Molson Canadian is one of Canada’s biggest beers, a mainstream pale lager brewed by Molson Coors and wrapped in national pride. It is a straightforward macro lager, crisp and clean with a light body, built for easy drinking rather than complexity. It is the Canadian equivalent of a Budweiser or a Coors, and it drinks much the same way. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Molson Canadian at a glance
| Style | Canadian pale lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Molson Coors, Canada |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, corn, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Molson Canadian is a light, clean macro lager with a mild flavor and a gentle finish, built for refreshment over character.
The full review
It pours pale gold and clear with a quick white head. The aroma is light and clean, a little grainy with a faint sweetness and almost no hop presence. It is a mild, unassuming smell.
On the palate it is crisp and light with a soft malt sweetness, a clean grain flavor and a gentle finish with just a whisper of bitterness. The corn keeps it light and smooth, and it is easy and inoffensive, a straightforward macro lager through and through.
It does the job it is built for: cold, crisp refreshment without any fuss. It is a natural for a casual session, a barbecue or a hockey game, and it goes down easily with pub food. There is not much to analyse here, which is exactly what its fans want from it.
Value is fair. In the US it sits at import prices as a Canadian beer, so it costs a little more than the domestic macros it resembles, which slightly undercuts the case for it over a Budweiser or a Coors.
Canada’s answer to the everyday macro, and it drinks like one.
- Crisp, clean and easy-drinking
- Light and smooth
- Reliable for casual sessions
- Full-strength at 5.0% ABV
- Very light on flavor and character
- Import pricing in the US
- Little to set it apart from other macros
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a clean, no-fuss macro lager for easy drinking. If you like this, a Labatt Blue or a Budweiser are natural comparisons.
Molson Canadian FAQs
What does Molson Canadian taste like?
Crisp and light with a soft malt sweetness, a clean grain flavor and a gentle finish. A mild, easy-drinking macro lager.
How strong is Molson Canadian?
It is 5.0% ABV, a full-strength lager.
How many calories are in Molson Canadian?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
Where is Molson Canadian brewed?
In Canada, by Molson Coors. It is exported to the US and elsewhere.
Is Molson Canadian vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, corn, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Molson Canadian gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
How does Molson Canadian compare to Labatt Blue?
Both are Canadian macro lagers of a similar style. Molson Canadian is a touch drier and Labatt Blue a touch softer, but they are close.
Is Molson Canadian a lager?
Yes, it is a Canadian pale lager.
Where to buy Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Molson Canadian is a clean, crisp, easy-drinking macro lager that does exactly what it sets out to do, cold refreshment without fuss. It is light on character and, as an import in the US, costs a little more than the domestic macros it resembles, but for its fans that is beside the point. A fair three point two out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
If you are still deciding what to drink, our best lager beers guide ranks every one we have reviewed.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Molson Canadian?
Molson Canadian is a Canadian pale lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Molson Canadian?
Molson Canadian has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Molson Canadian?
Molson Canadian has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Molson Canadian gluten free?
Molson Canadian: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Molson Canadian have carbs?
Yes, Molson Canadian has Around 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Molson Canadian taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Molson Canadian cost?
Molson Canadian typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Molson Canadian without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Molson Canadian?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Canadian pale lager like Molson Canadian. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
