A time trip: Canada’s beer roots
Imagine in the seventeenth century, times when European settlers decided to cross the puddle and make North America their new home. Not only brought gold and land dreams, but also beer barrels! The cold Canadian winters became the ideal stage to perfect the art of fermentation, long before the modern refrigerators that we take today.
The time of craft beer: from home to breweries
In those early years, making beer was both a domestic experiment as a social meeting form. The settlers, moved by the desire to enjoy a good drink at home, began to make beers in the comfort of their homes, especially in the festivities. Moving a little in time, in 1650, Montreal received its first commercial brewery, marking the beginning of a rich beer tradition in the country.
Great success: the shocking story of Molson Cours
Later, in 1786, John Molson, the English beer pioneer, established what we know today as Molson Cours. Its legacy is still alive: after the acquisition of the Carling O’Keefe brewer in 1989, its empire has become the second largest brewing group worldwide, controlling about half of the Canadian beer market. A sparkling giant!
The beer boom: What is happening today?
In recent years, Canada has witnessed a vertiginous growth in its beer industry that, in a surprising 108%, has seen more than 640 licensed breweries emerge. Provinces such as Ontario, British Quebec and Columbia are in the lead, housing 200, 160 and 120 breweries, respectively. According to Beer Canada, more than 40 companies represent more than 90% of national beer production. A true feast for foam lovers!
Unibroue: The crown jewel
Among these new breweries is Unibroue, famous for its emblematic ‘End du Monde’, which has not only conquered the local palate, but also awarded as the best Belgian -style beer Tripel Abbey in the World Beer Awards 2016. Born of the techniques of medieval Belgian monks, its recipe stands as an example of non -European beer excellence.
A foaming future: innovation and sustainability
But, it’s not just about quality! Canadians strive to be a model to follow in environmental practices within the industry. An amazing 99% of the beer bottles are recycled, considerably representing 35.4% of the more than 162 million liters that were exported last year. So, every time you enjoy a Canadian beer, you will know that you are supporting an effort for the planet!
Final reflections: beer, more than just a drink
As Canadian beer culture continues to expand, it is admirable to see how a simple drink has evolved to become a community icon, tradition and sustainability. It is no longer just a drink; It is a symbol of friendship, celebration and care for the environment. So lift your glass and provide for the future of Canadian beer!
