Potosi Brewing Company History
Founded in 1852 by Gabriel Hail and John Albrecht, the
Potosi Brewery began as a small brewery quenching the thirsts of area
farmers, fishermen and miners. In 1886 Adam Schumacher bought the brewery
and started brewing beer. In 1906, the Potosi Brewing Company was founded
by Adam and his brothers Nicholas and Henry. At its peak, the Potosi
Brewery had grown to be the fifth largest in Wisconsin, shipping a variety
of labels including Good Old Potosi, Holiday, Garten Brau, Augsburger and
others to destinations throughout the United States. In 1972 the brewery
ceased operations and closed its doors.
The restoration of the Potosi Brewery began in 1995 when Gary David bought
the ruined Potosi Brewery Bottling buildings. This nearly one square block
of buildings had just suffered a major fire and most of the buildings were a
total loss. After working three years to rebuild parts of what had been
destroyed, Gary then turned his attention to the Brewery itself. Being
awarded the high bid at the county auction he then enlisted the help of his
friend Rick Tobin and cousin Denis David. It was the marketing genius of
Denis and his wife Madonna in 1999 that brought the public on board through
a community meeting. This meeting was overwhelmingly attended by the public
and brought forth numerous suggestions as well as additional support. It
was this gathering of the public that led to the formation of the Potosi
Brewery Foundation in February of 2000.
In 2004, with restoration underway, the Potosi Brewery Foundation was
selected by the American Breweriana Association to be the home to its
national museum. According to Len Chylack, president of the American
Breweriana Association, Potosi was selected over cities such as Milwaukee
and St. Louis because of their passion for beer, brewery history and
beer-making culture. The National Brewery Museum is a world-class facility
dedicated to preserving the artifacts and memories of America's breweries.
National Brewery Museum
The National Brewery Museum™ and research library preserve the rich history
of America's breweries through the preservation of brewery memorabilia and
advertising. Changing displays will highlight various breweries and
collectibles.
The Potosi Brewing Company Transportation Museum tells the story of how an
industrial building on the Great River Road made use of the river, the
highway and the railway. Through exhibits and interactive displays, the
history of the Potosi Brewery is told through various modes of
transportation.
Potosi Ales and Lagers
Good Old Potosi
Potosi Pure Malt Cave Ale
Snake Hollow India Pale Ale
Potosi Gandy Dancer Porter - Seasonal
Potosi ESB - Seasonal
Potosi Oatmeal stout - Seasonal
Potosi belgium wit - Seasonal
Potosi Pumpkin Ale - Seasonal
