D.G. Yuengling & Son, established in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being America’s Oldest Brewery. Founded by German immigrant David G. Yuengling, the brewery has remained family-owned and operated for six generations, currently under the leadership of Jennifer Yuengling and her sisters, marking the first female-led era in the company’s history.
The brewery’s original location in Pottsville continues to operate from its historic facility built into the mountainside, featuring hand-dug fermentation caves that were used for storage before modern refrigeration. These caves, along with the brewhouse and original ice tunnels, are now part of their popular brewery tours. The company has expanded to include multiple brewing facilities while maintaining their commitment to traditional brewing methods and quality.
Yuengling is renowned for their flagship Traditional Lager, a distinctive amber beer that helped the brewery survive Prohibition by producing ‘near beer.’ Their portfolio has grown to include other beloved brands like Black & Tan, Lord Chesterfield Ale, and Light Lager. The brewery’s success story is particularly remarkable for surviving Prohibition, two World Wars, and the Great Depression, emerging as a symbol of American brewing resilience. Their recent expansion into more states has introduced their historic brews to new audiences while maintaining their reputation for quality and tradition developed over nearly two centuries of brewing excellence.