La Collégiale, a brewery that packs a punch

Microbrewery Fridays - Jonas Follonier

It's one of those secret, intimate factories that, hidden in the basements of an old building, conceal unsuspected flavors reserved for just a few customers. La Collégiale brewery, in the heart of Neuchâtel's old town, offers beers with strong emotions. That's the little discovery we're proposing this week. week.

Created in 2016, the Neuchâtel microbrewery La Collégiale is the business of two enthusiasts. Active in the watchmaking industry, the two friends embarked on this adventure out of passion. They don't expect to make a profit, except on a human level. The name «La Collégiale» already indicates this: «It refers, of course, to the old town of Neuchâtel and its Collegiate Church, which form the setting for our brewery, but above all it's the idea of a collegiality around beer», explains Josquin Thiaudière, who is at the head of the project.

La Collégiale beers are best enjoyed in small groups. Although they are sold in town at the «Au grain d'orge» store, the «Suky-lounge» and the botanical garden, the brewery's work lies not in increasing sales, but in finding new tastes. The initial idea was to present a different beer every month - the same rhythm as a monthly magazine such as Le Regard Libre, in short. The aim? To provide customers with as many different experiences as possible,« says Josquin.

Some variants are more appealing to a particular customer, others less so. Nevertheless, five La Collégiale recipes have emerged as firm favorites. First and foremost is «3 céréales», a triple blonde ale with an alcohol content of 7.5%, which won the gold medal at the 2017 Swiss Beer Awards. Another strong blonde, «Hogdson», releases exotic fruit notes on the palate. Adding to the list are two brown beers, «Les Flandres» and «La Straffe», with chocolate flavors, made Belgian-style. The latter, at no less than... 12%, is our interlocutor's favorite. Last but not least, «A.A.A» is inspired by American beers, with a citrusy, sweet taste.

A variety of manufacturing methods, imported from Belgium, the United States and Germany. The ingredients, also varied, highlight local resources. But above all, La Collégiale follows a credo that's risky to say the least: the absence of compromise. «We like to aim for beers with strong characters, even experimental, acidic beers. So, logically, this is reflected in the alcohol content. »For a beer to be full-flavored, it must in principle be full of malt, and therefore alcohol.«

Education is La Collégiale's second motivation. Even if they don't consider themselves experts, the two Neuchâtel-based brewers are aware that customers are keen to discover and acquire knowledge in the field. All in an atmosphere of sharing and conviviality. The learning process starts with tasting. So, if you're visiting Neuchâtel, you know what to do. As Rabelais wrote in The Very Horrific Life of the Great Gargantua, icelluy ouvrans en certain lieu, signé, au dessus, d'un goubelet à l'entourant est escriptoit en lettres Ethrusques: HIC BIBITUR.« Here, you have to drink.

Write to the author : jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Brasserie La Collégiale