Janssen and Bechly Brewery

Janssen&Bechly

Janssen and Bechly Brewery was a historic brewery located in Chicago, Illinois. Established in the late 19th century, it played a significant role in the local brewing industry during its operational years.

History

The brewery was founded by John Janssen and Henry Bechly in 1870. Both founders were immigrants from Germany, bringing with them traditional brewing techniques that contributed to the brewery's success. The brewery quickly became known for its high-quality lagers and ales, which were popular among the local population.

Operations

Janssen and Bechly Brewery was equipped with state-of-the-art brewing equipment for its time. The brewery utilized large copper kettles and wooden fermentation tanks to produce its beers. The brewery's location in Chicago provided easy access to both raw materials and a large market of beer consumers.

Products

The brewery produced a variety of beers, including:

• Lager
• Ale
• Porter
• Stout

These products were distributed throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas, contributing to the brewery's reputation for quality and consistency.

Prohibition and Closure

The Prohibition era, which began in 1920, had a significant impact on the brewery. Like many other breweries of the time, Janssen and Bechly Brewery struggled to stay afloat during the nationwide ban on alcohol production and sales. The brewery attempted to pivot to producing non-alcoholic beverages, but these efforts were not enough to sustain the business. The brewery ultimately closed its doors in 1925.

Legacy

Although Janssen and Bechly Brewery ceased operations nearly a century ago, its legacy lives on in the history of Chicago's brewing industry. The brewery is remembered for its contributions to the local economy and its role in popularizing traditional German brewing techniques in the United States.

See also

• List of breweries in Illinois
• History of beer in the United States
• Prohibition in the United States