10 Quebec book and product pairings

Launched in 2014 by authors Amélie Dubé and Patrice Cazeault, “August 12, Buy a Book From Quebec Day” aimed to encourage book lovers to enjoy local works. Ten years of promoting Quebec’s rich cultural heritage and the stories that have shaped our identity—now that’s worth celebrating! And because we, too, feel it’s important to appreciate the good things that are made right here, we’re marking the occasion with a selection of 10 pairings that will satisfy both your taste buds and your love of reading.

Faire les sucres by Fanny Britt

In a desperate quest for authenticity, an entitled has-been celebrity chef buys a sugar shack in the hopes of making a comeback. At the same time, his relationship is going down the tubes faster than sap from a maple tree into the collection bucket… To echo this bittersweet tale, what could be better than a product as bold and unique as Britt’s writing—a maple eau-de-vie from Quebec, aged in oak casks, with rich woody notes. 

Mélasse de fantaisie by Francis Ouellette

For his first book, Francis Ouellette drew inspiration from the highs and lows of his childhood in the Montreal suburb of Sainte-Marie. The working-class neighbourhood was once nicknamed Faubourg à m’lasse (Molasses District) because of the smell in the air—courtesy of the nearby molasses factories. As tasty as this colourful novel, Sainte-Marie Rum (made with—you guessed it—molasses) gets its name from that little piece of history. A spicy rum macerated with cantaloupe and cranberries, which give it a distinctive pink hue.

Tout comme les tortues by Marie-Christine Chartier

This engrossing story about love and friendship—and all their inherent complexity—is the perfect match for a premixed cocktail as refreshing as the author’s stylings. Combining the exotic flavours of tropical fruit with the comforting taste of Quebec apples, this passionfruit cider from Lacroix is an ideal choice when you want to lose yourself in this sumptuous tale.

L’Orangeraie by Larry Tremblay

This tale follows twin boys, from their birth in the shade of orange trees in a land that would be devastated by war to the snowy sidewalks of Montreal. To go along with this engaging read in which darkness and light meet, we suggest making yourself a spritz with a Mediterranean-inspired aperitif from Quebec. Best enjoyed in the sunshine (and somewhere peaceful).

Un homme et ses chiens by Marc Séguin

Painter and novelist Marc Séguin delves into the complexity of love by sharing the reflections of a game warden in a remote area who doesn’t play by the rules. As an unapologetic free spirit himself, the author joined Les Subversifs distillery in 2021. Their Réduit de Léo maple gin liqueur, inspired by the Quebec terroir and its traditions, will go beautifully with this story set in nature.

Femme fleuve by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette

This novel, anchored in the river, explores the ebb and flow of desire through a passionate encounter between a writer and a painter fascinated by the water's particular shade of blue. What better pairing, then, than a gin flavoured with seaweed from the St. Lawrence? Round out the experience by finding a reading spot with a view of the water! 

Résonances by Patrick Senécal

King of the crime thriller Patrick Senécal’s latest work is the story of a man who, after having an MRI, is transformed—and not for the better. This prolific writer has us holding our breath once again throughout the 360 pages, which also gives us time to savour an equally captivating product with notes that are sweet, bitter and herbaceous—all at once. It's just like Senécal’s writing, which always manages to infuse some humour into his very dark tales.

Ce qui se passe à Cuba reste à Cuba by Amélie Dubois

Looking for something lighter? We’ve got just the thing: an urban romance set during a tropical getaway! Amélie Dubois, a sparkling (and hilarious) writer, will put some sunshine in your reading list with this story of three teachers who go to Varadero for New Year’s. For the perfect companion to their comical adventures, sip a low-alcohol raspberry mojito inspired by the classic Cuban cocktail.

A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny

Most of this famous author’s books take place in the fictional village of Three Pines, which is inspired by the town of Knowlton, where she lives. Published in May, this 18th adventure of Inspector Armand Gamache is no exception. The Eastern Townships—birthplace of Quebec winemaking—is also brimming with excellent vineyards like Léon Courville Vigneron. Enjoy the full experience with their Cuvée Détente rosé that’s as dry, crisp and zesty as can be.

Cueillir la forêt by Ariane Paré-Le Gal

With more than 100 info sheets and 300 photos, this wild plant field guide is a must for anyone wanting to learn about the treasures to be found in Quebec’s forests. We also suggest picking up a ready-to-drink cooler from Distillerie Mariana made with Violette, their wildflower gin.