Top 10 Beers & Fondues
How should you pair BEERS and cheese fondues? Should you aim for a contrast of flavours or seek a harmonious blend? What are you craving today? The Quebec microbrewery scene is more vibrant and innovative than ever. If you’re searching for a local craft beer to enhance your fondue experience, our curated selection is sure to inspire you, offering options for every palate. Our Top 10 will not only introduce you to our exceptional brewing partners but also showcase their 1001 unique beers that celebrate the flavours of Quebec’s terroir. This ranking is not just about diversity, variety, and boldness; it also provides perfect pairing ideas for each brew. Get ready for a sensory journey through Quebec—your taste buds are in for a treat!
What’s on tap?
1. Blanche Belge from Microbrasserie Ruisseau Noir (Lanaudière)
This wheat beer is refreshing, slightly tangy, and creamy with citrus aromas. The addition of green pepper gives it a subtle spicy character.
Pairing suggestion: Add fresh spinach to your fondue or enjoy La Blanche Belge beer alongside our spanakopita recipe.
2. Grisette au Sumac from Trécarré Microbrasserie (Lanaudière)
This distinctive beer presents delicate aromas of citrus, spices, floral notes, and wood. It boasts a soft, fresh acidity combined with light, silky tannins. Have you ever encountered staghorn sumac? This native shrub is known for its striking red, cone-shaped fruits. Trécarré Microbrasserie proudly highlights local flavours and supports the sustainable harvesting of indigenous plants.
Pairing suggestion: Pair your bread cubes with cold cuts and alternate with spicy olives for a delightful contrast of flavours.
3. Pale (Wh) ale from Microbrasserie Tadoussac (Haute-Côte-Nord)
The name of this Pale Ale is sure to warm your heart! It’s a charming tribute to the whales that glide through the St. Lawrence River near Tadoussac. The Pale (Wh) Ale is a golden blond brew with a malty profile and a gentle bitterness, making it an ideal match for your favourite fondue.
Pairing suggestion or recipe: Enjoy it with our Mac and Chic! recipe! Melty and creamy—it’s pure joy!
4. Golden Ale from Brasseurs de West Shefford (Eastern Townships)
This easy-drinking ale highlights the golden hues of the grain, offering a soft, honeyed, and floral aroma. The cereal flavour takes centre stage, with only a subtle hint of hop bitterness lingering on the finish. It’s a versatile beer, perfect for starting off your apéro.
Pairing suggestion: Enjoy it with a slice of rich walnut bread or a brioche, or pair it with BBQ pork and maple sausages. Mmmm!
5. Calico from Microbrasserie Le Naufrageur (Gaspésie)
Calico is a New England IPA with a distinct vegetal aroma. Its taste reveals a gentle bitterness from fresh hops and notes of white grapefruit, with a dry finish.
Pairing suggestion: Dip fruits into your fondue: green apple, pear, grapes, and even strawberries!
6. La Vraie Tite Frette from Tite Frette (available throughout Quebec)
This thirst-quenching ale is a refreshing drink. With 0 grams of sugar, just 75 calories, and 3.8% alcohol, it’s low in calories and carbs. It pairs perfectly with vegetables, making it an ideal option for a low-carb meal.
Pairing suggestion: Meat and vegetables. For keto-friendly recipe ideas, click here.
7. Cordon Rouge from Maison du Brasseur (Laurentides)
Cordon Rouge is a bold, amber beer with distinctive character. It features aromas of caramel, roasted notes, and a subtle smoky finish that we absolutely love.
Pairing suggestion: Fondue Chic! fumée (smoked). Dare to pair it with green apples!
8. Baie-Cachée from Microbrasserie St-Pancrace (Côte-Nord)
Baie-Cachée is a sour beer brewed with haskap berries that pairs wonderfully with our local cheese fondues. Have you heard of haskap berries? These small fruits, also known as blue honeysuckle, are found in northern Quebec. La Baie-Cachée features a delightful combination of tannic, woody, smooth, and festive flavours.
Pairing suggestion: Enjoy it alongside our delightful Celebration Cheese Fondue recipe.
9. British from Microbrasserie À la Fût (Mauricie)
Tasting notes for this English-inspired brown ale highlight a comforting flavour profile with hazelnuts and roasted malt. However, the recipe contains no nuts! Instead, the beer’s earthy and caramelized character creates the impression of roasted nut flavours.
Pairing suggestion: dry sausages, plain or garlic, along with green vegetables.
10. Ninja IPA from Brasserie Dépareillée (Mauricie)
Tasting notes: This unique beer, brewed with blueberry flower honey, features a moderate, resinous bitterness (it doesn’t taste sweet). It blends elements of both English and West Coast American IPAs.
Pairing suggestion: Our special Super Nachos, topped with your favourite fondue.
Partners on fire and local beers pushing the boundaries of excellence…
The terroir of Quebec is rich, and boldness is at the heart of innovation: every day, beer reinvents itself. We extend our heartfelt thanks to ALL our partners and supporters who drive innovation and consistently push the limits of excellence. Let’s take pride and continue daring together! Happy tasting!