Top 10 Best-Brewed Beers Loved by Canadians

Canada's beer culture is diverse, vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. From coast to coast, Canadian breweries produce a wide range of exceptional beers that locals love, which have also garnered admirers globally.

This article explores and ranks ten of the best-brewed beers that have won the hearts of Canadians, highlighting their unique flavors, brewing techniques and the breweries behind them. Although, in truth, the best beer you’ll have is the one you crack after a long day in the comfort of your home (no matter who made it) enjoying MDC’s $1 deposit casino games.

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La Fin Du Monde – Unibroue

Brewery: Unibroue, Chambly, Quebec

Style: Belgian Tripel

ABV: 9%

La Fin du Monde, translating to "The End of the World," is a legendary beer with international acclaim. This Belgian Tripel is known for its complex flavor profile, featuring notes of fruit, spice, and a subtle hint of malt. The beer is bottle-conditioned, giving it a unique effervescence and a slightly creamy mouthfeel. It pairs beautifully with cheeses, seafood, and hearty meats.

Unibroue's dedication to traditional Belgian brewing techniques, combined with the rich, full-bodied flavor of La Fin Du Monde, has made it a favorite among Canadian beer enthusiasts. Its high ABV makes it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

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Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale – Alexander Keith's Brewery

Brewery: Alexander Keith's Brewery, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)

ABV: 5%

Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale is a staple in the Canadian beer scene, especially in the Maritimes. This IPA has a balanced profile with a mild bitterness, making it accessible to a wide range of beer drinkers. Its smooth malt backbone and subtle hop flavors characterise the beer, offering a crisp and refreshing experience.

With over 200 years of brewing history, Alexander Keith's IPA is a symbol of Canadian heritage. Its consistent quality and smooth taste make it a go-to beer for many Canadians, particularly in Nova Scotia, where it has a loyal following.

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Beau's Lug Tread – Beau's All Natural Brewing Company

Brewery: Beau's All Natural Brewing Company, Vankleek Hill, Ontario

Style: Kölsch

ABV: 5.2%

Beau's Lug Tread is a unique blend of a lager and ale, styled as a Kölsch. This beer is top-fermented like an ale but cold-aged like a lager, resulting in a crisp finish. It has a light malt character with subtle fruitiness and a delicate hop bitterness, making it exceptionally drinkable.

Beau's Lug Tread has become a beloved choice for its refreshing and versatile nature. The brewery's commitment to organic ingredients and sustainable practices also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

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Steam Whistle Pilsner – Steam Whistle Brewing

Brewery: Steam Whistle Brewing, Toronto, Ontario

Style: Pilsner

ABV: 5%

Steam Whistle Pilsner is a classic example of a European-style Pilsner brewed with Canadian precision. This beer is brewed using just four ingredients: spring water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. The result is a crisp, clean beer with a light golden color and a refreshing finish.

Steam Whistle's dedication to quality and simplicity has earned it a loyal fanbase. Its clean, refreshing taste makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, and its iconic green bottle has become a symbol of Canadian craftsmanship.

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Red Racer IPA – Central City Brewers + Distillers

Brewery: Central City Brewers + Distillers, Surrey, British Columbia

Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)

ABV: 6.5%

Red Racer IPA is a bold and hop-forward beer that has set a high standard for Canadian IPAs. This beer features a robust bitterness balanced with citrus and pine notes, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. It's a favorite among hop enthusiasts and has won numerous awards for its excellence.

Red Racer IPA's intense hop character and balanced bitterness appeal to the growing number of craft beer aficionados in Canada. It's a beer that represents the innovative spirit of Canadian craft brewing.

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Black Bridge Brewery Milk Stout – Black Bridge Brewery

Brewery: Black Bridge Brewery, Swift Current, Saskatchewan

Style: Milk Stout

ABV: 5.3%

Black Bridge Brewery's Milk Stout is a rich, creamy stout with a smooth, velvety texture. It boasts flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee, with a slight sweetness from the lactose used in brewing. This beer is perfect for those who enjoy dark, robust flavors.

The Milk Stout's decadent flavor and creamy mouthfeel make it a comforting and satisfying choice, especially in colder weather. It's a standout example of the quality dark beers that Canadian breweries can produce.

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Maudite – Unibroue

Brewery: Unibroue, Chambly, Quebec

Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale

ABV: 8%

Maudite is another masterpiece from Unibroue, offering a rich and complex flavor profile. This Belgian Strong Dark Ale features notes of dark fruit, spice, and caramel, with a warming alcohol presence. It's a beer that invites slow sipping and appreciation.

Maudite's depth and complexity make it a favorite for special occasions and pairing with rich foods. Its strong, bold flavors are a testament to Unibroue's expertise in Belgian-style brewing.

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Fat Tug IPA – Driftwood Brewery

Brewery: Driftwood Brewery, Victoria, British Columbia

Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)

ABV: 7%

Fat Tug IPA is a West Coast IPA that packs a punch with its high ABV and bold hop character. It features intense notes of grapefruit, tropical fruit, and pine, balanced by a sturdy malt backbone. This beer is a favorite among those who appreciate hoppy, flavorful brews.

Fat Tug IPA's assertive hop profile and robust flavor make it a standout in the crowded IPA market. It's a beer that showcases the creativity and passion of Canadian craft brewers.

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St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout – McAuslan Brewing

Brewery: McAuslan Brewing, Montreal, Quebec

Style: Oatmeal Stout

ABV: 5%

St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout is a beloved classic in the Canadian beer scene. This stout is brewed with roasted malts and oatmeal, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. It's a well-balanced beer that's both robust and drinkable.

The St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout's rich, comforting flavors and smooth mouthfeel make it a popular choice for those who enjoy dark beers. Its consistent quality and depth of flavor have earned it a loyal following.

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Old Yale Brewing Sasquatch Stout – Old Yale Brewing

Brewery: Old Yale Brewing, Chilliwack, British Columbia

Style: Stout

ABV: 5%

Old Yale Brewing's Sasquatch Stout is an award-winning stout that combines rich malt flavors with hints of chocolate and coffee. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly sweet finish, making it a delight for stout lovers.

Sasquatch Stout's balanced and rich flavor profile, combined with its smooth texture, makes it a favorite among dark beer enthusiasts. It's a beer that reflects the quality and creativity of British Columbia's craft beer scene.

Canada's love for beer is reflected in the diverse and high-quality brews produced by its many talented breweries. From the complex Belgian-style ales of Unibroue to the hop-forward IPAs of Central City Brewers + Distillers, Canadian beers offer something for every palate. These ten beers represent the best of what Canadian brewing has to offer, making them must-tries for any beer connoisseur. Whether you're enjoying a classic pilsner or a bold IPA, there's no doubt that Canada's beer scene is one of the best in the world. Cheers!

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FAQ

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What makes Canadian beers unique compared to other countries?

Canadian beers are unique due to their diversity and the influence of various brewing traditions from around the world. The use of high-quality local ingredients and the creativity of Canadian brewers also contribute to their distinctiveness.

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Where can I find these Canadian beers?

Many of these beers are available at liquor stores across Canada. Some breweries also offer online ordering and shipping. Additionally, you can visit the breweries themselves for a more immersive experience.

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What food pairings work best with these beers?

Each beer has its ideal pairings. For example, La Fin Du Monde pairs well with rich cheeses and seafood, while St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout is great with chocolate desserts or hearty stews. Experimenting with different pairings can enhance your tasting experience.

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Are there any Canadian beer festivals where I can try a variety of these beers?

Yes, Canada hosts numerous beer festivals throughout the year, such as the Toronto Winter Brewfest, Vancouver Craft Beer Week, and the Mondial de la Bière in Montreal. These festivals are excellent opportunities to sample a wide range of Canadian beers.