Subscribe to the Craft Beer & Brewing Podcast:
There was a time in Boréale’s not-so-distant past when they might have released a new beer every other year. The brewery is one of Quebec’s oldest craft breweries, dating back to the late 1980s, and over its history it has seen waves and trends come and go. But the changing dynamics of craft brewing in the 2010s posed a different kind of challenge that required a new way to approach innovation and risk-taking. Then head brewer, now vice president of innovation, Gabriel “Gab” Dulong played a big part in that adjustment, getting the brewery into the unfolding world of production-scale hazy IPA in 2016, then pushing hard into nonalcoholic NA beer through the pandemic. Today, the brewery remains one of the largest craft breweries in Quebec—and only in Quebec—producing about 100,000 barrels of beer per year. But innovation is now core to their DNA.
In this episode, Dulong discusses:
- helping an established brewery transition to the market realities of the past decade
- reorienting to sell on quality and ingredients instead of price point
- building a new approach to cold-chain storage to properly distribute hazy IPA in Quebec
- generating internal knowledge in NA brewing
- developing style-dependent processes for different NA beers
- experimenting with specialized yeasts before settling on tight processes with standard brewing yeasts
- building mouthfeel and intensity without alcohol in beer
- hopping with modern hop products in NA beer
- malt selection for hazy IPA
- manipulating final gravity for NA versions of core brands
And more.
If you are looking for a brewery chiller that’s worry-free and tough on GWP, then look no further. G&D Chiller’s Elite 290 series chiller uses propane as a natural refrigerant with extremely low global warming potential. This natural, highly efficient refrigerant with near zero GWP will help lower your facility’s energy costs and impact on the environment. We are committed to a greener, more efficient future. Visit gdchillers.com to learn more!
Brewers, what if your yeast could do more than just ferment? With Berkeley Yeast, it can! We bioengineer ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Now, in addition to competitive pricing, we’re offering free overnight shipping on 5+ barrel pitches. Try it out—if you don’t love it, we’ll happily refund you. So why settle for ordinary when you can brew with better yeast? Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
As breweries expand beyond beer into other segments such as mocktails and CBD beverages, Old Orchard is here to help. We can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. Whether trending flavor additions or nostalgic favorites, the next best thing is around the corner at Old Orchard. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Both classic and contemporary, Indie Hops’ Lórien was developed with crisp, low-gravity beer in mind. A nod to the past with an eye on the future, Lórien seamlessly combines traditional elements of European Noble hops with an elegant twang of American modernity. Low-alpha and squeaky clean, Lórien provides a refined, smooth bitterness to any lager and delivers enticing flavors and aromas of lemon/lime zest, fresh melon, wildflowers, sweet hay, and cinnamon spice. Refreshing the past for a present time, Lórien’s classic profile and distinct finish are conducive to celebration and appetite and evoke feelings of a grassy meadow near a cold mountain stream. Summer is near, and Lórien awaits. Learn more about Lórien and the rest of our varieties at indiehops.com. Indie Hops—Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
Are you looking to elevate your craft brewery’s branding? Steel Chill-Cups are the perfect promotional tool! Crafted from 100 percent recyclable steel and proudly made in the USA, these 16-ounce cups come in vibrant red, blue, green, and gray. Designed to keep beverages cold and frosty to the touch, they enhance the drinking experience at festivals, tastings, and taprooms. Customizable branding options let you showcase logos and unique designs, boosting brand recognition. These stylish cups not only serve a practical purpose but also become keepsakes for beer lovers. Discover how Steel Chill-Cups can “Put your brand on every pour.” Visit SteelChillCups.com today!
Breweries don’t need just a point-of-sale system—they need a one-stop-shop operating system. That’s where Arryved comes in. Not only do we offer a world-class POS built specifically for breweries, but we also provide Arryved Brewery Management, e-commerce, and more to help breweries scale and thrive. From taproom to distribution, we give breweries the tools to streamline operations and boost profits—all in one powerful platform. Visit arryved.com to learn more. Cheers!
PakTech delivers craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech handles help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, they offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.
If you’re launching a brewery or acquiring an existing one, consider our brewery workshop and new brewery accelerator, September 14 through 17 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over four days, we engage in panel discussions, technical brewery tours, networking, and small working-group sessions that help you better understand and prepare for the challenges of brewery operation. Tickets are on sale now. Visit breweryworkshop.com for more information and to secure your spot.