Schmidt Brewery

Schmidt Brewery

Schmidt Brewery, also known as the Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company, was a historic brewery located in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1855 by Jacob Schmidt, a German immigrant, and operated until 2002. The brewery played a significant role in the brewing industry in Minnesota and was known for its high-quality beers.

History

The brewery was established in 1855 by Jacob Schmidt, who had immigrated to the United States from Germany. Schmidt initially worked as a cooper, making barrels for other breweries in the area. In 1860, he purchased a small brewery in St. Paul and renamed it the Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company.

Under Schmidt's leadership, the brewery grew steadily and gained a reputation for producing excellent beers. In 1900, the company was incorporated as the Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company. Over the years, the brewery expanded its operations and introduced new brewing techniques to improve the quality of its products.

During the Prohibition era in the 1920s, the brewery faced significant challenges. Like many other breweries at the time, Schmidt Brewery had to halt its beer production and instead focused on producing non-alcoholic beverages. However, the company managed to survive by diversifying its product line.

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Schmidt Brewery resumed its beer production and experienced a period of growth. The brewery introduced new brands and expanded its distribution network, becoming one of the largest breweries in Minnesota.

In the late 20th century, the brewing industry faced increased competition from national and international beer companies. Schmidt Brewery struggled to keep up with the changing market dynamics and was eventually sold to the G. Heileman Brewing Company in 1984. The new owners continued to produce Schmidt beer, but the brewery's operations gradually declined.

In 2002, the brewery ceased its operations, marking the end of an era for the historic Schmidt Brewery. The buildings that once housed the brewery have since been repurposed for other uses, including residential and commercial spaces.

Legacy

Despite its closure, Schmidt Brewery remains an important part of Minnesota's brewing history. The brewery's commitment to quality and innovation left a lasting impact on the state's brewing industry. Many beer enthusiasts still remember and appreciate the distinctive taste of Schmidt beer.

Today, the Schmidt Brewery complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings have been renovated and transformed into a mixed-use development, preserving the architectural heritage of the brewery. The Schmidt Artist Lofts, located in the former brewhouse, provide affordable housing and studio spaces for artists in the community.

See also

• List of breweries in Minnesota
• Beer in the United States

External links

• Schmidt Artist Lofts - Official website of the Schmidt Artist Lofts
• Schmidt Brewery Complex - National Park Service website about the Schmidt Brewery complex