OUR STORY
For seven years, Mike and Tor searched for the perfect spot to bring their shared brewing vision to life. They scouted locations across southern Maine, nearly settling in Biddeford, Sanford, and Wells, but the right place always seemed just out of reach.
Then, fate stepped in.
After a day of sailing, Mike stopped at Dockside Grill to unwind with a pint. There, the owner of a family-owned property in Casco approached him, asking if he was still looking for a place to open a brewery. The opportunity felt like destiny.
Mike called Tor, and together they knew—this was the one.
With Mike’s decades of brewing experience and Tor’s passion for craft beer, adventure, and building something lasting, they set out to create Lakes Region Brewing. More than just a brewery, it’s a place where their journey, friendship, and love for Maine come together in every pint.
MICHAEL BRAY: BREWMASTER
& COMMUNITY LEADER
With over 50 years of passion for specialty beers and 30 years as a professional brewer, Michael Bray is the driving force behind Lakes Region Brewing. His journey began in the 1970s, exploring imports from Germany, Ireland, Scotland, England, Holland, and Czechoslovakia, along with early American craft brews like Anchor Steam.
In 1987, he took his love for beer to the next level, homebrewing in Seattle, refining his skills before launching Bray’s Brewing Company in 1995. There, he not only built a brewery but designed the very system now in use at Lakes Region Brewing. After more than two decades at the helm of Bray’s, Michael stepped away from brewery operations in 2018 to focus entirely on his craft and manifest the vision that would become Lakes Region Brewing.
During this time, he also played a key role in the startup of Czar’s Brewery in Exeter, NH, where his expertise helped establish the brewery’s foundation and earn multiple awards at The Brewski’s and the Great International Beer, Cider, Mead, and Sake Competition.
Beyond brewing, Michael is a dedicated environmentalist and community leader. His expertise in environmental science and chemistry shaped how he designed his breweries—reducing wastewater, creating secondary treatment systems, and maximizing efficiency. He also co-founded the Maine Blues Festival in 2006, bringing together local businesses and government officials to create a town-wide festival in Naples, featuring over 40 Maine-based blues acts across multiple stages. In 2022, the festival found a new home in Lisbon Falls, continuing its tradition of celebrating local blues talent and drawing thousands of music enthusiasts to support Maine artists and energize the community.
At Lakes Region Brewing, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment. Michael’s focus on resource efficiency, responsible brewing practices, and community collaboration ensures that every pint not only tastes good but does good for the environment and the people who enjoy it.
When he’s not brewing, Michael serves as Executive Officer (XO) aboard Waterborne, a beloved local boat operated by Captain Steve of Naples. Alongside his son, Mack, Alana (the brewery’s benevolent designer and mascot), and a lively crew, he keeps the good times flowing on and off the water.
Michael’s path to brewing was anything but ordinary. With a background in chemistry and environmental science, he spent years working as a lead chemist and environmental consultant for the EPA, Department of Defense, and various engineering firms. From analyzing Superfund sites and ensuring nuclear submarine materials met strict standards to crafting award-winning beers, Michael’s expertise, discipline, and passion continue to shape everything he does.
Now, at Lakes Region Brewing, he brings together decades of brewing knowledge, environmental responsibility, and a love for community to create beers that tell a story—one that started over half a century ago and is still being written, one pint at a time.
TOR MOSON: OWNER, CEO & BREWER
Tor brings over 12 years of homebrewing experience to the company. His journey into commercial brewing began when he partnered with Mike at Bray’s Brewing Company following the sale of Bray’s Brewpub and Eatery.
Beyond brewing, Tor is an avid mountain biker, dedicating time to building and maintaining trails. He is particularly enthusiastic about collaborating with the Loon Echo Land Trust to develop mountain bike trails at Rolfe Hill Forest in Casco, Maine. This 400-acre preserve features mixed woodlands, wetlands, and streams, and is currently enhancing public access with new trails and signage.
Tor’s passion for adventure extends to sailing and fly fishing. As a merchant marine, he began his seafaring career in 2006 after managing operations at the Port of Charleston, SC. His global travels have allowed him to sample a diverse array of beers, with a personal preference for browns, stouts, porters, and farmhouse ales.
With a blend of brewing expertise, maritime experience, and a commitment to community engagement, Tor is dedicated to crafting exceptional beers and fostering outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.
