Vaudreuil-Dorion's Microbrasserie 3 Lacs continues to put the region on the map. Most recently, the company saw one of its beers, La Juicy, win the title of Best Pale Ale at the international World Drinks Awards competition.

Read also: 

Microbrasserie 3 Lacs continues its commitment to a regional cause

The local beer made its way into the top 10 beers in the world, taking top honors in as many categories. Only one other beer produced in Canada by Toronto's Amsterdam Brewing made it into the prestigious list.

This is the first time a beer from Microbrasserie 3 Lacs has made it this far in the competition. "We take part every year. Last year, we won medals to determine the best beers in Canada. This year, we've gone even further," says Michel Chen, co-owner of the company and his two partners.

For the uninitiated, the World Drinks Awards are global awards selecting the best beverages in all internationally recognized beverage styles. 

Presented by TheDrinksReport.com, the world's leading online resource for beverage professionals, the World Drinks Awards select, reward and promote the world's best beverages to consumers and trade worldwide.

The result is obviously a source of delight for the trio of co-owners at the helm of the Aimé-Vincent company.  

"It's nice to know that a beer produced here in Vaudreuil-Dorion is in the top 10 of the best in the world. Two of the company's three co-owners also live in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, so there are definitely local touches and flavors in the winning beer. We're very proud that it has managed to win over the international market," notes Michel Chen.  

A major competition

To take part in this competition, companies have to go through several stages.

It's a long process, starting with the entry of beers in the ten main categories. These include several sub-categories related to the main theme. Then, for each country, the winners in each sub-category and category are determined by awarding gold, silver and bronze medals. 

"The beers that win the gold medal move on to the next stage, representing the country in their respective sub-categories. This involves sending the winning beers to London for a blind tasting between all the countries. Following this stage, the overall winners are determined in each of the ten categories," he explains.

Juicy, an award-winning beer despite difficult beginnings

On its website, Microbrasserie 3 Lacs describes La Juicy, the award-winning beer, as follows:

A racy, slightly spicy blonde ale, the result of a skilful blend of American hops and rye. Aromatic and fruity, its very pleasant texture and low bitterness make it the beer of choice to accompany spicy foods.

Interestingly, when Juicy was launched on the market, distribution was difficult, and the brew did not enjoy the success expected of other beers from Microbrasserie 3 Lacs. So much so that Mr. Chen and his associates almost withdrew it from the market.

"We decided to keep it because it tastes really good. We also removed the word rye from the label and sales started to pick up. In the end, it's this beer that's now in the top 10 in the world," he shares.

A certificate attesting to its new status also accompanied the winning beer in the competition's Best Pale Ale category.