Iconic Wisconsin Brewery to Close After Nearly 157 Years

One of Wisconsin's oldest and most iconic breweries would be closing its doors, with operations consolidated to Milwaukee. This marks the end of a nearly two-century-long era for an underrated, scenic community I was fortunate enough to visit a couple years ago.

For years, my best friend, Nick, and I planned to take a trip to Chippewa Falls, WI to tour the Jacoby Leinenkugel Brewery. I'm glad we went when we did. The idyllic slice of beer paradise is a must for any fan of their vast catalogue of beers, which of course includes the exorbitantly popular Summer Shandy, which has become their flagship brew.

The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery is an indispensable part of the Chippewa Valley history, but that era is sadly coming to an end. Come January, Molson Coors, who acquired Leinenkugel's in 1988, will shutter the Chippewa Falls brewery. 75% of the brand's beer was already being produced at Molson Coors' Milwaukee brewing facility, but now, that number will be 100%.

Dick Leinenkugel, who I had the pleasure to meet on a couple different occasions, wrote a statement to WEAU in conjunction with the news:

I am deeply saddened by the decision of the Molson Coors leadership team to close our Chippewa Falls brewery and home. For over 157 years and six generations of family management, Leinenkugel’s has been brewing great beers for our legions of fans throughout Wisconsin and across the country.

I feel for all impacted employees and their families in Chippewa Falls and trust that the Molson Coors leadership will do everything possible to ease their pain during this challenging time.

[....]

None of our family members were aware or counseled ahead of the decision. It’s a sad day for our family and our fans. - Dick Leinenkugel, per WEAU

The closure of the Chippewa Falls brewery leaves 56 workers without jobs. Those workers are represented by the Teamsters Local 200 and 662, who called the closure by Molson Coors "a tragedy." They added that the Teamsters "are doing everything in our power to fight for and protect our members' rights," per WEAU.

If there's a silver lining, the brewery's closure shouldn't impact the year-round Leinie Lodge, which sits on the brewery's property. The lodge is a wonderful nook, home to a gift shop, bar, and outdoor patio.

Chippewa Falls Mayor Greg Hoffman expressed remorse for the loss of the brewery, but also iterated optimism that the city's abundance of manufacturing jobs will result in those who have been laid off finding work relatively quickly. "The majority of them should have jobs within 30 days, if not sooner," Mayor Hoffman said.

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Again, Leinenkugel's beer isn't going anywhere. What will be leaving is an indelible part of their history, and a wonderful brewery in the scenic enclave that is Chippewa Falls.

As of this writing, January 17th is the date Leinenkugel's in Chippewa Falls will shut down. Read more about the closure of Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery on WEAU's website.