October 6: Canadian Beer Day

Originally written on October 6, 2021. Updated 2023

Did somebody say beer?
Beer is a drink that has been enjoyed for thousands of years and, in historical times, it was often much safer to drink than water!
Believe it or not, still today, quite a large amount of the world population prefers beer over water anyway.
Canadian Beer Day is all about celebrating the beverage and the Canadian beer industry, and It’s no secret that a cold beer can be the perfect complement to any day.
Beer lovers are sure to find interesting events across Canada on this day, literally “a day to celebrate Candian Beer and the people who brew it, sell it, deliver it, serve it and drink it.”

People have been brewing beer for at least 7,000 years.
Interestingly, the first written record humans have of beer being brewed is written on a papyrus that dates back to around 5,000 BC, despite these beers weren’t like what people now know and enjoy today.
Originally they were probably strong drinks, made with fruit such as dates and pomegranates, as well as herbs.
In any case, beer has been historically important especially in many European countries and those connected to them due to their strong brewing traditions.
According to some Canada became a beer brewing place because grapes were less likely to be grown in the northern regions, which made it difficult to make wine. The first record of brewing in Canada is from the year 1646, when a Jesuit Brother began brewing in what was then called New France, basically the French colonies of continental North America.
By the 1980s, regional breweries began to grow, offering plenty of choice to the local beer drinker.
Either way the brewing business today in the country has become huge, and the Canadian beer trade is thriving.
Today, Canada ranks number 20 in the world when it comes to beer consumption per person.

Everyone can join in with celebrating this day, whether you are just someone who likes beer, or you are a brewer or a retailer of beer.
And, of course, the best way to join in on the celebrations of this day is to have a Canadian beer!
No matter where in the world you find yourself, this is the day to find to a beer…(well, you can of course contact me, if you find something in Europe too).

The first event on this day was held at a brewery in Saskatoon, Canada and, about beers themselves, there are a variety that Canadians have loved making (and drinking).
Among others are Molson Canadian, made in Molson brewery, founded back in 1786, about 80 years before Canada became its own country, and It continues to be the oldest brewery in North America, and the second oldest company in Canada.
Moosehead Lager use only 100% Canadian barley and Spruce spring water, and offers a balance between malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness.
Although the Pilsner originated in Europe, most precisely in Czech Republic, the Canadians at Great Western have taken it to a fine level with so-called Great Western Pilsner.

And you can also celebrate Canadian Beer Day by attending a special beer event, which is often held in the capital of Canada, Ottawa.

Images from web – Google Research