France may be years behind the US or the UK when it comes to craft beer but La Binouze is helping us make up for lost time. Benjamin and Thomas at La Binouze in the 9th arrondissement stock a vast range of local and international beers (prices range from €2.50-€25). Don’t expect to see any supermarket brands; this space is for inventive and exciting craft brewers only.
The boutique features around 700 varieties, ranging from Belgian classics to rare Italian brews and adventurous Scandinavian brands, to delight newbies and beer geeks alike. The owners are also on hand to offer advice, including on what to serve to impress at your next dinner party (that would be beers made with oats or rye, or some subtle seasonal versions).
The distinctive label artwork on many of the bottles is part of the fun; we were persuaded by two Sirens (Soundwave and Blue Sky, Blue Sea), a German beer made by spontaneous fermentation, and a smoked beer from La Vallée du Giffre.
TRANSLATION: MARIA THOMAS