Moosehead forces craft brewer to drop 'Moose' from beer names

A Sudbury brewing company is looking for a new name for two of its beers after complaints from Saint John-based Moosehead Breweries.

Shawn Mailloux, the owner of Stack Brewing, had named his Imperial IPA “Angry Moose” and an India Pale Ale “Friendly Moose.”

The craft brewer’s name choice, however, prompted a call from Moosehead Breweries.

He said Andrew Oland, the president of Moosehead Breweries, called him a couple of weeks ago to tell him the company has the sole rights to the word "moose" when it comes to beer in Canada.

“They also have spent a lot money in regards to trademarking the word, ‘moose,’ in regards to beer and anything in relation to a moose in regards to beer. I’m not going to challenge him,” Mailloux said.

Mailloux said the Angry Moose and Friendly Moose brands are going to get new names. On Stack Brewing's website now, the word "moose" has been removed with only "Angry" and "Friendly" remaining.

The Stack Brewing president announced on his Facebook page that it was “a heavy heart” that he would change the names.

“Canada is only home to one Moose and we will be going through a rebranding of Angry Moose and Friendly Moose,” he posted on Facebook.

“The brains at Stack are in a whirlwind right now with everything going on, but being from northern Ontario makes us a hardy bunch. We will survive. The name will be different but the beer will be the same.”

Mailloux said it will cost a lot to change the brand but he can't fight Moosehead on the issue.

Stack plans to announce the new names for its two beer brands on Dec. 18.