The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour

REVIEW · MONTREAL

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour

  • 5.071 reviews
  • 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $82.61
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Operated by City Brew Tours Montreal · Bookable on Viator

Beer plus a plan, in just 3.5 hours. This is the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour, a guided mini-crawl with round-trip transfers and plenty of tasting time, not a wander-around-and-hope situation. You’ll hit three breweries, get samples, and add a food stop that turns it from beer-only to a more complete afternoon.

I like that the tour keeps things social but manageable, with a max of 14 people and a guide who helps you connect the pours to Montreal’s drink culture. I also like the variety: you’re not stuck with one style, and the snack breaks actually make the tastings feel easy to handle. The main drawback to weigh is timing: at each stop you have a set window, so it can feel a bit rushed if you want to linger.

Key points at a glance

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - Key points at a glance

  • Three focused brewery stops with tasting included, plus snacks
  • Small group size (max 14), so the guide can keep conversations going
  • Air-conditioned minivan and pickup/drop-off from the same meeting point area
  • Guider-led beer talk that helps you understand what you’re tasting, not just drink it
  • Flexibility on stop 1 (4 Origines can be swapped for Espace public on some dates)

Why this tour works so well in Montreal

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - Why this tour works so well in Montreal
Montreal is serious about beer, but it’s also a city that rewards good planning. This tour gives you structure without making you feel locked in. You get transported between key stops, you taste a mix of beers, and you learn how Montreal’s microbrew scene fits together.

The setup is also friendly if you’re traveling with friends. You can compare notes, swap beers, and still keep the day moving. And because you’re taking a van, you don’t have to think about driving once the samples start.

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Price and what you’re really paying for

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - Price and what you’re really paying for
At $82.61 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, this isn’t the cheapest beer outing in Montreal. But it’s also not just a couple tastings and a tour brochure.

What you’re paying for is the full package:

  • pickup and drop-off from the meeting point
  • transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • a local guide to connect the dots between breweries and styles
  • snacks and alcoholic beverages
  • drink samples at each brewery

When the cost includes transport, tasting, and guided time, it tends to be good value—especially if you’d otherwise spend money on taxis plus entry fees plus separate reservations. If you’re the type who loves learning by taste, the price starts to feel like it’s doing its job.

The schedule: how 3.5 hours stays fun instead of chaotic

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - The schedule: how 3.5 hours stays fun instead of chaotic
This tour is built around three main brewery stops, each with a set time window:

  • Stop 1: around 40 minutes
  • Stop 2: around 45 minutes
  • Stop 3: around 40 minutes

That structure is the trade-off. It keeps the day efficient and gets you to multiple places without wasting time. But it can also feel quick—especially if one brewery hits your favorite style and you want a slower pace.

A couple of practical notes:

  • You’ll likely start or finish with Messorem, depending on the day.
  • You’ll taste multiple samples at each stop, so pace matters. Eat what you can at snack breaks.
  • If you care a lot about choosing every pour yourself, you might want to set expectations. Some guests found the selections weren’t fully customizable.

Stop 1: 4 Origines in Pointe-Saint-Charles (sometimes Espace public)

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - Stop 1: 4 Origines in Pointe-Saint-Charles (sometimes Espace public)
Your first stop is 4 Origines – Microbrasserie in Pointe-Saint-Charles, or on some dates it can be replaced by Espace public. Either way, this early stop matters because it sets your baseline for what the rest of the tour will feel like.

Why I like this start: it’s a good way to get oriented fast. You’ll spend enough time to try several beers, and the guide’s explanations help you notice differences in style, yeast character, or brewing choices without needing a beer encyclopedia.

What to watch for: if you’re hoping to visit a specific venue no matter what, confirm the exact stop for your date. The tour notes that the swap depends on the date, so don’t plan your day around a single address in your head.

Stop 2: Benelux in Verdun for a brewhouse look and snack

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - Stop 2: Benelux in Verdun for a brewhouse look and snack
Next up is BENELUX – Brasserie Artisanale / Pub Wellington, in Verdun. This stop is designed to go beyond just pouring and sipping. You’ll get to visit the brewhouse and then enjoy a snack.

This is the stop that often feels the most like a full brewery experience: you’re seeing the setup, not just the taps. And the food part makes a difference. In the tastings-heavy world of brewery tours, a good snack can keep the afternoon enjoyable rather than numbing your palate.

One detail I’d flag from the vibe of the tour: people really liked the snack here—some mentioned a pretzel and mustard. That’s the kind of simple pairing that works well with beer styles, especially when you’re hopping between different flavors.

Possible drawback: you’re still on a timed visit. If you want to wander slowly inside, this stop may feel like you’re moving to the next activity before you’re ready.

Stop 3: Messorem as the finish or the opener

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - Stop 3: Messorem as the finish or the opener
Messorem is often treated as a highlight. It’s currently rated among the best breweries in Montreal, and you’ll typically find it scheduled as either the first or final stop.

If it lands as the last stop, it’s a smart closer. By then, you’ve learned what you like, so you can focus your attention on the styles that match your taste. One review detail that stuck with me: guests talked about a final pour that included a beer smoothie. That’s the kind of creative twist that makes the last stop memorable.

If Messorem lands as the opener, you’ll start with a strong impression. Either way, the guide helps you understand what makes the place stand out, and that turns the visit from simply tasting to actually noticing.

Consideration: because it’s either the start or the finish, your favorite moment may depend on timing. If you’re someone who gets tired after several tastings, being finished here might feel better than being at the beginning.

The guide and the group size: why it feels social, not stiff

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - The guide and the group size: why it feels social, not stiff
This tour runs with a local guide and a driver/guide, and the group max is 14 travelers. That small size shows up in how the day flows. You aren’t stuck waiting in line for answers, and you can actually hear what your guide is saying about brewing choices and Montreal’s beer scene.

I also noticed a pattern in the guides’ impact. Names like Violet, Jade, Sara, Kat, and Rosemarie came up for making the experience fun and engaging. People described the guides as upbeat and helpful, and they used the tastings as teaching moments—so you leave knowing a bit more about what you just drank.

My practical takeaway for you: if you ask simple questions—what style you’re tasting, what pairing works, why a beer tastes like it does—the guide can usually turn the moment into something useful.

What you’ll actually do at each brewery

The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour - What you’ll actually do at each brewery
Even though the breweries differ, the tour rhythm is consistent:

  • You arrive with the group and get a short reset.
  • You taste several samples per stop.
  • You get snacks to balance the alcohol and help your palate reset.
  • You hear context tied to Montreal brewing culture.

The “tastings plus snack” formula is key. It means you can enjoy the variety without feeling like you’re just rushing through alcohol checkmarks. And because it’s guided, you’re not guessing what you’re supposed to notice.

Picking the right day and how to show up

A brewery tour is easiest when you treat it like a casual afternoon, not a marathon. Here are the kinds of things that matter based on how this one runs.

Eat before you go. The tour includes snacks, but you’ll enjoy it more if you start with a full-ish stomach.

Be ready to drink alcohol samples responsibly. The minimum age is 18, and alcoholic beverages are part of the experience. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, go slow and keep sipping water between tastings.

Plan for short stops. Even with three locations, each one is timeboxed. If you’re the type who wants a long chat with every brewer, you may find it a touch fast.

Dietary needs: the tour asks you to advise specific dietary requirements at booking. If you have restrictions (vegetarian, allergies, or similar), send the details early so the snack plan has a chance to work for you.

Where this tour fits best (and where it might not)

This is a great fit if you want:

  • a day-time activity that’s fun and structured
  • to try multiple breweries without planning logistics
  • a guided explanation so your tastings feel meaningful
  • a group vibe that still feels friendly with a max of 14 people

It’s a slightly weaker fit if you’re expecting:

  • a long, slow brewery “hangout” where you can browse and take your time
  • a tour that focuses on neighborhoods far from the center for sightseeing alone

Some guests felt the day didn’t include as much sightseeing beyond the brewery route, so if your priority is street scenes and local landmarks, you might pair this with another Montreal walk.

Practical logistics that keep your day smooth

The tour starts and ends back at the same meeting point: 1717 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC H2L 4E9. It’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re building your day around metro access.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. Confirmation is typically received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

And yes, there’s a real chance you’ll meet new people. With a small group and multiple tasting moments, conversation comes naturally.

Should you book the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour?

If you’re choosing between a DIY beer day and a guided format, I’d lean toward booking this one—especially if you want tastings, transport, and a guide who can explain what you’re sampling. The value is strongest when you factor in the minivan pickup/drop-off plus snacks plus guided time.

I’d hold off if you know you hate timed visits or you want to fully customize every beer pour. Also, if your dream Montreal day is more about street-level exploring than beer-focused route stops, you may want to add a separate neighborhood plan.

For most people who like beer culture and want an easy, social afternoon, this tour is an excellent use of time in Montreal.

FAQ

How much does the Sip of Montreal Brew Tour cost?

It costs $82.61 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 1717 Rue Berri, Montréal, QC H2L 4E9. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Which breweries are included?

The stops include 4 Origines (in Pointe-Saint-Charles), BENELUX (in Verdun), and Messorem. Stop 1 can be replaced by Espace public depending on the date.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included, along with transport by an air-conditioned minivan.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic beverages, plus beverage tastings and snacks.

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age is 18.

Is tipping included?

No. Tips for the guide are not included.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

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