Drewrys Brewing Company

Lore & Background

Drewrys originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, as Drewry's Lake of the Woods Brewery. Founder Edward Lancaster Drewry traveled to Winnipeg in 1875 by canoe via the Red River from St. Paul, Minnesota, and two years later purchased the Herchmer and Batkin Brewery, which had already ceased production. He expanded the facility, increasing capacity from 4,000 to 10,000 bushels of malt per month. Drewry's beer became famous across Western Canada, and Drewry himself served as a city councillor and MLA, and was known for environmental efforts including planting elm trees and chairing the Winnipeg Public Park Board. After U.S. Prohibition was amended, Drewry purchased Sterling Brewers of Evansville, Indiana, in 1936, and the first case of Drewry's Ale from that facility was shipped to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The company also purchased Muessel Brewing Company in South Bend, ceasing Muessel production and upgrading equipment. The original Winnipeg facility closed in 1940 and was sold to Great Western Brewing Company. Drewrys continued expanding, acquiring Atlas Brewing Company in 1951 and Piels Brewery in 1962. In 1963, Drewrys joined Associated Brew Co., and production peaked at 1.3 million barrels. The brand was purchased by G. Heileman Brewing Company in August 1972, and the South Bend plant closed four months later, displacing 350 workers. The brand was moved back to Evansville and packaged as a value-priced beer in 40oz containers. Production halted briefly in 1988 when the Evansville Brewery closed, then resumed until 1997, when the brand was sold to Pittsburgh Brewing Company but never manufactured. In 2011, Chicago entrepreneur Francis Manzo purchased Drewrys, with production slated for 2013 in South Bend.

Reader's Guide

Drewrys Brewing Company holds a distinctive place in American brewing history for its early marketing innovation and its cross-border origins. The slogan 'more flavor; less filling; more fun!' anticipated the light beer trend by years, and the floating aluminum can was a practical novelty that resonated with consumers. The brand's history reflects the consolidation of the American brewing industry: from its Canadian roots and expansion into the U.S. after Prohibition, through acquisitions of Atlas and Piels, to its merger with Associated Brew Co. and eventual absorption by G. Heileman. The closure of the South Bend plant in 1972 marked the end of a major production era, though the brand continued in Evansville until 1997. The Muessel-Drewry Brewery's listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 acknowledges the physical legacy of the South Bend operation. The brand's revival under Francis Manzo in 2011, with plans to launch from South Bend, underscores the enduring recognition of the Drewrys name. The brand's various can themes—including Mountie imagery, sports scenes, and zodiac graphics—also contributed to its identity as a beer with a playful, memorable presentation.

Did You Know?

• The first case of Drewry's Ale from the Evansville facility was shipped to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Drewrys was purchased in 2011 by Chicago entrepreneur Francis Manzo, with production slated for 2013 in South Bend.
• The Muessel-Drewry Brewery at South Bend was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.