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Au sommet par nature
THE FRENCH BREWER 13
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LA BLANCHE: WORLD CHAMPION 2013 11
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Mont-Blanc’s15 La Blanche is a Witbier, that is, a Belgian-style white beer (not to be confused with German-style Weiss Beers).
WORLD’S BEST WHEAT BEER
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In 2011, La Rousse had already been chosen the best amber beer in the world at the World Beer Awards.
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In 2014, La Rousse du Mont-Blanc won yet again world’s best amber at Global Craft Beer Awards.
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In2013,ourBlanchehadalreadybeenchosen the best white beer in the world in its category.
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La Blanche du Mont-Blanc received yet another award in 2015, elected the best white beer in the world, all categories combined. With this recognition, Brasserie du Mont-Blanc becomes the first craft brewer to join an elite club of eight winners. This prize represents an exceptional win with over 1 000 beers from 30 countries in competition.
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Mont-Blanc’s La Blanche can be enjoyed as a cocktail, as a thirst quencher, or during meals with Arctic char or vendace, fish native to our lakes.
LA ROUSSE: WORLD CHAMPION 2011 AND 2014
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Brewed using13water from the glaciers of Mont 15 Blanc, Mont-Blanc’s La Rousse is the fruit of a combination of three malts (barley, wheat and oats), several hops including Strisselpalt from AlsaceMEILLEU with itsRfloral and highly aromatic notes, E MEILLEU RE BIERE BLANCHE BIERE BLANCHE seasoned with a secret bouquet of spices. AU M ONDE A U M ONDE WORLD’S BEST WHEAT BEER
« A spicy nose and lemon zest and plant notes. A fresh and balanced palate. Delicately lemony, light and floral, an impeccable finish »
“Roasted chestnuts, a mellow caramel nose with floral aromas. Intense, sweet and fruity flavour with lots of floral notes. Autumnal flavours; roasted malts with a nose of caramel and bread accompanied by a note of chocolate, mocha as well as a lightly fruity note…”
WORLD’S BEST WHEAT BEER
Top fermentation to develop subtle aromas, combined with prolonged ageing, the guarantee of finesse, are the indispensable key stages for the success of Mont Blanc’s La Blanche. It is unfiltered to retain its natural cloud and all of its original flavours. It is a light white beer that’s both refreshing and elegant. The wheat’s mellow notes are followed by tart citrus and coriander.
Brasserie du Mont-Blanc, created in 1999, is dedicated to the quality and authenticity of its beers. Its know-how has now been recognised.
LA ROUSSE
Here’s what the judges thought:
MEILLEU R E
BIEREusing BLANCHE water from the Brewed A U M ONDE glaciers of Mont Blanc, MontBlanc’s La Blanche is the fruit of the marriage between barley and wheat malts, aromatic hops, seasoned with a bouquet of spices dominated by coriander and Curacao orange peel. BIERE BLANCHE A U M ONDE
LA BLANCHE
WORLD’S BEST WHEAT BEER
As for Mont-Blanc’s La Blanche, top fermentation and prolonged maturation are key stages in brewing MontBlanc’s La Rousse. Mont-Blanc’s Rousse is a beer of contrasts: full-bodied and malty at first, followed by delectable caramel and roasted almond notes, and a fruity finish. Mont-Blanc’s La Rousse can be enjoyed as a cocktail with cold cuts or during meals with roast meats or even smoked fish.
Here’s what the judges thought:
CONFIRMATION OF EXCELLENCE: LA ROUSSE - GOLD MEDAL - CGA* 2016 The Concours General Agricole* (General Agricultural Competition) has been selecting and awarding the best French products and animal breeders since 1870. In 2016, this event remains a showcase to highlight French-style exceptional products. Organized under state control, it follows a rigorous process from judging to the final selection. Moreover, the Concours General Agricole is known for its impartiality and the value of its results. La Rousse has just been awarded the CGA 2016 Gold Medal in the amber beer high fermentation category. An award that confirms the excellence of La Rousse, already elected 2014 world champion in the Global Craft Beer awards and in the 2011 World Beer Awards. Awards is one of two reference global competitions in the beer world. * Concours General Agricole (General Agricultural Competition)
REBIRTH
THE INGREDIENTS
A human adventure
Of an unique beer
Sylvain Chiron has entrepreneurship in his DNA, as the fifth generation of a Savoy family that developed the 2nd French pasta company in the heart of the alps. When studying in the United States, Sylvain was surprised by the popularity of micro-breweries. Upon his return to France, he decided to explore fermented beverages in greater depth. Chance led him and two partners to buy the distilling activity of the Aiguebelle Cistercian abbey, in south-eastern France. For three years, he restored Eyguebelle syrups and liqueurs to their former glory.
THE ALPS AND BEER
It was during that time that the idea of creating a Trappist beer was being tossed about, but the community preferred to dedicate itself to spirituality. However, the Father Abbot opened the doors of a Trappist monastery in Belgium to Sylvain where he could learn the art of brewing and the production secrets on which his products’ future success would depend.
In the late 19th century, eight breweries were operating in the heart of the French Alps, attracted by the quality of the water for production, and the proximity of the glaciers for ice supply to cool fermentation tank.
Assisted by one of Belgium’s finest brewers and his friend “Panoramix”, master distiller at Eyguebelle, Sylvain created the first recipes for Mont-Blanc beer. When searching for a source of pure water suitable for making a high-quality beer, he rediscovered an old forgotten brand in his native Savoy: “Bières du Mont-Blanc”. When hiking in the Houches, he discovered the Enchapleuze spring at an altitude of 2 074m, beneath the Aiguille du Goûter. Later, following thorough analyses, he decided that this spring water would form the base for his beers.
The first brewery was established in 1821 in Sallanches. Mr. Rabenak had a single employee, selling 6 500 litres per year. In 1861, Mr. Essig, director of a Bavarian brewery in Lausanne, set up a brewery in town on either side of Avenue de la Gare. The business was sold in 1875 to chocolatier Antoine Pissard, then to Mr. Challamel in 1890, in association with Brasserie Saint Jean in Geneva. In 1902, the company’s name was changed to “Challamel, Boucharge and Viard”, before becoming “Bière du Mont-Blanc” in 1911. During the summer, Brasserie du Mont-Blanc produced over 4 000 hectolitres of fermented beverages, compared with 150 hectolitres during the autumn. The cellar, with its glass-lined tanks was kept at 0°C using ice from the pond on the banks of the Arve River. When the winters weren’t cold enough, the brewers collected ice from the base of the Bionnassay or Bossons Glacier. Some 40 brewers worked there. The Brewery ceased operation in 1966. However, that was before the arrival of a determined and passionate Savoyard: Sylvain Chiron. In 1999, he revived “Bière du Mont-Blanc”.
HISTORY REBORN In 1999, Brasserie du Mont-Blanc was established in Motte Servolex, the heart of the Savoy region, producing “bières du Mont-Blanc”, authentic beers, beers with character, highquality beers, specialty beers brewed using the water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc.
Brasserie du Mont-Blanc beers are brewed using exceptional water, from the glaciers of Mont-Blanc. The water is taken from a spring at 2 074 m on the very slopes of Mont-Blanc. Filtered by moraine sand and gravel, this exceptionally pure water is one of the reasons for the success of these exceptional beers.
HISTORY OF BRASSERIE DU MONT-BLANC
Top fermentation (around 25°C) is preferred to bottom fermentation. Although difficult to implement, the rich aromas developed in top fermentation are worth it. Lots of time is needed to create a beer of such quality. Unlike industrial breweries, the beers are aged for over four weeks. This maturation stage is key for ripening, developing delicate and subtle aromas and arriving at a perfect balance.
Exclusive recipes were created using the finest selected ingredients (water, malts, hops, spices). At every stage of production, the master brewers follow these recipes to the letter while taking all the time needed.
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS BREWING Water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc + malt + hops + spices. Wort = the result of the recipe obtained through incremental heating
FERMENTATION Wort cooled to around 25°C + yeasts = alcohol, carbon dioxide and rich aromas
COLD AGING Rest period for maturation and ripening
PACKAGING 33 cl and 75 cl bottle 20 L and 30 L barrels 5 L mini barrels
THE BREWERY
Today Beer consumption is changing with demand turning away from quantity in favour of quality. What’s more, the local foods trend is growing. The desire to eat local French foods works in favour of French independent breweries. So, beer lovers increasingly demand products with soul that stand out for their different flavours. In 2013, at the age of 40, Sylvain Chiron was thinking big. To meet growing demand for specialty beers, he decided to take the plunge, investing €6 million in brand-new, state-of-the-art plant. Beer is now produced in 100 hl batches. With its capacity of 6 000 bottles/hour, the new bottling line keeps pace with production. In 2014, a new barrel filling line was opened. In 2015 the fermentation, filtration, labelling and barrelling capacities were improved for a total of around €1.5 M.
In 2016, the brewery continues to invest to keep up with the growing production needs. The changeover to brewing in 2 X 8-hour shifts is essential. The fermentation and barrelling capacities will be increased. During the summer, we will be able to count on 4 fermentation tanks in addition to a 400hl capacity to meet the increased demand and allow the beers to mature. At the end of the line, in order to keep pace with the production rate, an automatic palletizer will be installed this summer. In total, an investment of about €1,5 M. At the same time, quality, security and protecting the environment are an integral part of our product process. This modernisation goes hand in hand with a logic of sustainable development. This new tool will maintain the required level of quality while reducing energy and water consumption upstream, and effluents downstream. In addition, a systematic analysis of the effluents is performed to ensure their environmental compliance to protect nature and preserve the water quality of the nearby Lake Bourget.
Solidly rooted in its region and its land, Brasserie du Mont-Blanc is working to develop malt and hops production locally in partnership with the regional food and agriculture authority (Direction Régionale de l’Alimentation de l’Agriculture – DRAF). The brewery is growing strongly, creating new jobs. The Brasserie du Mont-Blanc is rapidly growing and also expanding it’s teams. From 6 employees at the old brewery, to 20 employees in 2016. At the same time, the brewery is developing its ontap offer in order to meet demand from the bar and restaurant market. Already sold in local stores and during beer events at major supermarkets country wide, Brasserie du Mont-Blanc continues to develop nationally. La Brasserie du Mont-Blanc is working to continue its growth on exports, which already represent 15% of sales. Mont-Blanc beers are now enjoyed in over 22 countries around the world. Finland, Brazil, Taiwan, Japan, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, England, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Norway, USA, Hong Kong, Chile, China, Israel and Thailand.
BRASSERIE DU MONT-BLANC IN NUMBERS
REFRESHING
5% Norway Sweden Denmark Finland England
FLAVOURED NOVELTY
65%
EXPORT
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Belgium Germany Switzerland Italy Spain Israel
in three years
Japan China Hong kong Taiwan Australia New Zealand Thaïlande
15%
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CAFÉ HOTEL RESTAURANT
Chile Brazil
EXPORTS TO 23 COUNTRIES
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Canada USA
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MASS RETAIL
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2015 : - €5 M - 25 000 HECTOLITRES - 15 EMPLOYEES
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THE BEERS REFRESHING
La Cristal REFRESHING ICE BLOND BEER | 4,7% vol. RECIPE
Association of very lightly kilned malts with exceptional hops known for its mellow and slightly spicy aroma: SAAZ
KNOW-HOW
PLEASURE
Top fermentation To develop subtle aromas
Refreshing light beer
Long aging For a perfect balance Upstream of filtration, “ICE”: slow cryo-decantation at extremely low temperature For lightness
A top-fermented pilsner All the aroma of top fermentation Lightness and refreshing quality from cryo-decantation Refreshing beer to be served at 3°C Tasting tip: Brasserie du Mont-Blanc pilsner glass
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Available packaging: 30 l barrel
P R E M I U M S P E C I A LT Y B E E R S
La Blonde PURE MALT SPECIALTY BEER | 5,8% vol. RECIPE
KNOW-HOW
Pure water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc
Pure malt specialty beer
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Delicately kilned pure barley malt The master brewer’s selection: Premium quality barley Malt from a selected origin
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Unique combination of three aromatic hops
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bouquet of liquorice spices
PLEASURE
Top fermentation To develop subtle aromas Long aging For a perfect balance
Rich, full-bodied, with balanced bitterness Floral, fruity and spicy spirit Malty at first with full body ending with a touch of liquorice Pure pleasure to be enjoyed at 5°C Tasting tip: Brasserie du Mont-Blanc balloon glass
Available packaging: 33cl - 75cl 5 l mini barrel - 30 l barrel
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THE BEERS P R E M I U M S P E C I A LT Y B E E R S
N O V E LT Y B E E R S
La Blanche
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WORLD’S BEST PALE ALE AMBER
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Pure water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc
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Belgian style white beer: combination of barley malt and wheat malts
Curacao orange Aromatic and delicately bitter
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Bouquet of spices with a coriander note
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WORLD’S BEST WHEAT BEER
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La Verte
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GENEPI GREEN BEER | 5,9% vol.
PLEASURE
RECIPE
An elegant white beer where delicate notes of wheat follow tart citrus and coriander notes For something special: Serve half then shake before serving the other half Available packaging: 33cl - 75cl - 20 l barrel
Tasting tip: Brasserie du Mont-Blanc pilsner glass
P R E M I U M S P E C I A LT Y B E E R S
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WORLD’S BEST WHEAT BEER
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BIERE BLANCHE A U MO N D E
PLEASURE
Pure water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc
Intense amber beer intense with three malts
Combination of precisely kilned barley, wheat and oat malts
Top fermentation To develop subtle aromas
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Long aging For a perfect balance
A beer full of contrasts: The first impression is full bodied and malty, followed by sweeter notes of caramel and roast almonds with a fruity finish
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PURE MALT SPECIALTY BEER | 6,5% vol.
Association of several hops including Strisselpalt from Alsace with floral and highly aromatic notes.
Craftmanship Combining the specificities of the brewer’s and the flavourist-liqueur maker’s trades.
genepi alcoholate and a maceration of genepi and other aromatic plants
A secret art of blending two bitter notes and create a delicious mix.
The impossible blending of two very bitter notes And the result is a perfect balance between alcohol, acidity, powerful aroma and sugar Fine and light The Alps’ finest in your glass! Original and attractive “Often imitated, but never equalled!” Enjoy at 3°C. Tasting tip: Brasserie du Mont-Blanc pilsner glass
Available packaging: 33cl - 75cl 20 l barrel
N O V E LT Y B E E R S
La Rousse The master brewer’s selection: Premium quality barley Malt from a selected origin
an original creation combining: beer made with pure water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc
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Deliciousness to be enjoyed at 4°C
Unfiltered To protect its full flavours and textures and natural cloud
PLEASURE Genepi lager beer
Elegant, combining a delicate sparkle and tart freshness with a unique Curacao orange fruitiness
Long aging For a perfect balance
RECIPE
KNOW-HOW
Refreshing light white beer
Top fermentation To develop subtle aromas
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WORLD’S BEST PALE WORLD’S ALE AMBERBEST WHEAT BEER
KNOW-HOW
Unique combination of two hops chosen for their unique aromas:
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BIERE AMBREE
AU MOND E LIGHT REFRESHING WHITE BEER | 4,7% vol.
RECIPE
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A jealously kept secret bouquet of spices
Tasting tip: Brasserie du Mont-Blanc balloon glass
VIOLET-CRANBERRY BEER | 4,7% vol. RECIPE
KNOW-HOW
PLEASURE Violet lager beer
An original creation combining: Beer made with pure water from the glaciers of Mont Blanc
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JFruit juice and concentrate Alcoholic flower extracts
“Mont-Blanc’s La Rousse, an iron fist in a velvet glove” Pure pleasure to be enjoyed at 5°C / 6°C
La Violette
Available packaging: 33cl - 75cl 20 l barrel
Delicate, light Travail subtil associant les spécificités des métiers du brasseur et de l’aromaticien
The berries express themselves fully at first, then the violet subtly completes the first notes. A dash of vanilla in the finish Enjoy at 3°C Tasting tip: Brasserie du Mont-Blanc pilsner glass
Available packaging:33cl 75cl april oct.
Brasserie du Mont-Blanc 128, rue René Cassin 73 290 La Motte Servolex Tél. 04 79 62 23 99 Brewery contact: info@brasserie-montblanc.com
Crédit photos : laurent-madelon.com, Bière magazine (visuel page 2).
MUCH MORE… www.brasserie-montblanc.com