What to get in while in Quebec?

[RonJames]

Hey guys I was wondering if anybody had any recomendations on what to get and where to get it for Quebec? I'll be driving up there from Vermont so the duty free is an option. Im still a little timid about bringing back any HC, but I was thinking making Appletons Master Blenders Legacy. Hey, its french canadian so its gotta have a good agricole selection right? Probably not but I can keep wishing. Any advice would help.cheers.gif

[Rum Runner Imports]

www.saq.com search from "Rhum" -- Rum turns up all sorts of wines and other bottles for some reason.

There is an English language buttom at the top of the page, but I didn't find that it changed much on the site. Good luck.

[Vanpatt]

Search by category and select rhum and you'll see all they have to offer for rum's and rhum's. They have a quite a few rhum's we can't get out west like the Saint Jame's and La Favorite. I find on many sites if you do a general search of rum you'll get other spirits aged in rum casks and so on.

[RonJames]

Thanks guys, I knew I could count on the canadian connection here. I was very surprised by the agricoles and will have to give them a consideration. Finding good agricoles is always hit or miss.

[dom]

If you are looking for high end product, try this location : 677, rue Ste-Catherine Ouest. It's in downtown Montreal. You can find the Appleton MBL, old agricole pricy rum and other high end stuff there.

Elwere, you can find some SAQ Selection banner. They have a wider selection of average price stuff. La Favorite Coeur de Rhum is a very good agricole, but you won't find it everywere. You will find St-James almost everywere though.

I would recommend you the El Dorado 5yo, the Flor the Cana 7yo and Cockspur 12 yo (best quality/price options).

Don't count on the duty free shop, you will be dissapointed by the selection. They only carry Bacardi line, Capain Morgan line and Appleton V/X. The prices are much cheaper though.

Dom

[RonJames]

Thanks Dom, Im gonna be in quebec city this time around but Im gonna keep the montreal info. You never know when I'll be there. Im kind of leaning towards the appletons MBL for no other reason than I can't get it in the states. Of course if i do come across some good agricoles that could all change. :p Thanks for the tip, its much appreciated.

[Ben]

There is a SAQ Signature, same as Dom was telling about, in Quebec City; it is located at 2450, Laurier boulevard. You will find there stuff that isn't sold in other SAQ locations. If you can afford it, try the agricoles L'Arbre du Voyageur. Very pricy, but so good.

[RonJames]

I was actually trying to get some info about this rum but couldn't find any. Agricole from Martinique or guadalupe?

[Ben]

It seems to be a special rum produced by La Favorite, Martinique, as seen on this page:

http://www.chateautuilerie.com/nos_vins_rhums.php?langue=en&gamme=5&cuvee=11&page=1

The bottle is sold for over 150$ (there are actually 2 different productions available, 1998 and 2001). I had the occasion to taste it because it was served in an "auberge" (inn) for only 17$ a glass. It is a mistake, because the Havana Club 15 years, which was basically the same price at the time was selling for 45$ a glass. Here is the info for the inn:

http://www.aubergestantoine.com/

Their bar is called Cafe Artefact and has a spectacular rum selection (for Quebec). I don't know if they still has L'Arbre du Voyageur; I was there last November. The rum had a strong taste, but incredibly good.

[RonJames]

WOW, Ben I like your style, and I owe you one. That looks like a darn good place to catch a meal as well. I get rum, the misses gets an awesome dinner, and we both get to go to bed happy. Thanks for the info, I haven't even looked up the rum info yet but am overly happy with the bar. Thanks a ton.

[Ben]

In fact it has been voted best new restaurant last year in Canada. It is definitely on the pricey side, but it is quite an experience. By the way, if you take a package dinner-overnight stay-breakfast, you have a 20$ voucher (one drink) for the bar. That's how I got to taste l'Arbre du Voyageur.