Written by Dara Larocque on 11.06.14

Founded in 1994 by three beer lovers, the Festival International de la Bière has become a staple in Montreal’s summer festivals. This year’s edition runs from June 11 to June 15 at the Palais des Congrès. Admission is free although there are small fees for re-usable plastic or commemorative glasses. With 573 beers, meads, and ciders available for tasting from 107 different breweries, and 296 new beers being presented this year, it’s safe to say this is the ultimate beer lover’s event. This festival has sought to not only bring new and exciting beer flavors to beer lovers everywhere but to educate and commemorate beer fanatics and artisans from all over the world. If you’ve never been to the Beer Fest before, be prepared to look at beer in a whole new light! This isn’t your average game night beverage with chicken wings (think: deer, kangaroo, bison, and wild boar meat, only some of the delectable treats available on-site in previous years). Get ready to step into a world of artisanal beer delicacies and craftsmanship of one of the oldest fermented beverages in the world. Here are some highlights to look forward to during the festival.

MBEER Conference

Already a beer connoisseur? Want to learn how to make your own artisanal beers? Look no further: this year’s 8th edition of the MBEER conferences will focus on perfecting your beer knowledge through seminars, workshops, and conferences geared towards beginners and pros alike! With 26 different seminars and workshops, there will be something for all skill levels to learn about this age-old art.

Beer Cooking Classes

Ever imagined cooking with your favourite drink? Beer Fest’s multiple cooking classes will have you whipping up and pairing all kinds of foods with your preferred drink. With courses running throughout everyday of the festival, and classes like Beer and Cheeses, Beer and Fudges, as well as beer cooking classes with top chefs Richard Whittick, Serge Noel, and Philip Wouters, this is one unique event sure to enlighten beer lovers on new ways to incorporate their favourite beverage into every meal.

V.I.P Beer Flavors and Informal Workshops

For the ultimate beer fan, this year’s Beer Fest will include specialty gastronomic experiences and informal workshops showcasing the best beers in the world. The series will conclude with several contests and awards for this year’s top beers and public contests awarded to top ranking artisanal beers.

Beerology School

Dreaming of making your own beer? This year’s edition of Beer Fest will be hosting several courses on how to craft your own beer at home. With everything from beginners to advanced mixology classes, these beer making courses will have you on your way to making your own fermented specialties. Hosted by Serge Noel and Marilou Caty, in partnership with Brasseurs du Monde and special guests, these comprehensive courses are open to ticket holders and include a beer tasting.

Musical Guests

With the festivals multiple stages along with the awards being presented throughout, this year’s edition of Beer Fest will be hosting several musical guests to entertain you throughout your ultimate beer experience. With guest DJ’s like Cath.A.Strophic, Pat The Brat, and 5 à 7 musical themes including 50’s Rock’n’Roll, , 60’s GoGo, 70’s Disco, and 80’s New Wave, there is sure to be something for every musical taste and generation of beer drinkers.

For additional information about courses and events taking place throughout the festival, please click here.

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