Route des épices is a rye beer to which black and green pepper are added during brewing. Its malt and fresh-grain flavours are accompanied by notes of fruit and caramel. A peppery finish leaves a pleasant spicy sensation on the tongue and palate. Perfectly balanced, it is ideal with grilled foods. This beer was created at our Montreal craft brewery in May 2002.
I must admit that I have an obsession with pepper beers! I don’t know who had the idea of brewing it first but we must have the same problem… 😉
I think it’s the perfect mix with beer!
Dieu du ciel, they not only set the bar high in terms of pepper beers, they smashed it with a mighty swing of a pepper mill! I’m talking about the big wooden Peugeot pepper mill which weighs three tonnes…! 😉
The first time I drank one, my senses exploded… It was in the early 2000s. Back when each new DDC beer was an event in itself. Well, I think that’s still the case today…!
I speak for myself and probably for many others, but I was charmed!
In short, imagine my surprise when this beer reappeared after I thought it was gone for good! I need an explanation here…Is this temporary? Does it come back every year? Was it never actually discontinued? Please enlighten me…? 😉
First of all, the cereal side is exceptional. I don’t know if it’s rye, but we’re already somewhere else. There is a malt richness here… It’s roasted, lightly caramelized, with a side of molasses or toasted sugar.
Then there’s the spicy side! Some of the spice certainly comes from the yeast, but THE pepper, wow! The pepper flavour really packs a punch. The slight tingling on the tongue, the nostrils feeling trapped, almost the urge to sneeze… I love it so much!
There is a bit of sponge toffee too… There is even a taste of ripe fruit in the finish… just before the big “backdraft” of pepper… 😉
In short, it’s still a success, 17 years later…! Thank you DDC!