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The History of the August Schell Brewing Company

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The History of the August Schell Brewing

Nestled along the Cottonwood River in New Ulm, Minnesota, the August Schell Brewing Company stands as a testament to family tradition, German heritage, and unwavering resilience. Founded in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell, it is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the United States, surpassed only by D.G. Yuengling & Son. As one of the few pre-Prohibition breweries still operating under family control, Schell’s has weathered wars, economic turmoil, and the 13-year ordeal of Prohibition, emerging as a cornerstone of American brewing history. This article delves into the brewery’s origins, its survival through Prohibition, and its enduring legacy as a craft beer pioneer.

The History of August Schell Brewing Company
August Schell was born on February 15, 1828, in Durbach, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. At age 20, he immigrated to the United States in 1848, seeking opportunity amid the political unrest following the failed revolutions in Europe. After working as a machinist in Cincinnati, Ohio, Schell joined a group of German immigrants from the Turner Society, a cultural and gymnastic organization, to co-found the town of New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1857. Recognizing the growing German population’s thirst for traditional beer, Schell partnered with Jacob Bernhardt, a former brewmaster, to establish a small brewery in 1860. They chose a scenic site two miles from New Ulm’s center, where spring water and ice from the Cottonwood River provided ideal brewing conditions.

The brewery began modestly, producing about 200 barrels annually. In 1866, Schell bought out Bernhardt, assuming sole ownership and initiating an unbroken chain of family stewardship. Despite challenges like the Dakota War of 1862, which damaged much of New Ulm but spared the brewery, Schell’s operation grew steadily. By the 1880s, the family built a grand mansion, gardens, and a deer park on the brewery grounds, now listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. August invested in advanced equipment, including a $25,000 copper brew kettle, optimizing production for the acidic wort and beer. When August died in 1891, his wife, Theresa, inherited the brewery, with their son Otto, who had studied brewing in Germany, taking over management.

Modernization and Pre-Prohibition Growth
Otto Schell modernized the brewery, introducing refrigeration by 1900, which replaced the reliance on river ice stored in caves to control fermentation temperatures. This allowed year-round brewing, boosting production. The brewery was incorporated in 1902 as the August Schell Brewing Company, with Otto as president, Theresa as vice-president, and George Marti, August’s son-in-law, as secretary-treasurer. The company thrived, serving the region’s German-American communities, though it faced competition from larger breweries like Anheuser-Busch and local rivals in New Ulm, such as Hauenstein Brewery. Otto’s sudden death in 1911, followed by Theresa’s four months later, left George Marti in charge, steering the brewery toward its greatest challenge: Prohibition.

Surviving Prohibition: Adaptation and Grit
The passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919, enacting Prohibition, banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, devastating the American brewing industry. Of the roughly 1,900 breweries operating in 1915, only about 600 survived by 1934. Schell’s was among the fortunate few, thanks to strategic adaptation led by George Marti. The brewery shifted to producing “near-beer” (a low-alcohol beverage with less than 0.5% ABV, legal during Prohibition), soft drinks, and candy. It also began making 1919 Root Beer, named for the year Prohibition began, which remains a popular product today.

To generate income, Schell’s sold off taverns and properties it owned in nearby towns, which had previously ensured exclusive distribution of its beer. A ledger from the 1920s, displayed in the brewery’s museum, records inventories of these non-alcoholic products, while an ebulliometer used to verify near-beer’s alcohol content underscores the scrutiny breweries faced. Despite these efforts, survival was precarious, and the brewery nearly closed. Family lore recounts illicit moonshining, with a still—later destroyed by George Marti to avoid federal detection—kept in the brewery museum as a relic of those desperate times.

When Prohibition ended with the 21st Amendment in 1933, Schell’s swiftly resumed brewing. Having maintained its equipment, the transition was smoother than for many competitors. George Marti’s leadership ensured the brewery’s survival, but he died in 1934, passing the reins to his wife, Emma, and son, Alfred (“Al”) Marti, who became president and manager.

Post-Prohibition Recovery and Challenges
Al Marti led Schell’s through the post-Prohibition era, a time of industry consolidation. By the 1950s, large breweries like Budweiser and Miller dominated, out-advertising smaller operations. Schell’s maintained a regional foothold, bolstered by New Ulm’s tight-knit German community. Al added local flair by founding the Schell’s Hobo Band, a community ensemble still active today. However, by the 1970s, only 42 U.S. breweries remained, and Schell’s faced severe financial strain. In a desperate move, the brewery sold lumber from a massive black walnut tree on its grounds to keep its doors open.

In 1969, Al retired, and his son Warren Marti took over. Warren diversified the product line with Schell’s Export Beer, Schell’s Light Beer, and the continued production of 1919 Root Beer. Despite these efforts, the rise of “mega-breweries” threatened small operations. Warren’s persistence and the brewery’s historical grounds, including the sale of the walnut tree, were critical to its survival.

The Craft Beer Renaissance and Modern Success
The turning point came in 1984 when Warren’s son, Ted Marti, assumed operations, becoming president in 1985. Trained at the Siebel Institute of Brewing and having studied under German brewers, Ted spearheaded Schell’s entry into the craft beer movement. In 1984, Schell’s brewed the first American wheat beer since Prohibition, a German-style Weiss Beer that evolved into its seasonal Hefeweizen. Ted introduced craft brews like Schell’s Pilsener, which won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1988, and others, such as Alt and Pale Ale, which earned medals for their quality. By the 1990s, Schell’s produced 38 different beers, establishing a reputation for innovation.

In 2002, Schell’s acquired the Grain Belt brand after the Minnesota Brewing Company’s bankruptcy, expanding its portfolio with varieties like Grain Belt Nordeast (2010) and Southwest Cerveza (2019). A state-of-the-art brewhouse added in 1999 enhanced production capacity, while a gift shop and taproom opened in 2005, boosting tourism. The brewery’s grounds, with their historic mansion and gardens, draw thousands annually for tours, beer tastings, and events like Bock Fest and Oktoberfest, reinforcing its cultural significance.

Ted’s sons—Jace, Kyle, and Franz—represent the sixth generation, with Jace leading the Noble Star Collection of sour Berliner Weisse beers until his departure in 2024 to pursue distilling. The Starkeller facility, opened for these sour ales, now serves as a taproom. In 2020, Schell’s celebrated its 160th anniversary with the “Shift Happens” series, honoring its adaptability and Ted’s transition to his sons’ leadership. Today, Schell’s brews about 110,000 barrels annually, with 85% of sales in Minnesota, and distributes to several Midwestern states.

Legacy and Cultural Impact
The August Schell Brewing Company’s endurance is remarkable in an industry where most pre-Prohibition breweries vanished. Its survival stems from family dedication, strategic adaptation, and a deep connection to German heritage. The brewery’s focus on traditional German-style lagers and ales, combined with craft beer innovation, has earned it accolades, including a national reputation for Pilsners and Weiss beers. Its grounds, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, and events like Bock Fest embody its role as a cultural hub in New Ulm.

Schell’s also reflects broader themes of German-American entrepreneurship. August’s involvement with the Turner Society highlights the role of ethnic networks in building businesses, while the brewery’s navigation of Prohibition and industry consolidation showcases resilience. Unlike many contemporaries, such as Mankato Brewing Co., which closed in 1969, Schell’s thrived by anticipating trends and maintaining regional loyalty.

As Ted Marti steps back, his sons are poised to carry the brewery forward, blending tradition with innovation. From August’s frontier vision to Ted’s craft beer revolution, Schell’s remains a beacon of family-owned brewing, proving that, as their 2020 campaign declared, “Shift Happens.” Here’s to a brewery that has poured history, one beer at a time, for over 160 years.

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Louis Pasteur Patents How to Brew Beer – January 28, 1873

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Louis Pasteur Patents How to Brew Beer – January 28, 1873

Louis Pasteur Patents How to Brew Beer – January 28, 1873
Beer was first made by the Sumerians, and the technology was absorbed into the Babylonian and ancient Egyptian cultures. The practice of the Sumarians was to bake grains into bread, and the bread was moistened to begin the process of making beer. The baked bread was a way to preserve the grain for later use in the beer making process. A Sumerian beer was recreated recently by the folks at Anchor Steam Beer, as an experiment.

In more recent times, Louis Pasteur studied beer and wine making and patented a process for making beer which resulted in a better beer. Previously the wort was boiled and exposed to the air for cooling. In Pasteur’s process, the wort is kept in closed vessels and cooled by spraying the outside of the vessel with water. A special yeast was introduced into the mash after it cooled, thus preventing contamination of the wort with stray wild yeasts floating through the air.

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America’s Coolest Home Brewery built by Chris Bowen of Hammersmith Ales

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America’s Coolest Home Brewery built by Chris Bowen of Hammersmith Ales

America’s Coolest Home Brewery built by Chris Bowen of Hammersmith Ales
HammerSmith Ales started in 2005 , the idea for the name Hammersmith was originally inspired after the town outside of London, England. HammerSmith is rich in history and has a few landmarks significant to music, a famous bridge and an important stop along the river Thames. Chris’s interest in British culture started many years ago, he has always been a fan of British beer , authors of literature, and British personalities. Early on in my exploration of beer, he quickly discovered breweries like Fuller’s, Shepard Naeme, Young’s, Samuel Smith and Greene King. When he started brewing, he quickly decided that he was going to focus on British style beers like English Bitters, Extra Special Bitter , India Pale Ale, Old Ale and Barleywine.

Video

Savant Systems 1400
This portable brewery on wheels is a HERMS system =Heat Exchanged Recirculating Mash System. Total finished brewing size is 10 gallons. Water is induced from a Reverse Osmosis System and is built back up again depending on the style and region of original brewing water. The system can reproduce approximately 70 different water profiles thoughout the world. Replicating water from the likes of Dublin, London, Pilsen, Dortmunder and Prauge are within our grasp. This system was custom built from scratch, all the plans and designs are a patent pending design of Hammersmith Ales 2006

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1897 Patent application for a sheet metal beer keg or barrel submitted by Joseph C. Roth

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1897 Patent application for a beer keg or barrel submitted by Joseph C. Roth

Patent application for a beer keg or barrel submitted by Joseph C. Roth in 1897.

To all whom t may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOSEPH C. ROTH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Kegs or Barrels, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to sheet-metal kegs or barrels, more particularly that class of barrels employed for beer, wines, or other liquors, and it will be fully and clearly hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a beer-keg made in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical section on or about line a  Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents a vertical central section through one section of the in-V ner case of the keg or barrel. Fig. 4 represents an enlarged sectional elevation through a portion of a side of a keg, the section passing centrally through the bung-hole and showing the construction thereof. Fig. 5 represents a detached top view of one of the outwardly-screw-threaded inner rings. Fig. 6 represents a top face View of the improved bung.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 1 and 1 represent, respectively, the two outer sections, Which are preferably stamped from sheet steel of suitable size and thickness, one section being provided with an enlarged rim 2, which overlaps the edge 2n of the other section when tied together. The outer sections are also provided with strengthening enlarged portions or’peripheral rings 3, which are designed to represent the hoops of an ordinary barrel. The interior sections 4 and 4% are also preferably stamped from sheet-steel, the edge 5 of one section also being enlarged to overlap the edge 5 of the other. (See Fig. 2.) A filling of asbestos 6 is interposed between the outer and inner sections. material may be used, but asbestos is preferred on account of its Well-known fireproof qualities. y

Informing the bung-holes (see Fig. 4) a circular opening 7 is formed in the inner section, having an outwardly-extending rim S, and an opening 9 of the larger circumference and adapted to register with the opening 7 in the inner Other section when the sections are all properly fitted together is formed in the outer section.

A circular ring 10, having an interior circular opening of substantially the same diameter as the opening 7 and an outer peripheral screwthread 11 terminating in a lower circular enlargement or flange 12, is seated upon and rigidly secured to the rim 8 by brazing or other well-known means. A circular portion 13, provided with an interior screw-thread 14, adapted to fit the screwthread 11, and inwardly and outwardly projecting top flanges 15 and 16, is screwed upon the ring 10 until the flange 15 comes in contact with and is firmly seated upon the top of the ring 10 and the outer flange 16 comes in contact with and is firmly seated upon the edge portion of the outer section surrounding the opening 9. The outer flange 16 is provided with the usual peripheral hexagonal portion 17 to receive the operating wrench or tool.

It will be noticed by referring to the drawings, particularly Fig. 2, that one of these bung-holes is placed at the juncture-point of the sections, another below the same, and one in the top end; but they may be differently arranged and more or less used if desired. The overlapping edges of the sections are rigidly fastened to each other by brazing or other well-known means.

The bung I intend to use with my improved keg consists of an outer ring of wood 18, which is driven tightly into the bung-hole, and an interior core of cork 19. (See Fig. 6.)

The ends of the kegs are also provided with circular projecting rims 20, which are adapted to be grasped by the ringers when handling the kegs.

My improved keg can be manufactured to conform exactly to the United States standard measure. It cannot shrink or leak, is absolutely water and airtight, and also fireproof. It keeps the beer or other liquid cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and the head cannot be knocked out and the keg used for any purpose other than as a .receptacle for liquids.

The kegs are preferably covered with an interior and exterior coating of pitch, varnish, or enamel to prevent rusting the metal. I claim as my invention IOO A keg consisting of an outer metallic shell and an inner metallic shell each shell being formed in two sections with the edge of one section overlapping the other, a filling of asbestos or similar material interposed between the two shells, the inner shell having a series of circular openings provided with raised rings, supplementary annular ring portions each provided with a peripheral screw-thread terminating at its lower end in a peripheral enlargement or flange and brazed or otherwise rigidly secured to the top of one of the raised rings and the outer shell having a corresponding series of openings of the larger circumference and adapted to register with the corresponding openings in the inner shell and annular portions each provided with au interior screw-thread and a top flange and adapted to be inserted in one of the openings in the outer shell and screwed Upon the adjacent supplementary ring portion of the inner shell, as set forth.

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Most Haunted Bars in America

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Haunted Bars in America

Whitehorse Tavern (1673)
The Whitehorse Tavern, established in 1673 in Newport, Rhode Island, holds the title of the oldest bar in the United States. Its long history as a colonial-era gathering spot for merchants, sailors, and local characters has given rise to several ghost stories, with one particularly persistent tale centered around a spectral elderly gentleman.

According to legend, this ghost is tied to a man who died while renting a room upstairs in the tavern’s early years, likely in the late 17th or early 18th century. The Whitehorse Tavern served not only as a drinking establishment but also as a boarding house, providing lodging for travelers. The story goes that this man, whose identity remains unknown, passed away unexpectedly—possibly from illness or natural causes—while staying in one of the upper rooms. His spirit, however, never left.

Patrons and staff have reported eerie experiences that point to his presence. The most common sightings describe a shadowy, older male figure dressed in colonial-era clothing, often seen near the fireplace or wandering the upper floors. Some recount feeling a sudden chill or an unsettling sensation when alone in the building, particularly in the quieter, dimly lit areas. Others have claimed to hear soft footsteps or the creak of floorboards when no one else is around. The ghost is generally described as benign, more melancholic than menacing, as if he’s simply lingering in a place he once found comfort in.

One detail that fuels the tale is the tavern’s historical ambiance. With its low ceilings, dark wood beams, and centuries-old furnishings, the building feels like a step back in time, amplifying the sense of being watched or accompanied by something unseen. Employees have noted that solitary moments in the tavern, especially during closing hours, can feel particularly eerie, as if the weight of its history—and its ghostly resident—presses in.

While the elderly gentleman is the most frequently mentioned spirit, some versions of the story suggest other presences, possibly tied to the tavern’s role as a hub for colonial intrigue or its proximity to Newport’s turbulent seafaring past. However, no definitive records confirm the man’s identity or the exact circumstances of his death, leaving the tale shrouded in mystery. The lack of concrete details only adds to the allure, as each creak or flicker of light in the Whitehorse Tavern invites speculation that the old boarder is still there, quietly keeping watch over America’s oldest bar.
Location: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI

Website: www.whitehorsetavern.us

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (1761)
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, located at 941 Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the oldest and most haunted bars in America. Built in 1761, it originally served as a front for the illicit operations of the infamous pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte. Disguised as a blacksmith shop, the building was a hub for smuggling and other shady dealings in the early 19th century. Today, it’s a dimly lit piano bar illuminated solely by candlelight, preserving its eerie, old-world atmosphere—and, many believe, the lingering presence of Jean Lafitte himself.

The ghost story centers on Lafitte, a charismatic and cunning figure who navigated the murky waters of piracy, smuggling, and patriotism during the War of 1812. According to legend, Lafitte’s spirit never left the place where he once orchestrated his schemes. Patrons and staff frequently report sightings of a tall, well-dressed man with a commanding presence, often seen near the fireplace in the bar’s main room. His apparition is described as wearing period attire, complete with a hat and coat, and he’s said to have a piercing gaze that seems to size up those who notice him. Some claim he vanishes when approached, leaving only a chill in the air.

The fireplace is a particular hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported feeling an inexplicable sense of being watched or sensing a heavy presence while sitting nearby. Others have recounted hearing faint whispers or the sound of boots on the floorboards, even when the bar is empty. Bartenders have shared stories of glasses moving inexplicably or candles flickering without a breeze, often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature. These occurrences are frequently attributed to Lafitte, who some believe is still guarding his old stronghold or keeping an eye on the revelry in his former domain.

Another layer to the tale suggests Lafitte’s ghost may be tied to the building’s history of secrecy and violence. As a pirate, Lafitte was no stranger to danger, and the blacksmith shop likely witnessed its share of clandestine meetings and deadly disputes. Some speculate that his spirit remains restless, bound to the site by unfinished business or the weight of his colorful past. Others propose that the bar’s timeless ambiance—its rough-hewn walls and shadowy corners—acts as a magnet for paranormal energy, with Lafitte’s larger-than-life persona making him the most prominent specter.

While Jean Lafitte is the star of the haunting, some reports mention other ghostly figures, possibly former associates or victims of the pirate’s enterprises, though these are less defined. The lack of definitive records about Lafitte’s ultimate fate—he disappeared from history around 1823—only deepens the mystery, fueling speculation that his spirit found a permanent home in the bar that bears his name. For those sipping a drink in the flickering candlelight, the possibility of catching a glimpse of the pirate king himself adds a thrilling edge to the experience.

Website: www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com

Shaker’s Cigar Bar (1922 Speakeasy)

Shaker’s Cigar Bar, located at 422 South Second Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a self-proclaimed “haunted bar” with a dark and storied past that fuels its reputation as one of America’s most haunted watering holes. Originally a speakeasy in 1922, the building also served as a brothel and a cooperage (barrel-making shop) tied to the Schlitz Brewing Company. Its multi-level structure is said to be crawling with ghosts, with two spirits—Elizabeth and Molly—standing out in the chilling tales told by staff and visitors.

Elizabeth’s Ghost

Elizabeth is the most frequently reported spirit, known for haunting the bar’s bathroom. According to legend, she was a young woman who worked in the brothel during the building’s early 20th-century heyday. One story suggests she took her own life in the bathroom, possibly driven by the hardships of her circumstances or a tragic love affair. Another version hints at foul play, with Elizabeth meeting a violent end at the hands of a client. Her presence is felt as a cold, oppressive energy in the bathroom, particularly in the women’s restroom. Patrons have reported faucets turning on by themselves, doors locking or rattling inexplicably, and a sense of being watched. Some claim to have seen a fleeting glimpse of a woman in a dated dress in the mirror, only for her to vanish when they turn around. Her sorrowful energy is said to linger, making the bathroom a place even the boldest avoid lingering in alone.

Molly’s Ghost

The second prominent spirit is Molly, a former brothel worker whose gruesome fate has cemented her place in Shaker’s lore. Molly is said to haunt the penthouse, the top floor where the brothel’s more private activities took place. According to the tale, Molly was brutally murdered—hacked to death—by a jealous client or a rival, possibly in the early 20th century when the brothel was in full swing. Her death was so violent that her spirit is believed to be trapped in the penthouse, unable to move on. Guests and staff report hearing disembodied footsteps, soft cries, or whispers in the penthouse, often accompanied by sudden temperature drops. Some have seen a shadowy female figure pacing the room or standing near the windows, her presence heavy with anguish. Molly’s story is a favorite on the bar’s ghost tours, where visitors are invited to explore the penthouse and feel her lingering sorrow.

The Building’s Haunted Legacy

Beyond Elizabeth and Molly, Shaker’s is said to host a variety of other spirits, likely tied to its history of vice, violence, and secrecy. The building’s time as a speakeasy during Prohibition and its earlier role as a cooperage for a major brewery suggest a parade of colorful characters—bootleggers, gangsters, and desperate souls—passed through its doors. Paranormal activity extends across all floors, with reports of flickering lights, objects moving on their own, and eerie laughter or voices echoing in empty rooms. The basement, once used for storage and possibly illicit dealings, is another hotspot, where staff have felt unseen hands brush against them or heard unexplained thumps.

The bar’s owner, Bob Weiss, leans into the haunting, offering regular ghost tours that delve into the building’s grim history and paranormal encounters. These tours often include stops at the bathroom, penthouse, and other eerie spots, with Weiss sharing firsthand accounts of ghostly activity. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras or EVP recorders, as many have captured strange orbs, shadowy figures, or faint voices. The bar’s cigar lounge atmosphere, with its dark wood and vintage decor, only amplifies the sense that the past—and its restless spirits—remains very much alive.

For those brave enough to visit, Shaker’s Cigar Bar offers not just a stiff drink and a fine cigar but a chance to encounter Elizabeth, Molly, or one of the many other ghosts said to roam its halls. Call ahead to book a tour, and you might just leave with a story of your own.
Call ahead for the owner’s chilling ghost tours.

Location: 422 South Second Street, Milwaukee, WI
Website: www.shakerscigarbar.com

Captain Tony’s Saloon (1958)
Built on a former morgue site, this Key West bar houses two graves and a tree once used for hangings. Patrons report locked bathroom doors and eerie sensations while sipping drinks.
Location: 428 Greene Street, Key West, FL
Website: www.capttonyssaloon.com

Pioneer Saloon (1913)
In the ghost town of Goodsprings, Nevada, this bar traps the spirit of a miner killed for cheating at cards. Some say he’s still playing at the back table.
Location: 310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV
Website: www.pioneersaloon.info

Simon’s Tavern (1934)
This Chicago speakeasy-turned-bar hides a dark past of love triangles and cover-ups. Ask for Scott’s “nickel tour” for ghostly tales, and maybe spot a spirit over drinks.
Location: 520 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL
Website: www.simonstavern.com

Bridge Café (1794)
A former pirate haven, brothel, and speakeasy, this NYC bar reports footsteps, lavender scents, and phantom parties. Currently closed post-Hurricane Sandy.
Location: 279 Water St, New York, NY
Website: www.bridgecafenyc.com

The Tavern (1916)
This Austin Prohibition-era spot, once a brothel and casino, is haunted by Emily and her daughter, killed in a brawl. Their ghosts linger in the halls.
Location: 922 West 12th Street, Austin, TX
Website: www.thetavernaustin.com

Tiger’s Tap Room (1919)
Part of Tucson’s Hotel Congress, this bar hosted outlaws like John Dillinger. Room 242’s tragic ghost leaves a bullet hole in the closet.
Location: 311 E. Congress St, Tucson, AZ
Website: www.hotelcongress.com

Arnaud’s (1918)
In New Orleans’ French Quarter, this bar sees opium fiends, ghostly gentlemen, and even Arnaud himself checking in on his legacy.
Location: 813 Bienville Avenue, New Orleans, LA
Website: www.arnaudsrestaurant.com

Ear Inn (Early 1800s)
One of NYC’s oldest bars, this Hudson River haunt was a hub for sailors, pirates, and a brothel-speakeasy. Ghostly footsteps and shadowy figures are common.
Location: 326 Spring St, New York, NY
Website: www.earinn.com

The Menger Bar (1859)
Located in the “most haunted hotel in Texas,” this San Antonio bar hosts 32 spirits, including a friendly Teddy Roosevelt.
Location: 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Website: www.mengerhotel.com

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The Lost Druid Becomes 1st Solar-Powered Brewer in DeKalb County, Georgia

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AVONDALE ESTATES, Ga. – The Lost Druid, an “own-premise” brewery in Avondale Estates is now the first brewery in DeKalb County powered with solar energy provided by Velo Solar.

The 14.1 kW solar installation was created and is maintained by Atlanta-based Velo Solar. The array will save The Lost Druid as much as 15 percent on its annual power bill. In addition to that cost savings, it will reduce the operation’s carbon footprint by 42 metric tons of CO2 each year.

Created through a special financing arrangement offered by Velo Solar, the solar equipment is provided through a Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA). This allowed the panels and other infrastructure to be installed at no upfront cost to The Lost Druid.

The Lost Druid’s solar array will produce 21,514 kilowatt hours of power annually. This helps to run the brewery’s 6,800 square-foot operation, including its brewery, taproom, aging facility, kitchen, and upstairs event space.

Stacia Familo-Hopek, owner and co-founder of The Lost Druid, said the decision to “go solar” is in keeping with the brewery’s core mission.

“The Druids respected nature, and this is one of numerous measures we employ to minimize our impact on the environment,” she said. “Other environmentally sensitive initiatives we use include reclamation of our chilling water, a natural carbonation process, LED lighting and providing spent grain to local farmers for livestock feed.”

She said The Lost Druid selected Velo Solar to provide the solar installation because of Velo’s demonstrated expertise and customer-centric approach.

Britt Lothridge, director of sales for Velo Solar, said Georgia business owners have more options than ever to add solar to their energy resources. SEPAs make it easy to save money and contribute to a healthier environment, he explained.

“This is a great option for forward-thinking clients who want to reduce their reliance on utility-provided power without a hefty upfront investment,” he said. “They not only pay less for electricity month-to-month, they also reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”

About Velo Solar
Velo Solar is one of Georgia’s largest EPC solar firms providing engineering, consultation, installation and digital monitoring for renewable energy solutions designed to meet customers’ needs. Certified to the highest standards in the solar industry, Velo Solar is dedicated to system quality, customer service and reliable performance. For more information, visitwww.velosolar.com.

About The Lost Druid
Focused on serving beer lovers in its taproom rather than selling packaged products through retail outlets, The Lost Druid offers more than 20 frequently changing taps with a diverse selection of beers for a range of tastes. The Lost Druid’s facilities at 2866 Washington Street, Avondale Estates, GA, include its brewery, cellar/aging facility, taproom, kitchen and upstairs mezzanine with private event space. Two pet-friendly outdoor patios are enhanced with extensive landscaping and bike racks nearby. Visit thelostdruid.com for more information and updates, or search @thelostdruid on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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