The Canadian craft beer industry’s own competition is back!
The Canada Beer Cup is a national competition celebrating independently owned and operated breweries across Canada. It showcases quality and innovation in craft beer from coast to coast to coast.
International Judges
Judges from around the globe and across Canada will join our 2026 judging panel. Hosting these top international judges will help bring global attention and recognition to Canadian craft brewing excellence.
Categories
The competition will feature 48 different modernized beer Style groups in 12 Categories, influenced by worldwide trends that reflect brewing innovations and consumer tastes. The 2026 Canada Beer Cup will also award entries in both Packaging Awards and Cider categories.
The Cup
The prestigious Canada Beer Cup trophy will be awarded to a single distinguished beer—the ‘Best In Show’—as selected by an elite judging panel. All beers entered in any Style will be automatically eligible to receive the Canada Beer Cup.
For the Industry, by the Industry
Most importantly, the Canada Beer Cup is a competition for the industry by the industry, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Craft Brewers Association in support of the important work it does on behalf of craft breweries across the country.
The Awards Ceremony
The 2026 Awards Gala will take place in Calgary, Alberta on October 8, 2026