Published by Leonardo Calcagno

🍺 Canada Beer Cup 2025: Celebrating Independent Craft Breweries Across the Country

The Canada Beer Cup is a brand-new national competition that shines a spotlight on the quality, creativity, and innovation of independent craft breweries from coast to coast. 🇨🇦✨

The Awards Gala will take place in Québec City on November 10, 2025, during the AMBQ Congress.

BaronMag is proud to sponsor the 2025 Canada Beer Cup 🏆

How did you first get involved in beer judging, and what led you to become an Advanced Cicerone?

I originally entered the alcoholic beverage industry with a focus on wine, spending nine years at a boutique wine shop where I had the opportunity to taste rare vintages and lesser-known grape varietals. This experience sharpened my palate and deepened my appreciation for sensory analysis. After completing my WSET Level 3, I was looking for a new challenge. With the rise of craft beer and a growing personal interest, I saw a clear opportunity. Encouraged by my boss, I pursued Certified Cicerone and eventually Advanced Cicerone. Beer judging became a natural extension of my passion for flavor, structure, and education.

What’s one moment in your beer journey that confirmed, “Yes, this is what I want to do”?

Early in my Cicerone journey, I began reaching out to local breweries to learn more about the brewing process. I was met with incredible openness—brewers and brewery operators were eager to share their knowledge, answer my questions, and let me shadow their work. That sense of community and generosity was something I hadn’t experienced to the same degree in the wine world. It was a turning point that made me realize beer was where I truly belonged.

What makes the Canada Beer Cup unique compared to other competitions you’ve judged?

The Canada Beer Cup is special to me because it’s the first time I’ve had the chance to be part of something on a truly national scale. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of tasting an incredible range of beers from across Canada, and this competition brings together breweries from every corner of the country—which is incredibly exciting. It’s a real honor to help showcase the diversity and creativity of Canadian beer, from coast to coast to coast. Being part of this feels like contributing to something bigger than just judging—it’s about celebrating the heart and soul of Canada’s beer culture.

How do you prepare before judging a national-level competition like this?

I’ve never prepped for a national-level competition before, so the pressure’s definitely on—but I’m embracing the challenge. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been brushing up on my old Advanced Cicerone study notes, flipping through style flash cards, and doing blind tastings to sharpen my palate.

When you evaluate a beer, what’s the first thing you focus on?

When evaluating a beer, I always begin with its appearance—it offers immediate insight into quality and style. The pour reveals a lot in terms of freshness and carbonation, while clarity or haze signals filtration choices and brewing intent. Head retention and lacing reflect craftsmanship and ingredient balance. Color hints at malt character and potential flavor notes, and even temperature can sometimes be gauged visually, such as condensation on the glass. These visual cues shape expectations and provide a foundation for assessing aroma and taste. Appearance isn’t just aesthetic—it’s the beer’s first impression and a critical part of the overall experience.

🍻 Get your kegs for the rest of the year at just $9
💥 No contracts or extra agreements required 🍺💰

Take advantage of our special offer:

How do you balance technical precision with personal enjoyment when scoring beers?

That’s a loaded question! I’ll admit—there are styles I personally enjoy more than others. That’s the human side of judging. But I always set aside personal bias and focus on whether the beer is true to style. Scoring beer is a balance between technical precision and genuine appreciation. I’m dialed into the details—guidelines, off-flavors, balance, mouthfeel—but I also never forget that behind every beer is a brewer’s passion. It’s about honoring both the craft and the style it represents.

Can you recall a standout beer you’ve judged that left a lasting impression?

Fahr Hefeweizen completely shattered my assumptions about regionality. Jochen Fahr of Fahr Brewing has crafted a Hefeweizen that’s not just internationally acclaimed—it’s a knockout. Tasting it was one of those rare moments where you pause and think, “Wait… this came from Alberta?” It outshined some of the most established German producers I’ve encountered. I include it in every beer exchange I do, and without fail, it gets rave reviews—even from folks who don’t usually go for the style. It’s a beer that sticks with you.

Have you noticed any trends or changes in Canadian craft beer styles over the last few years?

Absolutely! In recent years, I’ve seen a real surge in interest around lagers in the Canadian craft beer scene. More breweries are embracing light, lower-ABV lagers—not just as a response to consumer demand for approachable, sessionable options, but as a way to showcase technical skill and precision. These beers are becoming a central part of many portfolios, and while they may differ from the bold IPAs and imperial stouts that once dominated, they offer a refreshing change of pace. When done well, a clean, crisp lager can be just as expressive and satisfying, proving that subtlety and balance have a powerful place in craft beer.

What advice would you give to brewers aiming to stand out in a competition like the Canada Beer Cup?

To stand out at the Canada Beer Cup, brew with personality but compete with precision. Make sure your beer aligns with the style category—it can be exceptional in every way, but if it’s entered incorrectly, judges will score it against the wrong benchmarks. Let your creativity shine, but always match it to the guidelines. Great beer deserves the right context.

🍻 Get your kegs for the rest of the year at just $9
💥 No contracts or extra agreements required 🍺💰

Take advantage of our special offer:

For aspiring judges, what’s the most important skill to develop?

Tasting beer analytically is a core skill for any aspiring judge. Developing a strong sensory vocabulary allows you to clearly identify and describe aromas, flavors, and off-flavors, helping you communicate impressions with precision. This skill enhances your ability to distinguish between entries and leads to more meaningful, constructive feedback for brewers. The more you taste with intention, the more refined and consistent your evaluations become.

What excites you most about the future of Canadian craft beer?

What excites me most about the future of Canadian craft beer is its constant evolution and drive for innovation. The industry continues to grow in creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence, with breweries consistently exploring new approaches and refining their craft. This momentum keeps the landscape dynamic and engaging, offering fresh opportunities for connection, storytelling, and quality. It’s a space where tradition and experimentation coexist.

🍻 Get your kegs for the rest of the year at just $9
💥 No contracts or extra agreements required 🍺💰

Take advantage of our special offer:

✅ 30L and 50L kegs for only $9 each, valid through the end of 2025.
✅ Don’t miss out — offer ends December 31!

Why choose Keg Management?

🍺 Unbeatable quality at competitive prices
🍺 Reliable service for all your keg needs
🍺 Support a proud, local, 100% Quebec-owned partner

Act fast — reserve yours today!
📞 1-844-407-KEGS (5347) | 514-516=0832
🌐 keg-management.com | [email protected]

Keg Management — Your trusted partner for kegs!

KEG MANAGEMENT offers a fresh approach to keg acquisition by providing flexible rental options. This Quebec-based company helps clients grow efficiently without large upfront investments in keg purchases. It’s a simple, effective new way to do business.