If you’re exploring Canadian beer options, comparing Labatt and Molson is a great place to start. Both brands have deep roots in Canada’s brewing history and offer a variety of products catering to different tastes. This list covers some of their flagship beers and specialties, ideal for beer enthusiasts, casual drinkers, or anyone curious about the key differences between these two iconic breweries.
Labatt Blue
Labatt Blue is one of the most recognized Canadian lagers, known for its crisp, clean taste with a mild bitterness. It’s a refreshing, easy-drinking beer with a 5% ABV, making it popular for casual occasions and barbecues. Its balanced malt and hop profile make it approachable for new drinkers and reliable for those who want consistent quality.
Labatt Ice
Labatt Ice is a stronger lager with an ABV of about 5.5%, offering a bolder flavor than Labatt Blue. It uses a cold-filtering process that results in a smooth, slightly sweet taste with a crisp finish. This beer appeals to those who want a bit more intensity without venturing into craft or heavy ales.
Labatt 50
Labatt 50 is a premium lager named after the brewery’s 50th anniversary. It has a more robust malt character and a slightly higher ABV around 5.0%. This beer is known for a richer body and more pronounced hop bitterness, making it a step up for drinkers seeking complexity in a mainstream brand.
Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian is Molson’s flagship lager and Canada’s best-selling beer. It features a light, crisp taste with moderate hop bitterness and a clean finish. At 5% ABV, it’s widely available and versatile, suitable for everything from casual drinking to pairing with pub food.
Molson Canadian Ice
Molson Canadian Ice is crafted with an ice filtration method that intensifies the flavor and increases the ABV to about 5.5%. This beer offers a smooth, slightly sweet taste with a noticeable but balanced bitterness. It’s popular among those who want a stronger lager without sacrificing drinkability.
Molson Export
Molson Export is a richer, amber lager with a higher malt presence and a fuller body compared to Molson Canadian. It has an ABV around 5%, delivering a slightly sweet caramel flavor balanced by mild bitterness. This beer is favored by drinkers who prefer a more flavorful and robust lager experience.
Molson Canadian 67
Molson Canadian 67 is a low-calorie, light lager with 67 calories and 3.0% ABV. It’s designed for health-conscious drinkers wanting to enjoy beer without the heavier alcohol content or calorie load. The flavor is lighter and less intense, making it a good choice for those prioritizing moderation.
Labatt Blue Dry
Labatt Blue Dry is a variation of Labatt Blue brewed to be drier and crisper, with a slightly higher hop bitterness. It maintains a 5% ABV but offers a more refreshing profile, which appeals to drinkers who prefer a sharp finish. This product is often chosen by those seeking a more modern take on a classic lager.
Molson Canadian Apple Ale
Molson Canadian Apple Ale is a seasonal offering blending apple cider flavors with a light ale base. It has a fruity aroma, subtle sweetness, and an approachable 5% ABV. This product targets consumers looking for a hybrid between beer and cider, especially in summer months.
Labatt Wild Oats Pale Ale
Labatt Wild Oats Pale Ale represents Labatt’s venture into craft-style beers. It features a more pronounced hop character with citrus and pine notes, balanced by a malt backbone and a 5.5% ABV. This ale is ideal for drinkers who want something beyond traditional lagers but still accessible.
How to Choose
When deciding between Labatt and Molson products, consider your taste preferences and occasion. If you prefer classic lagers with a smooth, balanced profile, both brands offer flagship beers like Labatt Blue and Molson Canadian that deliver consistency and familiarity. For stronger or more flavorful options, Labatt 50 and Molson Export offer richer malt and hop profiles. If calorie count or alcohol content is a concern, Molson Canadian 67 and Labatt Ice provide lighter or stronger alternatives respectively. Seasonal and specialty beers, like Molson’s Apple Ale or Labatt’s Wild Oats Pale Ale, cater to those wanting variety beyond standard lagers. Availability can also influence choice, as some products are regional or seasonal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brewery is older, Labatt or Molson?
Molson Brewery, founded in 1786, is older than Labatt, which was established in 1847.
Are Labatt and Molson beers gluten-free?
No, both breweries produce beers using barley and wheat, so their standard products contain gluten.
Is Molson Canadian or Labatt Blue more popular in Canada?
Molson Canadian generally holds a larger market share and is often considered Canada’s best-selling beer.
Do either Labatt or Molson produce craft beers?
Yes, both brands have expanded into craft-style beers; for example, Labatt’s Wild Oats Pale Ale and Molson’s seasonal releases.
Where are Labatt and Molson beers brewed?
Labatt beers are brewed in several Canadian locations including London, Ontario, while Molson beers are brewed in facilities like Montreal, Quebec.
Are Labatt and Molson owned by the same company?
Yes, both are now part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewing company.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Labatt and Molson products comes down to personal taste, occasion, and desired beer style. Both offer a range of reliable lagers and specialty brews with distinct flavor profiles that reflect their rich Canadian heritage. Whether you prefer the crispness of Labatt Blue or the fuller malt of Molson Export, these brands provide options for casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts alike. Exploring their flagship and specialty beers can reveal subtle differences worth savoring, making either choice a solid pick for your next beer selection.
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