Frankenmuth Brewery, America’s Oldest Microbrewery
Over the years, and all our visits to Frankenmuth we’re not quite sure how it took until July 2018 to finally stop in at Frankenmuth Brewery. But, we made sure to check it out, so we could share it with our brewery/beer loving readers, because EVERYONE should know at least a little about America’s Oldest Microbrewery, and Michigan’s Original Craft Brewery!! You are welcome!!
History of America’s Oldest Microbrewery
Frankenmuth is a town originated, and settled by German immigrants. Therefore, it pretty much tells you how and why there is a long history of beer brewing. The history of Frankenmuth Brewery dates back to 1862. Although over time, it has changed owners, and even changed names, the rich history of brewing remains strong.
Even “Frankie” the dachshund mascot, holds his place in history. Having been introduced in the 1930’s when early owners, The Geyer Family, also owned purebred dachshund. John Geyer began using images of his top dog Frankie, and he remains the icon for their “dog-gone good” craft beer.
Also, Frankenmuth Brewery is historically known for their award winning beers!!
Tasters
Our first visit in July 2018 we had the Belgium Boom Golden Ale, Hot Rocket Jalapeño Blonde, Batch 69 American IPA, and Red Sky Irish Ale. I tried them all except the Hot Rocket. It took a couple sips before the “heat” kicked in on the Hot Rocket for Matt, lol. All were excellent, and ones I could sit and enjoy.
We returned again in 2019. This time Matt went for the Old Detroit Hot Rocket, which has fresh cut jalapeño. We also had the Little Bavaria Pilsener, Twisted Helles, and the Brown Hound Dunkel. Twisted Helles is a perfect summer brew with light citrus notes. Surprisingly I loved the Dunkel, and so did my sister. The Dunkel is a 2016 World Expo of Beer gold medal winner.
Location of America’s Oldest Microbrewery
Frankenmuth Brewery is located on the Cass River in Frankenmuth, Michigan. You can see the Bavarian Inn Lodge across the river, and when I was on my walk along the river by the lodge, I got this riverside view photo of the brewery. You can see the outdoor seating, and how it overlooks the Cass River.
If you don’t end up with outdoor seating, be sure to take a peek at the view. You may even catch the Bavarian Belle going by.
We look forward to making Frankenmuth Brewery a stop with every visit to the town of Frankenmuth. Are you a craft beer enthusiast? Would visiting America’s oldest microbrewery be on your bucket list?
For more Michigan breweries, check out:
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This looks like a great place for a couples vacation
It is!! We love it up there. We’ve done family visits and couples weekends!
We love visiting breweries and this looks like a great one! I’ll have to tag it for later.
You will love it. Not too far from you. A great weekend trip.
What a nice microbrewery, impressive that it is the oldest one. That jalapeño beer must be a hit!
I thought it was pretty cool it was in Michigan. Since we are Michigan natives.
So cool! I love history and I never really thought about some of our older breweries that much. Thanks for the interesting read! 🙂
Love historical places too. Happy we’ve started checking out breweries. Many are in historical buildings.
I am not big on brewery’s but I am big on historic places. This looks like a place with great history!
So many breweries are in historic places. They are great places to eat and meet locals too!
Historic towns are always interesting. And the Bavarian Belle looks like a fun riverboat!
We enjoy our small historic towns!!
It looks interesting to visit the history of the brewery.
We thought it was pretty neat too!!
We need to come hang out with you guys and try some flights…as long as you don’t beer shame me as I tend to lean more toward the craft beers on training wheels. ? And it’s got the history angle that I love.
We certainly do. And you will get ZERO judgement from me!
I LOVE brewery tours! It’s so much fun to watch the whole process and then to be able to taste it…well, everyone loves that part!
Yes, every loves the tasting part, LOL!
Leave it to you guys to find another great brewery!
You got it!! Happy to help!!
I’m not a beer drinker, but I do love history. This seems like a cool place to hang out and of course a german brewery would be the oldest one in the US.
Yes, of course German beer would be the oldest, LOL. It’s great when you can find a good atmosphere to enjoy, even if you don’t drink beer.
I live in Asheville, a great craft brewery destination itself, and have learned that I LOVE visiting and learning about the brew process. I want to add Frankenmuth Brewery to my travel wish list!
You know we want to get to Asheville too. I will be in touch when we make it there!
I like that you and your husband found something you both love and enjoy! After following your blog for awhile I can see that this is one of your favorite dates!
It is something we enjoy for sure. Next he wants me to take up golfing. We shall see.
This would be a fun place to visit. The scenery is lovely, and I’d like to learn more about the micro-brewery. I need to spend more time in Michigan!
Michigan is so beautiful. Happy we get to back every summer, and sometimes several times per year.
I love doing tastings at breweries and wineries. It’s so much fun. I just call ‘NOT’ designated driver! I will definitely keep this for when we visit the area.
Funny!! Yeah, now we have kids old enough to drive us. And this one we could walk to from the Bavarian Inn.
I love exploring towns and stopping at breweries. We will be venturing up to Michigan this summer. I’m pinning this for later!
Us too!! So much fun. Where will you be visiting in Michigan? We are originally from there.
We love to explore different breweries! This one looks cool
Definitely get here is you like to visit breweries.
We don’t drink but Love dachshunds, the hedge reminded me of my minni doxie. I may hedge a bush after him now
That would be cute!!
We just got back from Frankenmuth! Next time we’re gonna have to check this place out. Thanks for sharing!
Fun!! Was it the winter festival??
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