Nestled in the heart of Berks County, Boyertown, Pennsylvania has a rich history of industry and community spirit. Among its historical highlights was the Boyertown Brewing Company, a small but well-loved brewery located at 128 East Philadelphia Avenue. Though it may be gone today, the legacy of its beers and the memories associated with it live on for collectors and beer enthusiasts.
Let’s take a journey through the history of Boyertown Brewing Company, examining its different eras, the names it operated under, and the products it produced. Cheers! 🍺🍺🍺🍺
Boyertown Brewing Company | 1934-1947
The story of the Boyertown Brewing Company began shortly after the end of Prohibition. In 1934, as America once again embraced legal beer production, the brewery officially opened its doors as the Boyertown Brewing Company. This was a period marked by a surge in local breweries, with small towns embracing their unique beer cultures.
The brewery served the Boyertown community with a selection of quality beers that quickly gained a local following. During this period, the company produced several standout beverages, including:
Boyertown Porter: A rich, dark beer known for its robust, malty flavor.
Boyertown Ale: A classic ale that offered a balanced taste with a slight bitterness.
Boyertown Beer: A lighter, refreshing lager that appealed to a broad range of drinkers.
These beers were a staple at local taverns and gatherings, helping to cement the brewery’s reputation as a beloved local institution.
Boyertown Brewing Corporation | 1947-1953
In 1947, the brewery underwent a name change, becoming the Boyertown Brewing Corporation. This shift reflected the broader changes in the beer industry as small breweries tried to adapt to post-war demands and increased competition. Despite the change in name, the brewery continued to produce the same high-quality beers that locals had come to know and love.
During this period, the brewery added another product to its lineup:
Maser Beer: A classic lager-style beer that was marketed as a premium offering.
Maser Light Beer: A pilsner-style beer that was marketed as a lighter offering.
While Boyertown Brewing Corp. was a small operation, its beers maintained a loyal following. The company’s advertising often emphasized local pride, quality, and tradition, which resonated deeply with the community.
Closure in 1953
Unfortunately, like many small breweries in the mid-20th century, Boyertown Brewing Corp. faced challenges that proved difficult to overcome. The rise of large national breweries, changing consumer tastes, and increased production costs put immense pressure on smaller operations. In 1953, the Boyertown Brewing Corp. closed its doors for good, ending nearly two decades of brewing history.
Though the brewery is no longer in operation, the legacy of its beers lives on. Boyertown Brewery relics remain including bottles, labels, signs, crates, kegs, ball tap knobs, and other advertising materials. These pieces serve as reminders of an era when local breweries were cornerstones of their communities.
A Legacy Remembered
The Boyertown Brewery may have closed in 1953, but its impact on the local beer culture of Berks County remains. The beers it produced — Boyertown Beer, Boyertown Ale, Boyertown Pilsner, Boyertown Dark Beer, Boyertown Porter, Boyertown Ale, Boyertown Sparkling Ale, and Maser Light Beer — were more than just beverages; they were symbols of a community’s heritage, spirit, and resilience.
Today, collectors and historians continue to preserve the memory of this small-town brewery. Whether it’s through old bottles, vintage advertisements, or stories passed down through generations, the Boyertown Brewery remains an essential part of Pennsylvania’s rich brewing history.
Below are a few Boyertown Brewery Relics:
