1967. Frustrated by the tiny selection of Canadian-authored books published in Canada, two young writers, Dennis Lee and David Godfrey, sat down over a beer to sketch out an idea for a Canadian publishing company. House of Anansi Press was born. Two years later, Anansi was responsible for over one-third of all English language novels published in Canada. Over the next half century, Anansi went on to publish Margaret Atwood, Al Purdy, Roch Carrier, Michael Ondaatje, Erin Mouré, Lynn Crosbie, Sheila Heti, Lisa Moore, Rawi Hage, Zoe Whittall, Lynn Coady, Patrick deWitt, Katherena Vermette, and a host of others. Now, fifty years after that fateful evening in 1967, Canadian Literature is rich, diverse, and respected worldwide.

So, raise a glass. Good things start with a beer.

This golden blonde ale with refreshing cucumber undertones and a hint of mint — brewed in honour of Anansi’s 50th year — was designed to keep you cool on bright, starry nights around the fire and hot summer days in the company of very good books. There are 31 bottles to pick from — 30 featuring Anansi’s A List covers, and one label featuring our logo front and center — try and collect them all! The beer is only here for a limited time until the middle of May and ONLY available in bottles at Henderson Brewing Company.