Canada is a land of vast terrains and a brewing tradition as rich as its history. From bustling cities to the serene countryside, the best Canadian beers are as diverse in flavour as the landscape.
From fruity flavours and chocolatey notes to roasted malts and the citrusy zing from certain hop varieties, there is a Canadian beer to suit every palate.
From my first Canadian visit to the Montreal Beer Festival to my recent exploration of Newfoundland, here is an Englishman’s take on the best Canadian beers.
- Best Canadian Beers
- 1. Molson Canadian Lager
- 2. Moosehead Lager
- 3. Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale
- 4. Unibroue La Fin du Monde
- 5. Steam Whistle Pilsner
- 6. Dieu du Ciel! Péché Mortel
- 7. Red Racer IPA
- 8. Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer
- 9. Yukon Bonanza Brown Ale
- 10. Muskoka Brewery Cream Ale
- 11. Phillips Blue Buck
- 12. Little Scrapper IPA
- 13. Pump House Blueberry Ale
- 14. Big Rock Traditional Ale
- 15. Ransack the Universe IPA
- 16. Tofino Tuff Session Ale
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- Food Pairing Ideas
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
Best Canadian Beers
From crisp ales to robust stouts, the best Canadian beers offer unique flavours from hoppy bitterness to malty sweetness. Here are 16 to try.
1. Molson Canadian Lager
Overview
- Distiller: Molson
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Golden
Review
Molson is a name that resonates with tradition. Founded in 1786 in Montreal, Molson Canadian Lager is a testament to centuries of brewing expertise, crafted with pristine Canadian water and malted barley.
On The Nose
Crisp, fresh with a hint of grain.
On The Palate
Smooth, light-bodied with a subtle malty sweetness mid-palate, leading to a crisp and refreshing finish. I found Molson to be an easy drinker, like an Italian beer.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation with lively bubbles. White, frothy head that dissipates moderately.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Moosehead Lager
Overview
- Distiller: Moosehead breweries
- ABV: 5% (5 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Light gold
Review
Moosehead Lager, hailing from Canada’s oldest independent brewery, represents a legacy of over 150 years of brewing tradition. This is a balanced and refreshing beer.
On The Nose
Subtle aroma of grains, malt, and a faint hint of grassy hops.
On The Palate
It’s predominantly malty, with notes of grains and a slight caramel sweetness. This is balanced by a mild hop bitterness. The finish is clean and refreshing.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation level produces a white, frothy head that dissipates moderately.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale
Overview
- Distiller: Alexander Keith’s
- ABV: 5% (5 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Pale yellow
Review
Originating from Halifax in 1820, Alexander Keith’s IPA is one of Nova Scotia’s oldest breweries, brewing a beer that’s an India Pale Ale.
On The Nose
Mild hops with a touch of citrus.
On The Palate
Balanced bitterness, slightly malty with a strong hop finish. It’s the kind of IPA that’s approachable, even for those new to hoppy beers.
Carbonation/Head
Moderate carbonation, consistent throughout. Creamy off-white head with good retention.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Unibroue La Fin du Monde
Overview
- Distiller: Unibroue
- ABV: 9% (18 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Golden
Review
Unibroue, from Quebec, is renowned for its Belgian-style beers. La Fin du Monde, translating to “The End of the World”, is a triple-style golden ale, a nod to Europe’s great brewing traditions.
On The Nose
Fruity and spicy with a hint of yeast.
On The Palate
Complex, with notes of citrus, cloves, and a slight bitterness. It is quite fruity and bready with a strong alcohol kick, ensuring a beer that pairs well with spicy Indian food.
Carbonation/Head
High carbonation, effervescent. Thick, fluffy white head that lingers.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Steam Whistle Pilsner
Overview
- Distiller: Steam Whistle
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Golden
Review
Brewed in Toronto’s historic John St. Roundhouse, Steam Whistle Pilsner is a homage to traditional European brewing. Using only four beer ingredients, it’s a lesson in simplicity and purity.
On The Nose
Grassy, fresh with a touch of malt.
On The Palate
Crisp and refreshing, with a slight hop bitterness mid-palate. The finish is grainy and slightly bready with a touch of spice.
Carbonation/Head
High carbonation with a bright white head that settles quickly.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Dieu du Ciel! Péché Mortel
Overview
- Distiller: Dieu du Ciel!
- ABV: 9.5% (19 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Tan
Review
Hailing from Montreal, Dieu du Ciel! is a craft brewery that’s not afraid to experiment. Péché Mortel, or “Mortal Sin”, is an imperial coffee stout, a bold fusion of flavours.
On The Nose
Rich coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt.
On The Palate
Deep, robust coffee flavours meld with dark chocolate, a hint of caramel and a touch of smoke on the finish. It’s a fantastic stout that’s both sinful and heavenly.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation with a dense head with a creamy texture.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Red Racer IPA
Overview
- Distiller: Central City Brewers
- ABV: 6.5% (13 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Copper
Review
From British Columbia’s Central City Brewers, Red Racer IPA is a testament to the West Coast’s love for hops. It’s bold, it’s brash, it’s beautifully Canadian.
On The Nose
Citrusy, piney with a hint of floral.
On The Palate
I would say this is a hop-forward beer with citrus and a lingering bitterness. It’s a beer that challenges and rewards, and pairs well with Indian dishes.
Carbonation/Head
Moderately high carbonation and a medium-sized foamy head.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer
Overview
- Distiller: Quidi Vidi
- ABV: 4.5% (9 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Straw
Review
Brewed in Newfoundland, Quidi Vidi’s Iceberg Beer is as pure as its origins. Using water from 20,000-year-old icebergs, it’s a beer that captures the essence of the North.
On The Nose
Clean, fresh with a hint of mineral.
On The Palate
Light and crisp with a subtle sweetness, the biscuity flavours of malt, and a touch of citrus. A little bready on the finish, I found.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation and a light, airy white head that fades slowly.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Yukon Bonanza Brown Ale
Overview
- Distiller: Yukon Brewing
- ABV: 5% (5 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Brown
Review
From the rugged terrains of Yukon, this brown ale is a nod to the region’s gold rush history. It’s malty, it’s rich, it’s a Canadian treasure. It’s dark, like a Trappist beer.
On The Nose
Nutty with aromas of citrus, hops and a touch of grain.
On The Palate
Malty sweetness, citrus, nuts, caramel notes, and a hint of dark fruit. It’s a comforting beer, perfect for those cold Canadian nights.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation and average-sized head that’s quite persistent.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
10. Muskoka Brewery Cream Ale
Overview
- Distiller: Muskoka Brewery
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Amber
Review
From the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka Cream Ale is a celebration of Canadian brewing. It’s smooth, it’s creamy, it’s a lakeside companion.
On The Nose
Malty, with a hint of hops and caramel.
On The Palate
Smooth and creamy upfront, with notes of malt, caramel, and a balanced bitterness. I found the finish to be quite crisp and dry.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation with a creamy, off-white head that stays for a while.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
11. Phillips Blue Buck
Overview
- Distiller: Phillips Brewing
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Amber
Review
Hailing from British Columbia, Phillips Blue Buck is a legendary ale that’s approachable and flavourful.
On The Nose
Malty, bready, with hints of citrus and pine.
On The Palate
A well-balanced ale with notes of malt, toffee, grains, and citrus mid-palate. It’s a beer with a very smooth finish.
Carbonation/Head
Moderate carbonation and a white, frothy head with decent retention.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
12. Little Scrapper IPA
Overview
- Distiller: Half Pints Brewing Company
- ABV: 6% (12 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Copper
Review
From Winnipeg, Little Scrapper IPA is a feisty and bold beer offering from the Half Pints Brewing Company that packs a hoppy punch.
On The Nose
Citrus, pine, and a touch of floral.
On The Palate
Bold hops, notes of grapefruit, and a lingering bitterness that reminds me of Mexican beers. It’s an IPA that challenges and delights.
Carbonation/Head
Medium-high carbonation and a thick, off-white head with good lacing.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
13. Pump House Blueberry Ale
Overview
- Distiller: Pump House Brewery
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Blonde
Review
A New Brunswick gem, Pumphouse Blueberry Ale is a delightful fusion of ale and wild blueberries for all your fruit lovers.
On The Nose
Fresh blueberries with a hint of malt.
On The Palate
A delicate blueberry flavour melds with the ale’s maltiness. It’s refreshing and biscuity, but maybe not counting towards one of your 5-a-day!
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation with light purple-tinted head, owing to the blueberries.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
14. Big Rock Traditional Ale
Overview
- Distiller: Big Rock Brewery
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Amber
Review
Calgary’s pride, Big Rock Traditional Ale, is a nod to European brewing traditions with a Canadian twist.
On The Nose
Malty, with hints of caramel and nuts.
On The Palate
Notes of malt, caramel, and a touch of fruitiness. It’s a well-rounded ale that’s slightly nutty (toasted) on the finish.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation and a creamy tan head that settles slowly.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
15. Ransack the Universe IPA
Overview
- Distiller: Collective Arts
- ABV: 6.8% (13.6 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Light amber
Review
Brewed in Hamilton, Ontario, by Collective Arts, this IPA is a mosaic of flavours, a testament to the artistry of its creators.
On The Nose
Tropical, citrusy with a hint of pine.
On The Palate
Notes of pineapple, citrus, and a balanced hop bitterness. The subtle finish is a little grassy and malty.
Carbonation/Head
Medium to high carbonation and a dense, off-white head with superior retention.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
16. Tofino Tuff Session Ale
Overview
- Distiller: Tofino Brewing
- ABV: 5% (10 Proof)
- Country: Canada
- Colour: Pale gold
Review
Straight from British Columbia’s surf capital, Tofino Brewing’s Tuff Session Ale is light, refreshing, and the perfect post-surf brew.
On The Nose
Toasted malt and hops with a hint of citrus and burnt sugar.
On The Palate
Medium-bodied, with notes of toasted malt mid-palate. The finish is clean, like a Mexican beer, with a slight bitterness and a touch of demera sugar.
Carbonation/Head
Medium carbonation produces a white, bubbly head that fades moderately.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Moosehead Lager
My top pick is Moosehead Lager, as this classic Canadian beer is well-balanced and refreshing blend of bitter hops and sweet malt flavours.
Food Pairing Ideas
| No. | Beer | Recommended Food Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Molson Canadian Lager | Grilled chicken, Caesar salad |
| 2 | Moosehead Lager | BBQ chicken, sausages, and burgers |
| 3 | Alexander Keith’s IPA | Spicy buffalo wings, Blue cheese dip |
| 4 | La Fin du Monde | Indian food, mushroom risotto |
| 5 | Steam Whistle Pilsner | Bratwurst sausages, potato salad |
| 6 | Péché Mortel | Chocolate lava cake, coffee desserts |
| 7 | Red Racer IPA | Spicy Thai curry, Mango chutney |
| 8 | Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer | Fresh seafood platter, Lemon herb butter |
| 9 | Bonanza Brown Ale | BBQ ribs, Smoked gouda cheese |
| 10 | Muskoka Cream Ale | Grilled steak, Roasted vegetables |
| 11 | Phillips Blue Buck | Pulled pork sandwich, Coleslaw |
| 12 | Little Scrapper IPA | Spicy nachos, Guacamole |
| 13 | Pumphouse Blueberry Ale | Blueberry pie, Creamy desserts |
| 14 | Big Rock Traditional Ale | Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding |
| 15 | Ransack the Universe IPA | Spicy sushi rolls, Wasabi |
| 16 | Tuff Session Ale | Fish tacos, Lime-infused dishes |
Conclusion
Canada’s beer offerings are as vast and varied as its landscapes. From coast to coast, the best Canadian beers offer a glimpse into the country’s brewing heritage and diversity of ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious traveller, there’s a Canadian beer waiting to be discovered and savoured.
Also Read: 14 Most Popular American Beers: From Coast To Coast
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
