Sleeman Breweries Ltd.

The story of Sleeman Breweries is one of heritage, rebellion, and a remarkable resurrection that spans nearly two centuries. It began in 1834 when John H. Sleeman, an English immigrant, arrived in Upper Canada and established his first brewery. By 1851, he had settled in Guelph, Ontario, tapping into the region's pristine water sources to craft his signature brews. For generations, the Sleeman family name became synonymous with quality beer, but the company's journey took a notorious turn during the Prohibition era. In the 1920s and 30s, the family business, then led by George Sleeman, became involved in smuggling beer across the border to the United States, reportedly supplying the likes of Al Capone. This illicit success eventually drew the ire of the Canadian government, leading to a conviction for tax evasion and smuggling in 1933. The family was forced to sell the brewery and was handed a 50-year ban from brewing beer.

For five decades, the Sleeman brewing legacy lay dormant, a secret history tucked away in the family archives. It wasn't until 1988 that John W. Sleeman, the great-great-grandson of the founder, discovered his family's original recipe book and the storied past that came with it. seizing the opportunity to reclaim his heritage, he re-established Sleeman Breweries in Guelph, reviving the original recipes and the family's rebellious spirit. The company quickly grew from a regional craft brewer into a national powerhouse. In 2006, Sleeman Breweries was acquired by Sapporo Breweries, further solidifying its position as a major player in the global beer market while maintaining its distinct Canadian identity. Today, Sleeman Breweries stands as Canada's third-largest national brewer, producing a diverse portfolio of premium brands including Sleeman, Okanagan Spring, and Unibroue, continuing a legacy that once seemed lost to history.