Cristal Beer: Canada's Availability And Accessibility

Cristal beer is a Cuban beer that is popular in Canada. Cristal is the bestselling beer in Cuba and is also enjoyed in other parts of the world, including the United States. Cristal beer is produced by a Canadian subsidiary of AB InBev, the parent company of Budweiser, and is distributed in Canada by Labatt Breweries. Cristal beer is available for purchase in select locations across Canada, including in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. However, the availability of Cristal beer in Canada may vary over time, and it is recommended to check with local retailers or distributors for the most up-to-date information.

Cristal beer is available in select Canadian cities

Cristal beer is a Cuban beer and the bestselling beer on the island. It is older than the sovereign state, dating back to the late 19th century when it was first introduced as a light beer by Cerveceria La Tropical. However, after Fidel Castro rose to power, Cuba nationalized all of La Tropical's brands, including Cristal.

Today, the Cuban state partners with a Canadian subsidiary of AB InBev, the parent company of Budweiser, to brew Cristal and distribute it across Europe under the name Palma Cristal. Despite the beer's Cuban origins, due to the United States' trade restrictions with Cuba, Cristal beer imported from Cuba is not available in the US market.

Cristal beer is a Cuban import

The Blanco Herrera family built a massive brewery, Cerveceria La Tropical, in 1888 in eastern Havana — 14 years before Cuban independence from Spain. Around it, they cultivated a tropical paradise with botanical gardens, Los Jardines de la Tropical, that swept over more than 100 acres surrounding the brewery.

La Tropical brewed three beers: La Tropical’s Original, a Vienna Lager; Tropical 50 Stout; and, in the 1930s, they introduced their first light beer, Cristal, which became an immediate best seller. After Fidel Castro rose to power in 1959, Cuba nationalized all of La Tropical’s brands, taking ownership of the brewery, its tropical gardens, and the rights to the name without compensating the original owners.

Cristal beer is available in select locations in Canada, including in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. However, it is no longer listed at The Beer Store, and interested customers are encouraged to contact the brewer directly.

Cristal beer is not available in the GTA

Cristal beer is not available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While it was once listed on The Beer Store website, it is no longer available there. A customer representative from The Beer Store confirmed this, stating that Cristal Beer is no longer a brand that they carry.

However, some people suggest checking LCBO stores, as they often carry foreign beers that The Beer Store does not. Additionally, Cristal beer seems to be available in certain locations outside of the GTA, particularly in northern Ontario (Collingwood, North Bay, Timmins, etc.). It is also reportedly available in some locations in British Columbia and throughout Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton.

It is worth noting that there is both a domestic and imported variety of Cristal Beer. The imported variety may be from Cuba or an island in the Caribbean, while Labatt Breweries of Canada LP produces the domestic variety.

Cristal beer is available in select stores in Calgary

Cristal beer is a Cuban beer that is not available in the United States due to the country's trade restrictions with Cuba. However, it is available in select stores in Canada.

In Canada, Cristal beer is available in over 50 locations in Calgary, with about 170 locations in Alberta. Some of the stores that carry Cristal beer in Calgary include the Co-op in the northwest part of the city, as well as select liquor stores associated with grocery stores such as Sobeys and Safeway.

Cristal beer is also available in other parts of Alberta, including Edmonton and Spruce Grove. It can be found at various retailers, including the Beer Store in Blind River and Little Current, as well as some LCBOs.

The availability of Cristal beer in Canada may vary over time, and it is recommended to contact local retailers or distributors for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, Cristal beer may be available in other provinces, but it is advised to inquire about its availability before making a purchase.

Cristal beer is a popular Cuban beer and has a strong following, with some enthusiasts claiming it is "one of the better beers" they have tried. The beer has a crisp, fresh flavour with a mildly hoppy finish and is best enjoyed with finger foods.

Cristal beer is available in Edmonton

Cristal beer, a Cuban beer, is available in Edmonton, Canada. It can be found in over 50 locations in Calgary and about 170 in Alberta. Some places where you can buy Cristal beer in Edmonton include Sobeys liquor store in Spruce Grove and Co-op in northwest Calgary.

Cristal beer is also available in some locations in British Columbia on trial. However, it is not available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as it is no longer listed on The Beer Store website.

It is important to note that Cristal beer sold in Miami, United States, is not the same as the Cuban Cristal beer. The United States maintains restrictions on trade with Cuba, and beer imported directly from Cuba is not allowed. However, Cristal-like beers, such as Mi Cristal and Cerveza Palma, have been created by companies to cater to the Cuban community in Miami.

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