Weyerbacher Brewing Company

Lore & Background

Weyerbacher Brewing was founded in 1995 by Dan and Sue Weirback, originally operating out of a repurposed livery stable in downtown Easton. The company grew in popularity and underwent a costly expansion, moving to a new 30,000 sqft brewery. In 2018, original brewmaster Chris Wilson departed for Free Will Brewing, and the same year Weyerbacher partnered with White Castle as their exclusive beer partner, making their beer available on draft at over 400 locations until the company declared bankruptcy in 2019. During expansion, the craft beer market became saturated and sales fell, leading to $2.1 million in debt. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019, 1518 Holdings initially planned to purchase a 55% majority stake, but the plan was abandoned. Interim leadership led by Josh Lampe completed the filing, and the brewery emerged with a smaller product slate. A second tap house opened in New Hope to boost on-site sales, but debts and restructuring hampered production, quickly amassing another $1.5 million in debt. In June 2022, the company again declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy after production failed to return to pre-2019 levels. Weyerbacher was then purchased by Savant Beverages LLC, owned by Edwin Lozano, a Palmer Township resident and former Miller Brewing executive. Lozano bought the company for its brand recognition as a pioneering Pennsylvania craft brewer. The new ownership partnered with Colony Meadery to share the brewery and produce their mead, and began serving food in-house catered by Marquee Kitchen. After opening a tap room with limited hours in December 2022, Weyerbacher held its grand reopening in late January 2023. The company hosts a 5K run called the Weyerbacher Hill Challenge, awarding participants two free beers for signing up, and has increased participation in local Lehigh Valley brewing events.

Reader's Guide

Weyerbacher Brewing Company holds significance as one of the earliest craft breweries in Pennsylvania and the first in the Lehigh Valley, establishing a reputation with its flagship Merry Monks Belgian tripel, which won a bronze medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup and was named best Belgian beer by Philly Beer Scene magazine multiple times. The brewery's history reflects the challenges of the craft beer market's saturation, with two bankruptcy filings and ownership changes. Its acquisition by Savant Beverages LLC under former Miller executive Edwin Lozano marked a new chapter, including partnerships with Colony Meadery and local food vendors. The brewery's product line includes a wide range of beers such as Tiny (Belgian Imperial Stout), Last Chance IPA, Imperial Pumpkin Ale, and collaborations like Warborn Pale Ale with death metal band The Black Dahlia Murder and Paradise 160 with Cape May Brewing. Weyerbacher also produced a vodka, Jester's Tale, in collaboration with Triple Sun Spirits. The company's legacy includes limited releases like Dallas Sucks IPA, which prompted a response from a Dallas brewery, and seasonal offerings such as Crancuddle and Sunday Morning stout. Despite financial struggles, Weyerbacher remains a recognized name in Pennsylvania craft brewing, continuing to produce a diverse slate of beers and engage with the local community through events and partnerships.

Did You Know?

• Merry Monks won a bronze medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the Belgian-style tripel category.
• Weyerbacher partnered with White Castle in 2018 to become their exclusive beer partner, available at over 400 locations until the company's 2019 bankruptcy.
• The brewery's Warborn Pale Ale was a collaboration with death metal band The Black Dahlia Murder, featuring Warhammer 40k artist John Sibbick's artwork.
• In response to Weyerbacher's 'Dallas Sucks' IPA, Dallas-based Noble Rey Brewing released 'Eagle's Tears' Gose.