🌲 🍊 😋
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.
