7th Annual Gatineau Winter Beerfest Feb. 2-3

(Click here for the French version) 7th annual Gatineau Winter Beerfest: Serving up a host of new discoveries “Discovery” is the theme of the 7th annual Winter Beerfest, coming up February 2 and 3 at the Canadian Museum of History. According to Beerfest general manager Michael O’Farrell, “This year’s edition has several new features that are sure to appeal to beer lovers in the Outaouais.” Vermont comes to the Beerfest One of the additions to the 2018 event is the presence of craft breweries from Vermont. To be specific, Switchback, Idletyme, Goodwater and 14th Star will be featured at the Beerfest. Known for their fruit-forward, hoppy New England IPAs, they’ll be bringing over a dozen Vermont beers for festivalgoers to enjoy. More breweries, more beers As in past years, the Winter Beerfest will showcase plenty of Ontario and Quebec beers, including several exclusive blends. In all, there will be more than 100 beers to sample, and over a dozen brewers will be on hand to share their passion for their craft. Among the popular craft breweries attending are Nickel Brook, Beyond the Pale, Bas-Canada and Orléans Brewing. Culinary experiences presented by the IGA Extra Famille Charles The oyster tasting stations were a huge hit last year, and festivalgoers will be happy to know that this year’s event will feature even more food choices. IGA Extra Famille Charles will present beer and food pairing sessions, matching such delicacies as lamb tajine, spring rolls, smoked meat, grilled cheese, and ahi tuna poke bowls. Back by popular demand will be poutine, beer sausages, pretzels, mac and cheese, and maple syrup and smoked bacon fritters, all created by the Distinction by Sodexo team under executive chef Martin De Board. Informative and flavourful presentations Alongside the beer and food, festivalgoers are invited to enjoy tasting workshops and appetizing bilingual presentations. Among others, Anne and Martine Boily from Bistro l’Autre Œil will give workshops on pairing beer and whisky, beer and oysters, and beer and candy! Early bird tickets at the special low price of $14.99 (plus tax) are available until January 28 through the Beerfest website, festibiere.ca. The organizing committee would like to remind readers that the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Winter Beerfests sold out several weeks in advance! The Winter Beerfest organizers sincerely thank the Canadian Museum of History, without whose support the event just wouldn’t have the same flavour. The Beerfest would also like to acknowledge its associates and partners: Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO), Beavertix, Bell Media, IGA Extra Famille Charles, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa, and Winterlude. The STO is pleased to contribute to the success of the Winter Beerfest by providing free public transportation (regular and paratransit service) to and from the festival site on presentation of an admission bracelet or ticket to the event. For full event information, visit the Winter Beerfest website at festibiere.ca. On February 2 and 3, 2018, ride the STO bus for free!Social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/festibiere Twitter: www.twitter.com/festibieredeGat Instagram: www.instagram.com/festibieredegatineau