2 O'clock Tasting: 
Unibroue

Updated on March 30, 2016

Unibroue founders, André Dion and Serge Racine took beer brewing techniques used by the Trappist Monks and brought them to North America. After acquiring La Brasserie Massawippi brewery in Lennoxville, Quebec in 1990, the Quebec team brewed their first abbey ale. A few years later, they were shipping their beer internationally.

Even after Unibroue was purchased by Sleeman in 2004, and subsequently by Sapporo in 2006, it has maintained the culture and flavor of a craft brewery. This is much thanks to their brew master, Jerry Vietz, a self-proclaimed "fanatic of fermentation." Native to Quebec, with German, British, and Haitian heritage, you're exposed to more than just malt accents when you talk to this guy. Just watch his video on the art of brewing.

1. Blanche de Chambly

   5.0% ABV

   An ode to a city in the southwestern region of Quebec, Blanche de Chambly is not a traditional white beer. Pouring a light golden haze with a fine carbonation, the nose gave us distinct sweet and sour aromas, settled by a hint of coriander. The sweetness carried through to the taste with an additional yeast character, a signature of Unibroue, known for brewing beers on lees.

2. Éphémère

   5.5% ABV

   Gold and ghostly in appearance, this beer brought us back to Halloween with the sweet smell of apple. The taste was equally candy-like and dry on the tongue. Drinking this beer transported us to the days when when we shoved handfuls of candy from our Trick-or-Treating pails to our mouths, while the name reminded us that those experiences only last for so long.

3. La Fin du Monde

   9.0% ABV

   If this beer is any indication of the end of the world, bring on the apocalypse! The golden orange color provided the sunset, the pineapple and nut aromas gave it a tropical nose, and the strong alcoholic taste, followed by sweetness, completed the sense of drinking on the beach, minus the cocktail and the mini-umbrella. Even with its tropical vibes, La Fin du Monde upheld its light Belgian character.

4. Don de Dieu

   9.0% ABV

   God was feeling generous with this gift. Orange in color with fine carbonation, this beer made us feel like we were in grandma's kitchen while she was cooking the Thanksgiving pies. Aromas of apple and pecan gave a rich nose, while the taste was still light and dry--a beer you could still have after your turkey dinner.

5. Maudite

   8.0% ABV

   The Maudite label depicts a row boat moving through a cloudy, amber-lit sky, matching the appearance of the beer. Scents of raisins, yeast, and caramel let us know something good was brewing. This strong nose combined with the dry, mulled flavoring gave this beer a sweet, yet rustic quality.

6. Chambly Noire

   6.2% ABV

   Like a good old Dr. Pepper, this beer was finely carbonated and dark brown with a hint of crimson in appearance. The nose matched the dark color with a plum sweetness, further enhanced by chocolate notes. Like the Don de Dieu and the Maudite, the Chambly Noire balanced the powerful aromas with a dry, mild taste.

7. Trois Pistoles

   9.0% ABV

   Soft brown in color, Trois Pistoles appeared milder than its name would suggest. Then you bring it to your nose--bam. The first blow came with the brown sugar smell. Pow. The second shot, a coffee bitterness. Boom. A sip of the beer packs a final punch with an alcoholic taste, balanced with a nutty sweetness.

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