About Canadian Beer

About Canadian Beer
Canada: Beer Eh?

Despite its geographic proximity, Canada has a very different beer scene in comparison to the United States. For example, many beer connoisseurs agree that mass-market Canadian pale lagers are typically stronger and more full-bodied than their U.S. counterparts. Canada’s beer scene also varies due to provincial government monopolies on beer distribution and retail sales. These laws often allow for the rapid growth of microbreweries by eliminating the difficult step of securing distribution and placement in the marketplace. However, it is interesting to note that with an alternatively independent retail sector, Quebec boasts the liveliest craft-brewing scene in Canada, with the similarly unregulated British Columbia falling close behind.

Unibroue from Chambly, Quebec has been recognized by the Beverage Testing Institute and many others for their outstanding range of Belgian-style ales. McAuslan of Montreal boasts an excellent range of Anglo-style ales, many of which are also found in U.S. markets. Apart from various artisanal products, U.S. consumers are most likely to encounter Canadian beers from Labatts, Molson or Moosehead. Additionally, a considerable amount of beer from other countries are brewed under licenses in Canada, including Guinness of Ireland, Foster’s of Australia and Carlsberg of Denmark.

Top Picks for Canada

Wayne Gretzky Hazy IPA
94 points
$0
A spot-on IPA with plenty of delicious, juicy, and quenching hop flavors to offer.
Awards: 2021 Best Ale
Wayne Gretzky Pale Ale
92 points
$0
A hoppy, chewy English style ale with plenty to offer.
Bacardi Breezer Peach & White Tea Seltzer
90 points
A tropical club soda with a kick; dry, refreshing and tasty.
Wayne Gretzky Premium Rye Lager
90 points
$0
A complex and finely balanced lager that will cover a lot of bases.
Wayne Gretzky Hazy Pilsner
89 points
$0
A rock- solid, crushable pilsner for all occasions.
Wayne Gretzky Premium Rye Lager
89 points
$0
A sumptuous, mouthfilling lager with lovely nuanced of flavor.
Shaker Mixologie Fraisilow Seltzer
88 points
An easy, citrus-kissed hard seltzer for sunny days.
Shaker Mixologie Happy Berry Seltzer
88 points
A dry, easy tropical Seltzer that hits the mark.
Pepito Bella Sangria Light
87 points
A fruity, punch-like Sangria that will be a hit.
Awards: 2022 Best Malt-Based Cocktail
Wayne Gretzky Pale Ale
87 points
$0
Traditional English maltiness with zippy bittering hops make this a pleasure to drink