Canada's Craft Beer history (updated)

Here's a really interesting article on the history of 'craft' beer in Canada, how it almost disappeared in a giant vat of corn and rice, and the resurgence of the industry.

It also does a nice job of breaking down craft beer by regions in Canada and how 'micro' is growing within provincial borders. It is not a comprehensive list, but it's a good primer.

I'm often asked by people, friends and strangers alike, if perhaps the craft beer movement is becoming too saturated, that there is an ever-growing bubble that will eventually burst.

To this, I often quote the co-owner of Beau's All Natural Brewery, Steve Beauchesne, who once said "There is no bubble. It's the beer industry righting itself."
*furthermore, this article just came to my attention and speaks to the scene in Ottawa.

For years Canadians have been offered very little choice in beer. Sure, there are many brands of beer, but certainly not many styles.

Commercial big brands (macros) are largely lager or lager-hybrids, pilsners, and safe, malty ales. Stouts, porters, wits (wheat), hefeweizens, belgians, and real IPA's rarely graced the shelves of The Beer Store or the LCBO.

Imagine going to one of only three grocery stores, because that is all that was available in your town. You need some tomato soup, bread, and cereal. On the shelves are five different labels, all containing tomato soup. There may be four breads, but two are 'white' and two are 'brown'. Head to the cereal aisle and there may be more choices - at least 10 of them. But of the 10, four are just lighter versions of their originals. Not very exciting. Some would say bland. But that was what you were accustomed to, and without choices, you really didn't know what you were missing.

But then down the street, a new grocery store opens. This one is smaller, and overall their food is a bit more expensive. Not only do you have way more choices (not only tomato soup, but chicken noodle, vegetable, carrot and ginger), but there's a real sense of pride from the grocery store owner from supplying locally sourced food (the wheat from the bread is from a local farmer). You get a sense of community, maybe even ownership. That's what craft beer is. It's having the option of choosing something that was locally made, with passion, real ingredients, full of complexity and flavour!

And now the shelves at The Beer Store and LCBO are being stocked with way more varieties, because consumers have buying power, and they want to get in on the action. Nice to see them taking notice.

Sometimes I tease my macro-beer drinking friends, but I really don't judge, or try not to. Everyone is entitled to make their own choice. It's okay to prefer Kraft Dinner over homemade Mac N' Cheese, or McDonald's over a burger made in a kitchen. I've had both, and know what I like - and that's because I've tried both, I am given options, and I choose what's in my glass. I encourage you to do the same.

Cheers.