11 Canadian Alcohol Brands to Support Amid the Canada-U.S. Trade War
With the LCBO threatening to remove American alcohol from their shelves — it’s time to turn up on Canadian booze
This article is part of our Made In Canada series where we highlight Canadian brands and businesses
Photo by Jelly Luise
Please drink responsibly, if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, find help here.
As you’ve probably heard, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has ordered the LCBO to remove American products from its shelves starting this Tuesday, February 4, in response to Trump’s 25% tariffs on most Canadian imports, looking to hit Americans where it hurts.
"There's never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product," Ford said Sunday. Hmm, what’s this? I agree with Doug Ford? 2025 is starting off strangely indeed.
Other provinces that have stated they’d join in on the fun are British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Nova Scotia, PEI and Manitoba. Alberta, what’s the hold-up?
In light of these American booze bans, I’ve compiled a list of excellent and delicious alcohol options made right here at home.
Liquor/Coolers
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers Dry Gin
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Gin Martini, anyone? Dillon’s Gin is crafted right here in Ontario—specifically in Beamsville. Known for its unique flavours, this small-batch gin is made with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring exceptional quality and taste.
Old Son's Distillery Stiff Upper Lip Canadian Whisky
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Named after the idiom for stoic resilience in the face of adversity—much like Canadians dealing with these Trump tariffs—this Ontario-made whisky is a sophisticated blend of caramel and oak, with a subtly spicy finish.
NÜTRL Vodka Soda Lemon
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A longtime favourite of mine, Nutrl was born in BC and is enjoyed across the country. I love its clean taste, especially the lemon and grapefruit flavours.
Georgian Bay Gin Smash Lemon Lime Tangerine
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This drink brings back fond memories of lounging on a cottage dock all day—and for good reason. Made in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Collingwood, these gin smashes deliver a sweet, juicy punch. Best enjoyed in the sun, but they might just brighten up those grey winter days too.
Wine
Black Hills Estate Winery Nota Bene
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Black Hills Estate Winery’s Nota Bene is a cult-favourite red blend from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, known for its rich, full-bodied character and exceptional balance. Crafted with Bordeaux varietals, it offers deep notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak, making it a fantastic alternative to Napa Valley wines.
Two Sisters Eleventh Post
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Two Sisters Eleventh Post is a bold, fruit-forward red blend from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Inspired by Bordeaux-style wines, it features rich notes of dark berries, red-fruit, and spice with a smooth, lingering finish.
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Gris
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50th Parallel Estate Pinot Gris is a vibrant and refreshing white wine from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Bursting with bright citrus, chamomile and pear, it strikes the perfect balance between crisp acidity and a smooth finish. A great choice for those who love elegant, cool-climate wines—no need to look down south to Oregon or California.
Hidden Bench Estate Winery Organic Chardonnay
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Hidden Bench Estate Winery Organic Chardonnay is a delicate white wine from Niagara’s Beamsville Bench. With rich notes of apple, citrus, and white pepper, it offers a perfect balance of freshness and complexity. Sustainably made and full of character, it’s a top-tier choice for Chardonnay lovers.
Beer
Beau's Lug Tread
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One of my Dad’s favourite beers (and who knows beer better than dads), Beau's Lug Tread is a refreshing craft lager brewed in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. With a crisp, smooth finish and a hint of yummy, malty sweetness, this Canadian lager offers the perfect balance of lightness and flavour.
Mill Street Original Organic Lager
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My personal favourite beer of all time, Mill Street Original Organic Lager is a crisp and refreshing brew made with all-natural, organic ingredients. Hailing from Toronto, this lager offers a clean, bubbly taste with light hoppy bitterness.
Bellwood’s Brewery Jelly King
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This Bellwoods Brewery classic is a SYNT team favourite. To quote their amazing copywriting team, “He is a ruler, an overlord, a top dog, a crowned head. In the realm of all that is tart and sour, Jelly King reigns supreme.”