Our Story

The Beginning

Every beer has a story, ours is just a little longer. In May 1867, the Leinenkugel family brewery was founded in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin by Jacob Leinenkugel. He was a family man driven by an iron work ethic, and he knew that his German family heritage would play an integral part of his brewery’s success. Today, sixth generation family members are involved in the company, helping to bring family-inspired recipes that Jacob poured his heart and soul into to consumers across the country. Take a step back in time and discover our flavorful history… 

The story of Chippewa Falls is ever changing, just like the waters of the Chippewa River and Big Eddy Springs. But water isn’t the only thing that flows in Chippewa Falls. Our beer has been filling steins there since it became home to the original Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in 1867. Our hometown was once the site of the world’s largest lumber mill. The hard-working, thirsty lumberjacks made great customers for Jacob and his business partner, John Miller. The rest, as they say, is history.

BACK WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 1845 Jacob Leinenkugel has his family immigrated to Wisconsin from Meckenheim, Germany, where Jacob’s father was an innkeeper and brewer himself. Equipped with German brewing knowledge and tradition passed down from his family, Jacob started his brewery in 1867 in the logging town of Chippewa Falls. Its rich soil was perfect for growing hops and grains, and the pure water that ran through the town was a perfect ingredient for crafting beer. The many lumberjacks that lived and worked here quickly became our loyal fans.

PASSING DOWN TRADITION

After Jacob Leinenkugel’s death in 1899, his son-in-law, Henry Casper, served as president. Then, following in his father’s footsteps, Matthias Leinenkugel took over as brewery president in 1907, followed by Jacob’s daughter Susan Leinenkugel Mayer in 1927. Under the guidance of the second generation, Leinenkugel’s growing market blossomed.

SURVIVING PROHIBITION

In 1919, the Volstead Act brought Prohibition to the U.S., devastating breweries nationwide. Leinenkugel’s, one of the few to survive, adapted by producing malt tonics and non-alcoholic beverages like "Leino." However, in the darkest periods of Prohibition, the Leinenkugel women—Rose, Susan, and Kathryn—managed the conversion of the company from a brewery to a soft drink manufacturer, ensuring the brewery's survival. By 1922, they had become the largest soda bottler in the region. But after Prohibition ended in 1933, both eager to resume brewing and restore the company to its pre-Prohibition glory, Katherine Leinenkugel and Rose Leinenkugel Casper mortgaged their homes to keep the facilities running.

INTRODUCING SUMMER SHANDY

In 1920s Germany, innkeeper Franz Kugler’s Munich tavern was overrun with thousands of cyclists. As he started to run out of beer he mixed it with lemonade – creating the Radler, also known as a  Shandy. Fast forward to 2006, when Leinenkugel’s was in search for a new summer seasonal. Inspired by Kugler’s story,  they perfected the recipe and named it Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, launching in 2007. The beer quickly became popular, selling out repeatedly and becoming the top craft summer seasonal beer in the U.S. (do we need years here?) To this day, Summer Shandy is Leinenkugel’s #1 flavor year over year.

WELCOME TO THE LEINIE LODGE

The Leinenkugel's Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to ‘Join Us Out Here’ for the Leinenkugel's experience. The original hospitality center was created in 1979, then rebuilt in 2003 on the banks of Duncan Creek right next to our original brewery! The Leinie Lodge offers exciting experiences and tours of the historic brewery where it all began in 1867. The tour takes you through the roots of Leinenkugel’s brewing tradition, showcasing the rich family history and process behind the beers you love. Inside the Lodge, you'll also find our Pilot Brewery, where we brew exclusive, limited-edition flavors and bring back hibernated favorites you miss most! With over 15 different Leinenkugel's beers on tap, there’s always something new to try whatever the season. Enjoy your favorite brews or something new inside cozy by the fireplace or outside on our pet-friendly patio! The Leinie Lodge hosts a variety of tours, events, beer releases, and celebrations throughout the year, don't miss the annual Summer Kick Off celebration on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend—an event full of fun, live music, great beer, and good company!

A NEW ERA BEGINS

The sixth generation of Leinenkugel's, Matt and Katie Leinenkugel, along with Tony Bugher, carry on the Leinenkugel’s legacy by working to get more of our beers to more people in more markets than ever before. From running tastings to demonstrations, to bringing more Leinenkugel’s brews across the country, the sixth-generation descendants are building on the family tradition that our great-great-great-grandfather began over 155 years ago. We’re making sure our beers continue to satisfy palates everywhere.

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