I fondly remember the times I covered the Mondial de la Bière at the Old Montreal site and then at its newer location at Windsor Station next to the Bell Centre. The Festival des Bières de Laval, is a completely different beast.
Now in its 6th edition, the Festival des bières de Laval is open to young and old. The location is perfect in the pristine Centre de la Nature de Laval. I was surprised by the packed crowd, maybe because I’m not used to seeing masses of people after our 2 plus years of seclusion.
This wonderful event boasts more of a carnival setting than other beer fests I have attended in the past. With carnival games, attractions for the kids and too many food choices to mention, this festival clearly attempts to attract the whole family, and does so successfully.
Bran Van 3000 was playing on the main concert stage as Simona and I were filling our festival glasses with a variety of artisan beers and attempting to find our favourite one. This is not an easy task with 40 Quebec micro brasseries in attendance and over 85 local exhibitors.
Our initial tasting was Peau D’Ours beer (translated, Bear Skin beer)….mmmm, the American pale ale from the micro brasserie Le Bilboquet, was refreshing and delightful on this hot summer’s night. Then our bartender Sylvianne suggested we try a beer from the micro-brasserie Le Trou Du Diable (translated, the “Devil’s Hole”) from Shawinigan…yes, a fine selection….tasty and refreshing. We tried the Ginger Beer and the MacTavish Hazy Beer, a hazy pale ale. And the Wow beer. However, our favourite beer of the festival was “the Festival Beer” which is only available at the event.
It’s only a short car ride or metro commute to Laval from Montreal, this event was soooo much fun. With only one day left, I hope you will make it out on Sunday afternoon.
