Although the Brasserie Artisanal des Albères in Argeles-sur-Mer has only existed since 1999, its foundation is derived from the long history of a brewers’ family. It was a small brewery in the Old Glaziery in Petite Rosselle en Moselle, founded in 1838 by Henry Koenig, and operational until about 1900, which stands at the beginning of the development. Grégor Engler, a descendant of Henry Koenig, re-activated the family’s brewing tradition in 1999 after 99 years by founding the new craft brewery in Argeles-sur-Mer, where he is producing an awesome range of interesting beers on a 10 hl brewing plant.
the brewery’s crest on the wall
When I was visiting the brewery on 30th April 2009, this happened again “en passant” on my way back from a longer business trip to Northern Spain. Located in Southern France, right behind the border with Spain, on the Mediterranean coast, the tiny craft brewery Brasserie Artisanal des Albères has been producing specialties in beer with an ingenuity that is second to none. Who else would think about the idea to flavor a beer with old French Muscat? Or, with a broad smile, to offer two different Christmas Beers still at the end of April?
the bottle shop
It was the late morning, when we drove on the courtyard of the brewery, and when I entered the small, but inviting retail shop, the nice young man behind the counter was happy to see an interested customer. But after a few seconds, it became clear: This will be difficult! A hardly speak any French, and the young man’s English was no better. Smiling friendly, we stuttered, looked for words and phrases, marveled at the different types of beers, went through the brewery and collected some flyers. We both knew that we would like to know a little more about each other, but the common vocabulary was severely limited and did not allow any exchange of brewing experiences.
the brew house
With a friendly, bit slightly embarrassed smile, the young salesman handed over the nine large bottles of interesting beers I just purchased and added a large bottle of organic beer as a gift. Equally embarrassed, I expressed my gratitude and proudly carried my treasures to the car. Too bad – with some better language skills, this could have been a longer and way more interesting brewery visit.
But it was a nice moment, anyway!
Brasserie Artisanale des Albères – Cap d’Ona
29, Avenue des Flamants Roses
66 700 Argeles-sur-Mer
France
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