Taste the Determination with Original 16
Some beers have a story. This one has a legend. Original 16’s beer celebrates the spirit, determination and commitment to quality of the Original 16 Founders. Brewed with heart, using the finest ingredients and double-aged for an unparalleled smooth and refreshing beer, you just found that perfect taste you’ve been dreaming of!
From pale ales to coppers, lagers to seltzers, each and every one is brewed to perfection – starting at the fields of prairie barley, right to packaging and distributing; each step is completed with the highest of standards and care for your enjoyment!
It’s Not Just a Business! It’s a Story of Underdogs
The history of the Great Western Brewing Original 16 is too amazing not to share! The brewery was built in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 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.
