Bringing Lancaster’s Brewing Legacy Back to Life

When we brewed Lancaster’s first commercial beer in nearly 40 years, we didn’t just fire up the kettles—we reignited a legendary brewing tradition. And honestly, we couldn’t be prouder of the role Lancaster Brewing Company has played in reviving the bold, flavorful spirit of this beer-loving town.

Brewing in Lancaster goes way back—like powdered wigs and horse-drawn wagons back. It started in the early 1700s with British settlers crafting hearty ales in the back rooms of inns and taverns. Then came the Germans (with great timing and even better beer), introducing crisp, clean lagers that helped put Lancaster on the brewing map. By 1810, this little corner of Pennsylvania was cranking out over 200,000 barrels a year—more than 7% of all beer brewed in the U.S. Even legendary writer and beer fan Henry L. Mencken took note, calling Lancaster “the Munich of America.” High praise? You bet.

But then came World War I, and with it, a one-two punch: coal restrictions and Prohibition. Lancaster’s 14 thriving breweries were forced to go dark—officially, at least. Unofficially? Let’s just say creativity flowed as freely as the underground beer lines. In 1932, a city worker even found a hose in the sewer connecting Rieker Brewery to a secret keg operation. That’s Lancaster grit for you.

Prohibition ended in 1933, and brewing returned. But the rise of big, automated breweries out west eventually took its toll. By 1956, the last of Lancaster’s commercial beer had been brewed—and for nearly four decades, the taps ran dry.

That is, until we opened our doors in the historic Edward McGovern Tobacco Building at 302 N. Plum Street. Today, the Keares Family still brews right here in this iconic red-brick building. Not only does it stand as a symbol of the beers we proudly craft every day—it’s also a full-bodied toast to Lancaster’s bold brewing past.