While several Quebec towns have an artisanal microbrewery, Saint-Lin–Laurentides, very close to Mascouche, did not yet have its own. This has now been achieved since the opening of Hopelay artisanal microbrewery at the end of last April.
Marc-André Brisson had been brewing at home for around ten years when a microbrewery project began to take shape. After perfecting his skills at the Institut brassicole du Québec, he contacted the promoters of Espace TEV (Terroir en vitrine) with his partner Stéphanie St-Jacques in order to be able to found his business there. Espace TEV wants to bring together local products in the same complex.
In this modern premises with plenty of windows, four house beers are offered on tap as well as a few local guests. During our visit, we tasted the NEIPA de Trouble, an aromatic and slightly bitter New England IPA, as well as the Nocturne, a very creamy Oatmeal stout. Ultimately, 16 beers will be on the menu, including several “mainstream” ones as well as a few “funkier” offerings.
To sustain yourself, small, simple dishes such as salads, poutines, fondant brie, nachos, chicken wings and plates of appetizers are offered. The goal is not to be a restaurant. Moreover, special tartar evenings are sometimes on the program.
A pretty terrace allows you to enjoy summer days with a fireplace as a bonus. And from this summer, canned beers should be added to the offer so you can take a few beers home.
