OUR HISTORY

Founding of America’s Oldest Brewery

David G. Yuengling establishes the Eagle Brewery on Centre Street in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

Our Original Brews

D.G. Yuengling started brewing Lord Chesterfield Ale and Dark Brewed Porter which continue to be brewed to this day.

Eagle Brewery Destroyed

Fire completely destroys the brewery on Centre Street and a new brewery is built on Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA. This is still the site of America’s Oldest Brewery.

A New Name

As David’s family grew and his son Frederick joined the business as a partner, the brewery changed it’s name to D.G. Yuengling & Son.

Founder Passes

David G. Yuengling dies at the age of seventy, leaving his son Frederick in charge of the brewery.

Beyond Kegs

Frederick Yuengling extends the brewery’s offerings by adding a bottling line to the plant. 

Gone Too Soon

Frederick Yuengling dies at the age of 51. His only son, Frank, takes over the management of the brewery while supporting his mother. 

Surviving Prohibition

The eighteenth amendment is ratified, enacting a call for the national prohibition of alcohol. To survive, Yuengling switches to production of near beer products and in 1920 constructs a dairy  directly opposite of the brewery.

100 Years of Brewing

On the 100^th anniversary of the brewery, the only product being produced is Near Beer, including Yuengling Special, Juvo, and Por-Tor.

End of Prohibition

Yuengling celebrates the end of Prohibition by producing “Winner Beer” and shipping a truck load to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The beer was delivered on December 5^th, the day the 21^st amendment was ratified.

Lunch is Served

The Rathskeller was built as a lunch room for employees. In later years, it served as a tasting room for brewery tours.

125 Years of Brewing

New Brewmaster Takes Helm

N. Ray Norbert joins Yuengling as Brewmaster. A role he held for 40 years. Helping to develop some of our most cherished beers, like Yuengling Traditional Lager. 

Long Standing Leader Passes

Frank D. Yuengling dies at the age of 86. He managed the brewery as president and chairman of the board for a remarkable period of 64 years. Upon his death, his sons, Richard L. and F. Dohrman, assume management of the brewery.

Recognition of America’s Oldest Brewery

As America celebrated it’s bi-centennial, D.G. Yuengling and Son was place on the national and state registers as America’s Oldest Brewery. This is a title that we are proud of and can be seen on every bottle of Yuengling beer.

Celebrating our 150th Anniversary

Yuengling’s 5th Generation Takes Over

Richard L. “Dick” Yuengling, Jr. buys the company from his father and becomes president. This allows him to find opportunities to grow the business through his passion of efficient production and distribution.

Yuengling’s Flagship Brand

Dick Yuengling makes the decision to reintroduce Yuengling Traditional Amber Lager with the support of his brewmaster Ray Norbert

Hard Decisions As Demand Increases

America’s Oldest Brewery could not keep up with the consumer demand of it’s beers. A difficult decision was made to withdraw from markets outside of it’s local area.

Growing America’s Oldest Brewery

Seeing an opportunity due to the increase in demand, Dick Yuengling announces plans to build a second brewery at Mill Creek, three miles from the site of the original brewery in Pottsville, PA.

Purchasing A Brewery

During a trip to Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training, Dick Yuengling was presented with an opportunity to purchase a former Stroh’s brewery. He saw how this would increase capacity for America’s Oldest Brewery and by summer production began at this new facility.

Construction Completed

The construction of Mill Creek Brewery was completed in 2001. This brought Yuengling to three fully operational brewing facilities which greatly increased the overall brewing capacity for America’s Oldest brewery. This allowed the company to start expanding it’s distribution.

New Brews

Yuengling introduces it’s line of seasonal offerings. The first being Bock, one of Yuengling’s original beers. Over the years additional beers included Oktoberfest, Summer Wheat and IPL. Yuengling continues to evolve our brewing capabilities based on consumer interests.

Expanding Brewing Capacity

As Yuengling surpassed 2 million barrels in 2009, demand continued to increase and the Mill Creek facility was expanded to meet consumer demands.

Yuengling’s Next Generation

Dick Yuengling has four daughters who have worked at the brewery over the years. Some joined right out of college while others gained experiences and then rejoined. In 2014, all four were working together once again and setting the stage for becoming the 6th generation to run this iconic family business.

Dick Celebrates 30 Years

Dick Yuengling became the 5th generation owner in 1985 and celebrates owning & operating America’s Oldest Brewery for 30 years.

Top Craft Brewer

Yuengling’s growth over the years positioned it at the top of the Brewer’s Association’s annual list of the largest sellers of craft beer.

Iconic Eagle Rebrand

In a nod to our heritage, we rebranded Yuengling Traditional Lager, Light Lager and Black & Tan packaging.

Golden Pilsner Is Released

Born from six generations of brewing expertise, Golden Pilsner is Yuengling’s first year-round beer to debut in 17 years. 

Celebrating 190 Years of Brewing

America’s Oldest Brewery has remained fiercely independent, family-owned and continuously operated by the Yuengling family for six generations. This year we celebrated 190 years with an iconic summer celebration, commemorative cans, and additional events throughout the year.

Joint Venture with Molson Coors

The Yuengling Company was established as a joint venture between Yuengling and Molson Coors. This JV will oversee any new market expansion beyond the 191 year old brewer’s existing 22 state footprint plus any future New England expansion. The partnership is governed by a board of directors, consisting evenly of Yuengling and Molson Coors family members and executives. 

Breaking Ground In Tampa

Yuengling broke ground on the revitalization of its Yuengling Tampa Campus with a keen focus on attracting visitors to enjoy its rich history, impressive facilities and solid beer selection. The revitalization will feature an array of first-class amenities including a restaurant, outdoor recreation and entertainment areas, beer garden, and a pilot brewing system.

Yuengling Expands To Texas

Yuengling’s flagship beers became available across the state of Texas in August of 2021. This was the first state in The Yuengling Company joint venture of D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. and the Molson Coors Beverage Company to increase Yuengling’s reach outside beyond its current 22-state East Coast footprint.

Bongo Fizz is Released

Yuengling introduces a fruit flavored beer.  The newest addition to its portfolio, Bongo Fizz is a premium beer made with a hint of natural mango flavor for a crisp, juicy, and refreshing taste.

Yuengling Expands to Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma

Yuengling continues its westward expansion and adds distribution to Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.  Yuengling is now available in 26 states, furthering the availability of the nation’s leading craft beer.