75th ANNIVERSARY OF REPEAL

This month marks an important milestone in the survival of America’s Oldest Brewery. It is the 75th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition. To give you a brief history of events… The Yuengling Brewery was founded in 1829. We operated a successful, yet relatively uneventful business until 1920 – when the beer industry as we knew it changed following the Volstead Act. The 18th Amendment went into effect and prohibited the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Breweries were no longer allowed to produce, transport or sell beer with an alcohol content higher than .5%. (Our beers now average around 4+% Alcohol by Volume.)

Yuengling survived Prohibition by producing three different types of near beers (those that contain less than .5% ABV). The company also diversified into the dairy business and began investing in restaurants, dance halls, and even Broadway shows to promote the sale of our near beer. It was 13 long years for everyone in the industry though, trying to survive not only Prohibition, but also the Great Depression.

On December 5th, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified by a ¾ majority of the states. National Prohibition was formally repealed, allowing the country to once again enjoy the great taste of beer!

The alcohol beverage industry has been honoring this anniversary all year long. But it is the month of December when we officially recognize the Repeal of Prohibition. Please join us in raising a glass of Yuengling to commemorate this important milestone. Lets all celebrate our freedom to enjoy the greatest drink on earth. As President Franklin Roosevelt said upon signing the 21st Amendment into law, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”