PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania boasts a rich and storied brewing history, stretching back to the earliest days of the Commonwealth. While the modern craft beer scene is thriving, one brewery stands alone, holding the title of not only the oldest operating brewery in Pennsylvania but also the oldest operating brewery in the United States: D.G. Yuengling & Son in Pottsville.
America's Oldest Brewery: The Enduring Legacy of Yuengling in Pennsylvania
A Historic Founding in 1829:
The Yuengling story begins in 1829 when a German immigrant named David G. Jüngling (who later anglicized his name to Yuengling) established the Eagle Brewery on Centre Street in Pottsville, Schuylkill County. After the original brewery burned down in 1831, a new one was constructed on Mahantongo Street, where it remains to this day.
Surviving Prohibition: A Key to Longevity:
One of the most remarkable chapters in Yuengling's history is its survival through national Prohibition (1920-1933). While thousands of other breweries across the country were forced to close permanently, Yuengling adapted to stay in business. They shifted their production to "near beers" (beverages with 0.5% alcohol content) called "Yuengling Special," "Por-Tor," and "Juvel," and also opened a dairy across the street to produce ice cream and other dairy products. This ingenuity allowed the company to remain operational, and they famously shipped a celebratory truckload of "Winner Beer" to President Franklin D. Roosevelt the day the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing Prohibition.
The Brewery Today:
- Fifth-Generation Family Ownership: Today, D.G. Yuengling & Son remains a family-owned and operated business, currently overseen by the fifth and sixth generations of the Yuengling family.
- Iconic Beers: The brewery is most famous for its Yuengling Traditional Lager, an amber lager that has become an iconic, beloved beer throughout Pennsylvania and the East Coast. Other popular offerings include their Light Lager, Black & Tan, and seasonal varieties.
- A National Landmark: The historic Pottsville brewery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers free public tours, allowing visitors to see the hand-dug fermentation caves from the 19th century and learn about the historic brewing process.
D.G. Yuengling & Son holds the undisputed title of the oldest operating brewery in Pennsylvania and in all of America. Its nearly 200-year history is a testament to family perseverance, adaptability through challenges like Prohibition, and a commitment to brewing the beers that have become a staple of the Keystone State's culture. A visit to the historic Pottsville brewery is a pilgrimage for any beer lover and a journey into a remarkable piece of American industrial history.
Sources:
- D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. Official Website
- Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC)
- The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia
- Historical records and news archives on American breweries and Prohibition
- Brewers Association
