Alexander Keith's Brewery, Halifax (must see)

Founded in 1820 by Scottish immigrant Alexander Keith, the Alexander Keith’s Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Canada and remains a significant landmark in Halifax. Over two centuries, the brewery has seen a series of ownership changes, becoming part of Oland Brewery in 1928, later transitioning to the Labatt Brewing Company, and ultimately falling under the global beer conglomerate Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Despite shifting ownership, Alexander Keith’s has maintained a strong presence, particularly in the Maritimes. By the 1990s, Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale (IPA) had become the most popular beer in Nova Scotia. Originally brewed exclusively in Halifax, production has since expanded to Anheuser-Busch InBev facilities across Canada and the United States.

Historically, archived recipes from the early 1900s indicate that Alexander Keith’s beers were made using high levels of hops and all-malt mash ingredients, with no corn additives—consistent with brewing practices of that era. However, modern iterations of Alexander Keith’s IPA are lighter in taste and only 5% alcohol by volume, a style that diverges from traditional India pale ales. This was further emphasized when the beer won third place in the “North American Style Blonde or Golden Ale” category at the 2016 Canadian Brewing Awards, rather than in the IPA category.

Today, while Alexander Keith’s remains an iconic brand associated with Halifax, its flagship beers are produced and distributed on a much larger scale, reflecting the evolution of the brewing industry and changing consumer preferences.