An impending closure spelled the end of an era and the loss of jobs for 40 employees

The brewery was built in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1927, operating as the Hub City Brewing Company. After some changes in management, in 1956, the brewery was acquired and operated as O’Keefe Brewing until 1989.

In 1989 the entire plant was invited to a meeting where they were told Carling and Molson would merge. This merger would mean the end of the brewery in Saskatoon and the loss of jobs for its 40 employees.

A group of determined and bold employees stood up and pooled their resources. The Original 16 risked it all and founded The Great Western Brewing Company. The brewery was David in a world full of Goliaths. But, with the support of their families, the Original 16 made it through each and every challenge thrown at them.

Now, The Great Western Brewing Company is one of Canada’s most successful regional brewers and an internationally recognized producer of world-class beer.

We pay a premium to make sure our beer is made with the best ingredients. We start with the finest two-row 100% Western Canadian barley and five choice hop varietals.

Our unique aging process is what finishes our brew, giving you unparalleled smoothness. 

Here at The Great Western Brewing Company we are very proud to use only premium Western Canadian ingredients in our premium beers.