Canadian Craft Beer: What's Brewing And Selling?

Canada has a thriving craft beer industry, with a growing number of small breweries and an increasing demand for craft beer. In 2015, craft beer accounted for 10% of the Canadian beer market, and the microbrewery industry has been experiencing rapid growth. The country's largest monthly craft beer club, Canada Craft Club, sources rare and hard-to-find beers from around the world for its members.

The first modern Canadian craft brewery was Horseshoe Bay Brewing, established in Vancouver in 1982. Since then, notable craft breweries have emerged across the country, including Propeller Brewing Co. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Big Rock Brewery in Calgary, Alberta.

Craft beer is treasured by millions of Canadians, who savour the unique drinking experience that showcases the artistry and passion of craft brewers. From crisp lagers to robust ales, craft beers cater to a wide range of palates and preferences, contributing to Canada's vibrant and thriving beer culture.

The rise of craft beer in Canada

Canada has a thriving beer culture, with the beverage considered a culturally important aspect of the stereotypical Canadian's life. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Canada, and the country has some of the best beers in the world.

The Canadian beer market is dominated by two major companies: Labatt Brewing Company Ltd. and Molson Coors Brewing Co., which together control over 80% of the market. However, since the mid-1980s, craft breweries have been steadily gaining popularity, buoyed by consumer demand for more flavourful beers. In 2008, craft breweries controlled an estimated 4% of the national market, with a significantly larger share in some provinces like Quebec. The first modern Canadian craft brewery was Horseshoe Bay Brewing, established in Vancouver in 1982, followed by several others in the same decade.

The growth of the craft beer industry in Canada is particularly noteworthy in certain provinces. In Ontario, craft beer sales increased by nearly 36% in 2015, and the provincial government has invested in supporting small breweries' expansion. British Columbia's craft beer industry has also experienced major growth, with the number of small breweries more than doubling between 2010 and 2015. Alberta is another key market, with a strong culture of craft beer and no government involvement in the beer retail, import, and warehousing industries.

The most popular craft beers in Canada

Canada has a thriving craft beer industry, with a wide range of beer types and styles to suit all palates. While the country's beer market is dominated by a few large companies, craft breweries have been steadily gaining popularity and now account for a significant portion of beer sales. Here is a list of some of the most popular craft beers in Canada:

Molson Canadian

A classic lager that has been enjoyed by Canadians for over 60 years, Molson Canadian is the best-selling beer in the country. It has a clean, refreshing taste with a slightly sweet finish, making it a perfect choice for a hot summer day. Molson Canadian is brewed using the finest Canadian barley and hops and is a true icon when it comes to Canadian beer brands.

La Fin du Monde

La Fin du Monde is a Belgian-style triple brewed by the Unibroue brewery in Quebec. This beer has a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, spices, and yeast. It has won multiple awards, including a gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2017. La Fin du Monde offers a unique and flavorful drinking experience.

Labatt Blue

Labatt Blue is a Canadian pilsner that has been a favorite among beer drinkers since its introduction in 1951. It has a crisp, refreshing taste with a smooth finish, making it suitable for any occasion. Labatt Blue is crafted with Canadian barley and hops, giving it a distinct malty taste that sets it apart from other pilsners. It is a wonderful choice to enjoy with friends while watching a hockey game.

Big Rock Traditional Ale

Big Rock Traditional Ale is a classic English-style brown ale brewed by the Big Rock Brewery in Calgary. It has a smooth and creamy texture, along with a rich, malty flavor and a hint of bitterness. This ale is an excellent choice for those who prefer darker beers with a complex flavor profile.

Red Racer IPA

Red Racer IPA is a West Coast-style IPA crafted by Central City Brewers in British Columbia. It boasts a bold and hoppy flavor with notes of citrus and pine. This beer has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2018. If you're a fan of IPAs, Red Racer is a must-try.

Maudite

Maudite is another offering from the Quebec-based Unibroue brewery. It is a Belgian-style strong dark ale with a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dark fruit, spices, and yeast. Maudite has won multiple awards, including a gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2018. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a unique and different drinking experience.

Péché Mortel

Péché Mortel is a stout brewed by the Dieu Du Ciel brewery in Montreal. This beer has a well-balanced flavor profile with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malts. It has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2017. Péché Mortel is a must-try for all stout enthusiasts.

The craft beer scene in Canada is vibrant and diverse, with new breweries and unique beer styles constantly emerging. These beers listed above represent just a fraction of the incredible craft beers that Canada has to offer, and they showcase the passion and artistry of Canadian brewers.

The history of beer in Canada

Canada's history with beer goes back hundreds of years. Beer was introduced to the country by European settlers in the seventeenth century. At the time, Canada's cold climate was ideal for brewing before the dawn of refrigeration. The country's very first commercial brewery was built and opened in Montreal, Quebec, in 1650 or 1668, followed by a number of other commercial breweries in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

During the nineteenth century, commercial breweries prospered until Canadian prohibition was introduced nationwide from 1918 to 1920. After prohibition ended, commercial beer production in Canada resumed and, until the 1980s, the industry was dominated by a small handful of breweries, like Molson and Labatt. Since then, craft breweries and craft beer have become increasingly popular.

Today, beer is considered a culturally important aspect of the stereotypical Canadian's life and is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Canada in terms of volume and dollar value. The production of beer by microbreweries, or "craft brewing", is a fast-growing segment in terms of the number of producers and volume sold.

The biggest craft breweries in Canada

Canada is a nation of beer drinkers, with beer accounting for over half of all alcohol consumed in the country. The Canadian beer market is dominated by a pair of companies owned by or merged with larger international conglomerates: Labatt Brewing Company Ltd. and Molson Coors Brewing Co. However, since the mid-1980s, a growing number of craft breweries have been taking a small but growing share of the market, buoyed by consumer demand for more flavourful beers.

Unibroue

Perhaps the most influential craft brewery in Quebec, Unibroue is located in the Montreal suburb of Chambly and was started in 1991 by businessmen André Dion and Serge Racine. Unibroue is one of the finest producers of Belgian-style ales outside of Belgium. Its flagship beer is the spritzy, citrusy Blanche de Chambly, but it also produces stronger abbey ales, including the rich and strong (9% ABV) Trois Pistoles. Most of Unibroue’s beers are bottle-conditioned, and the brewery features compelling artwork on its labels, often based on traditional Quebec legends and stories.

Sleeman Breweries Ltd.

Sleeman Breweries began in 1988 as a small craft brewery and now has roughly 5% of the Canadian market. It is owned by the Japanese brewing giant Sapporo. Sleeman has bought several craft breweries, including Upper Canada Brewing Company in 1998, Walkerville Brewing Company in 2019, and Ontario-based Unibroue in 2004.

Granville Island Brewing

Based in Vancouver, Granville Island Brewing was established in 1984 and bought by Molson in 2009. It is one of the notable microbreweries in British Columbia.

Big Rock Brewery

Big Rock is one of the bigger craft breweries in Canada and is based in Alberta.

Propeller Brewing Company

Propeller is one of the craft breweries on the east coast of Canada, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Pumphouse Brewery

Pumphouse is another craft brewery on Canada's east coast, based in Moncton, New Brunswick. It was named Canadian Brewery of the Year in 2005 and is famous for its Blueberry Ale and Crafty Radler.

Yukon Brewing Company

The Yukon Brewing Company, based in Whitehorse, is the country's northernmost craft brewery.

The future of craft beer in Canada

Canada has a vibrant and thriving beer culture, with beer being the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country. While the market is dominated by a few large companies, craft beer has been steadily gaining popularity, with an increasing number of small breweries and a growing consumer base.

Growing Consumer Demand

The demand for craft beer in Canada is steadily increasing, and the industry is experiencing rapid growth. Craft brewing appeals to a wider demographic than traditional mass-market beers, which primarily target young males. The variety of flavours, styles, and local offerings attract consumers who appreciate the unique drinking experience and the craftsmanship behind each brew.

Expansion of Microbreweries

The number of licensed breweries in Canada has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from 310 in 2010 to 640 in 2015. While some microbreweries have closed, others have taken their place, indicating a dynamic and resilient craft beer landscape. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have seen notable growth in the number of small craft breweries, with government support in the form of grants and reduced liquor distribution mark-ups.

Innovation and Experimentation

Canadian craft brewers are known for their innovation and experimentation with different beer styles. From English-style ales to Belgian ales, double IPAs, and barley wines, craft brewers are pushing the boundaries of flavour and style. This trend is particularly prominent in Quebec, which is home to some of the country's most creative and talented brewers.

Packaging and Distribution

Craft brewers are increasingly packaging their products in aluminium cans, which offer convenience, environmental benefits, and better protection from light and oxygen, resulting in an extended shelf life. Additionally, the growth of craft beer importers and distributors, such as Craft Beer Importers Canada Inc., helps expand the reach of craft beers across the country.

Acquisition by Major Breweries

One way major breweries have responded to the threat of craft brewers is by acquiring them outright. Notable examples include Molson Coors' acquisition of Creemore Springs and Granville Island Brewing, and Labatt's purchase of Mill Street Brewery and Turning Point Brewery. While this trend may impact the independent nature of some craft breweries, it also provides them with greater resources and distribution networks.

In conclusion, the future of craft beer in Canada looks bright, with increasing consumer demand, a growing number of microbreweries, and a culture of innovation. While there are challenges, including the dominance of major breweries and the potential loss of independence for some craft brewers, the overall trajectory is positive, and Canada's craft beer industry is expected to continue thriving and expanding in the years to come.

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