Best Craft Beer at the LCBO: Ontario Favourites Handpicked by the MacLean’s Team

LCBO Craft Beer

Ontario’s LCBO shelves are home to some of the country’s best craft beer, brewed by passionate teams who helped shape the industry from the ground up. We like to think we’re part of that story. Since our early days as one of Ontario’s original craft breweries, we’ve focused on quality, balance, and local roots — values that still guide us today.

In this post, we’re shining a light on our own beers available at the LCBO, followed by a few of the MacLean’s team’s personal favourites from other Ontario brewers who share our love of great beer.

The MacLean’s Lineup at the LCBO

For decades, MacLean’s Beer has stood for craftsmanship, patience, and balance. Every beer we brew is guided by the philosophy that quality speaks louder than gimmicks. Whether you’re new to craft beer or looking for your next LCBO pick, here are the MacLean’s classics that continue to define Ontario brewing.

MacLean’s Farmhouse Blonde Ale

View on Our Shop | Buy at LCBO

A bright, refreshing ale with a smooth malt body and gentle floral finish. MacLean’s Farmhouse Blonde Ale is an easy-drinking favourite that captures the heart of Ontario summers. Its subtle fruit notes and delicate hop profile make it light enough for warm days but satisfying enough to savour all year round. Brewed for approachability and balance, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that reflects Charles MacLean’s belief that great beer doesn’t need to shout to be remembered.

MacLean’s Original Pale Ale

View on Our Shop | Buy at LCBO

The flagship beer that started it all. MacLean’s Original Pale Ale is a nod to the English brewing traditions that inspired Charles MacLean during his early days in the U.K. Brewed with British malts and hops, it’s rich and malty with a crisp, balanced finish. This is the beer that helped define Ontario’s craft movement — approachable, flavourful, and brewed with purpose.

Read more about its history in our feature: MacLean’s Original Pale Ale: The Classic That Started It All.

MacLean’s Hazy IPA

View on Our Shop | Buy At LCBO

Juicy, smooth, and unfiltered, MacLean’s Hazy IPA is bursting with tropical fruit aroma and soft citrus notes. The haze comes naturally from the malt and yeast, giving it a fuller body and a gentle finish. Expect a lush mouthfeel without overpowering bitterness — a modern take on the IPA that stays true to MacLean’s reputation for balance.

If you’re into IPA styles, explore more in our blog:

• The Ultimate IPA Guide
• Pale Ale vs IPA: Which One’s Right for You?

MacLean’s Light Lager

View on MacLean’s Beer | Buy at LCBO

Proof that “light” doesn’t have to mean “less.” MacLean’s Light delivers a clean, crisp taste with the same commitment to flavour as every other MacLean’s beer. Brewed as a premium lager, it has a soft malt backbone, a hint of floral hops, and a refreshingly dry finish. Perfect for long afternoons, patio season, or when you want something easy but full of character.

MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale

View on Our Shop | Buy at LCBO

Smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying, MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale is a winter classic. Expect aromas of caramel and toasted malt, with a warming sweetness that makes it perfect for cooler evenings. It’s full-bodied without being heavy, delivering layers of flavour that evolve with every sip.

Learn more about this seasonal favourite in our feature:
MacLean’s Armchair Scotch Ale: Your Winter Warmer Awaits

MacLean’s Cherry Porter

View on Our Shop | Buy at LCBO

A dark, velvety porter with natural cherry essence and a gentle roasted finish. MacLean’s Cherry Porter blends rich malt flavours with subtle fruit sweetness for a smooth, dessert-like experience. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate a darker beer that’s both refined and approachable.

For more on this seasonal favourite, visit our article:
Best Porter Beers in Ontario: Why MacLean’s Cherry Porter Stands Out

MacLean’s Team Favourites at the LCBO

We’re proud of our own lineup, but our team also enjoys exploring what other Ontario brewers are creating. These are a few of our staff favourites you can find at the LCBO — all brewed with the same passion, authenticity, and community spirit that drive MacLean’s Beer.

Wellington County Brown Ale

A smooth and nutty English-style brown ale from one of Ontario’s most established independent breweries. It pours a deep chestnut colour with aromas of caramel, roasted malt, and toffee. On the palate, it’s balanced and slightly sweet, with gentle roasted flavours and a clean finish. A timeless ale that pairs perfectly with Ontario’s craft heritage.

Muskoka Windbound Campfire Pilsner

This pilsner is crisp, light, and subtly smoky — a perfect nod to campfire evenings by the lake. It delivers classic lager refreshment with a gentle toasted note that makes it stand apart from traditional pilsners. Balanced, clean, and refreshing, it’s an easy beer to enjoy year-round and one that embodies Muskoka’s outdoor spirit.

Thornbury Summit Seeker Session Ale

Bright, citrusy, and easy to enjoy, Summit Seeker Session Ale is a refreshing lower-ABV choice that still packs a punch of flavour. Brewed by Thornbury Village, it’s light-bodied with notes of grapefruit and pine, finishing dry and crisp. It’s an excellent option for those who love craft flavour without the higher alcohol content of stronger ales.

Manitoulin Brewing Killarney Cream Ale

Smooth and approachable, this cream ale from Manitoulin Brewing delivers gentle malt sweetness and a clean finish. Its subtle honey tones and golden body make it ideal for casual sipping. A modern take on a classic style, it’s exactly the kind of beer that reminds us why Ontario’s local brewers continue to shine.

Why These Beers Represent the Best of Ontario

Ontario’s craft scene is diverse, passionate, and proudly independent. From Hanover to Muskoka to Manitoulin, these brewers share a commitment to quality and community that defines what “craft” really means.

At MacLean’s, we’ve always believed that brewing is about connection — to the land, to the people, and to the simple pleasure of sharing a pint. Seeing our beers on LCBO shelves alongside other great Ontario brewers is a reminder of how far this province’s beer culture has come.

Whether you reach for a MacLean’s Pale Ale, explore a Windbound Campfire Pilsner, or enjoy a County Brown Ale, you’re supporting the same independent spirit that helped shape Ontario’s craft beer movement.

Closing Thoughts

There’s never been a better time to explore Ontario craft beer at the LCBO. From light and refreshing to dark and complex, the variety now rivals anything found across the globe — and MacLean’s is proud to be part of that story.

So next time you’re browsing your local LCBO, start with one of our classics. Then try one of our team’s favourites from across the province. Because whether it’s brewed in Grey County, Muskoka, or Manitoulin, great Ontario beer always has something in common: craftsmanship, balance, and pride in every pour.

Cheers to that.