About Us

How are the MontreAlers organized?

Since the beginning, the Alers have been a loose affiliation of people who shared a passion for the hobby. As the group grew too large to handle on an informal basis it was decided to organize as a non-profit organization. In early May 2011, the club held its first Annual General Meeting where officers were elected and the club’s constitution and by-laws were adopted. 

How large is the organization?

There are currently over 260 card-carrying members. 

What are the long-term goals of the club?

The club aims to build the hobby in various ways. This includes making it easier for new brewers to get into the hobby. Sharing ideas and knowledge about techniques, recipes, brewery rig design. Holding competitions, both a large annual open competition and more frequent club-only competitions. Ideally we would love to make a more diverse range of beer more accessible to the public by helping to lobby the government to change certain laws regarding the importation and sale of beer in the province.

What is the cost of membership?

The fee to join the MontreAlers is currently set at $25 per year.

What does membership get me?

Membership puts you in support of an organization whose goal it is to pursue and advance the hobby of homebrewing in the Montreal area.You also get:

• Access to monthly meetings to taste beers, discuss techniques, and share information
• Access to Members-Only mailing list
• Access to Member-Only events for FREE (unless otherwise stated)
• Discounts at our club sponsors
• …and much more!

 

How do I join?

We recommend the following:

1. Join the mailing list and introduce yourself – it’s FREE!
2. Like our Facebook page – it’s FREE!
3. Ready to become a member? Great!

   BUY YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE!

How do I join the discussion group?

Follow this link to sign up.Once you are signed up, please introduce yourself to the list by telling everyone a bit about yourself and your background in brewing.

When do you hold meetings?

Monthly tasting meetings are generally held during the second week of every month. There are also other meetings scattered about the year such as large social-type events, big brews and also our Annual General Meeting to discuss club business and elect our executive for the next year. 

What happens at meetings?

The monthly tasting meetings usually involve getting together at the home of one of our members. We sample, critique and discuss each other’s beers and talk about anything and everything related to homebrewing. 

Who is invited to monthly meetings?

Monthly meetings are planned and held by individual members. Usually announced on the mailing list, they will decide the format of the meeting(tasting/social) and where it will be held. The individual member will also decide the size of the meeting and whether it is open to only club members or if non-members are allowed. 

What about more casual meetings?

Members often meet informally at Montreal-area brewpubs and welcome anyone who wants to talk beer and get involved with the club. Usually these instances are organized through the mailing list.