Introduction

Laura Urtnowski and Bernard Morin started making beer in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, in 1987, leading to the creation of Brasseurs du Nord - shortened to Boreale. By 1994 their success forced them to move from their beloved small town to Blainville ... an even smaller town. But one with a better brewing facility. Since moving, they've moved from success to success. Boreale has always devoted itself to making quality beer based on traditional methods, and that ideal stretches to how they've planned their facilities and how they produce. Their facility has been expanded in and around old-growth forests to keep their footprint small and never compromise their environment. This attention to detail and quality is in their beers. Seven classics, year-round beers remain on their slate, with over two dozen special brews and a handful of limited editions. While an American style, the IPA Des Côtes combines East and West coast styles from around Canada to create a delicate, flavourful IPA. Serves at 8°C and should be served soon.

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How it looks

Pours a golden honey colour with clear body and medium carbonation. A thin, very bubbly layer of head forms on top and manages to hold on to the end.

How it smells

At first, there is a strong hop aroma, quite piney, that opens up into a flowery aroma as you inhale. There is tropical fruit aroma, but vague regarding which fruit, and a sugary caramel aroma alongside—a touch boozy around the edges.

How it tastes

It deviates from what you’d expect given the aroma profile. Quite mild in the hop department, allowing the flowery hops to give it a sweet, delicate flavour. The vague tropical fruit remains, still muddled enough to give no hints about specific fruit, but sweet and warm. This fades into a more traditional hop flavour, becoming more pine and slightly bitter. It all finishes quietly with a touch of astringent feel.

Recommended food pairing

A slightly smoother and sweeter IPA like this would do well with a slice of more delicate meat, such as Tilapia - grill it up along with some fresh greens tossed in vinaigrette.