OUR STORY
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, the sixth generation of Leinenkugels continues to brew some of the same family-inspired recipes that Jacob poured his heart and soul into. Over the years, our family has grown and so has our brewery, but our history and heritage remain at the forefront.
Take a step back in time and discover our flavorful history…
Chippewa Falls, WI
Chippewa Falls is the home of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.® There's a lot of territory to explore and fun to be had in the heart of the Leinie Side. Take a look around and discover all there is to do here.
Chippewa Falls, WI
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 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.
Chippewa Falls, WI
Take a trip on the Leinie Side and experience all the beauty and fun of Chippewa Falls. Head to our brewery for a tour and visit the Leinie Lodge®. With a gift shop, welcoming staff and, of course, fresh samples (for those 21 and over), it's the place where the spirit, heritage and flavor of Leinenkugel's® lives. Afterwards, make your way outdoors and enjoy fishing, hiking and miles of ATV and snowmobile trails. And join us for the Leinie's® Family Reunion, Country Fest, Oktoberfest celebration, and other fun events throughout the year.
1st Generation
In 1845 Jacob Leinenkugel and 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 first loyal fans.
1st Generation
When they started off, Jacob Leinenkugel and business partner, John Miller, were the only employees. Jacob brewed the beer, and John delivered it. In 1884 John sold his share of the company to Jacob. With the help of his wife, Josephine, and their family the brewery grew. In 1890 a new four-story brewhouse was built. Sadly, that same year Josephine passed away. Though saddened by the loss of his wife, Jacob continued to expand the brewery, adding an icehouse, three-story malt house, bottling house, cooper shop and barns.
2nd Generation
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.
2nd Generation
Prohibition was passed in 1919 and many American breweries simply went out of business. The Leinenkugel's brewery adapted to the changing times and began brewing a non-alcoholic "near-beer" called Leino. The malt beverage wasn't very popular. Again our brewery adapted and started bottling soda water. By the end of Prohibition, Leinenkugel's was the largest bottler of soda water in the area.
3rd Generation
After Prohibition's repeal and the deaths of Matthias Leinenkugel and Henry Casper, Katherine Leinenkugel and Rose Leinenkugel Casper fought to keep our brewery going by mortgaging their homes. Using the money, they updated our brewery's equipment. With their tenacity and the leadership of Jacob's grandsons, William Casper and Raymond Mayer, our family was determined to restore Leinenkugel’s® to its pre-Prohibition glory.
3rd Generation
After Prohibition, it was back to business, despite one major problem: our brewery didn't have a brewmaster. President Raymond Mayer and sales manager William Casper had to act quickly. Breweries were popping up all over, each eager to capture a piece of the wide open market. Using all their resources, Raymond and William found a new brewmaster, modernized our brewery, introduced brewery tours, and established new opportunities to grow the business.
4th Generation
Under Jacob Leinenkugel's great-grandsons, Bill Leinenkugel and Paul Mayer, Leinenkugel beers were introduced into Minnesota, Michigan and Chicago. Bill and Paul also added to the Leinenkugel’s® family of beers, brewing beers that appealed to a variety of palates.
4th Generation
TV and national advertising changed the beer industry. Small breweries had to compete not only with each other, but with larger companies that began building multiple breweries across the country. For Leinenkugel’s® this meant expanding into new markets and enlisting the help of Wisconsin heroes like Ray Scott, "The Voice of the Packers," to be a part of advertising campaigns. Our brewery grew as well, with the addition of the Hospitality Center in 1979, a place for Leinie fans to gather and learn about the beer they loved.
5th Generation
Under the guidance of Jake, Dick and John Leinenkugel our brewery continued to thrive. The brewery was bought by Miller Brewing Company in 1988. This partnership has allowed Leinenkugel’s® to share its quality brews with beer lovers all over the country. Leinenkugel's® 10th Street Brewery was added in 1995 to handle the increased demand. In 2003, the Leinie Lodge® opened its doors and now has over 350,000 members.
6th Generation
CJ, Ellie, Matt, and Kirk 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 working in the brewery, the sixth generation of Leinenkugels is building on our family’s tradition. They’re making sure our beers continue to satisfy palates everywhere. Even though they aren’t all in Chippewa Falls, they’re out there every day, welcoming more people to the Leinie Side.
