Moosehead Breweries, Saint John

Moosehead Breweries is a distinguished Canadian brewing company renowned for producing Moosehead Canadian Lager. Rooted in a rich family legacy spanning six generations, the brewery stands as a testament to the enduring passion and commitment of the Oland family, with Andrew Oland currently at its helm as the great-great-great grandson of founders Susannah and John Oland.

As the last major Canadian brewery proudly owned by Canadians, Moosehead has etched its place as the fourth-largest brewing company in the country, following Molson, Labatt, and Sleeman. Beyond Canadian borders, Moosehead's influence extends to the United States and 15 other countries worldwide. The brewery boasts an impressive repertoire of 19 beers across 10 brands, featuring iconic brews like Moosehead Canadian Lager, James Ready, Alpine, and Hop City. Notably, Moosehead engages in contract brewing for esteemed companies such as Samuel Adams and Estrella Damm.

The brewery's origin story dates back to 1867 when John Oland, a Bristol native, and his wife Susannah established Turtle Grove Brewery in Dartmouth. Following John's passing in 1870, Susannah and her sons continued the brewing legacy, leading to the formation of the Army and Navy Brewery. After Susannah's demise in 1885, her youngest son, George W. C. Oland, took the reins, eventually selling the brewery to an English syndicate in 1895.

During the Prohibition era, Moosehead navigated the challenging landscape by supplementing income with soft drinks and 2% beer while ingeniously selling "strong" beer discreetly. In a significant move, Moosehead & Sons acquired the historic Alexander Keith’s Brewery in 1928, securing a brewing monopoly in Nova Scotia.

Moosehead's trajectory continued to ascend, marked by strategic maneuvers like the acquisition of the James Ready Brewery in Saint John in 1933. The brand underwent a transformative redesign in 1975, led by Derek Oland, opening doors to the competitive U.S. market. The visual identity of Moosehead Canadian Lager was revamped, embracing a more Canadian aesthetic, complete with a green label featuring the iconic moose head.