La Fée Maltée takes up residence in Echallens

Microbrewery Fridays - Max Moeschler

Active for several years now, the Fée Maltée brewery is moving up a gear in its new premises, located in the La Clopette industrial zone in Echallens. Here's a look back at the inauguration of a promising newcomer.

It was in Yvonand that Yannick Scherrer and Patrick Schuler, long-time friends and beer enthusiasts, began brewing their own beer in Yannick's bathroom. Their first vintage, a pale ale, was a big hit with their friends. The machine was off to a flying start, and the local soccer club and regional bars were quick to place orders.

The need for new, more spacious premises dedicated entirely to brewing soon became apparent. This has now been done in Echallens, where La Fée Maltée has added to an already well-stocked brewing scene in the Vaud region. However, the two partners are not worried about the competition: «Beer lovers like us are curious and always on the lookout for something new, so there's still room for newcomers,» says Yannick Scherrer.

The premises, now capable of producing two to three hundred liters a week, were inaugurated on April 6. This is an opportunity to taste the beers produced by the brewery. There are five of them, each with its own distinctive character, in keeping with the two brewers' commitment to quality over quantity, who take particular care with their product, from the choice of malts to bottling, even if the process takes longer.

Tasting is done in a precise order, to create a crescendo of bitterness and highlight each of the flavors. The white oat, first on the list, seduces with its freshness and surprises with a welcome slightly acidic finish.

Visit pale ale ambrée brings out the best in the two classics from which it is derived: the woody, caramelized flavors of ambrée blend perfectly with the fresh, hoppy attack of pale ale.

This is followed by Hop Blonde, a refreshing blonde ale with a clean bitterness that comes through on the finish.

The creator's pet peeve, triple blonde does justice to its big Belgian sisters: roundness, strength, powerful and diverse aromas; the balance is perfect.

Finally, the tasting ends with a powerful indian pale ale, which seduces with its avalanche of bitterness immediately followed by rich pine and fruit flavors, and augurs very fine things for the Echallens fairy.

Write to the author: max.moeschler@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: ©️ La Fée Maltée