About Canadian Beer
Beer was introduced to Canada by European settlers in the 17th century. Canada’s first recorded brewer was Jesuit Brother Ambroise who began making beer in 1646 for the foundation of New France. In 1668, La Brasseries du Roy would become the country’s first brewery. Unfortunately prohibition would wipe out ¾ of the breweries from 1878-1928. This resulted in massive consolidation where Canadian Breweries, Molson and Labatt would dominate the market. Ironically these companies would later be bought out or merge with foreign based companies, making Moosehead Breweries the largest fully Canadian-owned brewer in the country.
Canada has enjoyed a thriving microbrewery scene, with the first microbrewery opening in 1982 (Horseshoe Bay Brewery). In 2006 there were 88 microbreweries, but by 2015 there were 520 breweries.
Canadian’s typically enjoy macro pale lagers, but they do have some distinct Canadian styles of beer. These include spruce beer, ice beer and cream ale.
Canadian Beer Reviews
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