Rhinelander Brewing Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Craft beer brewing |
| Founded | 1882 |
| Founder | Otto Hilgermann, Henry Danner |
| Defunct | 1967 (original brewery) |
| Fate | Closed in 1967; brands acquired by Joseph Huber Brewing Company |
| Headquarters | Rhinelander , United States |
| Products | Beer, hard soda |
Rhinelander Brewery is a regional brewery situated in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, operating within the American craft beer industry.
History
Established in 1882 by Otto Hilgermann and Henry Danner, the original brewery stood on Ocala Street adjacent to the Pelican River. Following a destructive fire in 1897, the facility was reconstructed. Operations halted during the Prohibition era, but production recommenced in 1933 through a stock issuance. Financial difficulties eventually forced the brewery to close in 1967. Subsequently, the Rhinelander brands and recipes were acquired by the Joseph Huber Brewing Company (currently part of Minhas Craft Brewery), which brewed Rhinelander beer in Monroe, Wisconsin for multiple decades.
At its height, Rhinelander Brewery produced approximately 40,000 barrels annually and was recognized as a prominent local brewer. The company distinguished itself through innovative marketing efforts, including patenting the 7-ounce "Shorty" bottle and allocating substantial resources to advertising to stand out in a competitive market.
The company today
In 2009, Jyoti Auluck purchased the Rhinelander and Rhinelander Light beer brands along with associated assets, with plans to maintain contract brewing in Monroe and ultimately establish a $2 million brewery in downtown Rhinelander featuring a 30,000-barrel capacity. This approach emulated successful vintage brand revivals such as those by Pabst Brewing Company with Pabst Blue Ribbon and Schlitz, while returning to the original secret recipe.
The Rhinelander Shorty was reintroduced in May 2011, supported by newly created molds for the distinctive 7-ounce glass bottle. By 2016, the company diversified its offerings by launching hard sodas under Rhinelander Hard Root Beer and the Over the Barrel series, which includes flavors like Rootbeer, Blueberry, Cream Soda, Black Cherry, and Grape.
On April 13, 2018, Rhinelander Brewing unveiled its refurbished brewery, taproom, and gift shop on Brown Street in downtown Rhinelander; this location also features the Rhinelander Brewery Museum. Presently, the company produces and distributes over one million pints annually across the Midwest region.
Brands
In addition to seasonal and specialty brews, primary products encompass:
- Rhinelander Export Lager
- Rhinelander Original
- Rhinelander Light Lager
The brewery produces "Boatswain" brand beers for Trader Joe's and brews the Good Ass Beer brand under contract. Furthermore, Rhinelander Brewing holds the trademark for "Braumeister," a historic brand originating from the former Independent Milwaukee Brewery.