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Agreed. With very few exceptions, such as for microbrews and specialty beers, most "US beers" sold in Canada are brewed in Canada. Molson brews Coors Light, Labatt brews Budweiser, and so on.
As I recall, there was some initial balking on the part of the Canadian consumer when these (and others) were introduced back in the early 1980s. The joke in those days was, "Why is American beer like making love in a canoe?"
Answer:
Spoiler
Because it's f***ing close to water.
So, the Canadian breweries' marketing efforts concentrated on how these beers were "brewed for the Canadian taste," and similar. In other words, reassuring the consumer that these were every bit as good, full-flavoured, and with just as much alcohol as what Canadians were used to. Obviously, that plan worked.
If we take microbrews and specialty beers out of the equation, I do know a number of people who like Bud/Bud Light, Coors Light, MGD, and other Canadian-brewed US brands; but I'd guess that an equal number, or more, prefer Canadian brands. Here in the west, Molson's Pilsner is popular, as is Labatt's Kokanee, originally from BC. The Alexander Keith beers, all brewed now by Labatt, are popular across the country; and Molson's Rickard's division has done quite well everywhere it has been tried. I understand that Canadian ales (Molson Ex, Labatt 50) are still popular in Ontario and Quebec. And of course, there are the old standbys, Molson Canadian and Labatt's Blue, that are available everywhere.
I remember that joke, because it was true. Now with all the craft breweries down south, things have changed a bit.
Kokanee is my hot day beer. It's has a crisp bite that I enjoy. Pretty good for a big brewery beer. I also enjoy Keith's and order it on tap quite often.
I haven't had a Canadian or a Blue in a long, long time.
I also enjoy, some Quebec beers like Maudite and La Fin du Monde. Only one though, they are strong and are a type of beer that I enjoy with a sandwich that has mustard.
I remember having conversations when I was working on VIA with Americans trying to order beer. In those days there were no US brands being brewed in Canada, and VIA did not have imported beers ( funny, some Americans seemed offended when I described their beer as foreign LOL ). Anyway, most often than not the conversation went like this.
Me: What would you like Sir ?
Them: I'd like a Bud.
Me: Sorry we don't have any imported beers.
Them: (looking slightly shocked and confused ) Uh…then I'll have a Molson's.
Me: Certainly what kind?
Them: ( looking more confused ) I told you a Molson's.
Me: Molson's the brewery sir, they make many beers.
They have no idea what they are missing, American microbrews are incredible.
Incredible yes, but then all microbrews in most countries are incredible. I think the Canadian " snobbery " about beer comes from the fact that way before microbrews really existed, Canadian beer was fuller and had more alcohol. So when we drank mainstream US beer it really did taste weak and quite awful. I always thought it was too fizzy like pop.
That impression has never really gone away, probably because today when you compare the mainstream brews from both countries, to Canadians and apparently Australians have told me this as well, Canadian mainstream beer just tastes better.
It's interesting to note that micro brewing gained popularity in both countries about the same time. 1980 saw the 1st one in Portland, Oregon..now renowned for it's beer and in Vancouver 1984. Quebec, from what I can tell started a bit later in 1989 with Les Brasseurs du Nord, and Unibroue in 1990, the brewery that makes the Maudite and La Fin Du Monde that I enjoy. I wouldn't be surprised if the most popular beer in Quebec is Molson's Dry LOL..at least it was years ago.
The scene is always changing, and I question if a brewery like Unibroue can really be called a microbrew since it seems to make enough to sell across Canada, or Granville Island breweries which sells I know in Ontario and possible elsewhere.
Incredible yes, but then all microbrews in most countries are incredible. I think the Canadian " snobbery " about beer comes from the fact that way before microbrews really existed, Canadian beer was fuller and had more alcohol. So when we drank mainstream US beer it really did taste weak and quite awful. I always thought it was too fizzy like pop.
That impression has never really gone away, probably because today when you compare the mainstream brews from both countries, to Canadians and apparently Australians have told me this as well, Canadian mainstream beer just tastes better.
It's interesting to note that micro brewing gained popularity in both countries about the same time. 1980 saw the 1st one in Portland, Oregon..now renowned for it's beer and in Vancouver 1984. Quebec, from what I can tell started a bit later in 1989 with Les Brasseurs du Nord, and Unibroue in 1990, the brewery that makes the Maudite and La Fin Du Monde that I enjoy. I wouldn't be surprised if the most popular beer in Quebec is Molson's Dry LOL..at least it was years ago.
The scene is always changing, and I question if a brewery like Unibroue can really be called a microbrew since it seems to make enough to sell across Canada, or Granville Island breweries which sells I know in Ontario and possible elsewhere.
I agree that all countries have incredible microbrews but I'm only in my early 30's, so a world without microbrews is one I didnt know
It is a great trend though and honestly it has come to a point now where its easier for me to find a microbrew than a mainstream one at my local liquor store. Also in London the American microbrew scene has exploded, and bars stocking them are the new fad.
I do like La Fin Du Monde, but I was in Montreal a few weeks back and picked up a few beers brewed by Le Trou du Diable, and I probably won't be drinking La Fin Du Monde for a while! Each one was fantastic.
With that said I pretty much hate all mainstream beer, regardless of its country of origin. It could be Molson, Heineken, Stella, Bud, Coors, Corona, Tecate, etc..Heck even if we look at Trappist Ale's, the mainstream stuff from Chimay is easily the worst of the lot.
So I get where the reputation comes from, but for someone who really loves good beer, its all pretty sh*t at the end of the day.
P.S: Thanks for the link of Parallel 49, always looking for more good beer.
I agree that all countries have incredible microbrews but I'm only in my early 30's, so a world without microbrews is one I didnt know
It is a great trend though and honestly it has come to a point now where its easier for me to find a microbrew than a mainstream one at my local liquor store. Also in London the American microbrew scene has exploded, and bars stocking them are the new fad.
I do like La Fin Du Monde, but I was in Montreal a few weeks back and picked up a few beers brewed by Le Trou du Diable, and I probably won't be drinking La Fin Du Monde for a while! Each one was fantastic.
With that said I pretty much hate all mainstream beer, regardless of its country of origin. It could be Molson, Heineken, Stella, Bud, Coors, Corona, Tecate, etc..Heck even if we look at Trappist Ale's, the mainstream stuff from Chimay is easily the worst of the lot.
So I get where the reputation comes from, but for someone who really loves good beer, its all pretty sh*t at the end of the day.
P.S: Thanks for the link of Parallel 49, always looking for more good beer.
It's like all things. Once you've had the good stuff, you can't go back !! I'm older than you and remember time before micro-brews, and I have to say I am thrilled with the new energy regarding this drink.
I'm not much of a beer drinker, but on a hot summer day, I do like Fin Du Monde.
At 9% alcohol however, it knocks me on my a$$ if I have more than one.
It's like all things. Once you've had the good stuff, you can't go back !! I'm older than you and remember time before micro-brews, and I have to say I am thrilled with the new energy regarding this drink.
Older!
Haaar; older still is remembering a time when one had the facility of a fairly large old wooden cabin cruiser to cross over to Oswego with it loaded to the gunnels with Canadian beers to flog to the friends and others who knew you were coming and would put in their order.
O'Keefe Extra Old Stock, Labatt's 50, Carling's Red Cap, Carlings Black Label ......remember the old TV ditty Whistle ......Mable; black label........
Those old twin 327's were thirsty so a slight surcharge was applied for the extra fuel that old barge would gulp while pushing along with the plimsoll line buried.
Haaar; older still is remembering a time when one had the facility of a fairly large old wooden cabin cruiser to cross over to Oswego with it loaded to the gunnels with Canadian beers to flog to the friends and others who knew you were coming and would put in their order.
O'Keefe Extra Old Stock, Labatt's 50, Carling's Red Cap, Carlings Black Label ......remember the old TV ditty Whistle ......Mable; black label........
Those old twin 327's were thirsty so a slight surcharge was applied for the extra fuel that old barge would gulp while pushing along with the plimsoll line buried.
Why thanks for story old feller. I still buy O'Keefe Extra Old Stock, now and then….also Old Style Pilsner, which was my dad's beer.
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