The United States isn’t the only country with a birthday in July. America’s friendly northern neighbor celebrates Canada Day on July 1, and it’s the perfect opportunity to sample some Canadian beers.
Canada Day, once known as Dominion Day, marks the anniversary of the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act) that went into effect July 1, 1867. The Act created the Dominion of Canada by uniting the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada into a single country.
Notably, this agreement emerged out of civil negotiations between the British crown and its colonies – not out of revolution and war – but it only awarded Canada limited independence. The country gained full independence when the Canada Act passed in 1982.
That same year, a unanimous vote made Canada Day an official statutory holiday, strengthening national pride and spurring celebrations across the country. Today, Canadians commemorate Canada Day with festivals, parades, concerts, cookouts and fireworks.
Cherokee Distributing Company delivers several Canadian beers, so you can celebrate Canada Day properly here in East Tennessee.
A great beer to start with is Labatt Blue. First brewed in 1951 by Labatt Brewing Company, this award-winning pilsner-style lager has become the best-selling Canadian beer in the world and the number one selling Canadian beer in the United States. With a light body and subtly sweet taste, Labatt Blue always goes down smoothly.
For another sample of Canada, try brews from Molson Coors Brewing Company. Molson Golden is a unique blend that combines the spicy, fruity flavors of ale with the clean, refreshing qualities of lager. And with ice beer having originated in Canada, be sure to get a crisp and light Molson Ice.
For a taste of history, explore Moosehead Brewery, which has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1867, making it the oldest independent brewery in Canada. Its flagship beer, Moosehead Lager, is a mild golden lager with a crisp feel and dry finish.
Celebrate Canada Day by filling your glass with something new, but raise it to something that’s not – the unshakable belief in freedom that unites Canadians and Americans. And, as always, drink responsibly. Cheers to Canada!