George Wiedemann
George Wiedemann Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1833 Eisenach, Germany |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of George Wiedemann Brewing Company |
George Wiedemann Sr. (circa 1833–1890) was a German-American entrepreneur and brewer who established the George Wiedemann Brewing Company, which became the largest brewery in Kentucky. Originally from Eisenach, Germany, he emigrated to the United States in 1854. Prior to settling in Newport, Kentucky in 1870, he gained brewing experience in New York, Louisville, and Cincinnati. His brewery, situated at 601 Columbia Street, became closely associated with Newport and marketed itself as "America's only registered beer," utilizing witty radio advertisements to enhance brand recognition.
Wiedemann was married to Agnes Rohman and fathered six children. Renowned for his integrity and affable nature in business, he died on May 25, 1890. His sons, George Jr. and Charles, succeeded him in managing the company.
In 1967, the Wiedemann Brewing Company merged with G. Heileman Brewing Company, operating under the Wiedemann Division. Prominent brands produced included Wiedemann Fine Beer, Royal Amber Beer, and Blatz Beer/Cream Ale. The original brewery ceased operations in 1983. Subsequently, the Wiedemann brand was brewed by Pittsburgh Brewing Co. until its discontinuation in 2007.
The brand experienced a revival in 2012 when Geo. Wiedemann Brewing Company, LLC of Newport reintroduced Wiedemann Special Lager as a limited-release craft beer. Jon Newberry, a brewer and beer writer, acquired the trademark, recipe, logo, and related intellectual property rights. By 2018, Jon and his wife Betsy had established a brewery, taproom, and restaurant within a refurbished Cincinnati funeral home.
In 2019, the former home of George Wiedemann Jr., located at 401 Park Avenue, was restored for commercial use.