For decades my grandmother had this beer tray in her root cellar. My father now has it and treasures it! Here is a brief history of Dawes Brewery.
While not as famous today as some of its competitors, Black Horse beer holds a special place in Canadian brewing history, particularly for those with fond memories of its distinctive taste and iconic label. Its story is really the story of Dawes Brewery, a name that was once synonymous with beer in Montreal and beyond.
The Dawes family had been in the brewing business for generations, with roots tracing back to England. They established their brewery in Montreal in the mid-19th century, a time when the city was a bustling hub of industry and commerce. Over the years, Dawes Brewery grew, becoming a major player in the Canadian market. They produced a range of beers, but it was their flagship Black Horse Ale that would become their most enduring legacy.
Black Horse Ale wasn't just another beer; it was a well-loved and widely available brew that became a staple in taverns and homes across the country. It was known for its robust flavor, a characteristic that set it apart from many of the lighter lagers that were becoming popular. The label, with its striking image of a proud black horse, was instantly recognizable and became a symbol of the brand's strength and quality.
The beer's popularity was fueled by clever marketing and a reputation for consistency. Dawes Brewery was a master of promotion, and the Black Horse brand was featured prominently in advertisements of the era. They even had a jingle that many people could hum from memory, a testament to the brand's deep penetration into the popular culture of the time.
The brewery itself was a significant part of the Montreal landscape. It was a major employer and a landmark in the city. For decades, the smell of brewing malt and hops was a familiar part of the neighborhood. But like many smaller, family-run breweries, Dawes faced increasing competition from larger, national and international conglomerates. The brewing industry was consolidating, and it was becoming harder for independent companies to compete.
In the mid-20th century, the inevitable happened. Dawes Brewery was acquired by National Breweries, a larger company that also owned several other well-known Canadian brands. While Black Horse Ale continued to be brewed and sold, its identity gradually became intertwined with the larger company. The original character of the brewery began to fade, but the Black Horse brand lived on, a testament to its lasting appeal.
The brand eventually found its way into the hands of Molson Coors, one of the giants of the North American brewing industry. For a time, Molson continued to produce Black Horse, but as tastes changed and the market shifted, its presence became smaller and smaller. The once-ubiquitous ale became a nostalgic memory for a generation of Canadians.
Today, Black Horse beer is no longer widely available, a relic of a bygone era. You might still find it in certain markets or as a limited-edition release, but for the most part, its story is a part of Canadian brewing history. It's a reminder of a time when local breweries were the heart of the community, and a single brand, like Black Horse, could capture the spirit and loyalty of a nation. For those who remember it, the name still evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, a taste of Canada's past.