Made in Québec

Le Mas des Patriotes winery grew out of a lifelong dream. In the early 2000s, France Cliche restored an old abandoned barn and planted the first few acres of vines in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu—becoming one of only a handful of women winery owners.

The Temiscouata Distillery, located in Auclair in the Lower Saint Lawrence region, is made up of some 40 maple syrup producers who decided to innovate, stimulate the economy and take charge of their industry by producing Acerum, a maple syrup-based spirit!

It’s an ingredient you’ve tasted in many popular cocktails like martinis, Old Fashioneds, Negronis, and even Spritzes. And contrary to popular belief, vermouth is more than just that syrupy aperitif your grandparents used to drink. Thanks to local and international mixologists and producers, it’s making a big comeback.

It inspired 19th century poets and artists, and was banned, then legalized 100 years later. Absinthe is still shrouded in mystery to this day—but local distillers are doing their best to crack the code! Here are the secrets behind a spirit that’s winning over a growing number of Quebecers.

What does a meadow, a river or forest taste like? That’s a prickly question. One we boldly try to answer by exploring the province in the hopes of discovering Quebec’s taste profile, a bit like a large herbarium of flavours and aromas.

At the corner of Chapleau and Masson in Montreal’s Rosemont neighbourhood, Lilian Wolfelsberger is constantly experimenting. The co-founder of Distillerie de Montréal took us behind the scenes in his lab and revealed the creative process behind his chocolate and pineapple spirits.

What does a meadow, a river or forest taste like? That’s a prickly question. One we boldly try to answer by exploring the province in the hopes of discovering Quebec’s taste profile, a bit like a large herbarium of flavours and aromas.

In Rimouski, in the Lower St. Lawrence, stands a new architectural building overlooking the St. Lawrence River that’s home to Distillerie du St. Laurent. It’s in this enchanting part of the Pointe-au-Père district, with its iconic lighthouse and spectacular sunsets, that Joël Pelletier and Jean-François Cloutier create and share their products.

When you stroll through the streets of Bedford in the Eastern Townships, you quickly notice a huge red-brick building. A vestige of the industrial era, this old needle factory has become a creative hub and an artists’ residence, and it’s where Samuel Gaudette and Vanessa Cliche have set up their stills.

Caught up in the magic of the holidays? How about some festive cocktails made from Québec products, recipes and ingredients to make the season even merrier?

At the heart of Sainte-Cécile-de-Milton is an orchard teeming with life—Cidrerie Milton. Fourth-generation owner Marc-Antoine Lasnier is the one steering this impressive outfit that continues to surprise and delight us.

We often talk about the non-alcoholic trend, and of course its classic counterpart. But beyond these opposites, a world of possibilities awaits cocktail lovers. By playing with the proportions of the products, you can create tailor-made combinations to satisfy all preferences.