Everything about the Land of the Maple Leaf is captivating, and for a beer enthusiast, its rich brewing history is a major highlight.
In terms of beers and alcoholic drinks, Canadian breweries have done their homework. You can see that in the wide variety of beers available in the area, from Canadian craft beers and stouts to lagers and Indian Pale Ales. Each bottle or can comes packed with interesting flavors that’ll awaken your palate and introduce you to a new sensation.
If you’re searching for some of the best Canadian beers, this article is for you. Let’s explore what they have to offer.
13 Best Canadian Beers
- Big Rock Traditional Ale
- Molson Canadian Lager
- Moosehead Lager
- La Fin Du Monde
- Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale
- Mill Street Tankhouse Ale
- Kokanee
- Labatt Blue
- Steam Whistle Pilsner
- St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout
- Red Racer IPA
- Péché Mortel
- Sleeman’s Honey Brown
1. Big Rock Traditional Ale
Straight from the stables of Big Rock Brewery is the famous Big Rock Traditional Ale, a beer that embodies all things malty, nutty, and fruity. As an English-style brown ale, it’ll introduce your tastebuds to interesting flavors that’ll leave you wanting more.
Even before taking a sip, the Big Rock welcomes you with a malty and nutty scent with hints of caramel that builds your anticipation. And on the tongue, you’ll taste the strong notes of caramel and malt, which translates to a nutty finish. It also has the right amount of bitterness.
2. Molson Canadian Lager
Since this classic Canadian beer was first produced over 60 years ago, Molson Canadian Lager has won several awards, proving this isn’t your regular beer. Featuring a blend of malted barley and Canadian water, Molson boasts an alluring aroma and a refreshing taste.
Even better, this beer is the ideal complement to any kind of dish or snack you’d like to eat. This makes it a must-have at your social events or hangouts. If you want your fair share of a malty and balanced flavor, you shouldn’t miss the wonders of Molson Canadian.
3. Moosehead Lager
Moosehead Lager is a famous Canadian beer that has served the populace for over 150 years without losing its relevance. Its aroma is distinct, featuring a unique blend of biscuity and malty flavors.
A sip of this drink will open you up to more maltiness with hints of caramel. It features a mild hop bitterness, making it a favorite among beer drinkers. Here’s one beer that could become one of your go-to beers.
4. La Fin Du Monde
While La Fin du Monde means “the End of the World,” this beer, a well-crafted Belgian-style ale from Unibroue brewery, holds the key to a different kind of adventure. With notes of yeast, spices, and citrus coming together in one drink, this beer has one of the most complex flavor profiles. This also gives it a unique taste, unlike any other Canadian beer.
The undertones of caramel, coriander, and orange zest also make it more appealing to the senses. Even with its high alcoholic content (ABV – 9%), La Fin Du Monde is a smooth drink with a smoother aftertaste. It tastes even better when you pair it up with a spicy meal.
5. Alexander Keith’s IPA
If you’re a beer enthusiast who likes highly flavored drinks, you should include Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale in your menu. Produced in Nova Scotia, the beer undergoes a slow brewing process using a special yeast strain and high-quality malted barley. The result is a hoppy flavor with a hint of malt and citrus.
Its refreshing taste and unique flavor make it a recommended beer for a hot summer day. Plus, who can deny the allure of the drink’s deep golden hue?
6. Mill Street Tankhouse Ale
Mill Street Tankhouse Ale is a Canadian beer with a full, malty flavor, so you know what drink you need if you’re out for some maltiness. With a dark golden hue, the beer has what it takes to draw every seasoned beer enthusiast close. It also comes with a sweet caramel malt flavor, which blends well with the beer’s hoppy bitterness.
Fans of this drink have called it a classic Canadian beer, and with more than enough testimonies to its name, there’s no reason you shouldn’t try the Mill Street Tankhouse Ale.
7. Kokanee
A masterpiece of British Columbia, Kokanee has earned its reputation as one of the best craft beers you can find. Plus, who can deny the excellence of this beer, from its unique ingredients to the brewing process and detailed craftsmanship? Top this off with its medium body and deep golden hue, and you’ll see why Kokanee is a famous name among Canadian beer drinkers and beyond.
Kokanee features a grainy taste, hints of grassy hops and honey, and a biscuity scent. Nothing screams “full-bodied drink” louder than this beer.
8. Labatt Blue
Labatt Blue is arguably the best Canadian beer you can find, and its popularity among young people is proof of that. Originally called Labatt Pilsner, this Canadian pilsner was finally renamed Labatt Blue—a different name but the same powerful character.
With malt as the central flavor, Labatt Blue also comes with strong notes of corn and wheat. It also features a unique fruit flavor, a mild hop bitterness, and a smooth aftertaste. Its low alcoholic content also adds to the beer’s appeal, especially for people who’d like to have an uneventful evening. Plus, it’s inexpensive and budget-friendly.
9. Steam Whistle Pilsner
The first thing that’d probably attract you to Steam Whistle Pilsner is its elegant green bottle, which isn’t just a drink with nice packaging. Another famous Canadian pilsner, this drink tells a tale of maltiness and fruitiness. Although it has a hoppy flavor, the strong, malty flavor reduces the hoppiness and makes it an even friendlier drink.
A pinnacle of brewing tradition, Steam Whistle Pilsner is as pure and simple as they come. Enjoy a glass in solitude or with friends, with or without your favorite meals.
10. St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout
McAuslan Brewery is well known for producing some of the best Canadian beers, but the Saint Ambroise Oatmeal Stout takes the front stage. This beer has a reasonable ABV of 5% and a creamy texture that sets it apart from most beers.
Another characteristic that makes the Oatmeal Stout a top drink is that this classic lager has rich chocolate and coffee flavors, unlike most beers with malty flavors. And after winning several awards, you need no other proof that this beer is a must-have.
11. Red Racer IPA
Another product of British Columbia, Red Racer IPA, is a highly hoppy drink with an ABV of 6.5%. Although it’s made in Canada, this India Pale Ale has also made its mark in the United States. It has a bit of malty sweetness, with citrus and pine as its top flavors.
Red Racer’s bold, hoppy taste gives off a bitter aftertaste. Its clear copper color is enough to draw anyone in, so don’t miss out on this medium-bodied beer.
12. Péché Mortel
Dieu du Ciel’s Péché Mortel comes to mind when you think of a drink that deviates from the norm. Otherwise called “Mortal Sin,’ this beer has what it takes to take you to greater heights, with an alcoholic volume of 9.5%. Even more interesting is its rich coffee and dark chocolate flavors with a touch of roasted malt.
A sip packs enough hoppy bitterness, dark fruit undertones, and a creamy texture. No wonder this is one of the most popular Canadian beers you can find. The beer’s coffee and dark chocolate combo give it a black hue that attests to the fact that this is a no-nonsense drink. Coffee lovers who love some drama will appreciate this Péché Mortel.
13. Sleeman’s Honey Brown
Sleeman Breweries is one of the largest brewing companies in Canada. It has maintained a brewing tradition that has stood the test of time. One of the company’s products is the Sleeman Honey Brown beer, a drink made with natural ingredients, including natural bee honey. What you get is a well-balanced flavor featuring honey, barley, and apricot.
This dark-red concoction has biscuity and butterscotch scents that tickle the senses and a syrupy texture that romances your palate. Overall, the Honey Brown beer is a light-medium-bodied drink with just the right flavor profile to keep you captivated for a long time.
Conclusion
Canadian beers are as flavorful as they come, and you’ll be doing yourself a great disservice by not trying what the country’s breweries have to offer. We’ve highlighted a few of the popular Canadian beers you can find, so you can check out any of these. Cheers to the experience of a lifetime.
