Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

416: Derrick Robertson of BreWskey Narrows His Hop Palette to Explore the Variations Within Varietals

Jun 6, 2025
Derrick Robertson, cofounder of BreWskey in Montreal, brings a wealth of knowledge as a former process engineer. In this engaging discussion, he shares his innovative approach to brewing, highlighting the importance of experimentation with ingredients and methods. Derrick details how he adjusts BreWskey's beer program weekly, adapting to tourism trends. He dives into crafting unique styles like witbier and hazy IPAs, focusing on flavor balance without excessive haze. His insights into the evolving craft beer scene in Quebec and the challenges of brewing in a historic setting are captivating.
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ANECDOTE

Derrick's Engineering to Brewing Journey

  • Derrick Robertson transitioned from engineering to brewery ownership, applying his design skills to build BreWskey in an old Montreal landmark.
  • The brewery grew from contract brewing to owning a complex with multiple spaces and patios, blending historic charm with brewing innovation.
INSIGHT

Menu Shapes Brewing Decisions

  • BreWskey's beer menu evolves weekly, shaped by what sells and customer preferences, including shifting demands from tourists.
  • Derrick balances diversity by filling gaps in style and hop variety to keep the menu interesting and fresh for varied palates.
INSIGHT

Quebec's Color-Based Beer Styles

  • In Quebec, beers are often defined by color rather than yeast character or style, shaping local preferences.
  • Derrick prefers cleaner fermentations for witbier, substituting yeast-driven phenolic flavors with targeted ingredients like lime zest and pink peppercorns.
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