Days of the Beer, Feb 28

The beer for today is Le Grimoire Patriote.

On February 28, 1838, Robert Nelson, the leader of the Patriotes, proclaimed the independence of Lower Canada (Quebec).

The Patriote movement existed (in part) because many members of Lower Canada (modern Quebec) were angry that the British had control of Lower Canada, in the area that previously was French. They were inspired by the American Revolution and liberalism.

They demanded democratic reforms, including an elected council (then council members were appointed for life by the British Crown), and control of the regional budget.

On February 28, 1838, Robert Nelson was camped at Alburg, Vermont. There he proclaimed the independence of Lower Canada, and distributed copies of a declaration of independence. Shortly after, they were arrested by the U.S. Army for violation of the law of neutrality of the US. He was acquitted.

Later, they attempted to overthrow the British colonial government of both Lower and Upper Canada, this didn't go well either.

As to the beer:

Le Grimoire Patriote is listed as a Scotch ale. The ABV is 8%.

Le Grimoire Microbrasseria is located in Granby, Quebec. Keeping with their hatred of the British, their website is only in French. This beer isn't listed on their webpage, but according to Beer Advocate and Ratebeer, it's a limited edition, however people have recently drank it.

For being a scotch ale, it doesn't have very high ratings.

The picture on the bottle, might very well be Robert Nelson declaring independence.

So, if you can get up to Quebec, see if you can find a Patriote by Grimoire. Then try to declare your independence from Canada.