The Leinenkugel family brewery, founded by Jacob Leinenkugel in May 1867, has a rich history and heritage rooted in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Jacob, driven by a strong work ethic, established the brewery with the knowledge that his German family heritage would be crucial to its success.
The Leinenkugel family brewery was founded in May 1867 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin by Jacob Leinenkugel and his business partner, John Miller. Jacob, a German immigrant, brought his brewing expertise and passion for beer to Chippewa Falls, a town with a thriving lumber industry and a growing population. Having learned the art of brewing from his father in Germany, Jacob saw an opportunity to quench the thirst of the hardworking loggers and lumberjacks in the region. With the financial support of his father-in-law, he established the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.
The brewery started as a small local operation, but Jacob’s commitment to quality and dedication to his craft helped it gain a reputation for producing exceptional brews. Despite facing fierce competition from larger breweries, Leinenkugel’s Original, the brewery’s flagship beer, became a local favorite and contributed to its success.
After the death of Jacob Leinenkugel in 1899, the mantle of brewery president was taken up by his son-in-law, Henry Casper. Continuing the family tradition, Matthias Leinenkugel assumed the role of president in 1907, following in his father’s footsteps. The brewery saw further growth under the guidance of the second generation, with the market for Leinenkugel’s beers flourishing.
The Leinenkugel brewery thrived throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, despite the challenges posed by Prohibition in the 1920s. During this time, the brewery shifted its focus to producing soda and other non-alcoholic beverages to survive. Susan Leinenkugel Mayer, Jacob’s daughter, then assumed the presidency in 1927, further solidifying the family’s involvement and leadership in the brewery. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the Leinenkugel brewery resumed its beer production and continued to flourish.
Recognizing the importance of engaging with consumers and showcasing their brewing expertise, Raymond and William pioneered the concept of brewery tours. These tours allowed visitors to witness firsthand the craftsmanship and dedication that went into creating Leinenkugel’s beers, fostering a deeper connection between the brewery and its customers. The introduction of brewery tours not only served as a means to educate and entertain, but it also presented a valuable marketing opportunity.
The combined efforts of Raymond Mayer and William Casper not only addressed the immediate challenges after Prohibition but also positioned the brewery for long-term success. Their dedication, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking approach paved the way for continued growth and prosperity for the Leinenkugel family business.
Throughout its history, the Leinenkugel brewery experienced significant growth and notable milestones. In 1979, the brewery expanded with the addition of the Hospitality Center, a dedicated space for Leinie fans to gather and deepen their knowledge about the beloved beers.
Under the leadership of Jake, Dick, and John Leinenkugel, the brewery continued to thrive. However, in 1988, a pivotal moment arrived when the Leinenkugel family made the decision to sell the company to Miller Brewing Company, a subsidiary of the multinational brewing giant, SABMiller. This strategic acquisition provided the Leinenkugel brewery with access to greater resources and an extensive distribution network, allowing its quality brews to reach beer enthusiasts across the country.
While the sale raised concerns among loyal customers about the brewery potentially losing its local identity, the Leinenkugel family remained actively involved in the business, ensuring that their cherished traditions and core values were upheld.
Under Miller’s ownership, the Leinenkugel brewery experienced remarkable growth and achieved nationwide recognition. The company seized the opportunity to introduce a range of new beers, including the popular Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss and Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss. These innovative brews not only appealed to a broader audience but also showcased the brewery’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and stay ahead of the curve.
To meet the increasing demand, Leinenkugel’s 10th Street Brewery was established in 1995, providing additional capacity for production. This expansion further solidified the brewery’s position as a leading player in the industry.
In 2003, the Leinie Lodge was unveiled, opening its doors to beer enthusiasts and offering a unique experience. With over 350,000 members, the Leinie Lodge has become a thriving community where fans can immerse themselves in the world of Leinenkugel’s and connect with fellow beer lovers.
In 2008, SABMiller formed a joint venture with Molson Coors Brewing Company, creating MillerCoors. This partnership provided even greater opportunities for the Leinenkugel brewery to expand its distribution and increase its production capacity. The brewery continued to innovate, introducing seasonal and limited-edition brews that captured the essence of each season, such as Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.
In recent years, the craft beer movement and the demand for unique, small-batch brews have influenced the brewing industry. The Leinenkugel brewery has embraced this trend, creating its own line of craft-style beers under the “Leinie Lodge” series. These specialty beers, such as Leinenkugel’s Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout and Leinenkugel’s Snowdrift Vanilla Porter, showcase the brewery’s ability to combine traditional brewing techniques with innovative flavors.
Continuing the proud Leinenkugel legacy, the sixth generation of the family, Matt, Kirk, Ellie, and Katie Leinenkugel, alongside Tony Bugher, are dedicated to expanding the reach of Leinenkugel’s beers to new markets and connecting with more people than ever before.
J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard
On Monday, April 3, 2023 MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers’ home opener against the New York Mets wasn’t just Opening Day for the Brewers, it was also for the ballpark’s new restaurant and brewery, J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, located in a premier location of the ballpark, overlooking left field and the Brewers bull pen at what originally was Miller Park, now after a sponsorship change American Family Field.
The new brewery, bar and restaurant was a replacement for the previous Restaurant To Be Named Later, which had operated briefly between 2019 and 2022. Prior to that, TGI Friday’s Front Row Grill occupied the space from 2001 until 2019.
Milwaukee’s Ramlow/Stein served as the project architect for the redesign of the Leinenkugel Barrel Yard, infusing the space with a lakeside atmosphere. The interior design draws inspiration from the rustic charm of a traditional brewery barrel yard, featuring warm wood accents and industrial lighting. The overall ambiance exudes a feeling of airy lightness, with walls adorned in whimsical depictions of the Northwoods, creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment. Plaid-cushioned booths, wooden topographical maps of Wisconsin lakes, and vintage signs and advertisements add to the appeal, making it a place where one would want to spend time.
Running alongside the stadium-facing windows, table seating is available, including some picnic table-style arrangements. Across from them, built-on banquettes provide additional seating options, with engraved abstract wood panels showcasing the outlines of local lakes such as Nagawicka, Three Lakes Chain, and Eagle River Chain. These panels, along with all the furniture and fixtures, were crafted by Three Sixty, a Milwaukee design and build firm. The dining area’s high-top tables proudly display the Barrel Yard logo, designed by RevPop.
Contributing to the establishment’s unique character is a custom hand-painted mural in the main dining area. Created by renowned local artist David Zimmerman of Big Shot Robot, this Northwoods-inspired mural adds a captivating visual element and was meticulously designed and executed over several weeks.
One notable feature of the Barrel Yard is its state-of-the-art, on-premises three-barrel brewing system, prominently displayed upon entry. This brewing equipment is specifically designed to craft specialty beers exclusively available at American Family Field.
For guests without reserved restaurant seating, a newly constructed Taproom awaits just inside the entrance. Accessible through garage doors, visitors can quickly pop in and grab a draft Leinenkugel’s beer from the selection of 16 brews on tap, allowing them to enjoy their beverage throughout the stadium until the 9th inning. Adjacent to the Taproom is the Brew Room, the restaurant’s 27-foot-long main bar, offering a prime view of the field. Combined, these bars feature an impressive 48 brews on tap, in addition to domestic and import beers.
The Barrel Yard provides a variety of seating options to cater to different preferences. At the far end of the venue is the Brew Room, a space available for private events. Situated in left-center field within the Barrel Yard, this expansive area offers both indoor and outdoor seating and can comfortably accommodate groups ranging from 30 to 50 people. It is available for rent on both game days and non-game days.
Indoor booths provide a comfortable and private setting, while outdoor patios offer a refreshing open-air dining experience with panoramic views not only across the field but also a unique vantage point overlooking the Brewers bullpen.
The restaurant and brewery features specialty beer, brewed on-site by Brewmaster Corrine Georges. The location has a three-barrel brewing system, which is smaller than the seven-barrel brewing system at the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls but still allows Corrine to brew new beers in Milwaukee.
After successfully completing her Bachelor of Science degree in brewery operations, Corrine Georges wasted no time in pursuing her passion for brewing. She gained valuable experience by working at renowned breweries such as Colorado’s Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. and Left Hand Brewing. Jumping at the exciting opportunity she became the full-time Brewmaster at the on-site pilot brewery in the Milwaukee Brewers MLB Stadium. As the Brewmaster, she oversees the brewing operations in the pilot brewery, creating at least two new unique and flavorful beers each month to delight fans and visitors to the stadium.
The Barrel Yard at Leinenkugel offers an array of ticket packages designed to enhance the game day experience. Fans can choose from different seating options, including the outdoor tables on the Home Run Porch and the Bullpen Tables. These seats provide a fantastic view of the action on the field while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Barrel Yard.
