Frequently asked questions

Understanding Non-Alcoholic Whiskey

  • It’s exactly what it sounds like! It’s all the character of whiskey without ethanol calling the shots. Think complex aromas, rich body, a warming burn, and a finish that lingers. Non-alcoholic whiskey is built to give you the full sensory experience of sipping a proper dram, just without the next-day regrets.

  • Short answer: close, but not identical. Ethanol can make up as much as 60% of a traditional whiskey. That’s a massive chunk of what you’re tasting. Without it, things shift. But here’s the thing. The best parts of great whiskey are the flavours, the burn and that long finish. Mad Moose has all of that. We didn’t go chasing ethanol – we recreated the experience.

  • We didn't set out to copy anyone else's homework. Mad Moose draws on the sensory experience of whiskey on the rocks without playing by the old rules. You get the burn, the mouth feel, and that lingering finish that makes you go "damn, that's good." We're not trying to be your granddad's whiskey – we're making our own tracks.

  • Simple – we didn't take the lazy route. Most others just strip the alcohol out of regular whiskey, which leaves you with a watered-down shadow of the real thing.

    Mad Moose? We built this beast from the ground up. More body, more burn, a finish that actually sticks around, and a nose that knows what it's doing. We're giving you the full on the rocks experience without playing by anyone else's rulebook.

  • Not the same, but don’t count it out. With traditional whiskey, ethanol attacks your mouth. With Mad Moose, the burn builds – it comes from the inside out and leaves a warming feeling you’ll actually enjoy. Different beast. A Mad beast.

  • That's classified, funster. A mad moose never tells all its tricks.

  • Depends which one you’re pouring!

    Mad Moose Original brings smoke, earth, wood, hickory, walnut, caramel, and baking spices – classic, bold, and unapologetic.

    Mad Moose Japanese is a riff on the world-renowned Japanese whisky style, with oak, coconut, botanicals, and a hit of black pepper.

    Mad Moose Old Fashioned is the cocktail, already in the bottle – citrus, botanicals, and that unmistakable Old Fashioned character.

    All three come with a complex aroma, rich body, a lingering burn, and a long, pleasant finish. Pick your poison. None of it is poison.

  • We start with French Oak as our foundation, then throw in some Orris root, Angelica root, a secret mix of spices and natural flavours that we'll never tell you about. Why? Because a moose never reveals all its secrets. The result? That unique aroma, body, burn, and finish that makes Mad Moose... well, mad good.

Alcohol Content & Safety

  • Right now, there's a tiny trace (0.03% ABV) in some bottles – basically nothing. But we're going full rogue and transitioning to completely eliminate even that whisper of ethyl alcohol. Check your bottle label to see which camp yours is in. Either way, you're not getting buzzed, boss.

  • Check with your doctor, boss. We're rebels, not medical professionals.

  • Same deal – your doctor's got the answers you need. We make the drinks, they make the medical calls.

  • Sometimes, and Mad Moose is no exception right now. Most of our bottles are fully alcohol-free (0.0% whiskey). Some carry a trace amount of 0.03% ABV from our launch batches, which is well below the legal definition of a non-alcoholic beverage. We’re actively working to eliminate even those. Check your bottle label to know exactly what you’ve got.

  • Non-alcoholic alternatives work really well for some people, and for others, the similarity to the real thing can be triggering. We want people to show up however they need to, and we never want to be the reason someone’s journey gets harder. If there’s any doubt, drink with caution or skip it entirely. Your wellbeing comes first, always.

Health & Nutrition

  • We’re not a kale smoothie. But compared to regular whiskey? Mad Moose is low calorie (10–20 calories per serving depending on the product), has no added sugar in the Original and Japanese, and zero of the drawbacks that come with alcohol – the poor sleep, the hangover, the empty calories. The Old Fashioned has 3g of sugar per serving, because that’s just what an Old Fashioned is. That’s not nothing.

  • You bet your antlers there are. Less alcohol, fewer calories, and you still get to keep your wits about you. Toast, celebrate, unwind – all without the next-day numbness. That's what we call drinking smart.

  • You skip the stuff Doctors keep warning you about – disrupted sleep, next-day fog, the cumulative toll of regular alcohol consumption. You still get to toast, celebrate, unwind, and enjoy a proper drink. Your liver gets the night off. We call that a win.

  • We're plant-based, and we don't mess around with sulphites, nuts, or soy.

  • Depends on the product – and with Mad Moose, it depends on which one. The Original is celiac-safe. The Japanese and the Old Fashioned are crafted with barley malt to stay true to their inspirations, so they’re not suitable for people with gluten intolerances or sensitivities. Check before you pour.

  • It varies by brand and product, but non-alcoholic whiskeys are generally a fraction of the calories of traditional whiskey, which can run around 100+ calories per standard pour. Not bad for a drink with this much personality.

  • Light on the calories, big on the flavour. Original: 15 calories. Japanese: 10 calories. Old Fashioned: 20 calories. No added sugar in the Original or Japanese. The Old Fashioned has 3g per serving – because sugar’s part of the recipe, and we’re not going to apologize for it.

How to Drink & Serve

  • However the hell you want. Some products are built to mimic specific whiskey styles. Others – like Mad Moose – are their own thing entirely. Neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, with a cigar, by a fire. Explore it. That’s the fun part.

  • Mad Moose Original was born to be on the rocks. That's where it shines brightest. But hey, if you want it neat, go for it. And cocktails? Mad Moose makes one hell of a base. Check out our recipe ideas and start making your own rules.

  • Absolutely. Mad Moose shows up strong in every cocktail and brings its own unique personality to the party. Swap it in wherever whiskey's called for and watch the magic happen.

  • Ginger, anise, red berries, citrus, mint – they all play nice with our rogue spirit. Mad Moose Original even holds its own in cream-based cocktails (hello, guilt-free eggnog). Experiment and find your own perfect match.

  • Absolutely. Mad Moose was born for the rocks – that’s where it really sings. But neat works too if you like to get right to it. Serving recommendations can vary by product and brand, so follow the bottle as a starting point, then make it your own.

  • Yes, and it shows up strong. Mad Moose can handle itself in any cocktail calling for whiskey. Swap it in, watch what happens, and don’t be surprised when it brings something extra to the party.

  • That’s for you to discover, and that’s the whole point. Go classic – substitute Mad Moose into any whiskey recipe – or go rogue and invent something entirely new. Depending on which product you’re working with, you can follow traditional recipes or use them as a jumping-off point. Either way, you’re winning.

  • Swap in a non-alcoholic whiskey for the bourbon and build the rest as normal. If you want to go fully alcohol-free, look for non-alcoholic bitters – there are great alternatives to Angostura on the market. Stir, rock, garnish, enjoy.

  • Substitute Mad Moose for the bourbon or rye and build the rest of the recipe as usual. Lemon juice, simple syrup, maybe an egg white if you’re feeling fancy. Shake it hard, pour it proud.

  • Swap a non-alcoholic whiskey in for the bourbon or rye. For the sweet vermouth, there are solid non-alcoholic alternatives out there now. Finish with non-alcoholic bitters if you want to keep it completely booze-free – they exist, and they’re good. Stir, strain, serve up, feel sophisticated.

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Keep it cool and dry, and it'll stay good for at least 6 months after you crack it open. No fancy storage rituals required – we're not that high-maintenance.

  • You can if you want to extend the party a bit longer, but it's not a must. Your call, your rules.

  • Treat it roughly like a regular bottle – cool, dry, away from direct sunlight. Check the recommendation on your individual product first. One big rule: don’t freeze it. Without the alcohol, it will actually freeze and could damage the product or the packaging. Keep it cool, not frozen.

  • Not required – but if you want to extend shelf life or keep it chilled for a cocktail, the fridge is fine. Your call, your rules.

  • Check your individual product, but Mad Moose lasts at least six months after opening if stored properly. No alcohol means shorter shelf life than a traditional bottle – so don’t let it gather dust. That shouldn’t be a problem.

Buying & Availability

  • Mad Moose is available across Canada in retailers and hospitality environments. Check out the Where to Buy page for the latest listings.

  • You’ve got options. Dedicated non-alcoholic bottle shops – both physical and online – are your best bet for the widest selection. Specialty retailers carry a solid range too. Some grocery stores and larger retailers have started stocking a smaller selection. And online retailers ship across the country, which makes it dead easy.

  • Most likely yes. Check our Where to Buy page for the latest and most accurate info.

  • Sometimes, but the LCBO isn’t your best hunting ground for non-alcoholic whiskey. For the real range, dedicated non-alcoholic stores – in-person or online – are where you want to be.

  • Sometimes, but their selection shifts. Don’t count on it as your go-to. Dedicated non-alcoholic retailers will serve you much better.

  • They might carry a few options, but it’s not their specialty. Dedicated non-alcoholic stores and online retailers are a better bet for real selection.

  • Yes and it might be the easiest way to access the best selection. There are several great online non-alcoholic retailers shipping right across the country.

  • Yes! On our website or check other online retailers carrying Mad Moose.

  • We ship to all Canadian provinces. Mad times, delivered.

  • Original: 750mL and 120mL glass bottles. The 120mL Original is perfect for trying it out before going all in.

    Japanese: 750mL glass bottles.

    Old Fashioned: 750mL glass bottles.

  • The Original is available in a 120mL bottle – great for dipping your toes in before committing to a full bottle. More options may be coming. Watch this space.

Pricing & Value

  • It ranges based on complexity, quality, and where it’s produced. In Canada, expect to pay roughly $40–65 CAD.

  • Because we're the underdogs taking on the establishment, and that takes guts and cash. We're new companies going up against century-old players and ancient social norms.

    We pay more for everything – smaller orders, fresher ingredients, building our own supply chains from scratch. And often there additional processes to remove or replicate alcohol. No legacy partnerships or bulk discounts here. We're also using better, more natural ingredients because we give a damn about what goes in your glass.

    It costs more to be a rebel, but the payoff? A drink that's actually worth your time and money. Quality over convention, every damn time.

  • We’re biased, obviously. But the honest answer is to find a bar, restaurant, or sample bottle and try it first. For people looking for a premium experience without the alcohol, Mad Moose has you covered. We think you’ll figure it out for yourself pretty quickly.

About Mad Moose

  • We start with French Oak as our foundation, then throw in some Orris root, Angelica root, and a secret mix of spices and natural flavours that we'll never tell you about. Why? Because a moose never reveals all its secrets. The result? That unique aroma, body, burn, and finish that makes Mad Moose... well, mad good.

  • Mad Moose is made by The Wagon & Co, and the mission is simple: give people a way to be present without feeling left out. There’s a lot of social pressure to drink, and we want to push back on the idea that alcohol is the price of admission to a good time. This is for people who want more than a diet coke – who want to feel great the next morning. For us it started with a friend who wanted a quality whiskey to go with his cigar, without the alcohol. We made it happen, and here we are.

  • Proudly made in Edmonton, Canada. A humble city that punches well above its weight. Edmonton is a place built on community, grit, creativity, and doing things its own way. We wouldn't have it any other way.

  • Mad Moose is the product line under The Wagon & Co. And yes, The Wagon & Co. is proudly Canadian. Edmonton built, Canada-wide delivered.