Brasserie artisanale Gallicus, Ottawa Travel Guide

Brasserie Artisanale Gallicus opened its doors in 2019 in the quiet industrial area of Aylmer, Gatineau, Quebec. Founded by French-born brewer Samy Missaoui, who honed his skills in La Rochelle after years of homebrewing, the brasserie quickly gained a reputation for bold innovation. Hidden away at 670 Rue Auguste Mondoux #4, it invites visitors to a cozy tasting room where the aroma of fermenting grains and fresh hops welcomes you.

The brewery specializes in a diverse lineup, with a strong emphasis on IPAs, saisons, and mixed-fermentation beers. Standouts include hazy New England IPAs, sour IPAs with Lactobacillus and kveik yeast, farmhouse ales with Quebec rye and wheat, and fruited sours bursting with raspberry or guava. Barrel-aging adds complexity: pilsners matured in local gin fûts bring floral notes of juniper and kombu seaweed from the St. Lawrence. Imperial stouts with Brazilian coffee or carrot cake pastry styles showcase creativity. Many beers use 100% local ingredients sourced within 100 km, celebrating Outaouais terroir.

The intimate salon de dégustation reopened in 2024, offering a warm, industrial-chic space perfect for sampling flights or purchasing cans and bottles. Friendly staff guide you through the menu, highlighting seasonal and collaborative brews like those with Microbrasserie 5e Baron or À la Dérive. Prices remain reasonable for the quality, making it accessible for casual visits or deeper explorations.

Gallicus pushes boundaries with brettanomyces fermentations and barrel assemblages, where each fût imparts unique flavors from prior spirits like gin, bourbon, or wine. Weekend events such as Sauna & Bière combine icy barrel dips with wood-fired saunas for a refreshing twist. Part of Gatineau's thriving craft scene, it pairs well with nearby microbreweries and festivals like Festibière.

Open select afternoons and evenings from Thursday to Saturday, it's ideal for after-work unwinding or weekend outings. The location fosters a relaxed vibe for beer enthusiasts, friends, or families seeking local flavors in Quebec's Outaouais region.