Rohrbach Brewing Company

Lore & Background

Rohrbach Brewing Company takes its name from Rohrbach, Germany, a small town that inspired founder John Urlaub to bring craft beer to Rochester. The company first originated in the German House on Gregory Street before expanding to its two current locations. Despite growth over more than 25 years, the brewery has stayed true to its roots. The production brewery at 97 Railroad Street in the Public Market District handles all distribution and offers a beer hall with draft beer, wine, cider, and a wood-fired menu. Tours are available on Saturdays. The brewpub at 3859 Buffalo Road in Ogden serves German and American pub fare alongside small-batch ales and lagers brewed on-site.

Reader's Guide

Rohrbach Brewing Company holds significance as Rochester's first craft brewery, having been founded in 1991 by John and Patty Urlaub. Its flagship beer, the Rohrbach Scotch Ale, anchors a year-round lineup that includes Blueberry Ale, Railroad Street IPA, Vanilla Porter, Highland Lager, and Space Kitty Double IPA, all available in 4-pack 16oz cans. The brewery also produces seasonal and contract brews, notably the Red Wing Red Ale for the Rochester Red Wings baseball team, which has been served at Frontier Field for about 20 years. Small-batch and limited-release beers are brewed year-round, many at the smaller brewpub location. Rohrbach hosts the annual Flour City Brewing Festival. Its beers are distributed throughout Upstate New York and are available in all Wegmans stores. The company's presence in the Rochester Public Market District, alongside neighboring businesses like Black Button Distilling, reflects its integration into the local community.

Did You Know?

• Rohrbach Brewing Company is Rochester's first craft brewery, founded in 1991.
• The brewery is named after Rohrbach, Germany, the town that inspired its founder.