Our history

Macks Ølbryggeri is the northernmost brewery in the world. The brewery was founded in 1877 by Ludwig Markus Mack. Mack is the fourth largest brewery in Norway, and is probably one of the strongest brands from Northern Norway. Our main production is located in Nordkjosbotn, approximately 70 km from Tromsø. Mack's historical sites in Tromsø houses our administration, the beer shop Kjeller 5, our legendary pub Ølhallen and Mack Microbrewery.

1877

Macks Ølbryggeri, the worlds northernmost brewery, was founded in 1877 by Ludwig Markus Mack.

Our first beers were...

1878

1883

1888

1888

1895

Mack started producing sodas.

Ludwig Mack

Lauritz Bredrup

1915

Lauritz Bredrup becomes managing director.

1920

After large investments in 1920 – 1922, the production doubles four times.

1928

The opening of Ølhallen,
Tromsø’s oldest pub.

Read more about Ølhallen

1935–87

Beer cartel in Norway. Mack’s sales district was Troms and the West Finnmark.

1939

Large parts of the brewery were destroyed by fire.

1946

Mack opened a conserves factory, which remained until the 1960’s.

1953

Reinhold Bredrup becomes managing director.

1965

Mack started producing for Coca-Cola.

1966

Mack expands the buildings several times until 1998.

Ludvig Mack Bredrup

1981

Ludwig Mack Bredrup becomes managing director.

Haakon Bredrup

1985

Haakon Bredrup became managing director.

1981

Polar Beer (Isbjørn) and Arctic Beer gets to be the first beers on the North Pole.

1990

Polar Beer (Isbjørn) and Arcitc Beer gets to be the first beers on the South Pole as well.

1993

The beer Haakon is launched prior to the Olympic Games in Lillehammer 1994.

1998/99

The requirements for effective internal and external logistics have undergone enormous change over the years. Mack has gone from an awkward system with buildings spread around Tromsø to, in 1998/99, all functions being combined under one roof.

1999

Harald Bredrup becomes managing director.

2000

Mack’s microbrewery opens.

125 år

1877–2002

The brewery celebrated its 125th anniversary.

2003

Mack gets the prestigious, Norwegian design award “Merket for God Design” for the first time in 2003. Later there will be many more design awards.

2003

White Xmas

2004

smrprty

2011

Mack Cider

2011

GullMack and Bokøl

2015

Mack Smaksserie

2007

Wine farmers from the Champagne district in France earned exclusive rights to the name Champagne. As a consequence of this our soft drink Fruit Champagne had to be changed. This resulted in a playful addition to our range of product – Fruktsjimpanse!

2011

The construction of a new factory begins.

2012

Mack moves into new, modern premises and the capacity was increased.

2014

The beer Isbjørn (Polar Bear) relaunches and quickly becomes Macks best selling beer brand.

2014

The administration moves into new, modern offices built on top of the old bottling plant in Tromsø.

Ølhallen now serves Norwegian quality beer from 67 taps, which makes it Europe’s longest draft bridge.

2014

Mack changes distribution form, and is now more available nationwide.

140 Years

1877–2017

Mack celebrates 140 years.

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