| Beer |
Canada is a country with a long brewing history. Beer was brought to Canada by European settlers. The very first commercial brewery was opened in Quebec in 1668. For a while a number of commercial breweries thrived, but very few of them survived the Prohibition. The new breweries began to appear only in the late 20th century. Nowadays Canadian beer industry is undergoing significant changes. Recession, environmental issues, free trade and decreasing consumption do play their part. Due to the fact that Canadian beer industry played a truly important role in the Canadian culture, arts and sports, it is hard to foresee what these changes might bring. However, despite all the difficulties Canadian brewing industry still retains its excellent reputation around the world. The country has clean and natural environment, excellent raw ingredients and purest fresh water to make its beer valued and prized well beyond the Canadian boundaries for its quality and taste.
Despite all the changes occurring in brewing industry, beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in Canada. More that 40% of the dollar value of alcoholic beverages sold in Canada is claimed by beer. This compares to 29% for wine. Canada is also a place where ice beer originated even though the idea was taken from German Eisbock style of beer. The first ice beer was introduced on the market in 1993. Ice beer is produced by decreasing its temperature to or just below the freezing point of water. Due to the fact that water contained in the beer freezes at higher temperature than alcohol, it turns into ice while the alcohol remains liquid. Following this the layer of ice is removed and volume ration of alcohol to water consequently increases. This technique creates a beer with higher alcohol content.
Among the types of beer available to consumers lager is particularly preferred by Canadians with ale right behind it. Lager has lighter taste, while more hops are used to brew ale. Different types of yeast are used as well. Recently both small and large breweries have been trying to increase the range of products, offering the consumers larger selection to meet different tastes. One can choose among extra dry, dry light, strong, extra strong, ice, wheat, non-alcoholic and unpasteurized beers. With beer being a very poplar beverage among Canadians it is not surprising that Beer Festivals are always attended by a great number of people. For example the first Great Canadian Beer Festival was held in 1993. The festival always attracts breweries and visitors from across Canada. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is being held ever since 1969. It is a nine-day event which is not exclusively about beer. There are numerous festival events taking place across Kitchener-Waterloo throughout the festival dates. For our listing of Beer Suppliers in Canada click here |
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