a label saying Yuengling America's Oldest BreweryWow! Time flies doesn’t it?. The Thanksgiving holiday weekend just wrapped up. We’re barreling into December, Christmas and more holidays are on their way, and the end of the year will be here before we know it. All of which has nothing to do with this edition of The Craft Joint. This time around (and more no doubt as windy as I am) I’ll be talking about one craft brewer and their beers. It is my friends, Yuengling time.

Yuengling is American?!?!

In some places, Yuengling is very well known. In others, folks have no idea who or what Yuengling is or where they located. I’ve heard people say, upon hearing the name, that it is Chinese. It is not Chinese. Not even close, despite, to some ears, a Chinese sounding name. I have to laugh every time I think about that. Moving on.

I am a big fan of Yuengling. I like almost every beer they brew. I’ve toured their breweries in Pottsville, PA and in Tampa, FL. I’ve talked to employees of Yuengling and I have a friend who works for Yuengling. My enjoyment of Yuengling beer predates my brewery visits and any contact or friendly relationship with anyone connected with this American craft beer company. There’s my “full disclosure”, for what it is worth.

I used to spend quite a bit of time in Eastern Pennsylvania and that is where I discovered Yuengling beer. It’s quite popular there. If you walk into a bar and order a “Lager”, they know you’re talking about the brewer’s flagship brew Yuengling Lager.

Yuengling: The Story of America’s Oldest Craft Beer Brewery

The Very Beginning

Founded in 1829, D. G. Yuengling and Son is America’s oldest operating brewery. It began as the “Eagle Brewery” in Pottsville, PA. The “main brewery” is still in Pottsville. David G. Yuengling emigrated to America from Wuerttemberg, Germany and settled in Pottsville, PA. He started the brewery and it remains, as it always has been, family owned.

The bald eagle has been their symbol from the beginning. Yeah, the bald eagle was their symbol before that massive brewery in St. Louis started using it. That massive brewery sued Yuengling over the use of the bald eagle. Yuengling won.

a sixpack of lord chesterfield aleSo, back in 1829, they started brewing just two beers. Those two beers continue to be brewed to this day. Those two beers are their Porter and Lord Chesterfield Ale.

Damn. Just thinking about those two tasty long-standing American craft beers makes me want to boogie to a state that sells them and not only drink my fill but stock up on cases of them both so I can get my liquid fix anytime I feel like it. Trust me when I tell you I feel like it often.

The Brewery Burns!

Tragedy struck in 1831 when the original brewery on Centre Street burned down. Not to worry, old D. G. was both motivated and industrious. He found a newthe yuengling brewery in pottsville location for his brewery Mahantongo Street and he rebuilt. To this day, that brewery is still there brewing up a variety of all-American beers for all of us to enjoy. If I might add, you are lucky enough to be in a state where it is available.

Here Comes Frederick…

Fast forwarding to 1873 D. G.’s son Frederick joins the brewing company and that necessitates a name change. 1873 is the year that the Eagle Brewery became D. G. Yuengling & Son to reflect Frederick’s involvement in the company.

More about the Yuengling brewery, their beers, and the influence of Frederick next time.

Drink more craft beer, my friends.

Then click here to go back the Things Men Buy homepage.

Shield Yourself Now

John “Big John” Johnson is a serial fun seeker, a lover of craft beer, and enjoys all things adult beverage related. A dedicated online marketer and SEO, he has been described as “Peter Pan with German Work Ethic”. John is also a sleight of hand magician with serious chops, enjoys riding Harleys, practicing martial arts and travel.

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