Canada is renowned for its rich beer culture, with a brewing tradition that dates back to the 1600s. Whether you’re a fan of craft brews or prefer the consistency of a major brand, Canada has something to offer every beer enthusiast.
Here’s a guide to some of the best beer brands in Canada that have made a mark in the industry.
1. Molson Canadian
Introduction:
Molson Canadian, one of the oldest and most iconic beer brands in Canada, was founded in 1786 by John Molson in Montreal. It is a flagship product of Molson Coors Canada, representing over two centuries of brewing tradition. Molson Canadian has become synonymous with the Canadian identity, celebrated for its commitment to quality and reflects Canadian values.
Famous Attributes:
Molson Canadian is known for its smooth, crisp taste and clean, refreshing finish. The beer is brewed using only the finest ingredients, including two-row malted barley, Canadian water, and no preservatives. This dedication to pure and natural ingredients gives Molson Canadian its signature taste that has remained consistent over the years.
Alcohol Percentage:
Molson Canadian has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%, typical for a standard lager. This balanced alcohol content makes it a popular choice for a wide range of occasions, from casual gatherings to large celebrations.
Popular Products:
- Molson Canadian Lager: The classic, original beer that has defined the brand.
- Molson Canadian Light: A lighter version of the original, offering the same great taste with fewer calories.
- Molson Canadian 67: A low-calorie option with just 67 calories per serving, designed for health-conscious consumers.
Market Share:
Molson Canadian holds a significant share of the Canadian beer market, consistently ranking among the top-selling beer brands in the country. Its widespread recognition and strong brand loyalty have allowed it to maintain a leading position, particularly in the larger segment. Molson Canadian’s market presence is bolstered by its deep connection to Canadian culture, making it a household name across the nation.
2. Labatt Blue
Introduction
Labatt Blue, a pilsner-style lager, is one of Canada’s most iconic and enduring beer brands. First introduced in 1951, it was named after its distinctive blue label and the company’s support for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team. Over the decades, Labatt Blue has become synonymous with Canadian beer culture, maintaining a loyal following both domestically and abroad.
Famous Attributes
Labatt Blue is known for its crisp, clean taste with a slightly sweet, malty flavor balanced by subtle hoppy bitterness. It is often celebrated for its refreshing quality, making it a popular choice for various occasions, from casual gatherings to sports events.
Alcohol Percentage
Labatt Blue typically contains around 5.0% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is standard for many lagers, offering a balanced drinking experience.
Popular Products
In addition to the classic Labatt Blue, the brand has expanded its offerings to include Labatt Blue Light, which offers a lighter, more calorie-conscious option with lower alcohol content. Labatt Blue also has seasonal and special editions that occasionally hit the market, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Market Share
Labatt Blue continues to be a major player in the Canadian beer market. As of 2024, Labatt Blue is among the top-selling beers in Canada, maintaining a strong presence in both retail and on-premise sales. The brand’s enduring popularity ensures it holds a significant share of the market, although specific percentage figures may vary year by year.
3. Alexander Keith’s Brewery
Introduction:
Alexander Keith’s is one of Canada’s oldest and most iconic beer brands, founded in 1820 by Alexander Keith in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Known for its rich history and traditional brewing methods, the brand remains a staple in the Canadian beer industry over 200 years later. Now owned by the global giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, Alexander Keith’s continues to honor its legacy while appealing to modern tastes.
Famous Attributes:
The brewery is renowned for its flagship India Pale Ale (IPA), which is known for its balanced flavor profile featuring subtle fruity hop notes and a full-bodied malt base. Unlike many craft IPAs, Alexander Keith’s IPA is designed to be approachable and easy-drinking. Other popular styles include the Light Ale, Blonde Ale, Red Ale, and Bohemian Lager, each offering a unique taste experience that stays true to the brand’s heritage.
Alcohol Percentage:
Alexander Keith’s IPA, the brand’s most celebrated product, typically has an alcohol content of 5%. The other varieties, such as the Blonde Ale and Red Ale, generally fall within the 4.5% to 5% range, making them accessible options for a wide range of beer enthusiasts.
Popular Products:
In addition to its flagship IPA, Alexander Keith’s offers a variety of other beers, including:
- Light Ale: A lighter, more refreshing option.
- Blonde Ale: Known for its smooth and slightly sweet taste.
- Red Ale: Offers a richer, malt-forward flavor.
- Bohemian Lager: A crisp and refreshing lager with subtle hop bitterness.
Market Share:
Alexander Keith’s holds a significant position in the Canadian beer market, particularly in Eastern Canada, where it remains a popular choice among consumers. Its wide availability and strong brand loyalty contribute to its steady market share, making it one of Canada’s most recognized beer brands.
4. Moosehead Breweries
Introduction:
Moosehead Breweries is Canada’s oldest independent brewery, founded in 1867 in Saint John, New Brunswick. Still owned and operated by the Oland family, it is the last major brewery in Canada that remains 100% Canadian-owned. With over 150 years of brewing history, Moosehead has become a beloved brand known for its high-quality, traditional brewing methods and strong commitment to Canadian heritage.
Famous Attributes:
Moosehead is best known for its flagship product, Moosehead Lager, which offers a crisp, refreshing taste with a subtle hop bitterness and a smooth finish. The brewery is recognized for its dedication to using all-natural ingredients, including Canadian two-row malted barley, hops, and naturally pure water. Moosehead’s beers are noted for their consistency, quality, and the distinctively Canadian character they embody.
Alcohol Percentage:
Moosehead Lager, the most popular product from Moosehead Breweries, has an alcohol content of 5%. Other offerings, such as Moosehead Light and Moosehead Radler, have lower alcohol contents, with Moosehead Light at 4% ABV and Moosehead Radler at 4% ABV, combining beer with natural fruit flavors.
Popular Products:
- Moosehead Lager: The classic lager that has defined the brand for generations.
- Moosehead Light: A lighter, lower-calorie version of the original lager, perfect for those seeking a milder beer.
- Moosehead Radler: A refreshing blend of beer and natural fruit juices, popular for its citrusy flavor.
Market Share:
Moosehead Breweries has a strong market presence, particularly in Eastern Canada, and continues to be a significant player in the Canadian beer industry. While it may not have the market share of the larger, multinational corporations, its commitment to quality and Canadian ownership has earned it a loyal following.
5. Steam Whistle Brewing
Introduction:
Steam Whistle Brewing, founded in 1998, is a well-known Canadian brewery based in Toronto, Ontario. The brewery was established by three friends—Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps, and Greg Cromwell—who shared a vision of creating a premium beer using traditional brewing methods. Steam Whistle is housed in the historic John Street Roundhouse, a former railway repair facility, which adds to its unique charm. The brewery is recognized for its dedication to producing a single, high-quality beer: Steam Whistle Pilsner.
Famous Attributes:
Steam Whistle is best known for its dedication to brewing only one beer, Steam Whistle Pilsner, using traditional European brewing techniques. This pilsner is crafted with just four natural ingredients—spring water, malted barley, hops, and yeast—without any preservatives or additives. The beer is celebrated for its clean, crisp taste, characterized by a refreshing balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. The brewery’s focus on quality over quantity has earned it a reputation as one of Canada’s premier craft breweries.
Alcohol Percentage:
Steam Whistle Pilsner has an alcohol content of 5.0% ABV, which is typical for a pilsner, offering a balanced and smooth drinking experience.
Popular Products:
- Steam Whistle Pilsner: The flagship product and sole focus of the brewery, known for its pure, refreshing taste and high-quality brewing process.
While the brewery primarily focuses on its Pilsner, it has occasionally offered limited-edition releases or collaborations, but the Steam Whistle Pilsner remains the core of its brand.
Market Share:
Steam Whistle has established a strong presence in the Canadian beer market, particularly in Ontario. While it may not command the same market share as larger breweries, its commitment to producing a single, high-quality product has garnered a loyal customer base. Steam Whistle is also recognized for its sustainable practices and community involvement, further solidifying its position in the craft beer segment.
6. Big Rock Brewery
Introduction:
Big Rock Brewery is one of Canada’s pioneering craft breweries, established in 1985 by Ed McNally in Calgary, Alberta. McNally, a lawyer turned brewer, founded Big Rock with the mission to create high-quality, flavorful beers in a market dominated by mass-produced lagers. Over the years, Big Rock has grown to become one of the largest independent craft breweries in Canada, known for its diverse range of traditional and innovative beer styles.
Famous Attributes:
Big Rock Brewery is renowned for its commitment to traditional brewing techniques combined with a willingness to experiment and innovate. The brewery prides itself on using only the finest natural ingredients, including malted barley, hops, and yeast, with no preservatives. Big Rock’s portfolio includes a wide range of beers, from classic ales and lagers to more adventurous seasonal and specialty brews. The brewery is particularly famous for its Traditional Ale, a dark English-style ale, and Grasshopper, a refreshing wheat ale.
Alcohol Percentage:
Big Rock Brewery’s beers vary in alcohol content depending on the style. For example:
- Traditional Ale: 5.0% ABV
- Grasshopper Wheat Ale: 5.0% ABV
- Big Rock IPA: 6.0% ABV
Popular Products:
- Traditional Ale: An English-style brown ale, known for its rich malt character and smooth finish.
- Grasshopper Wheat Ale: A light, unfiltered wheat ale with subtle citrus notes.
- Big Rock IPA: A hop-forward India Pale Ale with a bold, citrusy flavor profile.
- Warthog Ale: A creamy, easy-drinking ale with a balanced malt sweetness.
Market Share:
Big Rock Brewery has established a strong foothold in the Canadian craft beer market, particularly in Western Canada. While it faces competition from both large breweries and smaller craft brewers, Big Rock’s extensive distribution network and diverse product range have enabled it to maintain a significant market share. The brewery’s dedication to quality and innovation continues to attract a loyal customer base, making it a key player in Canada’s craft beer industry.
7. Unibroue
Introduction:
Unibroue is a renowned Canadian brewery founded in 1990 and located in Chambly, Quebec. The company is celebrated for its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative beers with a unique Belgian-inspired brewing approach. Unibroue has garnered a global reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive brewing techniques.
Famous Attributes:
- Belgian Influence: Unibroue is known for incorporating Belgian brewing traditions into its recipes, resulting in complex, flavorful beers.
- Unique Yeast Strains: The brewery uses proprietary yeast strains that contribute to the distinctive character of its beers.
- Aging Process: Many of Unibroue’s beers are bottle-conditioned, allowing them to develop rich flavors over time.
- Artistic Labels: The brewery’s products often feature intricate and visually striking labels, reflecting the brand’s creative spirit.
Alcohol Percentage:
Unibroue’s beers typically range in alcohol content from 5% to 12% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on the style and specific product.
Popular Products:
- La Fin du Monde: A triple fermentation ale known for its complex flavor profile and high alcohol content (9% ABV).
- Maudite: A strong, dark ale with a rich, malty flavor and an ABV of 8%.
- Terrible: A robust, full-bodied ale with a 10.5% ABV, known for its intense flavors and aging potential.
- Ephemère: A fruit-infused ale, with a lighter alcohol content of around 5.5% ABV, offering a refreshing and unique taste.
Market Share:
Unibroue holds a significant presence in the craft beer market in Canada and has expanded its reach internationally. While exact market share figures can fluctuate, Unibroue is recognized as a leading player in the craft beer segment, particularly in the specialty and high-end categories. Its reputation and innovative products have contributed to its strong position in both domestic and international markets.
8. Creemore Springs
Introduction:
Creemore Springs Brewery, founded in 1987 and located in Creemore, Ontario, is known for its dedication to traditional brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients. The brewery has established a strong reputation for its craft beers, maintaining a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship.
Famous Attributes:
- Traditional Brewing Methods: Creemore Springs uses a classic, small-batch brewing process that emphasizes quality and consistency.
- All-Natural Ingredients: The brewery prides itself on using only the finest natural ingredients, including pure spring water sourced from a local aquifer.
- Lack of Additives: Creemore Springs avoids additives and preservatives, staying true to traditional brewing practices.
- Distinctive Taste: Known for its clean, smooth flavors and well-balanced brews, Creemore Springs offers a unique take on classic beer styles.
Alcohol Percentage:
Creemore Springs beers generally have an alcohol content ranging from 4.4% to 5.0% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on the specific product.
Popular Products:
- Creemore Springs Premium Lager: A flagship product, this beer is known for its crisp, refreshing taste and balanced flavor profile (4.4% ABV).
- Creemore Springs Kellerbier: An unfiltered, traditional lager with a rich, malty flavor and slightly higher ABV of 5.0%.
- Creemore Springs Vienna Lager: Known for its deep amber color and complex malt flavors, this beer has an ABV of around 4.9%.
Market Share:
Creemore Springs holds a notable position in the Canadian craft beer market. While exact market share figures can vary, the brewery is recognized as a significant player in the craft beer segment, especially in Ontario. Its focus on quality and traditional brewing methods has earned it a loyal customer base and a strong presence in both local and regional markets.
9. Nickel Brook
Introduction:
Nickel Brook Brewery, established in 2005 and located in Burlington, Ontario, is a prominent name in the Canadian craft beer scene. The brewery is known for its creative approach to brewing and commitment to producing high-quality, innovative beers.
Famous Attributes:
- Creative Brewing: Nickel Brook is celebrated for its bold and experimental brewing techniques, often pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
- Award-Winning Beers: The brewery has received numerous accolades for its beers, showcasing its excellence and innovation.
- Local Ingredients: Nickel Brook emphasizes the use of high-quality, local ingredients to enhance the flavor and authenticity of its brews.
- Sustainable Practices: The brewery is committed to environmental sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices in its brewing process.
Alcohol Percentage:
Nickel Brook beers generally range from 4.0% to 7.0% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on the specific product and style.
Popular Products:
- Naughty Neighbour Pale Ale: An award-winning pale ale known for its hoppy and citrusy flavor profile, with an ABV of 5.0%.
- Brett Saison: A farmhouse ale with a unique blend of flavors, including fruity and spicy notes, and an ABV of 7.0%.
- Cause & Effect: A pale ale with a balanced bitterness and a hint of caramel sweetness, featuring an ABV of 5.2%.
- Cucumber Lime Gose: A refreshing and tart beer with cucumber and lime flavors, offering a lighter ABV of 4.0%.
Market Share:
Nickel Brook Brewery has established a strong presence in the Canadian craft beer market, particularly in Ontario. While specific market share figures may fluctuate, the brewery is recognized for its influential role in the craft beer industry, driven by its innovative approach and high-quality products. Nickel Brook’s reputation for creativity and excellence has contributed to its notable position within the craft beer segment.