Beer tasting at La Mine Brewery in Bex

Brasserie La Mine welcomed us for a tasting of craft beers brewed on site, thanks to the expertise of a team of enthusiasts. Before that, we were treated to an informative tour of the brewery, during which our guide Michael explained the different stages of brewing, punctuated with numerous anecdotes. After the tasting, we finished off in style with an excellent burger on site! A convivial and gourmet activity to be enjoyed all year round.

A visit to La Mine Brewery: a story of passionate people!

La Mine Brewery is easy to get to, just a few hundred metres from Bex station – handy for enjoying the experience to the full without worrying about travel.

Upon our arrival, Michael welcomes us with a big smile and serves us a cold, light lager: the much-loved Minimale. After this warm welcome drink, he opens the doors to the workshop where seven beers are produced, including a seasonal special.

Originally, the collective brewed small quantities: just enough to meet the personal consumption needs of its members. Gradually, their beers gained popularity at local events, prompting the group of friends to professionalise in order to meet growing demand. Today, the brewery has nearly 290 members and a large, modern production facility.

Discover the brewer's expertise

Michael has a gift for sharing, and his enthusiasm is contagious. He tells us lots of anecdotes about their beers and their experiments – some more successful than others! He passionately conveys his love for his craft.

We learn that, in his opinion, the exceptional quality of the spring water in Bex contributes greatly to the delicate taste of their beers.

During the tour, we taste different types of malt at various stages of roasting. Michael explains that this influences the aromas, adding more or less caramelised notes. For example, Carmine, an excellent Irish Red Ale, is distinguished by its fairly pronounced caramel flavours. The same applies to the choice of hops, which can give the beer a more mineral, bitter or fruity profile.

We then discover the stages of the brewing process and observe the impressive 2,000- or 4,000-litre vats. It's a real work of art, resulting in delicious craft beers, which we have the pleasure of tasting during the second part of the activity.

It's time for the tasting... followed by a delicious meal!

After the tour, we head to the adjoining restaurant for the tasting. Michael gives us four different beers to try, and with the help of a description, we have to guess which one we're tasting.

This fun approach encourages discussion and allows everyone to express their impressions of the flavours and aromas. Well, we have to admit that we're not necessarily experts in this field!

The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere that is just as pleasant during the day as it is in the evening. We decided to prolong the experience by ordering (at an additional cost) the three-course menu: salad, burger and dessert of the day. A real discovery... and an excellent moment of sharing!