Minnesota's First Beer To Make A Comeback

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new beer will enter the saturated Twin Cities craft brewery scene this summer.

The Yoerg Brewing Company will fight for its spot in the marketplace. But unlike most new brews, this beer already has a huge following which dates back to the 1800s.

When that craving for a cold one calls, the craft beer community answers with seemingly endless options. But Tom Keim believes that something is missing.

"We don't need one more IPA tap handle in the Twin Cities," Keim said.

Keim and his partner, Carol Minogue, will introduce -- or rather reintroduce -- the Twin Cities to Yoerg beer.

"It's really fun bringing something like this back," Minogue said. "Yoerg Brewing Company was the first brewery in Minnesota history."

The simple lager was poured from its St. Paul brewery location for nearly 100 years until the mid-1950s, when demand shifted towards a lighter taste using cheaper ingredients.

"By the early 50s, their beers were three to four times that of competitors and they couldn't compete anymore," Keim said.

Production stopped in 1953, but collectors preserved the brand in old empty bottles, labels and even the actual bottled beer for the last 63 years.

"It's the most collectible beerphanalia in the United States," Keim said.

The memorabilia made it easier for Keim and Minogue as they move towards a relaunch.

"Everything was made for us to come and grab it," Keim said.

The new Yoerg lager will have the same look as the old. Keim and Minogue did not want to make changes to the unique and colorful labels from decades ago.

But the recipe will undergo small changes. Leftover notes and shipping documents from years ago helped Keim and Minogue hone in on the original recipe. But they know they cannot recreate the exact taste.

"Having it had gone out of business in 1953, there's not many people who know exactly what it tasted like," Minogue said.

The current beer landscape in the Twin Cities may celebrate innovative ale, but Keim and Minogue believe success from the past will propel beer forward.

"The name deserves to come back," Keim said.

Keim and Minogue worked for the last couple of years to obtain the trademark and naming rights. They are also mixing up recipes for a bock and pilsner. It is expected to be on store shelves in June.

Click here to learn more about the history of the Yoerg Brewing Company.