Le Tonneau Joyeux, the newcomer between the lakes

Microbrewery Fridays - Max Moeschler

With the return of the heatwave already forecast for next week, the quest for refreshing hops is becoming ever more pressing, and today takes us to Le Landeron to discover a promising newcomer: Brasserie du Tonneau Joyeux.

Like many others, Brasserie du Tonneau Joyeux was born of the shared passion of three friends, who began brewing beer in their kitchen. Self-taught brewers, they learned learn the art of brewing by exchanging ideas with other enthusiasts via forums, or by attending a brew day at the La Vouivre brewery in La Vouivre brewery in Cortaillod. The name of the brewery was inspired inspired by another passion shared by the three partners: life-size role-playing games. together under the name Compagnie des mercenaires du Tonneau. des mercenaires du Tonneau Joyeux.

Located in the industrial zone of Le Landeron, the brewery is brand new, having been completed in January of this year. Two beers are currently produced here: Bionde, a blond with a cloudy color and a generous head, is distinguished by its well-malted aromas and delicate acidity on the finish, making it the ideal beverage to quench your thirst in these summer months.

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Its name is a play on words coined following a setback encountered by its producers: the difficulty of acquiring the «organic» designation. Indeed, even if all the ingredients are organically grown, the official designation (and therefore the right to claim that the product is organic) is paid for by a fixed tax that is generally unaffordable for small producers, who often abandon their plans to switch to organic production.

Brasserie du Tonneau Joyeux's second nectar is none other than an IPA called L'Houbliée. A beer with a beautiful copper color and the fruity bitterness that characterizes this type of beer, it reveals a floral finish and an explosive hop flavor. Nonetheless, it's sure to please neophytes of the genre and other bitterness-shy types, as the bitterness remains relatively moderate, at least for an IPA.

Like Bionde, it has already charmed several regional restaurateurs. A third creation is also on the agenda: an Irish-inspired red ale, the details of which are still being kept secret by its creators. There's no doubt that this latest creation will add to an already promising range, and that Le tonneau joyeux will keep smiling as it continues on its merry way.

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