Smithers Brewing Company (SBC) has been awarded one of the highest honours in Canadian craft beer, taking home the coveted Brewery of the Year title at the 2025 Canadian Brewing Awards held this past weekend in Vancouver. The local favourite secured the top distinction after winning a competition-high six medals across multiple individual categories.
Now in its 26th year, the Canadian Brewing Awards (CBA) celebrate excellence in craft brewing. The competition is judged by a panel of industry experts through a blind tasting that follows an impartial process where entries are scored on appearance, aroma, flavour and overall impression. This year’s competition featured more than 1,600 entries from nearly 270 breweries across Canada, spanning 50 categories from traditional English Ale to spicier offerings like Chili Beer.
“It’s quite overwhelming. We’re all humbled to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” Cam McKeigan, head brewer at Smithers Brewing Company says about receiving the recent accolade. “We’ve always put the quality of our beer above all else, but that’s not particularly unique in the Canadian beer scene. The talent pool in this country runs deep. To be recognized amongst so many excellent breweries in this country is quite an honour and we’re grateful to the CBAs.”
Leading production operations at SBC since 2018, McKeigan has always looked to strike a balance between making historically accurate beer styles that honour centuries-old standards and traditions, while also creating experimental and innovative beers.
“Prior to this year’s CBAs, our reputation among friends and colleagues and at beer festivals across the province was often as ‘mad scientists’ and ‘beer lunatics’. We think that having won five of the medals for traditional styles might start to change people’s perceptions.”
Over the years, SBC has become a cornerstone of the Northern BC town, not just for its award-winning beer, but also for its strong community ties. The brewery regularly supports local charities and events, and the popular taproom and its view of the majestic Hudson Bay Mountain has become a must-visit gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Non-beer drinkers are also welcome, with cider and kombucha available on tap.
While the Smithers Brewing Company beer is already widely available at retailers and restaurants across Northern British Columbia, plans are underway to expand distribution to more areas of the province.