Top 5 Craft Breweries to Visit in Montreal

By Pierre-Olivier Bussieres

The cultural and economic capital of Quebec, Canada, Montreal is a must-visit for travelers heading to the land of memories and the maple leaf. Montreal’s breweries give the famous brews of Europe a run for their money.

Also known as America’s version of Amsterdam, the Montreal brewpub experience is also a spectacular hotspot for gourmet cuisine and delicious drinks, not to mention its world-class craft breweries.

With no less than 37 craft breweries on the island, beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs have plenty to satisfy their quest for the Holy Grail of hops.

Whether you are looking at the most crushable New England IPA or some down-to-earth English Ale, Montreal has got plenty enough to quench your thirst as you take a break from your city tour.

I compiled a list of the top 5 microbreweries  judged by a Montreal resident and beer expert to visit during your next stay in Montreal.

Craft Brewery #1 : Dieu du Ciel!

There is no better place to start than this brewery. Established in 1998, this brewery has gained renown for its daring concoctions and intricate flavors. The tale of Dieu du Ciel! unfolds as a narrative of fervent dedication to brewing experimentation, with each beer weaving a distinctive story through its aromatic nuances and textures.

Known affectionately as “DDD!” among close circles, the brewery seamlessly integrates hospitality into its exceptional beer offerings. The brewery is now based in Saint-Jérôme, but all the fun and great food are concentrated on its Montreal pub, right in the middle of centre-town, on Laurier West. It was – and still is – the ideal laboratory to test small experimental brews directly with regulars and longtime visitors.

As the fifth brewpub in Montreal, Dieu du Ciel! gave itself the mandate to maximise beer diversity. This was no small feat, considering that 70% of the world’s beers are lagers sold by half a dozen conglomerates brewing all over the planet.

The brewery exports to all provinces in Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, and Germany, to name a few.

The flagship of the DDC! fleet is, of course, Péché Mortel, a strong beer with a serious tone. Inspired by American and English roasted barley porters.

With its 9.5% alcohol by volume, this guilty pleasure with powerful coffee notes has long been a classic.

A true classic, the beer propelled Dieu du Ciel! into the big leagues upon its appearance, thoroughly validating the brewery’s divine aspirations.

Brasserie Harricana

Next up is Brasserie Harricana. This microbrewery, located in the artsy/indie 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.

On the beer side, you’ll want to try their Kveik, a Scandinavian beer with yeast that works wonders, and their Daiquiri IPA. Like hockey jerseys, all the beers are marked with a unique number, reminiscent of the industrial origins of the place. And all the beers are worth a try!

In addition to excellent beer, the microbrewery also offers a menu with several vegetarian options. A mix of modern cuisine and reinvented brewery snacks, you’ll find something to impress your palate to accompany your favourite beer. Why not order a small sampler palette for the time of a beer?

L’Amère à Boire

Our journey continues 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. Savour their house beers while soaking in the authentic atmosphere of Old Montreal.

The flagship of L’Amère à Boire, the undisputed leader of pilsner in the neighborhood, is the Černá. The Černá has been the flagship of the Montreal brewpub for two decades now.

This light Czech beer with hints of fresh bread achieves a high drinkability factor, especially when served Czech-style, with a thick and dense frothy head.

The Černá yeast dates back to the Soviet Union. In an article from. Craft beer expert Mario d’Eer traces the origin of this yeast to the Black Mountains of Moravia. For a little background, it is the water from Moravia that contributed to the international success of the pilsner, the first pale lager ever brewed, in present-day Czechia, along with the delicate Zaas hops, also native to Bohemia.”

For a pint of History and a taste of classic European beers with a Québécois twist, stop at L’Amère à Boire and try out their dark lagers!

L’Isle de Garde

Next, head to L’Isle de Garde, a microbrewery nestled in the Mile-End neighbourhood, the creative heart of Montreal. Founded in 2014, this craft brewery offers a range of experimental and seasonal beers. Isle de Garde is serious about quality service. It all starts with the pouring manoeuvres. Behind the bar, expect to see two lines with beer engines: the traditional English ale service. Ales are served from a cellar at 12 degrees Celsius.

If you want to find yourself in a “real” local bar without sacrificing the quality of ale, Isle de Garde is the place to be at. At the counter, an impressive array of tap lines.

Yes, the craft brewery has wagered on both quantity and quality. In 2023, Isle de Garde was recognized as one of the most promising breweries for continuous improvement. It’s no wonder they have been called the jewel of La Petite Patrie.

Bonus for foodies: Isle de Garde has an exceptional menu. Far from “bar food”!, their kitchen has a flavour to offer for foodies from all over the world.

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.

Relax in the friendly atmosphere of the place and savour one last beer, putting a final point on your brewing exploration. It’s an ideal spot to capture the pulse of the city of Montreal, an excellent student city. Whether you’re seeking the perfect beer or a place to unwind, you’re sure to hit the mark at Benelux.

If you’re an IPA enthusiast, you’ll be in heaven: many styles have been refined here after a hoppy visit.

Special mention also goes to the West Coasts and Belgian-inspired beers, two great specialties of the house. For IPAs: give Benelux’s Cuda a try.

Montreal Travel Tips

Montreal boasts an excellent public transportation network, including the metro, which can easily take you from one microbrewery to another. Opt for a rechargeable OPUS card for hassle-free and cost-effective travel. The metro offers tickets for different zones as well as for periods ranging from 24 to 72 hours. If you’re planning a blitzkrieg of different stops, a one or two-day pass is preferable!

If you prefer walking, the city’s neighborhoods are pleasant to explore on foot and allow you to discover hidden gems between the breweries.

While visiting Montreal, don’t forget to drop by the Old Port and enjoy a nice stroll on the European-style cobbled streets. Also, make sure to check the beer fests in town. The city abounds with concerts and festivals of all kinds. For beer aficionados, this means the Mondial de la Bière, held every year in Spring.

Pierre-Olivier Bussières has been writing about beer markets and beer history for the past three years. He is Editor-in-Chief of Le Temps d’une Bière, a French media dedicated to the role of alcohol and drugs in society and History.