10 Things You Might Not Know About Yuengling Beer
10 Things You Might Not Know About Yuengling Beer
(Courtesy D.G. Yuengling & Son)
In the world of brewing, D.G. Yuengling & Son is an American legend. But behind the familiar eagle logo and amber pour lies a surprisingly rich story that spans nearly two centuries, a few family feuds, and even a brush with Prohibition.
And here are 10 things you might not know about America’s oldest brewery…
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It’s Actually the Oldest Brewery in the US
Founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Yuengling holds the title of America’s oldest operating brewery. David G. Yuengling, a German immigrant, originally called it “Eagle Brewery” — and its iconic eagle still graces the label today.
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The Family Has Run It for Six Generations
Yuengling isn’t just old — it’s family-owned to this day. The brewery has stayed in Yuengling hands for six generations, now led by a team of sisters who’ve helped modernize operations while keeping the brand’s old-school charm.
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It Survived Prohibition by Getting Creative
When alcohol went dry in 1920, Yuengling didn’t pack up and quit. Instead, it produced “near beer” — low-alcohol brews like Yuengling Special, Por-Tor, and Yuengling Juvo, a kind of non-alcoholic cereal beverage. The company even opened a dairy to stay afloat, producing ice cream until the mid-1980s.
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Yuengling Sent Beer to the White House
In 1933, when Prohibition was repealed, Yuengling celebrated by sending a truckload of “Winner Beer” to President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House. That’s one way to make a comeback.
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It Was Once Just a Pennsylvania Thing
For most of its history, you could only get Yuengling in Pennsylvania and nearby states. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the brand started expanding southward and beyond — and it still doesn’t have nationwide distribution today.
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Its Lager Is King
If you’ve ever ordered “a Lager” in Pennsylvania, the bartender probably didn’t ask which one. That’s because Yuengling Traditional Lager is the go-to beer in the state — so iconic, locals don’t even need to say the name.
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The Brand Had a Big Split — and Reunion
For years, Yuengling’s distribution was split between the East Coast and parts of the Midwest. But in 2021, the brewery struck a major partnership with Molson Coors, paving the way for a westward expansion that finally brought Yuengling to states like Texas.
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They Still Brew in the Original Building
While the company has expanded with facilities in Florida and beyond, the original brewery in Pottsville — built right into a mountainside — is still in operation and open for tours. Visitors can even walk through the old hand-dug fermentation caves beneath the building.
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Yuengling Has a Whole Lineup Beyond the Lager
Sure, the Lager is the headliner, but the brewery also makes Light Lager, Golden Pilsner, Black & Tan, FLIGHT, and seasonal offerings like Oktoberfest. There’s even a chocolate porter collaboration with Hershey’s that’s become a fan favorite.
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It’s Still a Giant in Craft Beer Terms
Despite its old-school branding, Yuengling is technically a craft brewery under Brewers Association guidelines — and it’s often listed as the largest craft brewery in the U.S. That’s not bad for a 196-year-old family business.
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Bottom Line
Yuengling’s longevity isn’t just luck — it’s the result of smart pivots, deep roots, and an unwavering commitment to tradition. And there’s no denying Yuengling’s place in the pantheon of American beer legends.
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About the Author: American Craft Beer
