Moosehead Beer: Canada’s Oldest Independent Brewery and Its Iconic Legacy

Introduction: Beer, Moose, and a Canadian Classic

Beer is more than just a drink; it’s culture, history, and tradition in a bottle. Around the world, beer brands are tied to their roots, and few carry their heritage as proudly as Moosehead Beer. Known by many simply as “beer moose” or Moosehead Lager, this Canadian classic is instantly recognizable for its green bottle and moose-head logo. Whether you’ve spotted a Moosehead bottle cap in a collection, cracked open a cold Moosehead Lager bottle, or tried their refreshing Radler, Moosehead has a story worth telling.

But what kind of beer is Moosehead? Is Moosehead beer good? What does Moosehead beer taste like, and how much is a case of Moosehead beer today? Let’s dive deep into the world of Moosehead and explore its flavors, history, comparisons with beers like Moose Drool and Kingfisher, and why this brewery still matters in the modern beer landscape.

A Brief History of Moosehead Beer

Moosehead Brewery is more than just a brand; it’s a Canadian institution. Founded in 1867, the same year Canada officially became a country, Moosehead is the oldest independent brewery in Canada. Located in Saint John, New Brunswick, it has remained family-owned for six generations — a rare feat in today’s beer world dominated by multinational giants.

The moose itself became a natural mascot. As one of Canada’s most iconic animals, it reflects the rugged, adventurous spirit of the country. Today, the Moosehead bottle and logo are instantly recognized in over 15 countries where the beer is sold.

What Kind of Beer is Moosehead?

Moosehead’s flagship beer is Moosehead Lager, a premium golden lager brewed in the traditional European style. It is a 5% ABV pale lager made with high-quality hops, malt, and pure Canadian water.

Moosehead also produces:

• Moosehead Radler – A fruity, low-alcohol blend of lager and natural fruit juices.

• Cracked Canoe – A light lager with only 3.5% ABV, lower calories, and easy drinkability.

• Seasonal brews and limited releases – Including small-batch specialties.

So, if you’re asking what type of beer is Moosehead? — the answer is: primarily a crisp, refreshing lager, with variations to suit lighter or fruitier tastes.

Moosehead Lager Bottles, Caps, and Collectibles

One of Moosehead’s most recognizable features is its classic green bottle. For collectors, Moosehead beer bottles and bottle caps are prized items. Old Moosehead beer bottles, especially those with vintage labeling, have become collectibles among beer enthusiasts.

The Moosehead beer bottle opener is also popular — some even shaped like a moose head, making them both functional and decorative. If you’re a fan of unique beer merchandise, Moosehead accessories are a fun addition to your bar setup.

What Does Moosehead Beer Taste Like?

Taste is where Moosehead Lager truly shines. It’s known for being crisp, light, and refreshing, with just the right balance of bitterness from hops and sweetness from malt. Here’s a breakdown:

• Appearance: Golden-yellow with good clarity and a foamy white head.

• Aroma: Subtle notes of malt, grains, and a touch of herbal hops.

• Taste: Smooth and clean, slightly sweet upfront, followed by a mild hop bitterness.

• Mouthfeel: Medium-light body with high carbonation, making it refreshing and easy to drink.

If you’re wondering is Moosehead beer good? — the answer depends on your taste. For fans of classic lagers like Heineken or Carlsberg, Moosehead is an excellent choice. It’s not overly heavy, making it perfect for casual drinking, barbecues, or game nights.

Calories in Moosehead Beer

For health-conscious drinkers, calories matter. A 12 oz (355 ml) bottle of Moosehead Lager contains around 136 calories.

If you’re looking for something lighter:

• Cracked Canoe Beer is Moosehead’s low-calorie, low-carb option at around 90 calories per bottle.

• Moosehead Radler is fruitier and slightly higher in calories but lower in alcohol content.

Moosehead Radler and Cracked Canoe Beer

Moosehead understands that today’s beer drinkers want variety. Two of its most popular alternatives to the flagship lager are:

• Moosehead Radler – A blend of lager with grapefruit, lemon, and grape juices. Light, fruity, and only 4% ABV, it’s refreshing on a hot summer day. If you’re wondering Moosehead Radler where to buy, it’s available seasonally across Canada, the US, and online retailers.

• Cracked Canoe Beer – Moosehead’s answer to light beer drinkers. With only 3.5% ABV, it has fewer calories but still maintains the crisp Moosehead taste. If you’ve searched where to buy Cracked Canoe Beer, check major liquor stores in Canada and selected outlets in the US.

How Much is a Case of Moosehead Beer?

Prices vary depending on your region, but generally:

• In Canada, a 24-bottle case of Moosehead Lager costs around $40–$50 CAD.

• In the US, expect to pay between $25–$35 USD for a case.

• Specialty bottles, cans, or Radler/Cracked Canoe packs may cost slightly more.

For collectors, old Moosehead beer bottles can sell for much higher prices depending on rarity.

Moosehead Beer Review: Is Moosehead Beer Good?

Reviews of Moosehead are generally positive, especially among those who enjoy easy-drinking lagers.

Pros:

• Crisp and refreshing flavor.

• Affordable price for a premium lager.

• Canadian heritage and independent ownership.

• Variety of options (lager, radler, light beer).

Cons:

• Not as bold or complex as craft beers.

• Limited availability outside North America.

Overall, Moosehead earns a solid reputation as a dependable, classic lager that delivers value and tradition.

Moose Drool Beer vs. Moosehead Beer

Many people confuse Moosehead with Moose Drool, but they are entirely different.

• Moose Drool Beer is brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana.

• It’s a brown ale with a 5.2% ABV and rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and roasted malt.

• Moose Drool is darker, maltier, and more robust than Moosehead Lager.

Moose Drool Beer Review

• Appearance: Dark brown with a creamy head.

• Taste: Notes of cocoa, caramel, and nuts, with a smooth finish.

• ABV: Around 5.2%.

So, while Moosehead Lager is a crisp, golden lager, Moose Drool Ale is a sweet, malty brown ale. Both are popular but appeal to different palates.

Moosehead vs Kingfisher Beer

Another frequent comparison is Kingfisher Beer, India’s most famous brand.

• Kingfisher Premium Lager is crisp and slightly bitter, similar in style to Moosehead.

• Kingfisher Strong (8% ABV) is a popular high-alcohol version.

• Kingfisher has multiple variations, while Moosehead focuses on a few core beers.

So if you ask is Kingfisher beer good compared to Moosehead? — both are solid lagers, but Moosehead carries the advantage of being family-owned and steeped in Canadian heritage.

Moosehead Beer Ownership and the Tragic Story

Moosehead Brewery remains privately owned by the Oland family, making it one of the last large independent breweries in North America.

However, the brand faced tragedy in 2011 when Richard Oland, former Moosehead executive and part of the owning family, was found murdered. This high-profile case shocked Canada, but Moosehead Brewery itself continued strong under the leadership of the next generation.

Is Moosehead Beer Gluten Free?

No, Moosehead Lager is not gluten-free. It is brewed with traditional barley and malt. For gluten-free drinkers, specialty craft breweries may offer better options.

FAQs About Moosehead Beer

Q: What kind of beer is Moosehead?
A: It is a pale golden lager with 5% ABV.

Q: What does Moosehead Beer taste like?
A: Light, crisp, slightly sweet with mild hops.

Q: How many calories are in a bottle of Moosehead Beer?
A: Around 136 calories per 355 ml bottle.

Q: Is Moosehead Beer good?
A: Yes — it’s a refreshing, affordable lager that appeals to a wide audience.

Q: Where can I buy Moosehead Radler or Cracked Canoe Beer?
A: At major Canadian liquor stores, select US distributors, and some online retailers.

Conclusion: Why Moosehead Beer Remains Iconic

From its green bottle and iconic moose logo to its 150+ years of brewing tradition, Moosehead Beer is more than just a drink — it’s a piece of Canadian history. Whether you’re sipping a Moosehead Lager, cooling off with a Radler, or cutting calories with Cracked Canoe, this brewery continues to deliver quality across generations.

In a world where many breweries have sold out to global conglomerates, Moosehead stands tall as a family-owned, independent brewer. For beer lovers, that independence — along with the crisp taste of a cold Moosehead Lager — makes it worth raising a glass to.