Brewskey in Montréal: More than just a brewery in the Vieux Port

When you think of the beer scene in Montreal, the touristy Old Port is probably not the first location that comes to mind. But if you are looking for a first-class brewery in the Vieux Port, there is no getting around Brewskey. Here, the art of brewing is celebrated at the highest level, with a consistency that wins over even the most critical palates.

The Location: Two Sites Right in the Vieux Port (Old Port)

The brewery’s two locations are situated on Rue Saint-Paul Est – right next to each other!

Le Pub: Rustic Atmosphere and Stone Vaults

This is the original spot. A little hidden, with low ceilings, stone walls, and dim lighting. It is loud, it is cramped, and it is fantastic. Here, you drink your stout at the bar while watching the bartender pour.

L’Annexe: Modern Taproom Vibes & Terrace

Just a few doors down is “L’Annexe.” The vibe here is completely different: more open, more modern, with a huge terrace that is perfect for winding down the day. The focus here is even more on the tasting experience.

We really enjoyed the atmosphere of the taproom. What’s exciting is that you get a direct view into the brewery from here. During my visit, the brewer happened to be there and poured me a tasting sample straight from the tank.

It was a dark beer with a hint of peanut, offering a wonderfully smooth and not-too-sweet flavor. The beer was meant to be served a few days later for a birthday party, for which we unfortunately were no longer in town. The sample definitely made me a little jealous of the birthday guests.

The Beer Selection: Brewing Art at the Highest Level

What sets Brewskey apart from many others is the texture of the beer. We are not talking about thin lagers here, but beers with a full-bodied mouthfeel and aromatic density.

Hazy & Juicy: The NEIPAs

If you like Hazy IPAs, Brewskey is exactly the right place for you. The brewers have mastered the art of dry hopping perfectly.

The IPAs are almost always a vibrant yellow to orange – a genuine “haze” that stays stable in the glass. The beer has a soft, almost creamy fruitiness. Notes of mango, pineapple, and stone fruit dominate, supported by an oat or wheat malt base that gives the beer a silky mouthfeel.

Imperial Stouts: Dessert in a Glass

For the dark season (or a chilly Montreal evening), Brewskey’s stouts are exactly the right beer.

They belong to the category of Pastry Stouts. That means: They are thick and often refined with adjuncts like coffee, vanilla, maple syrup, or coconut. My favorite was the peanut birthday beer. I have never had such a well-balanced beer.

The residual sweetness of the stouts is high, but it is nicely countered by the roasted bitterness of the malt. It is more of a dessert than a thirst quencher.

Smoothie Sours: Fruity and Dangerously Delicious

A trend I learned to appreciate at Brewskey. These beers are extremely fruit-forward, tart, and have a viscosity that actually reminds you of a smoothie.

Food & Poutine: The Perfect Base

Beer naturally goes hand-in-hand with food. Of course, they serve the Canadian “must-eat,” poutine, and other dishes that pair perfectly with the beers. We opted for a sandwich.

Our hunger wasn’t that big, but the portion was all the larger. We were completely surprised by this excellently filled, massive sandwich. The price for it was more than justified!

Conclusion: The Best Brewery at the Vieux Port for Connoisseurs

Brewskey isn’t cheap. But the quality in the glass and on the plate justifies every cent. It is one of the few breweries that manages to bridge the gap between beers for the “average fan” and nerdy brewing excellence.

Visitor Information

Address

380 Rue Saint-Paul Est,
Montréal, QC H2Y 1H3, Kanada