Craving a refreshing beer? Discover the world of Canadian beer. This article explores the best Canadian beer brands. From popular choices to hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. Ready to find your next favorite beer? Let’s explore.
Comparison Table: 14 Best Canadian Beer Brands
Beer Brand | Type | Brewery | ABV (Alcohol by Volume) | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Molson Canadian | Lager | Molson Brewery | 5.0% | Very High |
Labatt Blue | Pilsner | Labatt Brewing | 5.0% | Very High |
Moosehead Lager | Lager | Moosehead Breweries | 5.0% | High |
Sleeman Honey Brown | Brown Ale | Sleeman Breweries | 5.2% | High |
Steam Whistle Pilsner | Pilsner | Steam Whistle Brewing | 5.0% | High |
Unibroue La Fin du Monde | Tripel | Unibroue | 9.0% | Medium |
Muskoka Brewery Cream Ale | Cream Ale | Muskoka Brewery | 5.0% | Medium |
Red Racer IPA | India Pale Ale (IPA) | Central City Brewers | 6.5% | Medium |
Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer | Lager | Quidi Vidi Brewery | 4.5% | Medium |
Mill Street Tankhouse Ale | Pale Ale | Mill Street Brewery | 5.2% | Medium |
Alexander Keith's IPA | India Pale Ale (IPA) | Alexander Keith's | 5.0% | Medium |
Big Rock Traditional Ale | English Style Ale | Big Rock Brewery | 5.0% | Medium |
Creemore Springs Lager | Lager | Creemore Springs | 5.0% | Medium |
Granville Island Pale Ale | Pale Ale | Granville Island | 5.0% | Medium |
Table of Contents
14 Best Canadian Beer Brands
Canada is known for its exceptional beer. Canadian breweries are highly respected and have a rich brewing history and diverse beer styles. Let’s explore the 14 best Canadian beer brands that you should try.
Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian is a classic lager made by Molson Brewery, one of North America’s oldest breweries. It tastes clean and crisp, making it great for any event. Molson Canadian is very popular in Canada. It’s widely available and loved for its consistent quality. If you’re new to Canadian beer, start here.
- Brewery: Molson Brewery
- Type: Lager
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Very High
Visit: Molson Canadian
Labatt Blue
Labatt Blue is another staple in the best Canadian beer culture. It’s a pilsner with a slightly sweet taste and a refreshing finish. Labatt Blue is well-liked in Canada and the United States. It goes well with many foods, so people often choose it.
- Brewery: Labatt Brewing
- Type: Pilsner
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Very High
Visit: Labatt Blue
Moosehead Lager
Moosehead Lager is the flagship beer of Canada’s oldest independent brewery. It is known for its light, malty flavor, and balanced hop bitterness. Canadians love its smooth taste, making it a great beer for social gatherings and casual drinking.
- Brewery: Moosehead Breweries
- Type: Lager
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: High
Visit: Moosehead Lager
Sleeman Honey Brown
The Sleeman Honey Brown is a delightful brown ale with a rich amber color and a hint of honey sweetness. It stands out for its unique flavor profile. The touch of honey makes it smooth and enjoyable, perfect for those who like a sweeter beer.
- Brewery: Sleeman Breweries
- Type: Brown Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
- Popularity: High
Visit: Sleeman Honey Brown
Steam Whistle Pilsner
The Steam Whistle Pilsner is famous for its simple and traditional brewing process. This pilsner is crisp, clean, and refreshing. It is brewed using just four ingredients. Its dedication to quality makes it a standout choice among the best Canadian beers.
- Brewery: Steam Whistle Brewing
- Type: Pilsner
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: High
Visit: Steam Whistle Pilsner
Unibroue La Fin du Monde
Unibroue La Fin du Monde is a tripel that offers complex flavors. It tastes fruity and spicy with a strong finish. This best Canadian beer is great for people who like rich and flavorful drinks. It’s a bit stronger than most, making it a special treat.
- Brewery: Unibroue
- Type: Tripel
- ABV: 9.0%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Unibroue La Fin du Monde
Muskoka Brewery Cream Ale
Muskoka Brewery Cream Ale is a smooth, easy-drinking ale with a balanced taste, hints of caramel, and a slight hop finish. It’s perfect for people who like milder beer. The creamy texture and balanced flavor make it popular.
- Brewery: Muskoka Brewery
- Type: Cream Ale
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Muskoka Brewery Cream Ale
Red Racer IPA
The Red Racer IPA is a bold and hoppy India Pale Ale with a strong, bitter flavor and citrus and pine notes. It is ideal for hop lovers. Its intense flavor and higher ABV make it a standout IPA in Canada.
- Brewery: Central City Brewers
- Type: India Pale Ale (IPA)
- ABV: 6.5%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Red Racer IPA
Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer
Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer is unique. They make it with water from 20,000-year-old icebergs near Newfoundland. This best Canadian beer is incredibly pure and refreshing. Its unique brewing process and light taste make it a must-try.
- Brewery: Quidi Vidi Brewery
- Type: Lager
- ABV: 4.5%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer
Mill Street Tankhouse Ale
Mill Street Tankhouse Ale is a well-balanced pale ale with a rich malt flavor and a hint of hop bitterness. It’s great for any event and perfect for people who like flavorful but balanced best Canadian beer.
- Brewery: Mill Street Brewery
- Type: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Mill Street Tankhouse Ale
Alexander Keith’s IPA
Alexander Keith’s IPA is a popular India Pale Ale. It has a smooth taste, subtle hop flavors, and a malty backbone. Keith’s IPA is approachable and not too bitter, making it a good choice for those new to this style.
- Brewery: Alexander Keith’s
- Type: India Pale Ale (IPA)
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Alexander Keith’s IPA
Big Rock Traditional Ale
Big Rock Traditional Ale is an English-style best Canadian beer with a deep amber color and a rich, malty taste. It is perfect for those who enjoy hearty beer, and its robust flavor makes it stand out.
- Brewery: Big Rock Brewery
- Type: English Style Ale
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Big Rock Traditional Ale
Creemore Springs Lager
Creemore Springs Lager is a well-made beer. It has a smooth, malty taste with a hint of caramel. It’s known for its quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods and is a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
- Brewery: Creemore Springs
- Type: Lager
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Creemore Springs Lager
Granville Island Pale Ale
Granville Island Pale Ale is a balanced and flavorful pale ale with a mix of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. It is perfect for those who enjoy a well-rounded beer, and its combination of flavors makes it a great choice for any beer lover.
- Brewery: Granville Island
- Type: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.0%
- Popularity: Medium
Visit: Granville Island Pale Ale
These are the 14 best Canadian beer brands you need to try. Each offers a unique taste and showcases the diversity and quality of Canadian beer. From classic lagers to bold IPAs, everyone can find something they like. Enjoy exploring these top Canadian breweries and their exceptional brews.
See Also: Best Beer For Diabetics: Best 10 Diabetics-friendly Beer
Is The Best Canadian Beer Better Than American?
The debate between the best Canadian beer and American beer is ongoing. Both countries have rich brewing histories and offer diverse beer options. But which is better?
Quality and Tradition
Canadian breweries are known for their high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods. Beers like Molson Canadian and Labatt Blue have a long history of excellence. These beers are brewed with care, using pure water and top-notch grains. This careful work often makes the taste cleaner and crisper.
American beer, particularly from craft breweries, is innovative. Brands like Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams were early leaders in craft beer. They experiment with flavors and styles, offering a wide variety of options.
Variety and Innovation
Canada offers a broad range of best beer styles. There’s something for everyone, from the smooth Sleeman Honey Brown to the bold Red Racer IPA. Canadian breweries such as Unibroue and Muskoka Brewery are famous for their special flavors and high quality.
In the U.S., the craft beer scene is booming. There are many different styles and flavors to try. American brewers are known for their creativity and willingness to push boundaries. This innovation leads to exciting and diverse beer options.
Popularity and Consumption
Statistics show that Canadians consume more beer per capita than Americans. According to the World Health Organization, Canadians drink about 68 liters of beer per person yearly, compared to around 74 liters in the U.S. This difference suggests a strong beer culture in both countries.
So, whether Canadian beer is better than American beer depends on your preferences. If you value tradition and quality ingredients, you might prefer Canadian beer. If you enjoy variety and innovation, American craft beers might be your choice. Ultimately, both countries offer exceptional beers worth trying.
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FAQs
What is Canada's most popular beer?
Molson Canadian is the most popular beer in Canada. It's a classic lager known for its crisp and clean taste. Widely available and highly respected, Molson Canadian is a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
What is Canada's strongest beer?
Unibroue La Fin du Monde is one of Canada's strongest beers. This tripel has an ABV of 9.0% and offers a rich, fruity, and spicy flavor. It's great for people who like stronger beer.
Do Canadians drink a lot of beer?
Yes, they do. Canadians drink about 68 liters of beer per person each year. This high consumption reflects the strong beer culture and the popularity of Canadian breweries.
What beer is drunk in Canada?
Popular beers in Canada include Molson Canadian, Labatt Blue, and Moosehead Lager. These brands are household names known for their quality and consistency. Canadians also enjoy craft beers from local breweries.
Which alcohol is popular in Canada?
Beer is the top alcoholic drink in Canada. Brands like Molson Canadian and Labatt Blue dominate the market. However, Canadian whisky and wine are also widely enjoyed across the country.
Kendall Jones: Seattle journalist, freelance writer, and top contributor to Washington Beer Blog. Published 5,400+ stories on beer and brewing.