The Straight Answer: Who Makes Landshark Beer?
Landshark Beer is brewed by Landshark Brewing Company, a craft‑focused subsidiary of Molson Coors Canada headquartered in Vancouver. The brand was launched in 2016 as a playful, surf‑inspired line aimed at younger drinkers who want a bold, easy‑drinking lager.
What Is Landshark Beer?
Landshark Beer isn’t a single style; it’s a family of easy‑going lagers and pale ales that share a bright, citrus‑forward flavor profile. The flagship is the Landshark Lager, a 4.7% ABV American‑type lager with a crisp malt backbone and a hint of tropical fruit from cascade hops. Since its debut, the company has added a wheat‑style pale ale, a session IPA, and even a limited‑edition hibiscus‑infused brew.
All of these variants are brewed under the same philosophy: keep the palate clean, the carbonation lively, and the branding unmistakably beach‑y. The result is a lineup that feels more like a summer playlist than a traditional beer catalog.
How Landshark Beer Is Made
The brewing process starts with a carefully selected mix of American two‑row malt and a splash of corn syrup to lighten the body. This base gives the lager its characteristic smoothness and makes it highly drinkable in warm weather. After mashing, the wort is boiled with a blend of Cascade and Citra hops, which impart citrus and pine notes without overwhelming bitterness.
Fermentation takes place in temperature‑controlled stainless steel tanks using a clean‑fermenting American ale yeast strain. This yeast works quickly, allowing the beer to be packaged within three weeks of brewing – a speed that matches the brand’s “instant beach vibe” marketing. Finally, the beer is filtered, carbonated to a lively 2.6 volumes, and sealed in clear or blue cans that reinforce the oceanic theme.
Different Styles and Varieties
While the flagship lager dominates shelf space, Landshark’s portfolio offers a few distinct options:
- Landshark Lager – 4.7% ABV, crisp, citrus‑hopped American lager.
- Landshark Wheat – 5.0% ABV, light wheat malt with a subtle orange peel finish.
- Landshark Session IPA – 4.5% ABV, low‑calorie IPA with a strong hop aroma but modest bitterness.
- Landshark Hibiscus – 4.9% ABV, limited release featuring hibiscus petals for a floral, pink hue.
Each style stays true to the brand’s “easy‑going, beach‑ready” ethos, making them interchangeable for casual gatherings, beach parties, or backyard barbecues.
What to Look for When Buying Landshark Beer
Because Landshark is positioned as an affordable, mass‑market product, it appears in both craft‑focused boutiques and big‑box retailers. When choosing a bottle or can, keep an eye on the following details:
- Packaging date – The brand’s rapid turnover means fresher is better; look for a pack date within the last three months.
- Seal integrity – Cans should be unblemished, and bottles should have a tight crown.
- Style label – The color of the label (blue for lager, yellow for wheat, orange for IPA) helps you quickly identify the variant you want.
For the best tasting experience, serve the lager chilled at 3–4 °C and the wheat a touch warmer at 5–6 °C to let the fruit aromatics shine.
Common Misconceptions About Landshark Beer
Most articles on the subject get two things wrong:
- They claim Landshark is an imported Belgian brand. In reality, the beer is brewed domestically in Canada, not imported from Europe.
- They suggest the brand is a small‑scale microbrewery. While the branding feels indie, Landshark is backed by Molson Coors Canada, giving it the production capacity of a major brewery.
These errors matter because they affect expectations around price, availability, and flavor consistency. Knowing the true corporate backing explains why the beer is widely stocked and why its taste stays consistent across provinces.
Buying Tips for Different Priorities
If you’re a price‑sensitive shopper, the standard lager is often on promotion and can be found for under $10 CAD per 12‑pack. For flavor explorers, the limited‑edition hibiscus or the session IPA offer a slight twist without straying far from the brand’s core profile. And if you care about sustainability, look for cans marked “recyclable” – Landshark’s packaging is 100 % aluminum, which has a lower carbon footprint than glass.
Verdict: Is Landshark Beer Worth Your Money?
For anyone who wants a reliable, refreshing lager that won’t break the bank, Landshark Beer is the clear winner. Its consistent quality, backed by Molson Coors’ expertise, means you get a drinkable, well‑balanced beer every time. If you’re chasing high‑hop intensity or complex barrel‑aged flavors, look elsewhere, but for casual sipping, beach parties, or a low‑calorie session, Landshark delivers exactly what it promises.
And if you’re curious about pairing this easy‑going brew with something a bit more adventurous, check out our guide to non‑alcoholic cocktails for beer lovers for creative ideas.
