Microbreweries of the lake: beers that capture the spirit and flavor of boréalie

Of the 272 breweries in Quebec, 19 are located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, representing 7% of all Quebec breweries. This same region also boasts the highest number of craft brewers per capita, a testament to the deep love that the residents of the “Land of Blueberries” have for beer-based products.

Beyond the large number of microbreweries, it is the unique flavor of the region’s beers that sets them apart from those found elsewhere in the province. From northern berries to boreal spices, not to mention forest flavors, the natural environment of Lac-Saint-Jean is undeniably a source of inspiration for local producers. Many of the beers brewed in Lac-Saint-Jean truly reflect what can be found in the local environment. Gathering spices has even become a profession!

Enjoying the Lake, One Beer at a Time

Lac beers are brewed with love and offer flavors to suit every taste. Here are a few recommendations to delight your taste buds:

La Migratrice from Microbrewery Le Coureur des bois

Refreshing, this spicy white wine, infused with the treasures of our forests, reveals a rich bouquet of autumnal forest floor aromas and passion fruit.

Strong Beer, 6.2% ABV

La scotch ale aux lactaires et à odeur d’érable de la Microbrasserie Riverbend 
The maple-biscuit aromas of this Scotch ale are captivating and surprising—and for good reason… There’s no maple in it at all! It’s a wild mushroom, the maple-scented milk cap, that’s tricking our taste buds!

Strong natural beer – unfiltered, 7.7% ABV

La Tante tricotante de la Micro du Lac
When given time to age in barrels from the old world, Micro du Lac’s triple beer puts on its finest: subtle acidity, an unusual smoothness, all rounded out by an elegant fruitiness of wild cranberries and berries.

Triple strong beer, 10% ABV

La Bleuet floral de la Microbrasserie Lion Bleu
An impressive amount of blueberries went into making this beer! The hibiscus adds delicate floral notes that add depth to the flavor profile.

Sure, 5% ABV

L’Égaré de la Microbrasserie La Chouape
Blonde and bold, this triple-style beer hides a warm blend of fresh bread, alcohol, and ripe fruit within its light body.

Triple, 9.5% ABV

Bottled beer: becoming increasingly rare in microbreweries

Bottled beers are becoming less and less popular among Quebec microbreweries. At Lac, however, they’re still very much in vogue! While not all breweries focus exclusively on this format, bottled beers remain a way for local brewers to stand out. Compared to the can, which is more flexible, the bottle allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing products, which are common in the Lake region. Many brewers are partnering with artists to create beautiful bottles that showcase local talent. Beers from the Lake region are therefore as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate!