La Route De Thor is a French beer made by Ferme-Brasserie La Chapelle (Northmæn) located in Normandy, France. It is of the IPA style and is pretty strong at 6.5% ABV. However, is it any good?
Well it is rather good, and I like it. It pours a dark hazy amber with a one finger head. On the nose there is a bready malt base with sweet citrus and perfume notes. The taste is strong and sweet citrus up front which quickly turns to a pleasant bitterness, but then finishes sweet again. A nice full bodied hoppy IPA, it gets 4.6 out of 5.0.
I like it, unusual but tasty.
Contents
La Route De Thor Beer Review
La Route De Thor comes in a 330ml brown bottle with a map of France on the label. It weighs in at 6.5% ABV, so does pack a punch on the strength.
Once opened it pours a dark amber with a one finger head, there is a slight haze to the beer, mine more so than Lou’s which was the second poured, so could be bottle conditioned.
Going in for a sniff, there is a sweet citrus aroma, but also a perfume like scent too.
The taste is strong with that sweet citrus flavour up front which quickly turns to a nice bitterness, but then goes back to a sweet finish. It has a full body and is quite hoppy and smooth in the mouth.
It’s a decent IPA, slightly unusual, but nice. A deep rich full bodied IPA which is pleasant but strong. I score it a strong 4.6 out of 5.0.
Lou also likes it, saying it is a good quality beer which feels strong, but pleasant. Lou scores it a slightly less 4.3 out of 5.0.
A great beer that I would definitely have again, although it doesn’t appear to be available in the UK.
Ferme-Brasserie La Chapelle
Ferme-Brasserie La Chapelle was established in 1997 as a ferme-brasserie, a type of rural brewery where beer is brewed directly on a working farm using grains grown on site. These are traditional rural brewing practices in Normandy, combining agriculture and brewing under one roof.
From the beginning, the brewery focused on using cereals cultivated right on the farm, mainly barley and wheat, for its beers. The brewing process blends traditional techniques—such as infusion mashing and open fermentation—with artisanal character.
In 2002, the operation expanded beyond beer by producing farm-distilled whisky. These spirits are aged in various barrels (such as French oak or acacia casks) and developed names that reflect local identity and creativity.
While officially Ferme Brasserie La Chapelle, the brand and products are often associated with Northmaen, one of its signature beer names that evokes Normandy’s historical ties with Norse (Viking) culture—a nod to the region’s heritage.
A really interesting French brewery that produce some interest beers.
Ferme Brasserie La Chapelle Beers
The brewery produces traditional, unfiltered farmhouse beers, brewed with cereals grown on the farm. The range may vary seasonally.
Here are a few of their beers I would like to test drive.
Ambrée Northmaen
As the name suggests this is an Amber beer. It has a nose of malt caramel and toasty notes. The taste reflects the nose with malt caramel and those toasty notes. It has a smooth mouthfeel and a slight fruity edge.
It weighs in at 5.0% ABV, so just on the edge of session. A beer I would like to try out.
Blanche Northmaen
Blanche is a Belgian style White beer infused with coriander. It has a citrussy aroma with hints of spice. The taste is fresh and sharp, but a little sour. Sweet and zesty with a light body.
It weighs in at 5.0% ABV, so again sitting on the fence of session.
La Dame du Lac Northmæn rousse
It translates to ‘The Lady Of The Lake’ and is a French Red Ale brewed using Normandy Malt and Barley. It has a copper/amber coloured appearance with a generous top.
The taste is strong bready malt and caramel up front with a toasted nutty flavour and bitter finish. It weighs in at 7.0% ABV, so a pretty strong old style ale.
Final Thoughts
So Ferme Brasserie La Chapelle or Northmæn Brewery as it is also known produce so interesting beers. Apart from the La Route De Thor IPA, I have mentioned three others, but there plenty more on their website.
Going back to the beer in question, La Route De Thor IPA is a good strong IPA. A quality strong IPA that feels more like an old style, rather than the new style popping IPA’s.
It’s a decent beer, if you have tried it then do share your opinion and let me know how it scored on your palate.
Cheers.
Rob is a passionate home bar and pub shed enthusiast with a passion for craft beer. With hands-on experience in designing and building his own home bar, Rob shares his knowledge, tips, and inspiration to help fellow enthusiasts create their own perfect space. Alongside the world of home bars and pub sheds, Rob also explores the diverse and exciting realm of craft beer, providing honest reviews to help you discover your next favorite brew. Join Rob on a journey of flavor, design, and craftsmanship right here on Home Bar Kit.