IPA du Nord-Est

IPA du Nord-Est
IPA, IPA du Nord-Est
Alcohol content
6.5%
Bitterness
50 IBU
Color

IPA du Nord-Est

A slightly cloudy blond, this IPA starts out with a gentle bitterness, which quickly gives way to tropical fruit aromas, giving the impression of a peaceful moment under the warmth of sunrays.

The North-East IPA is the first in the ”Collines de Bonne…” series. While the classic series is an ode to classic beer styles with classic Collines-de-l’Outaouais locations, the ”Collines de Bonne…” series is a nod to more contemporary styles, also known as New World beers. And there’s no better way to kick off the series than by introducing one of the hottest styles: Northeastern IPA.

It’s easy to spot the completely different visual style of the New World beer series, compared to the classic series. The Collines de Bonne series is an ode to the nature of the Collines-de-l’Outaouais and the wildlife that inhabits it. This is a beer with panache, much like the moose that struts proudly through the forests of our beautiful hills. Notice the contrasting green color of the label, which hints at the hops that will invade your olfactory receptors.

Northeast IPA is also known as New-England India Pale Ale or North-East India Pale Ale, more commonly known by its acronym NEIPA, which is rooted in Vermont. A beer with clean bitterness, very tropical aromas (melon, passion fruit, pineapple) and a nice roundness due to the presence of oats, which also contribute to the beer’s rather cloudy veil. Whereas a few years ago, it was said loud and clear that a quality beer should be served in a glass, we’ve now seen messages on cans to drink straight from it. The beer was rather opalescent, one could even see hop flakes floating in it, which is not necessarily perceived as being aesthetic. Several microbreweries began reproducing this type of beer, first in Vermont, then throughout New England. With the multiplication of these variations, it has become its own style, and the demand is so high, that these days it seems unlikely to open a new microbrewery and not make at least one Northeastern IPA. Well, we’ve got one for you, and it’s a Collines de Bonne!

There’s a certain tendency among new Northeastern IPAs on the market to have a low bitterness. Sometimes, brewers don’t use any hops for bitterness, instead they only use it for aroma, to make it as juicy and fruity as possible. As far as we’re concerned, that’s forgetting that an IPA is originally meant to be bitter. In the very history of the style, more hops were added to the beer for the antiseptic properties of this ingredient, to preserve it for transport to India, to quench the thirst of the English stationed in distant colonies. So, we’ve decided to go back to the bitterness IPAs were originally meant to have, while not skimping on the pineapple, strawberry and melon aromas, supported by hints of lemon zest.

Not so long ago, it would have been impossible to make a 100% Quebec Northeastern IPA. Until a few years ago, hops with tropical aromas weren’t grown in Quebec. These varieties, more recent in the world, only appeared here in 2021. This Northeastern IPA was created with a generous dose of El Dorado from Houblonnière Lupuline, Triumph and USDA074 from Jarret Noir, on a base of Pilsner malt from Innomalt and oats from Maltbroue. All fermented with Vermont yeast from Labo Solution brassicole. A beer made with 100% Quebec ingredients!

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Pairings

A beer’s bitterness brings an interesting element to the table. It has the power to cut through elements such as fat and spiciness. This IPA goes well with fatty dishes coming off the grill, as well as spicier Asian, Mexican and American dishes. In addition, its fruity notes will honor tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple or, more locally, peaches and melons.

BBQ
Beef/Porc
Candy