Frankenmuth Brewery, said to be America’s oldest microbrewery, is carrying on a rich tradition that dates all the way back to 1862. Germans, who have been brewing beer as far back as the 10th century, know a thing or two about combining water, hops and malt to produce the cleanest tasting brews. Michigan’s Little Bavaria was founded and settled by German immigrants and is the only city worldwide outside of Munich that is recognized as an Oktoberfest, a celebration of everything beer. With this lofty designation comes a responsibility to uphold Germany’s reputation as one of, if not the beer capital of the world.
The historic Frankenmuth Brewery may have changed names and hands many times throughout its storied history, but its technical precision to producing award-winning craft beers has been a constant. Today its Gold Medal Taproom is open to the public seven days a week, offering 21 draft beers complimented by an inspired craft-centric menu.
BY Jon Becker
Frankenmuth Brewery Carrying on Rich Tradition of German Brewing
Whether you like your craft beer light or dark, hoppy or malty, uniquely flavored or traditional, the perfect craft beer awaits every patron of the Frankenmuth Brewery. And you can enjoy your favorite flavor from one of the establishment’s outdoor decks overlooking the Cass River.
“It’s a really sharp place,” said Herb Zeilinger, group tour manager for the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“The food has always been outstanding. They do tours as well. You end up at the bottom level in the tasting room. They took an old bottling device and turned it into a chandelier. It hangs above the hostess stand as you enter. It’s quite a sight.”
Two of the outdoor patios have radiant heat to keep customers cozy during chilly weather. One of the dining rooms in the brewery’s restaurants has what Zeilinger can only describe as operable window walls.
“It gives you the feeling that you’re outside,” he says. “It’s like a patio with a roof over the building. It’s unique.”
Zeilinger, whose family history dates back to 1539, is a 4th generation family member. His great, great grandmother emigrated to Frankenmuth from Germany in 1852, only seven years after the city was founded.
“Her husband, my great, great grandfather, died in Germany,” Zeilinger says. “Her brother was in the area, so she came over with 3 of her 10 children.”
Since the 1860s Frankenmuth has been home to a number of breweries. Today only one remains, the Frankenmuth Brewery. The business closed in 2003 and reopened in 2009 under new ownership on the hill on Main Street in downtown Frankenmuth. Zeilinger’s father, Norman (Red) Zeilinger, worked at Frankenmuth Brewing Co. (not the same business) beginning in 1939.
“It can get confusing but that was a different brewery than today’s Frankenmuth Brewery,” Zeilinger says, noting his Dad was called Red because in a family of nine kids he was the only one with red hair. The way to ultimately distinguish between the two breweries is to remember that Frankenmuth Brewing Company was founded in 1899, some 37 years after Frankenmuth Brewery’s founding.”
Frankenmuth Brewery
425 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(989) 262-8300
frankenmuthbrewery.com
The Zeilinger name is etched in Frankenmuth Brewing history, thanks to the elder Zeilinger. The owner of Frankenmuth Brewery, a Mr. Stromer, had a “brilliant ides to distribute beers to bars and restaurants around 1939,” says Herb Zeilinger. “That wasn’t done in those days. He hired my Dad, who would have been in his late 20s, to deliver the beer.”
Later Red Zeilinger partnered with Stromer to form S &Z Distributing. The business stayed afloat until 1993.
“They only closed down because G. Heilman Brewing Company in town closed down,” Zeilinger says.
In a nod to its history, Frankenmuth Brewery continues to feature its mascot, Frankie the Dachsund, in ads, on beer labels and marketing materials. It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1930s. Legend has it that one of the brewery’s early owners, John Geyer, owned a brood of purebred dachshunds and used Frankie’s image (his top dog) in ads, signs and packaging for the brewery.
“The name dachshund is of German origin. It means badger dog,” Zeilinger says. “Dachs means badger and hund means hound.”
So the next time you visit Frankenmuth, long one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions, make it a point to stop at the brewery on the hill. You can almost feel the history when you step into Frankenmuth Brewery. Its lineup features a variety of 36 different styles of craft beer, all brewed fresh on-site. They also feature a variety of high gravity, seasonal and special release brews in 12oz bottles, 22 oz bottles and growlers.
Frankenmuth Brewery used to have the largest Dachshund kennels in North America, established in 1937! The dogs raised at the kennels were purebred mascots for the brewery. They traveled around to state fairs, sporting events, retail stores, and various festivals as adorable ambassadors.
Ogma would not be possible without the incredible help and support of the Jackson community. I’ve always said that Jackson is one of the greatest hidden treasures in Michigan, and how they supported this small business is just another example of why. Ogma created a Kickstarter campaign in 2019 and ended up raising $50,000 to get the brewery off the ground.
"It allowed the community to support us," said Volk. "The people here in Jackson wanted something along the lines of what we were proposing."
What they proposed was something along the lines of what you would
With a diverse menu, the folks at Frankenmuth Brewery also aim to have something for everyone on the food side of things. From pizza, beer, burgers and brats, to blackened beef tips, blackberry salmon and honey garlic chicken breast, the brewery’s restaurant is a fine place to dine.
“There’s a lot to do and see in Frankenmuth and as someone who has guided tours for people all over the Great Lakes Bay Region, I assure you that Frankenmuth Brewery is a place you’ll want to visit, “Zeilinger says.
Frankenmuth Brewery used to have the largest Dachshund kennels in North America, established in 1937! The dogs raised at the kennels were purebred mascots for the brewery. They traveled around to state fairs, sporting events, retail stores, and various festivals as adorable ambassadors.
Later Red Zeilinger partnered with Stromer to form S &Z Distributing. The business stayed afloat until 1993.
“They only closed down because G. Heilman Brewing Company in town closed down,” Zeilinger says.
In a nod to its history, Frankenmuth Brewery continues to feature its mascot, Frankie the Dachsund, in ads, on beer labels and marketing materials. It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1930s. Legend has it that one of the brewery’s early owners, John Geyer, owned a brood of purebred dachshunds and used Frankie’s image (his top dog) in ads, signs and packaging for the brewery.
“The name dachshund is of German origin. It means badger dog,” Zeilinger says. “Dachs means badger and hund means hound.”
So the next time you visit Frankenmuth, long one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions, make it a point to stop at the brewery on the hill. You can almost feel the history when you step into Frankenmuth Brewery. Its lineup features a variety of 36 different styles of craft beer, all brewed fresh on-site. They also feature a variety of high gravity, seasonal and special release brews in 12oz bottles, 22 oz bottles and growlers.
MIBREW TRAIL MAGAZINE
SUMMEr 2022
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MIBREW TRAIL MAGAZINE
Summer 2022