There’s nothing like enjoying a relaxing weekend at the cottage with a pint of beer in hand. Lucky for us, cottage country areas across Canada are rich with breweries that will delight all types of beer-drinkers. Looking for your next go-to brew? Canada’s longest-standing beer competition, the Canadian Brewing Awards, has announced its 2024 winners. Across the 61 categories there were notable local winners at the bronze, silver and gold levels. If you’re headed to a cottage this summer, here are the gold winners you should check out.
Overall Winners
Best of Show: Corsaire Dark Mild from Corsaire Microbrasserie in Lévis, Que.
Corsaire Microbrasserie opened its doors in 2008 after founder Martin Vaillancourt travelled to England to manage an English pub. When he returned to Quebec, he realized the lack of diversity in the Quebec brewing industry. Vaillancourt returned to England to study the art of British brewing to bring the best beers to Quebec. This Brown Ale combines the typical flavours of North and South England.
Brewery of the Year: Boxing Rock Brewing Company in Shelburne, N.S.
Founded by two chemical engineers in 2012, Boxing Rock strives to create a craft beer experience to “challenge assumptions and honour traditional styles,” creating a beer for every customer—even the ones who think they don’t like beer.
Gold Winners
- Kellerbier/Zwickelbier: Timelapse Helles Lager from Fernie Brewing Company in Fernie, B.C.
- Belgian Style Abbey Ale/Pale Ale: BEES! Belgian Blonde Ale from Dog Mountain Brewing in Port Alberni, B.C.
- Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale: Belgian Blonde from Tanner & Co. Brewing in Chester Basin, N.S.
- Belgian-Style Brett Beer: Zig Zag Wonderer from Nokomis Craft Ales in Nokomis, Sask. Near Last Mountain Lake.
- Porter: Couleur Café from Microbrasserie Chelsea & Co in Chelsea, Que.
- Brown Ale: Corsaire Dark Mild from Corsaire Microbrasserie in Lévis, Que.
- English Bitters: Little Britain – ESB from Concession Road Brewing Co. in Jarvis, Ont. (a great pitstop on the way!)
- Dry Stout: Black River Stout from Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. in Orillia, Ont.
- Light (Calorie-Reduced) Lager: Tread Lightly from Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge, Ont.
- North American Style Blonde or Golden Ale: Puck Off from Boxing Rock Brewing Company in Shelburne, N.S.
- Gluten Free Beer: Quick Witted from Grey Fox Brewing in Kelowna, B.C.
- Session Ale: Dark Mild from Deadfall Brewing Company in Prince George, B.C.
- Herb and Spice Beer: Mammoth from Sons of Kent Brewing Co. in Chatham, Ont.
- Wood and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer: Biere De Coupage from Field House Brewing Co. in Abbotsford, B.C.
- Flavoured Stout/Porter: Black Forest Stout from Mountainview Brewing Co. in Hope, B.C.
Looking for more? Winners of the silver and bronze awards can be found here.
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