A legacy in local brewing history lives on.

165 years ago, Charles Stegmaier founded what would soon become one of America’s largest independent breweries. The C. Stegmaier & Sons Brewery flourished in Wilkes-Barre for over a century. The NEPA brewhouse’s tasty lagers soon made their way, via rail and road, up and down the east coast. For generations to come, the Stegmaier family remained industrious and charitable pillars of the Wyoming Valley and beyond.

The Stegmaiers navigated prohibition, war and economic turmoil, only to succumb to the rapid consolidation of the brewing industry in the 1970s.  In 1974, Charles Stegmaier’s great-great grandson, Edward R. Maier found no other recourse but to close the brewery and sell the name. “In 1974, we made the very difficult decision to close Stegmaier Brewing Company and sell the brand to Lion Brewery, Inc.,” Ed Maier said. “Although we were among the last 50 breweries to survive as the American brewing industry was collapsing, it was a shocking reality that this was the end of a proud and successful 117-year-old family business.”

An opportunity arises nearly 50 years later.

In late 2021, Maier and his Susquehanna Brewing Company partners — son, J. Fred Maier and long-time friend, Mark Nobile, found themselves faced with an irresistible opportunity. Management of the Lion Brewery presented the trio the option of purchasing back the Stegmaier Brewing label. “My response was ‘absolutely’, as I knew immediately that this was meant to be,” Maier said.

For Fred Maier, reclaiming the Stegmaier name and brand amounts to so much more than adding a few more beers to their successful lineup. “Growing up, Stegmaier seemed like ancient history. It was a closed chapter before I was even born, but it has always been a very proud part of my family,” said J. Fred Maier. “Having the opportunity to buy back the brand is kind of surreal. It’s a great example of life coming full circle.”

If you asked Ed Maier only a few months ago if he believed he’d ever see his family producing beer under the Stegmaier name again, he would have laughed it off as an impossibility. Today, he proudly proclaims, “The legacies of Charles Stegmaier and the Stegmaier Brewing Company are back in the family’s hands.” And when it comes to SBC’s future plans for the brand, Maier continues with a grin. “My goal is to once again brew Stegmaier creations that would make Charles Stegmaier and the beer-loving citizens of NEPA proud.”

Keep an eye on Susquehanna Brewing Company for updates on future beer releases and events at the brewery.

Featured Image (Top): Fred Maier, Co-Founder & Vice President of SBC (left) with his dad, Ed Maier, Co-Founder & President of SBC (right).

Featured image courtesy of Susquehanna Brewing Company.