Beerhunting in Gatineau/Ottawa

This weekend, we had a two-hour car ride to the West. Another province of our country: Ontario. We made four stops during this quick trip.

L’autre Oeil – Aylmer www.lautreoeil.com
This pub has the largest beer menu I’ve seen in Québec (over 442 bottles). Taps were mainly from Quebec breweries. I only took (designated driver) a Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor. Of course it would have been great to taste more beers there, but I’ll certainly be back soon. This pub is located 8 km from Ottawa, so it would be easy to come back with our bicycles on a longer trip.

Les Brasseurs Du Temps – Gatineau www.brasseursdutemps.com
This new brewery opened with the first days of the summer. The project is huge (over a million CDN$) and the co-owners worked for years on it. BDT is located in an historic basement. They have endeavoured to re-establish and give life to the ancient brewery of 1821 that once existed on these very premises. One of the prettiest brewpubs I’ve seen. What is extremely cool with this brewpub is that we personally know the brewer, aka Dumdum. He gave us a private tour of these brand new installations. The brewery is located in the basement. A huge descent allows the access while providing a view of the brewery, like in an aquarium. So it is true, you can see that brewers are working hard… well… sometimes…

Two brewing sessions are necessary to fill the 16 hectolitres fermenters. The brewery owns only three fermenters like this. It is a little headache to manage, but others will be bought soon. For now, they use it to brew twelve times a month.

And what about the beers? The original intention was to have twelve house brews, but it is impossible for now. The population interest to the brewery is quite better than expected and the three fermenters aren’t enough, so only six beers are offered momentarily. A barley wine is in fermentation for fall, but no new recipes are expected for a while. To complete the beer menu, some Quebec breweries are invited for a total of 13 beers.

I tasted six good to excellent brews.

Et la lumière fût!, Pale ale # 1
Le Bouillon de la Chaudière, Weizen, wheat beer
L’allumante, Amber ale
La Nuit des Temps, Stout
Au Pied du Courant, IPA # 2
Trois Portages, Triple # 3

It is like having a beer in Portland, but closer to us. The food served at the restaurant is excellent, but a bit too generous (I’m getting old…). I’m convinced that Les Brasseurs Du Temps will become one of our great breweries.

LCBO – Ottawa www.lcbo.com
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario is another occasion to show us how we are scr*** by our provincial government. Wine is cheaper here and the beer selection in Québec just can’t compared. You just cross the river that leads you to Ottawa, you fill up your cart and go back home. Cheaper, more choice, less taxes and no customs. Need to say more?

Pub Italia – Ottawa http://www.pubitalia.ca/
Another surprising place discovered through the advice of friends. With over 200 beers on the menu, you can find interesting imported products mainly from United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany. Tap selection is good and the thin crust pizzas are perfect. The decor brins to mind some kind of medieval inn.

Finally, maybe one day, I will change my mind of Ottawa; a city where almost everybody works for the government. Beer helps you to think better… I guess.

Marc Demeule