Iron City Beer: A Pittsburgh Tradition

Pittsburgh, home to some of the country’s most iconic brands, houses a historic gem, Iron City Beer. This beverage, with its deep-rooted ties to Pittsburgh, has weathered the test of time, symbolizing the city’s resilience and tenacity.

Beginnings of a Legacy (1861)

In 1861, Edward Frauenheim, a German immigrant, set up a brewery on Pittsburgh’s 17th Street. This establishment, known as the Iron City Brewery, would pioneer the production of lager, a first in American brewing history.

Growth and Expansion (1866-1899)

By 1866, the brewery had expanded beyond its initial capacity and relocated to a four-story brick edifice at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 34th Street. The business continued to flourish, necessitating the construction of an additional three-story building on the site in 1869. This period saw Iron City Brewery gaining nationwide recognition as one of the most extensive and well-equipped breweries in the country, second only to those on the Atlantic Coast.

The Dawn of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company (1899)

In a major consolidation move in 1899, Iron City Brewery merged with 21 other local breweries to form the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, retaining its headquarters in Lawrenceville.

Surviving Prohibition (1920-1933)

The nationwide prohibition on alcohol production in 1920 posed a significant challenge to breweries. However, the Pittsburgh Brewing Company displayed remarkable adaptability, producing soft drinks, ice cream, and “near beer,” a very low-alcohol beer. It also ventured into the cold storage business to survive this dry period.

Brewing Innovations and Market Dominance (1933-1977)

With the repeal of prohibition in 1933, the Pittsburgh Brewing Company resumed beer production, and by 1977, it was one of the only forty breweries that had withstood the challenges of the time. The introduction of Iron City Light, a new light beer, during this period of financial instability helped the brand regain its standing as Southwestern Pennsylvania’s favorite beer.

Financial Struggles and the Return to Origins (2005-2007)

The 21st century brought financial hardship for the company, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2005. However, in 2007, the brewery was purchased and reverted to its original name, “Iron City Brewing Company.”

A New Era of Production (2009-Present)

In 2009, due to an aging Lawrenceville facility, Iron City Brewing signed a deal with City Brewing Company to begin production at their former Latrobe Brewing Company plant. Despite the move, Iron City Beer’s association with Pittsburgh remains strong, and it continues to be a beloved symbol of the city. Today, Iron City Beer is making a comeback in Allegheny County, although not exactly in Pittsburgh. It will be situated up the Allegheny River, a mere 22 minutes away from Downtown in Creighton. Pittsburgh Brewing Company recently revealed their intention to construct a new brewery at the previous site of Pittsburgh Glass Works, situated in the northeastern part of Allegheny County along the river.

Iron City Beer: A Symbol of Pittsburgh

Iron City Beer is as much a part of Pittsburgh’s identity as the Steelers and Heinz ketchup. Sporting an Iron City t-shirt anywhere in the country is likely to identify you as a Pittsburgher. The brand, in its marketing efforts, has also capitalized on its city’s love for sports, creating specialty collector cans promoting local sports franchises.

The Collector Cans: An Innovative Marketing Strategy

Iron City was one of the first breweries to link their brews with local sports franchises, creating new collector cans to promote their products. This innovation, among others, shows the company’s commitment to staying relevant and engaging with its customer base.

The Specialty Brew: Olde Frothingslosh

Adding to its unique marketing strategies, the Pittsburgh Brewery also produces a specialty brew, Olde Frothingslosh. This ale, with its distinctive look and taste, adds to the rich tapestry of Iron City Beer’s offerings.