The Oldest Independent Brewery in Canada
If you love beer and you’re Canadian (or just honorary Canadian in spirit), then Moosehead Brewery needs no introduction. Founded in 1867, the same year Canada became a country, Moosehead has been keeping beer lovers happy for over 150 years.
As Canada’s oldest independent brewery, Moosehead is still family-owned and proudly brewing from Saint John, New Brunswick. While many beer brands have been swallowed up by big corporations, Moosehead remains fully Canadian-owned, keeping the tradition alive one cold one at a time.
If you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing, and truly Canadian beer, you’re in the right place. Let’s crack one open and dive into the history, beers, and legacy of Moosehead.
A Brewery With True Canadian Grit
Founded by a Trailblazer: Susannah Oland
Back in 1867, Susannah Oland, a British immigrant, started brewing beer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with her husband, John Oland. When John passed away, Susannah took charge—long before women in business were a thing.
The brewery moved to Saint John, New Brunswick after surviving the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Through fires, economic crashes, and Prohibition, Moosehead proved that a good beer (and a strong will) always survives.
Still Family-Owned After Six Generations
Today, Moosehead is led by the sixth generation of the Oland family, proving that great beer is in their blood. Unlike many other beer brands now owned by international corporations, Moosehead remains 100% Canadian-owned and operated.
Moosehead’s Beer Lineup: Something for Every Canadian 🍻
Whether you’re watching hockey, chilling at the cottage, or grilling up some poutine, Moosehead has a beer for you:
🏆 Moosehead Canadian Lager – The Classic That Started It All
- A crisp, refreshing golden lager brewed with 100% Canadian barley and traditional two-row malt.
- ABV: 5.0%
- Tasting Notes: Clean and well-balanced with a subtle hop bitterness.
- Pairs well with: Watching hockey, backyard BBQs, and fishing trips where you claim to have caught “the big one.”
🍺 Moosehead Light – All the Taste, Less of the Guilt
- A smooth, easy-drinking light lager with fewer calories but all the Moosehead flavor.
- ABV: 4.0%
- Tasting Notes: Crisp, slightly malty, with a clean finish.
- Perfect for: Staying refreshed without feeling too full—great for summer afternoons and beer pong tournaments.
🌊 Moosehead Radler – The Ultimate Summer Beer
- A refreshing blend of lager, grapefruit, orange, and lemon juice for a zesty, citrusy kick.
- ABV: 4.0%
- Tasting Notes: Fruity, light, and ultra-refreshing.
- Best enjoyed when: Pretending you’re “hydrating” after a sweaty game of shinny or lazing in a Muskoka chair.
🍃 Moosehead Chelada – A Refreshing Twist
- A unique fusion of lager, lime, and salt, inspired by the classic Mexican chelada.
- ABV: 4.0%
- Tasting Notes: Zesty, tart, and incredibly smooth.
- Perfect for: Patio season, brunch, and pretending it’s summer even when it’s -20°C outside.
🍁 Cracked Canoe – A Premium Light Lager
- A carefully brewed light beer with only 3.5% ABV and 100 calories, making it an ideal choice for beer lovers looking to cut back on alcohol while still enjoying premium taste.
- Tasting Notes: Crisp, clean, and subtly malty with a smooth finish.
- Great for: Beer drinkers who want to enjoy a few rounds without feeling weighed down.
🍻 Moosehead Small Batch – Craft Beer for the True Enthusiast
- A rotating lineup of small-batch brews, made with unique ingredients and experimental brewing techniques.
- ABV: Varies by batch
- Tasting Notes: Always something new and exciting.
- Ideal for: Beer nerds, craft lovers, and those who appreciate limited-edition flavors.
🏔️ Alpine Lager – The Crisp, Refreshing Choice
- A light, crisp lager known for its smooth, refreshing taste.
- ABV: 5.0%
- Tasting Notes: Clean, slightly malty, with a refreshing finish.
- Pairs well with: Hitting the slopes, bonfires, and late-night hockey talk.
🔥 James Ready – A Beer for the True Value Seeker
- A no-nonsense lager that’s smooth, easy to drink, and affordable.
- ABV: 5.5%
- Tasting Notes: Simple, slightly sweet, and crisp.
- Perfect for: Students, budget-conscious beer lovers, and those who believe that “beer is beer.”
Why Moosehead is a True Canadian Icon 🇨🇦
✅ 100% Canadian-Owned
- Unlike many other beer brands, Moosehead is still family-run and fully independent.
✅ Over 150 Years of Brewing Excellence
- Established in 1867, Moosehead has stood the test of time—just like a true Canadian.
✅ Award-Winning Beer
- Moosehead Lager won a Gold Award at the World Beer Cup (2003) and another at Monde Selection (2005).
✅ A Beer for Every Occasion
- Whether you’re at a hockey game, camping, or celebrating Canada Day, there’s a Moosehead beer for you.
Where to Buy Moosehead Beer in Canada 🍁
Looking to grab some Moosehead beer near you? Check out these locations:
- LCBO, The Beer Store (Ontario)
- SAQ (Quebec)
- NSLC (Nova Scotia)
- NB Liquor (New Brunswick)
- BCLDB (British Columbia)
- Private retailers across Canada
You can also visit the Moosehead website to find a store near you!
Final Thoughts: Crack Open a Cold One and Join the Herd
If you’re looking for a true Canadian beer experience, Moosehead should be your go-to. It’s got history, it’s got character, and most importantly—it tastes amazing.
So next time you’re at the beer store, skip the imports and grab a Moosehead. And if you spill a little on your plaid shirt? No worries, it just adds character.
Cheers, eh? 🍻
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