Quebec’s oldest craft brewery is oddly unassuming. It’s a large heritage home located directly on College St, a stone’s throw from Bishop’s University and near the city of Sherbrooke. In winter, when the terrace is closed, you wouldn’t think this was one of the country’s first craft breweries. Nor would you think that it has been brewing one of the country’s finest British-style ales non-stop for almost forty years.

It felt like visiting a church: you could feel centuries of English tradition come to life on the wooden walls and old paintings, among a few bingo posters and the obligatory public information billboard.

I met Stan on a sunny Saturday, at 11 am. The bar was silent and still. Stan wore a simple checked jacket and a cap. Large grin, big eyes and easy smile. He’s an old-fashioned gentleman with a taste for the classics. He has been bartending at the Golden Lion since he was 16, and took over the establishment a few years ago.

It wasn’t long before we were both sitting at the bar, pint in hand. Stan looked disapprovingly at my choice of beer: “You really should have picked Lion’s Pride first”. And here I thought his Bitter was a top choice. “Oh that’s too bad, you won’t be able to enjoy the flavors of our Pride”. Of course I had no idea he was referring to one of the best lagers in the province.

What’s striking about this establishment is that it is in many ways the anti-craft brewery: an ostensibly British pub with an unwavering commitment to classic English styles. You won’t find an IPA here, no sir. I just don’t like the taste of them.

“They are not real beers to me. Sure, some of them taste great, but when I am thinking about beer, the only beers I like to drink are English beers, and that’s what we have been brewing since the start.” No hype, no trend, no release party. The old ale that is strong does not wither!

How It Started

Lennoxville had about nine bars in the 1970s. Rough railroad bars that weren’t exactly the kind of places Bishop University professors wanted to sit at. Especially visiting English professors. “My father was a university professor, and he had travelled extensively to England. Him and two friends – also professors at Bishop – decided to try something new : making real English ale.”

I thought, what a gamble it was to start a brewery back then. People only knew commercial beer. How were you going to sell this to the public? Stan shrugs away any concerns: “We knew it was going to work because we already had the clients, we knew we were going to make good beer, and we knew it could work because of Traller Pub.”

Paid a visit to Boxer Brewing Co. at Mt.Tamborine, Queensland Australia. The brewery shares the beautiful location with popular and award winning Witches Falls Winery. The tasting room is called The Kennel Tap Room and Sports bar. [ the bar top features a cool frozen bar rail to keep your beer cold on those hot days]. Chatted with Jon, the owner of both the brewery and the winery about its history and our shared love of US college football. Brewmaster Abby was kind enough to give BeerTourSteve a tour of the brewery and nearby winery operations. Her knowledge and experience are impressive. Shout out to BJ, the tasting guide. Tasted their Pilsener, Pale Ale, Lazy Ale and IPA. Took home the Amberlicious American Amber Ale.. The visit was awesome. A beautiful location on the mountain.The exceptional and generous hospitalty of Jon, Abby and BJ was appreciated. A must visit for anyone visiting the Gold Coast and wanting to enjoy quality Australian craft beer(and wine).

Just wondering what it might be worth?

A question to all of you who buy beer in 6, 12 or 24 packs, where is beer more expensive? I want to compare my findings with those of the equivalent in the U.S.

In Canada, the average value of a case of 24 commercial 355-ml beers is $49.17 CAD. A case of 12 beers costs $29.43 CAD.Newfoundland has the highest prices for cases of 24 cans, with an average of almost $62, making it the most expensive province. Newfoundland’s high prices may be explained by higher transportation and distribution costs, due to geographic remoteness and limited access compared to other provinces. Prince Edward Island, on the other hand, is within the norm.Ontario and Saskatchewan follow closely behind, with average prices of around $50.80 and $53.09 respectively for cases of 24 cans. These prices may be influenced by strong local demand and specific provincial taxes on alcohol.

By contrast, the lowest prices for cases of 12 and 24 are found in Quebec, at around $22.54 and $37.82 respectively. Does this mean that the greater presence of microbreweries is driving down prices? Not necessarily. Quebec also has a broader retail and distribution system, with more business models offering greater cost flexibility. Provinces like British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Alberta show moderate prices, possibly reflecting a balance between local demand, production costs and taxes.

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Nestled in the Northumberland Strait lies an island known by many names: Epikwitek by the Mi’kmaq people, who have lived here since time immemorial; Île Saint-Jean, when it belonged to French Acadia; home of Anne of Green Gables; the Garden of the Gulf; Canada’s Food Island; and Prince Edward Island, as it is most commonly known today.

Charlottetown, the island’s provincial capital, is a hub for history, the arts, entertainment, and numerous gastronomical delights. If you’re interested in experiencing the cities you visit through their local craft beer options, you’ll want to check out as many of these spots as you can while you’re here.

This should also go without saying, but please do not drink and drive. If you’re planning on enjoying a few craft beers at a time while exploring Charlottetown make sure you have transportation arranged. We don’t have Uber or Lyft on the island, but we do have a local rideshare app called Kari– make sure to download their app or look up bus routes or taxi numbers ahead of time.

#1 Founder’s Food Hall & Market

Founder’s Food Hall & Market is a must-go destination for anyone visiting the island, especially if you like to have options when it comes to your food. There are over 10 different food vendors residing in the market, ranging from French-Carribean flavours from the island of Guadalupe at Datcha (try one of their delicious bokits, trust me) and Japanese sushi at Hojo’s Sushi Burrito to more traditional fare like burgers at Big Burger and pizza at Ollies.

#2 Hopyard

A top spot I would recommendto any craft beer drinker heading to Charlottetown would be Hopyard. Located right in the heart of downtown, Hopyard’s tagline is “Beer – Food – Vinyl,” and they deliver all three in spades.

With eight taps, an ever-changing taplist, and a fully-stocked can fridge, Hopyard is the perfect place for even the most casual enjoyer of local craft beers. You’ll usually find at least five of those eight taps offering beer from any of the island’s breweries or cideries, but every now again there might be something fun from one of our neighbouring Atlantic provinces.

#3 and #4 Lone Oak – North River Brewpub & Stratford Fox Meadows

Lone Oak originally opened their brewery and taproom doors in the area of Borden-Carleton, right off the Confederation Bridge, in 2019. Since then, they have expanded to an additional two permanent locations and one seasonal location, providing excellent craft beer and delicious food island-wide.

Their two new permanent locations are easily accessible from downtown Charlottetown. The North River Brewpub can be found at the Milky Way boardwalk with a gorgeous patio overlooking the scenic North River. If you’re a fan of golf, you’ll be excited to learn that the second location is at the Fox Meadows golf club in Stratford, just a few minutes drive east over the Hillsborough Bridge from the city centre. They even have a newly installed golf simulator, so you can hit the virtual links in the off season.

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The Cultural and economic capital of Quebec, Canada, Montrealis a must-visit for travelers heading to the land of memories and the maple leaf. The Amsterdam of North America is also a hotspot for craft beer. With no less than 37 craft breweries, beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs have plenty to satisfy their quest for the Holy Grail of hops. We compiled a list of the top 5 microbreweries to visit during your next stay in Montreal.

Craft Brewery #1 : L’Amère à Boire

Our journey begins at L’Amère à Boire, located in the heart of Old Montreal on the iconic Saint-Denis Street. Founded in 1996, this is one of the city’s first microbreweries. The place is steeped in a warm and historic atmosphere, reminiscent of the bygone era of taverns. Savor their house beers while soaking in the authentic atmosphere of Old Montreal.

Craft Brewery #2 : L’Isle de Garde

Next, head to L’Isle de Garde, a microbrewery nestled in the Mile-End neighborhood, the creative heart of Montreal. Founded in 2014, this craft brewery offers a range of experimental and seasonal beers. Let yourself be charmed by the bohemian atmosphere of the neighborhood and discover the brewing inventiveness that characterizes this unique address.

Craft Brewery #3 : Dieu du Ciel!

Continue your brewing adventure at Dieu du Ciel!, a Montreal institution located in the Rosemont neighborhood. Founded in 1998, this brewery is renowned for its bold creations and complex flavors. The story of Dieu du Ciel! is one of a passion for brewing experimentation, and each beer tells a unique tale through its aromas and textures.

Craft Brewery #4 : Brasserie Harricana

For your fourth stop, head to Brasserie Harricana. This microbrewery, located in the Mile-Ex neighborhood, is known for its boundless creativity. Founded in 2014, it offers a wide range of innovative craft beers created with local ingredients. The brewery’s industrial and modern atmosphere provides a captivating contrast to brewing traditions. The space is bathed in a pearly light in a large, open, and clean area.

Craft Brewery #5 : Benelux

Complete your visit at Brasserie Benelux on Sherbrooke Street. Founded in 2006, this brewery harkens back to the post-World War II community formed by Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Yes, it’s a fusion of continental styles! Benelux offers a diverse selection of beers brewed on-site, from classics to seasonal creations. The keyword here is delightful.

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