One of the most popular beers in Lennoxville is getting a local makeover after Bishop’s Arches Brewery teamed up with Brasserie 11 comtés to bring Quebecers a new twist on the university’s Tropical IPA.
Bishop’s Arches, an extension of the up-and-coming Graduate Certificate in Brewing Science program and part of the chemistry department, developed the campus-favourite beer four years ago, during the program’s first year in existence.
It became an instant hit, according to Giovanni Venditti, Brewing Science program lead and coordinator. The beer remains a go-to choice for students on campus, but he has been trying to find a way to properly commercialize the product.
Venditti realized the best course of action, while simultaneously growing the program’s international appeal, was to engage a local brewery, so he broached the topic with 11 comtés Brewmaster Mathieu Garceau-Tremblay.
“On site at the university, I don’t have the infrastructure, but the university gave me the go-ahead to go commercial and it makes a lot of sense to partner with a brewery,” he said.
Venditti said that Garceau-Tremblay, who also moonlights as the brewing program’s hops teacher, accepted the proposal with open arms, but it came with a small caveat. 11 comtés, which is located in Cookshire-Eaton, emphasizes Quebec-grown products.
“When I approached him about partnering, he said it’s in our DNA to use local ingredients, that’s their philosophy, it’s what makes them different,” said Venditti.
Bishop’s Arches partners with local brewery for fresh take on classic recipe
By Michael Boriero, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
