Sprecher Brewery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing, Beverage |
| Founded | 1985 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Founder | Randal Sprecher |
| Headquarters | Glendale , United States |
Key people | Sharad Chadha (CEO and President) |
| Products | Craft beers, flavored malt beverages, craft sodas |
Number of employees | 110 (2020) |
| Website | sprecherbrewery |
Sprecher Brewery is a brewery located in Glendale, Wisconsin, U.S., established in 1985 in Milwaukee by Randal Sprecher. It holds the distinction of being Milwaukee's first craft brewery since Prohibition. The company offers a variety of beers, flavored malt beverages, and craft sodas, with its root beer receiving particular acclaim.
Although Sprecher is recognized for its award-winning craft beers, its Black Bavarian (schwarzbier) and high-quality sodas are especially prominent. The brewery produces a greater volume of root beer than all its alcoholic brews combined.
History
Randal Sprecher, the founder originally from California, possesses academic credentials in both oceanography and brewing. After spending more than four years at Pabst in Milwaukee, he started Sprecher Brewery in 1985 with an initial investment of $40,000. To minimize expenses, the brewery utilized a mix of custom-built and acquired equipment. The current production facility was purchased in 1994.
In January 2020, a group of local investors acquired Sprecher Brewery and appointed Sharad Chadha as CEO and President. Under this new management, the company's distribution network grew from 20 to 30 states. Production capacity was enhanced with the addition of a new canning line and expanded warehouse facilities. The workforce doubled to 110 employees, and operations shifted from a single shift four days per week to two shifts five days per week.
In October 2021, Sprecher expanded its portfolio by acquiring six soda brands from Chicago-based WIT Beverage Co., including the well-known Green River. By January 2022, the brewery completed a transition from bottle to can packaging for all beers alongside a brand redesign.
Continuing its expansion, Sprecher purchased Ooh La Lemin Lemonade from Kona Gold Beverages and packaging firm Excent, LLC in October 2023. In January 2024, the company further broadened its offerings by acquiring the energy drink brand Juvee.
Production
Raw honey sourced from Wisconsin plays a vital role in Sprecher's root beer recipe, while locally harvested ginger is used in its Ginger Ale. The original root beer formula and "fire-brewed" technique have been maintained since the brewery’s inception. This method involves direct flame beneath the kettle, caramelizing sugars to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Year-round beers
- Special Amber - Vienna Lager
- Black Bavarian - Schwarzbier
- Hefe Weiss - Bavarian wheat ale
- Abbey Triple - Belgian Tripel
- Pineapple X-Press - Belgian IPA
- Juicy IPA - Juicy India Pale Ale
Seasonal beers
Seasonal selections include:
- Mai Bock - Blonde Bock (Spring)
- Milwaukee Pils - Bohemian Style Lager (Summer)
- Oktoberfest - Märzen (Autumn)
- Winter Lager - Bavarian-Style Dunkel (Winter)
Limited release beers
- Czar Brew - Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
- Imperial Stout - Imperial Stout
- Framboise - Belgian-Style Lambic
Sodas
Sprecher’s soda range is distinguished by using pure honey instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Featured products include:
- Root Beer (with Lo-Cal, Caffeinated, and Maple Syrup varieties)
- Cream Soda (Lo-Cal option available)
- Orange Dream (Lo-Cal option available)
- Cherry Cola and Door County Cherry Soda
- Grape Soda
- Wisconsin Ginger Ale
- Puma Kola (a cola infused with vanilla and cinnamon)
- Caffeinated Citrus Splash and Ginger Beer
- Seasonal flavors: Strawberry, Red Apple, Raspberry, Blueberry
- Sparkling Waters: Valencia Orange, Red Raspberry, Fresh Cut Mango, Ripe Strawberry
- Charged Lemonade and Charged Strawberry Lemonade
Brewery tour
Sprecher Brewery provides guided tours throughout the year, featuring visits to the brew house, chilled storage cellar, bottling area, and warehouse facilities. The experience concludes in the indoor beer garden, where guests can enjoy tastings of various beers and sodas available on tap.
Traveling beer garden
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Sprecher runs two fleets of vintage fire trucks and ambulances serving as Milwaukee County Parks Traveling Beer Gardens. Each fleet remains at a park for ten days before relocating to a different site during the summer months.
Recognition
Sprecher has earned accolades for 25 distinct beer varieties in competitions both nationally and internationally. Notable honors include the 2004 Small Brewing Company of the Year and Brewmaster of the Year awards at the GABF; several medals from the Australian International Beer Awards; and a Gold medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup for its Black Bavarian Schwarzbier. The brewery also regularly secures awards at the Los Angeles International Beer Competition and United States Open Beer Championships.
In a 2008 taste test conducted by The New York Times, Sprecher’s root beer was rated highest among 25 national brands for its well-rounded and intricate flavor profile. Additionally, the October 2009 issue of Details magazine described it as "elegant," reinforcing Sprecher’s strong position in the premium soda sector.
In popular culture
In 2005, Sprecher Brewing Co. received the "Most Deserving Small Business Office" Makeover award from Xerox, Hon Furniture, and Entrepreneur magazine, which included a feature on NBC's Today show. The following year, Sprecher’s Root Beer appeared as a prize on NBC's Deal or No Deal, showcasing the brand’s recognition in mainstream media.