We are less than one month away from that time again. The time when beer drinkers congregate at Palais de Congress to enjoy a host of beers and breweries. I am speaking of course of Mondial de la Biere. It is the time when getting a bit to phased from 2oz-4oz pours is completely normal, and getting a bit too happy is allowed, especially now that spring has finally sprung. Mondial is a four day festival that takes place every year during the 1st or 2nd week of June. It hosts a wide array of mainstream beer, craft beer, and international beer! Last year I had a great time standing around the United States tent sipping on some Dogfish head, Wormtown, Rogue, and many others.
But the real fun awaited me inside the main hall. Loads of Quebec micro breweries and several international breweries from as far as Croatia and Brazil were spread out in the hall like a job fair. Except this was no job fair, it was to drink beer! It was a great opportunity to try beers from several breweries all the while having a yearning for water and food. But wait.. there was endless free water and some fantastic food trucks outside to fill you up! Mondial was in fact the place where I was able to try many many Quebec micro breweries for the first time. As some may know I moved here from California and although I was basking in the glow of breweries like Stone, Alesmith, Sierra Nevada and Ballast Point, I never had really experienced the Quebec beer scene up until the end of 2014. So I am fairly new to this endeavour. My first Mondial was last year and my second will be this year! Yes you will definitely see me there enjoying some great brew, with some great brewers and some amazing servers! And of course the amazing beer drinkers of Montreal!
Mondial is host to an extensive list of beers. And I had the opportunity of trying many many beers from several different breweries at last years event. Some of the ones that stood out are Benelux Sabotage IPA, Wormtown Be Hoppy IPA, Rogue Farms 7 Hop IPA, Hopfenstark Post Colonial IPA and many many more! It truly is the place to be if you are into trying a variety of beer styles and breweries.
They have a major selection from Quebec but they also are host to some American and some other Canadian breweries from outside the province.The coupons are $1 each and a tasting is anywhere between 2-4 coupons. Essentially it equates to $1 per ounce, a pretty fair price.
Where: Palais De Congress, 201 Avenue Viger O, Montréal, QC H2Z 1X7
When: Wednesday June 8 – Thursday June 9 3pm – 11pm
Friday June 10 – Saturday June 11 11:30am – 11pm
Sunday June 12 11:30am – 6:30pm
more info on Website.
This year I look forward most to trying the beers listed below.
Vox populi Double Fruit Punch IPA
Vox Populi is a small brewery currently working to release some of their cans in the coming months will have only one beer at their stand. The Double fruit punch IPA. I do not know much about the brewery itself, but I am really excited to see what they have to offer.
Les Trois Mousquetaires Double IPA
LTM’s double IPA is one that I have not yet had the chance to try, and I’m hoping this year I will be able to get a taste of it. I’ve heard some amazing things about it, and can’t wait to give it a try. The Double IPA is released every August only at the brewery, located in the south shore, and they host a grand event. BBQ and loads of double IPA to go and to drink whilst there and buy some bottles to go.
Dunham’s stand is hosting a few of their bottle release beers, most notably the Assemblage No. 1, a real delight! And although ill have my stash of these at home, I will still be stopping by the stand to say hi to the gang and to enjoy some of their beer. It’s always a delight speaking with Dunham!
I had the opportunity to try some of Rogue Ales IPAs last year at Mondial, as well as at the Rogue Ale House in San Francisco this past December. This year I’m looking forward to trying some of their stouts they have to offer, especially the chocolate stout.
Here is the full list of breweries and beer available at the festival List of Beers. Make your selection and come armed with your coupons! Drink responsibly ladies and gents and as always designated drivers!
Written by Hop Citizen. Photography by Hop Citizen.
Citizen
HopCitizen 