OUR BEER  

WHERE IT

BEGAN

Christian Moerlein was born in Truppach, Bavaria and immigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1841. He settled into Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine where he worked as a blacksmith. Like many German immigrants, Moerlein brought his love of beer to America and began brewing hearty, European beers out of his blacksmith shop.

BEER CAPITAL
OF THE WORLD

Moerlein’s brewery grew from a side business to the largest brewery in Ohio and fifth largest in the country. In 1890, so much beer was made and consumed in Cincinnati that it was called the “Beer Capital of the World.” Not only was Christian Moerlein shipping beer across the country, but it was exported as far as Europe and South America. Though the brewery continued operating after Moerlein’s death in 1897, the prohibition era came and forced all establishments to close.

THE CRAFT

REVIVAL

It wasn’t until 1981 that a Christian Moerlein Select Lager was reintroduced. The updated beer was on the leading edge of the craft beer revolution. From there, the brand changed hands many times up until 2004 when it was brought back to Cincinnati. Just like it did in the beginning, the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company pioneered craft brewing in Cincinnati once again.

LOOKING

FORWARD

With new ownership at Cincinnati Beverage Company, the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company is set to reclaim its place as one of Cincinnati’s most storied beer brands. Whether in can, on draft, or at our Lager House location, Christian Moerlein beers will continue to delight drinkers with their commitment to quality, history, and community.