Craft beers for the protection of endangered species
Raising glasses also raises funds

Rescousse is a special beer that comes to the rescue of our imperiled wildlife. Created by RJ Brewers (Le Cheval Blanc), this flavorful red ale on lees is a tribute to the copper redhorse, a legendary freshwater fish unique to Quebec. This threatened species has been immortalized on the label of the Rescousse by Ghislain Caron. The artist worked from nature to capture every morphological detail of the only vertebrate species endemic to Quebec. Dressed in its large copper scales reminiscent of the armour of knights, the animal still inhabits some of our waters in quest for its mollusk food -- snails and mussels -- the only dish that is fit for such a fine gourmet. And despite all obstacles that we put up along its way for more than two centuries, the copper redhorse returns each year to deposit its eggs on the disturbed bed of the Richelieu River.

Escousse is a seasonal beer that was launched in 2002 in order to raise more funds and to use the SOS Beer concept to present species at risk other than the copper redhorse. Escousse is an old french word that means "Sometimes". Last year, the piping plover, artwork of Robert Gérard, started this series. This year, the western chorus frog, a vulnerable species threatened by urban and agricultural development, is depicted on the label. Ghislain Caron is the artist behind this amazing daring artwork. Spring this year won't be silent...

Here's an opportunity for everyone to participate in the protection of imperiled species while tasting a premium craft beer made up of natural ingredients. As the saying goes, drinking Rescousse and Escousse is a fine way to combine business with pleasure. Actually, royalties are donated to La Fondation de la faune du Québec to support activities and research for the recovery of threatened and vulnerable wildlife in Quebec. Beyond fund raising, the project also aims at heightening public awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity. Taken with moderation, the beer itself is a convivial beverage around which discussions on environmental issues can be initiated. This innovative project also responds to the call in favor of the involvement of the private sector in the protection of biological diversity. Once again, RJ Brewers distinguishes itself by its daring touch, as it puts its brewing art at the service of threatened species.

Rescousse is exclusively available in liquor stores (Société des Alcools du Québec - SAQ), while Escousse can be found in depanneurs and grocery stores (starting February 24). Click here to see where to buy Rescousse in your locality. You are invited to give three cheers to the health of the copper redhorse, the western chorus frog and all other species at risk.

On our website, you will find additional information on the project, its partners and learn more about Quebec's threatened wildlife, starting with the copper redhorse -- the history of its discovery, the origin of its name, the causes of its decline, its legal status, the current means of protection of its populations and habitat and the actions needed for its recovery. As you surf on this site, you will get informed of the press cover and special events related to Rescousse, as well as money raised and activities funded. You can also visit our Ontario website

We hope that the public will respond to the LAST CALL of our threatened species... Cheers ! Contact us, we will be pleased to read your comments and answer your questions.

Alcohol Concern - Drive yourself to moderation