The Annual Canadian Brewer’s Choice Awards (CBCAs) brought down the house with a spectacular conclusion at the dazzling Awards Presentation Dinner Event held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Hosted for the first time at the historic and charming Pillar & Post Hotel in the heart of one of Ontario’s prettiest towns, Niagara-On-The-Lake, the event was nothing short of legendary. The Awards officially kicked off (for the first time ever) the MBAA Ontario Chapter Technical Conference, held February 1st and 2nd.
Pouring in from every corner of the Great White North, over 140 brewing professionals raised their glasses in a cheer-worthy salute to their colleagues. The brewing magic spread from Ontario to New Brunswick, British Columbia to PEI, Manitoba to Alberta, and Quebec, making it a truly coast-to-coast celebration. And we can’t forget our friends south of the border, adding a taste of the international scene to the frothy festivities.
Designed as the pinnacle platform to showcase the Best of the Best in Canadian brewing, the CBCAs once again illuminated the outstanding accomplishments of industry trailblazers. The awards ceremony served as a beacon, spotlighting the exceptional talents and contributions of those who have set new standards in brewing excellence.
This year, a noteworthy addition has been made to our prestigious awards program, bringing the total categories to 10 with the inclusion of the Community Initiative of the Year Award. This latest category joins the existing nine, and the nomination process remains inclusive, requiring beer industry peers to submit comprehensive descriptions justifying why a particular brewery or individual deserves a specific award. The surge in submissions, surpassing last year’s count is particularly invigorating, totalling more than 450 entries. Every individual who was shortlisted and emerged victorious should take immense pride in their achievement.
The 2023 Edition of the Canadian Brewers Choice Awards also introduced a paradigm shift in recognition and accolades, by proudly presenting an innovative approach to celebrate excellence in the brewing industry. Elevating the standard of distinction, our brand-new custom 3D-printed trophies redefine craftsmanship, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance. Each trophy is meticulously hand-finished with a touch of opulence, featuring gold leaf detailing that symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement. The Awards committee was also delighted to unveil the prestigious Medal of Honours—a distinguished accolade reserved for those individuals and entities deemed honourable mentions in each award category. This exclusive recognition not only underscores outstanding contributions but also pays homage to the unwavering commitment to excellence within the brewing community. Experience a new era of recognition with the Brewers Choice Awards, where innovation meets tradition, and excellence is celebrated in every exquisite detail.
2023 CBCA WINNERS:
YOUNG BREWER OF THE YEAR
TWO Winners tied for first place:
AZLAN GRAVES – MAIN STREET BREWING
LIAM DEVLIN – RADIUM BREWING
HONOURABLE MENTION: KIERA NIMMO – Town Brewery
BREWER OF THE YEAR
TWO Winners tied for first place:
JAMIE SHILLOW – SHILLOW BREWING
MARCOS BARDELLI – OBSOLETE BREWING CO.
HONOURABLE MENTION: KERRY DYSON – Brewhall
NEW BREWERY OF THE YEAR
GOOD NEIGHBOUR BREWING CO.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Test Batches Brewery
BREWERY OF THE YEAR
BLINDMAN BREWING
HONOURABLE MENTION: Split Rail Brewing
BRANDING OF THE YEAR
BRASSERIE DUNHAM
HONOURABLE MENTION: Something In The Water Brewing
NEW BEER OF THE YEAR
CITY LIMITS BREWING – FLIPSIDE HAZY IPA
HONOURABLE MENTION (TAP TITAN): Silversmith Brewing – Oatmeal Stout
BEER OF THE YEAR
MASCOT BREWERY – FROST HAMMER DOUBLE IPA
HONOURABLE MENTION (TAP TITAN): Nine Locks Brewing – Frig Off East Coast IPA
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
GOODLOT BREWING
HONOURABLE MENTION: Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
THE SECOND WEDGE BREWING CO.
HONOURABLE MENTION: MARKET BREWING & BANISHED BREWING
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
MICHAEL HANCOCK – FOUNDING PARTNER (RETIRED) SIDELAUNCH BREWERY
Elevating the standard of distinction, the CBCA’s brand-new custom 3D-printed trophies redefine craftsmanship, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance.
Hosted by Sarabeth Holden, an Indigenous entrepreneur, published children’s author, co-founder of the Toronto Inuit Association, and the co-founder of the Toronto based brewery, Red Tape Brewery, the air was electric with anticipation as the Canadian brewing community gathered under one roof, sharing in the triumphs of their peers and savouring the camaraderie that defines this thriving industry. The CBCAs have solidified their reputation as the premier accolades for Canadian brewing, a true testament to the dedication and innovation that propels the industry forward.
As the curtain fell on this year’s CBCAs, the echoes of applause and cheers lingered, resonating far beyond the halls of Pillar & Post. The Canadian brewing scene has once again proven its vibrancy, resilience, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of excellence.
The CBCAs are made possible with the support of all of the partners and sponsors involved and is produced and presented by Brewers Journal Canada, the beer industry’s leading B2B media company in Canada.