Victors of 2025 Canada Beer Cup Announced

The victors of the 2025 Canada Beer Cup have been unveiled in a ceremonious fanfare befitting a nation proud of its craft brewing pedigree. This grand occasion, held amid the refined whispers of Quebec City, marked yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of ambitious brewers vying for elusive acclaim. Over 1,800 entries from the country’s finest ale artisans sought to charm the discerning palates of a panel whose impartiality is as legendary as the event itself. The annual gala culminates not merely in the distribution of medals but in the subtle affirmation that Canadian beer culture is both a noble pursuit and, dare one say, an exquisitely sophisticated pastime for those who find joy in liquid alchemy. Naturally, the ceremony was accompanied by watch parties—because what better way to celebrate excellence than with a communal sip of the nation’s pride, lest anyone forget that this is serious business elevated by a knowing wink.

The Canada Beer Cup is a prestigious national competition celebrating independently owned and operated craft breweries across Canada. It has grown to become the country’s largest beer competition, attracting over 1,800 entries from more than 300 breweries representing every province and territory. The event showcases quality and innovation in Canadian craft beers, with awards given across 48 distinct beer categories, five cider categories, and packaging categories. The beers are blind-tasted by a panel of top international and Canadian judges who select winners including a coveted Best In Show award. The competition also supports the Canadian Craft Brewers Association and provides entries to the World Beer Cup for the top breweries. The 2025 Canada Beer Cup Gala was held in Quebec City, Quebec on November 10, 2025, marking a significant celebration of Canadian brewing excellence.

At the forefront stands MicroBrasserie Charlevoix’s “Flacatoune,” proudly clasping the coveted Best In Show title and thereby earning a distinguished place in the annals of Canadian brewing lore. Alongside this eminent victor, a myriad of breweries from coast to coast garnered accolades across 48 meticulously judged categories, ranging from traditional ales to innovative ciders. With over 1,800 entries from 300 breweries nationwide, this year’s winners underscore the vibrant and sophisticated tapestry that constitutes Canada’s craft beer scene, reaffirming its role on both national and international stages.

The Western Canadian Gambrinus Pilsner Malt category was claimed with aplomb by Rustedake Brewing’s Wandering Spruce IPA, a brew that manages to elevate a modest malt base with an audacious hint of spruce. Not to be overshadowed, Jackknife Hair Straight from British Columbia took top honors in the quirky Canadian Spruce Tip Pale Ale category, balancing novelty and tradition as effortlessly as a tightrope walker at a beer festival. Meanwhile, in the realm of non-alcoholic beers, Sea Change’s Death Wave Alcoholic Lager from Edmonton cheekily redefined sobriety while maintaining full flavor—because grandeur need not be measured in percentages. On the hoppier side of affairs, Good Robot’s Light IPA from Halifax reigned supreme in the Hop-Forward Lager category, proving that lightness and intensity are not mutually exclusive companions. These champions, among many others, underscore the nuanced, diverse, and at times cheeky spirit animating Canada’s craft beer scene.

The victors of the 2025 Canada Beer Cup in key categories offered a masterclass in both craft and character:

• Rustedake Brewing’s Wandering Spruce IPA (Western Canadian Gambrinus Pilsner Malt) presents a beguiling blend of crisp malt sweetness underscored by a refreshing hint of forest spruce, evoking the wild Canadian outdoors in a bottle.
• Jackknife Hair Straight (Canadian Spruce Tip Pale Ale) delights with its subtle piney brightness and balanced bitterness, marrying novelty with drinkability in a way that nods both to tradition and playful innovation.
• Sea Change’s Death Wave Alcoholic Lager (Non-Alcoholic Beer) surprises the palate with a clean, malt-forward body and delicate hop notes, managing to evoke the essence of a lager while eschewing its intoxicating powers—a true paradox in liquid form.
• Good Robot’s Light IPA (Hop-Forward Lager) balances a light, crisp mouthfeel with layers of floral and citrus hop character, delivering a sprightly, refreshing experience without sacrificing complexity.

Each tasting note captures a unique story of craftsmanship and regional pride, reflecting the richly textured landscape of Canadian craft beer.

In sum, the 2025 Canada Beer Cup reveals an industry both vigorous and discerning, where regional nuances and brewing innovations shine in competition. The winners not only affirm the craft’s thriving creativity but also highlight a community dedicated to quality and local pride. As Canadian breweries continue to evolve, so too does the rich, textured narrative they pour into every glass—undeniably serious, yet never without a knowing smile.